You heaved open
a gate of shame
and risked exile
the dangerous kind or quiet,
which can be just as hard
as your mother turned pale,
love leaking out of her
as though someone being gay
can tear a hole in a heart
but I want you to know
you were brave
you were strong
you were honest
you are the one
who has battled
and all you ask of us
is the simple act
of accepting you
of seeing your light,
and your right
to love.