I have spent the last couple years celebrating Pride with the President and First Lady at The White House. It was such a beautiful, healing experience as a Gay American — and I hope someday to be welcomed back again by an administration that recognizes the inherent dignity and value of LGBTQ+ people in this country.

As Pride Month kicks off today, I am celebrating 30 years of being out of the closet and don’t need anybody in Washington, D.C. to make room for that. I carved this space out myself.

To Queer and Trans folks everywhere: We will get through this like we always have. TOGETHER.