no matter what

"We just want you to know that you are loved, no matter what, unconditionally..."

~Chasten Buttigieg

Chasten Buttigieg spoke in his hometown (also mine!) last weekend as part of a National Writers Series event promoting his new book, I Have Something to Tell You.  

He regaled the audience (which I was fortunate to be a part of) with stories of growing up, coming out, reconnecting and strengthening relationships with his parents, and accidentally pulling the finger of former President Obama (which had me in tears from laughter)!  😂😂😂. 

I can't even begin to do his story justice, but if you imagine you reach out intending to shake the President's hand and instead end up pulling his finger you might begin to have a glimpse of the context...add Chasten's comedic timing and delivery and you can understand how the whole audience is in stitches!

Woven throughout the anecdotes, humor, and calls to action was a common thread of advice to the audience...

You deserve to be yourself.  You will be okay.  It will get better...

AND

Tell your children, your students, any youth you care about that you love them unconditionally.  

Don't leave it to chance, to fear, to assumptions, or to guess-work for a youth to fill in their expectations of how you would feel about them if you "really knew" who they are.  And back it up with action.

So true, and not just for kids.  

Isn't this what you need, too?  Isn't this what everyone needs?  

To know that you are absolutely and wholly valued, worthy, and loved, unconditionally, no matter who you are, in any and all aspects of your identity?  

Chasten acknowledged the harsh and dangerous realities for those who are having their identity and individual rights not just judged and criticized but also threatened, legislated, litigated, and outlawed while also shining a bright light of hope, possibility, and inspiration for what's possible when people take steps in their words and actions to stand up for love.

This message resonates deeply with my passion for facilitating these conversations, spreading compassion and social justice, and protecting wellbeing for those carrying the heaviest burdens so hope, joy, and impact can not only be sustained but magnified.

There are some astounding statistics about the increase in efforts to ban books, especially those centered on themes of diversity.  You can find some of Chasten's message as well as some of these statistics in this brief article.  

If this concerns you as much as it concerns me, how can you contribute to the larger message of love, inclusion, belonging and safety for all?  Writing a letter, showing up to a meeting, or donating books to a child, family, or library are just a few possibilities.  

What speaks to you?

Wherever you are, whatever your role, regardless of what aspects compose the uniqueness of identity that is wholly and solely you...

You matter.  You make a difference.  And, I'm so deeply and truly thankful you're here.