Even Though

Even though my mother is homophobic,

I still appreciate the fact that I

inherited her artistic, do-it-yourself ingenuity.

 

Even though my father is homophobic,

I am still thankful that I

inherited his gregarious professionalism and social skills. 

 

Even though my parents think

I'm going to hell and breaking their hearts,

that my being queer causes people --

and appliances -- to literally die, and that I 

and anyone like me are ruining the country,

I am still grateful that I

grew up feeling safe and loved as a child. 

 

Even though it is no longer safe for me to

spend time with my parents,

and I grieve the fact that they think I am evil,

and I wish they they would love me

for being the tender, compassionate, brave person

I have become,

I still feel fortunate that they

made me who I am today.

 

I am confident and soft and bold and kind and caring

and queer

even though

they are not.