Honourable senators, my wife and I are blessed with a daughter. Our family’s journey, like that of many families, has been lifted by the support of our friends and loved ones. As we all know, it takes a village to raise good humans.

Simply saying “my wife and I have a daughter” is risky. In saying “my wife,” I am coming out to you as queer, gay, a lesbian. I need to trust you, or be brave and risk that our relationship isn’t going to change and that you value my family unit in the same way that you value yours. Coming out isn’t easy or even safe for everyone.

I am lucky, though. When I finally took the time to figure out that I was gay, I was an adult. I hadn’t been hiding; I was just too busy and passionate about being the best rower I could be to think about who and how I wanted to love. That was my journey: fast in rowing, slow in self-understanding.

When I came out to my parents, I was financially independent, but I still worried about their reactions. When I told my mom, she was sad for me. She worried that I wouldn’t be able to have a family of my own. However, I am lucky because she loved and supported me.

A year later, when I finally had the courage to tell my dad — like I said, it feels risky to tell people — he asked, “What am I supposed to tell my friends?” I replied, “I’m happy,” and that was enough for him. That makes me lucky.

Their love and support for me, my wife and my daughter help me to be brave so I can use clear language such as “wife,” “gay” and “queer” so as to normalize it.

I am an advocate, an ally and a member of the queer community, but it breaks my heart to know that many 2SLGBTQ+ youths have a different experience. Nearly one out of three homeless youth in Canada identifies as 2SLGBTQ+. Many face homelessness because they can’t be themselves around their families or are kicked out for simply expressing who they are.

While we respect the rights of parents, we can’t ignore the fundamental right of children to explore and embrace who they are without the fear of rejection or harm. We must strive to create environments where all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feel safer and supported for who they are.

Senator Bellemare recently shared her loving experience as the parent of a transgender child. Hers was a story for us to remember that love is love.

Throughout June, Pride Month, I look forward to hearing more stories in this chamber. Please share as you can. Let’s use this inspiration to recommit ourselves to the ongoing fight for equality and inclusion for all.

Happy Pride.