Equality wasn’t Enough

Some scream evolution but I say hypocrisy. 

My grandmother told me stories of equality, of protests in the streets and even riots. Of parades that celebrated us, of laws legalizing love. 

"Equality" they said but they didn't stop there. 

Her stories which were filled with vibrant colors and affection when told to me as a child... changed. Like fairy tales we are told until we grow up to see the darkness those new ideals were conceived of.

The tales changed to lessons as my grandmother begged me not to come out as straight, for it would surly mean my death now. 

Be a good girl, be a good surrogate and find a nice lady to settle down with. 

My grandmother and her mother before her fought for those rights that took us over, that destroyed people like me.

Maybe my generation is the one supposed to fight back.

Because one day I want to tell my grandchildren beautiful and colorful stories of love. Of parades that brought people together. Stories that won't become fantasy.

But that's just a dream.