Almost every gay man and woman has their own “coming out” story. My immediate family was loving and supportive; my mom told me, “Mothers always know.” My extended family, Roman Catholic conservative, not so much – at first. Then, a cousin got "knocked-up." Quietly accepted. Another cousin married a Jew. A little more openly accepted. Another cousin married a Black man. Can’t hide that! Quite quickly that half of my family realized they’d have to ostracize most of the remaining family – or accept everyone as is. They accepted everyone, and everyone shared much love and happiness. My extended family learned to discard prejudice, and they discovered humility and humanity in the process.

Open your heart and others will, too. Love multiplies.