A Journey of Love, Support & PRIDE. 🌈

When my niece Jodi McCullough, the founder of The Jordan Leigh Foundation, asked me to write something for PRIDE month about being gay and simply being myself, I was honored. First of all, I’d like to start by saying how proud I am of Jodi for turning her pain into power. Her journey is truly inspiring.

My story is pretty simple. I have a supportive family who accepted me for who I am and never made me feel different or outcast.
The coming out process was a bit stressful for me, but luckily, my two older sisters, who I love dearly, did the deed for me at my request. My parents initially had a little bit of a difficult time adjusting to the news, but I’m pretty sure deep down inside, they knew.
I recognize how incredibly fortunate I am to have this unwavering support, and my heart aches for those in the community who do not experience the same form of acceptance.

What makes me proud about being myself, honestly, is that I feel love and share love without exclusion. We are all one - different colors, and different backgrounds, united in walking our paths together.
I love the new generation for being so proud and open about who they are.

As someone who had it relatively easy with an amazing support system and incredible friends, I want to extend my compassion to those who do not have that same type of support around them.
To all those, young and old, who are struggling:
turn your pain into PRIDE, turn your pain into POWER. YOU GOT THIS! People may have something to say. My motto? LET THEM. 💋

Let’s continue to RISE UP together and unite as one.

- In the words of my four nieces, "I love you, Uncle Scotty." 🎵👂