It’s Monday morning on a holiday long weekend and I’m sitting quietly at our new dinning room table. Julio is in Ottawa for a few days, leaving later tonight. Canela is happily sleeping (read snoring) beside on her bed him upstairs and I feel at peace. It’s not a feeling I can often embody – to feel calm, and safe. The life that we live separately in the name of starting our family isn’t an easy one. In fact it takes its toll on me in more ways than I share and many days I wake up sad before I find my own happiness. I guess you could say I woke up in a bit of a pensive state of mind – which could be attributed to October 11th being #NationalComingOutDay.
It’s not a story I haven’t told before – but it is one that I’ve come to truly accept almost twenty years after coming out. You can read about that part of my life by clicking here. But today we’re here to talk about The Get REAL Movement and #NationalComingOutDay 2021.
If you’ve been a fan of mine for some time, you’ll know that I often use this platform to amplify messages, causes, events and brands that deserve a stage this successful in hopes of bringing them to you. Yes you, reading this at home over your coffee or on your phone while you commute today. It’s a crucial part of me to lend a voice and a platform I have built up over (almost) ten years especially in a world full of noise and distractions. I wish I would have had a blog or a personality to look to for messaging like this before I came out, and I hope somewhere out there in this big world I reach one person who might need it. Someone learning to love who they are through and through – I see you, I love you, and I’m here for you if that’s you.
Or even more, a family member who isn’t sure what to say or do in support of someone in their life. I guess that’s why as a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community the work of The Get REAL Movement speaks to my soul.
“As a non-profit organization focused on combating 2SLGBTQ+ discrimination, racism and bullying in schools, summer camps and workplaces across Canada, The Get REAL Movement is proud to announce the launch of Unconditional Love, an online educational resource to help families better navigate the coming out process.”
All those years ago I can assure you that me and my family could have used the help, the insight and the support. Yes we are in a very good place while we gather with my husband today, but that doesn’t change the fact that my coming our story and experience wasn’t all rainbows and sunshine.
On National Coming Out Day, October 11, 2021, Unconditional Love will launch as a hub for information, tips and additional resources for families who need it. With multiple videos featuring real stories and advice from five diverse families, the Unconditional Love webpage will help parents with key tips from The Get REAL Movement and links to additional trusted resources for continued learning and support.
Get REAL’s programming aims to break down prejudice, promote unity, and foster compassion in our world. And I’m here to tell you that I’m going to do everything in my power to help them do just that.
This is that time in the blog post when I’m going to offer you the tools to help me spread this important message and encourage you to head to The Get REAL Movement website. If you’re comfortable in making a safe space for #NationalComingOutDay on social media, make sure to follow and tag @getrealmovement. And if you’re only just comfortable reading this post and taking in my truth and experience, I hope that it offers you some solace and understanding that the world can be an accepting and loving place. It doesn’t seem like it sometimes, but I promise it can be. And I’m here for you.
For more behind the scenes of this and other amazing brands I’m working with around the world, make sure to follow along with the #DoTheDaniel Instagram account. I’d love to have you join on the adventures.
Photos: Daniel Reyes & All Social Media accounts listed above
Don’t forget to be kind & laugh a little more this year
Mobile photos were taken with my Mobile Device of choice on the Rogers network.
*Please note that this may be a sponsored post and promotional consideration may have been offered by participating brands – our disclosure can be found at all times by clicking here.