I don’t want this to seem like a super inspirational type of post. I just want to say that I went to a UU church today for the first time. Before the service even began I was in tears. That’s because I saw a lot of children who were playing and happy and clearly expressing themselves and all the adults were very encouraging, kind. I never had this experience growing up. I never had a place where I could express my gender identity and be comfortable with my sexual orientation. I never had parents who would take me to a place so accepting or at least somewhere where I could be happy like these kids were. I guess I never even had a super close community or super close friends and did a lot of stuff alone. My parents were always too busy to take care of me or leaving me with babysitters and so I never experienced this genuine investment where parents would take their kids to a place like this that is so accepting. Sorry I really don’t mean to start up some pity party, I just listed this as reasons why this situation might’ve affected me so much.

I see these kids and they are clearly being supported and in an environment where they can do what they wish or at least ask questions about their sexual orientation or gender identity as they grow older. They are happy and even actively participated in the service. Naturally I felt jealous and even cheated as I never got this opportunity and always felt so alone.

But in the end the tears came because I’m just happy that they get a community or place to grow up and be at where all are celebrated.

The UU church has good values and a good environment. I will be returning in the future. Thank you