I’m sitting in my living room reflecting on the weekend with a big smile on my face and happiness in my heart.

It might sound crazy, but not that long ago, I was very much on the other side of the aisle. I was raised as a conservative Christian on the right. I was raised with that toxic Purity culture bullshit and had no idea the damage it was doing to me. Anyway, I pretty much not only fit in but was a leader in “the church.” I led prayer groups and Bible studies etc. I believed all the same crap, like for instance that homosexuality is a sin. I also considered myself a straight white male. Funnily enough, when I actually met God, the universe, my higher power or whatever you want to call them, I was confronted with pure love. There is no hate. Only acceptance. I learned that I had been wrong for 4 decades to think that I was right and others were wrong regarding who people sleep with. That judgmental and critical attitude was learned hatred and homophobia disguised and masquerading as something good. Religion is the real wolf in sheep’s clothing and I’m just glad I finally realized it. Sorry I was late to the party but I am glad to be here now.

So, in addition to a lot of my beliefs drastically changing, as my wife and I have been also discovering our sexuality, I came out! I have found out I’m nowhere near straight! I consider myself queer at this point but it’s so early in my journey I have no idea where I’ll land or if I will even settle on a label but my wife has been amazing and supportive as I explore. I know I’m a little demi at least as I need connection and I also know that I’m not only into females.

That brings me to this weekend. In my previous life, I worked a few pride parades in the San Diego area but didn’t ever feel connected or involved and in fact was standoffish and closed off when I was there. I’ve never been to the OKC pride but my wife and I and our 2 4-year-olds were there all weekend, all three days.

The amount of love and acceptance and genuine compliments and real connections I made with people this weekend moved my heart all the way to the point of forcing tears out of my eyes more than once. This was the kind of love the “Christians” are supposed to be known for but I never felt it in all my years in the church. I am brand new to the LGBTQIA community but I really felt like I belong. I got to walk in the parade today with a fully affirming church that actually loves people and doesn’t try to change people and I just have to tell all of you it feels so good over here on the loving side of things. It’s nice to feel like I finally belong in a community. It was an amazing experience and one I’ll never forget.

P.S. We also are kind of a weird and nuerodivergent/creative family and we have a “chalkboard truck” which is just a truck painted with chalkboard paint and we drove it to pride and asked for contributions and it was so awesome to have hundreds of people write loving supporting pride messages. It felt good to be involved and get to spread some joy. We got some good vids and pics of it so we can treasure it forever. My heart is full.