Not only is June the month of my birthday, but it is also Gay Pride Month, two of my favorite things! Now I know you may be asking yourself Ashley, are you gay? The answer is No, but I might as well be! Being a bigger girl, I feel that me and my gay friends share a close bond that is very strong and connected. Even though we have different labels, the way we grew up is a little similar if you think about it. We have been bullied in our lives, made fun of and are just simply the outcast of our group in high school, college, and even family. Now I know what you’re thinking “OMG Ashley you’re just the typical fag hag” and you’re right I am.. but a proud one. What I share so closely with my LGBTQ friends, family and fans is that we have to love the body we are in and the life we are given. Although that may seem impossible it is very important to take pride in yourself especially now at a time where everything may feel chaotic and irrational. Sexual orientation and gender identity are inherent and cannot be intentionally altered, so we should celebrate ourselves as we are – Whether we are Lesbian, Gay, Straight, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, or somewhere in between, we were Born This Way. Gay pride is more than just two men or women being able to kiss or get married. Gay Pride is a celebration of life, human rights and ultimately the right to love whoever we want. That is worth celebrating.
Fun Fact: June 26 the day of my birthday was also the day back in 2015, the Supreme Court Legalized Gay Marriage Nationwide.