One day, when I was living in France, my boss asked me what I thought about allowing a same-sex couple to adopt. I felt a little nervous for a moment. All of a sudden, I felt like I was back in elementary school. Back when I used to tell all my friends that the woman who lived with my mom was our roommate. That woman who was actually my mom’s “girlfriend”… I was so ashamed that my mom was so different that I’d rather lie. It was much easier than having to endure my friends’ questioning stares. In fact, I put so much energy into trying to hide the truth that I didn’t know how to enjoy the time I had with that person. I should have been proud to have her as my stepmom.
After I regained my composure, I simply replied, “Do you think I look different?” You’re probably thinking, “What a strange way to talk to your boss!” In reality, he was also a friend—someone I could trust in this village full of strangers. He asked me why I was telling him this. So I told him my story. I told him I’d been raised by two women. Of course, I also had a father who was very involved in my life. Still, I spent more time with my moms. Yes, I say “my moms” because, even though she was only my stepmother, I’ll always consider her my second mother. I also mentioned to him that my mother isn’t a “lesbian.” My mother loves people for who they are, not for their gender—and to me, that’s a real credit to her!
I explained to my boss what it’s like to have two moms. It made my brother, my sister, and me more open-minded. We’re open to the differences in the people around us. We’ve always known that it’s important to be yourself and to accept yourself. We’re attentive to other people’s problems and hate bullying above all else.
Well, that day, I made it clear to someone that just because a situation is out of the ordinary doesn’t mean it’s necessarily bad. I had a happy childhood with a father and two loving moms. I consider myself extremely lucky!
So, to all those who still believe you have to be raised in a “normal” family to be happy, think again! Anyway, what does it even mean to be normal?
P.S.: My dear friends from elementary school, now you know the truth, right?