The winds of political discourse often feel like a relentless gale, carrying not just differing ideologies, but a chilling current of hostility, judgment, and outright contempt. For those of us living at the intersections of marginalized identities, this isn’t merely background noise; it’s a culture war that constantly threatens our fundamental rights, our peace of mind, and our very sense of belonging. There are days, even weeks, when the sheer volume of prejudice, misinformation, and political performance feels utterly suffocating, threatening to extinguish any light of hope.
But today, my internal compass is pointing towards gratitude. In these turbulent times, I am not merely surviving; I am thriving. And that resilience, that persistent wellspring of strength, is not my own solitary achievement. It is a profound testament to the quiet, unwavering presence of extraordinary individuals whose support, solidarity, and sheer humanity have been my anchors, my shelters, my guiding lights through the fiercest storms of the culture wars. This is my love letter to them, my public acknowledgment of the people who got me through.
To My Partner, Matthew: The Calm Eye in My Personal Storm
My Dearest Matthew, you are, unequivocally, the most profound and unexpected beacon in my life’s current atmosphere. Before you, I navigated the culture wars with a weary resilience, a hardened exterior, and a pragmatic acceptance of loneliness. I carried the scars of being outed, of familial abandonment, of a past relationship where my emotional landscape was often disregarded. My engagement with politics, while vital, often felt like a solitary battle, leaving me emotionally depleted.
Then you arrived, a clear sky after a long period of uncertainty. Your unwavering kindness, your genuine acceptance of every facet of who I am—my history, my body, my health struggles, my political convictions—is a daily miracle. Your laughter, your quiet presence, your ability to make everything feel easy (a concept I once thought mythical in relationships), provides a profound counter-current to the chaos of the outside world. When the news cycles rage, when political rhetoric sharpens its blades, your embrace is my safe harbor. You remind me that queer love, lived authentically and out loud, especially here in Texas, is the most powerful form of resistance. Your love doesn’t just illuminate my personal world; it amplifies my peace, fortifies my spirit, and allows me to engage with the external storms without being consumed by them. You are my constant, unwavering calm in the midst of any cultural tempest. Thank you for being you, always.
To My Chosen Family: The Unbreakable Constellation
Shelby, Melissa, Tasi, Keke—my cherished friends, my unwavering anchors, my true chosen family. You are the constellation that has always guided me through life’s darkest nights, and your light only shines brighter in these politically charged times.
- Shelby: My best friend, my confidante, my unwavering compass. Your fierce loyalty, your empathetic ear, and your ability to always call me on my nonsense (with love!) have been invaluable. You’ve walked beside me through personal traumas, professional upheavals, and countless election cycles. Your presence reminds me that love and understanding can conquer any ideological divide. You are the steadfast star in my sky.
- Melissa: My high school friend, my rock, my living testament to enduring loyalty. You literally picked me up when I was left adrift at 16, and you’ve been a quiet, powerful presence ever since. Your unwavering support, your unwavering belief in me, and your grounding realism have been essential. Knowing you are there, always, fortifies my spirit.
- Tasi: Your infectious energy, your humor, and your unwavering friendship make navigating any journey, whether it’s a cross-country road trip or a tough week at work, infinitely more joyful. Your solidarity, your willingness to just be with me through thick and thin, is a profound comfort.
You, my chosen family, are the people who remind me that humanity, empathy, and genuine connection exist, even when the broader political atmosphere seems to deny it. You are the ones who make me laugh when all I want to do is cry, who check in just to see how I’m really doing, who offer a quiet presence when I’m overwhelmed. You are the living proof that love and solidarity are the most powerful weapons against hatred and division.
To My Team at Work: The Oasis of Professional Respect
To my incredible staff, particularly Kristy, Mary Anne, John, Selena, and Cassie—you are an oasis of professional respect and genuine camaraderie that provides vital sustenance in a world often fractured by political tension. In an industry (and a nation) where conversations about dignity and fairness are often politicized, our hotels, under our collective leadership, strive to be a space where everyone feels seen, valued, and respected.
Your willingness to embrace challenges, to work together with professionalism, and to create a positive atmosphere, even amidst the recent upheaval of the hotels being sold, is truly inspiring. You remind me daily that compassion, competence, and a shared commitment to excellence are not political; they are simply good leadership and good humanity.
To the Unseen Allies: The Quiet Forces of Change
And finally, to the countless activists, writers, artists, and everyday individuals who continue to fight for justice, often unseen, often unheard, often dismissed by the very systems they challenge—I see you. To the brave souls (like Lady Gaga, Maren Morris, Kelsea Ballerini, Alex Guarnaschelli, Tiffani Faison, and Mei Lin) who use their platforms to champion inclusivity, to speak truth to power, and to normalize marginalized lives. To those who advocate for universal healthcare, for racial justice, for LGBTQ+ rights, for basic human dignity, often against immense opposition. Your relentless efforts, your unwavering commitment, are the quiet forces that slowly, relentlessly, shift the atmospheric currents towards a more just and equitable future. You are the hopeful signals on the far horizon.
In a political climate that often feels designed to divide, to exhaust, and to instill despair, the most radical act is often simply to persist with love. To continue building connections, to choose joy, to speak truth, and to find solace in the genuine bonds that ground us. These are the love letters I write, not just to those who fill my heart, but to the very essence of human connection that, against all odds, continues to triumph over the chaos.
Who are the people who get you through the culture wars? Whose support and solidarity illuminate your path? Share your own love letters below – let’s celebrate the power of human connection in turbulent times!