I am thankful for the people who surprise us.

Last summer, we had a family emergency, and some first cousins I had only met a couple of times came into town.

These brothers grew up in Kansas, and in a very conservative church.  But one night, when they came over to blow off steam and play video games, I invited my girlfriend too.

She came in late. I hadn’t told them anything. When she walked in, I just said “hey, Jen. Guys, this is my girlfriend, Jen.” They were only the third and fourth family members I had told. And it went fine. Of course it did.

The next day, we were sitting around in the hospital (there is a lot of waiting involved when people are dying). My youngest cousin is in the armed forces; he got married last year. When it was just him and his wife and I, he said, “so, by the way…”

I had no idea what was coming.

“By the way, Lia and I just wanted to let you know how cool it was, what you told us last night.” He paused, grinned shyly. “We feel kind of special, to be included.” It was adorable.

I am thankful for the people who surprise us with their kindness, with their care. And I am thankful for the moments when I am brave enough to give them the chance to do so. That was the first time when coming out really felt like a gift. It’s a gift I give to the people in my life, and if they’re the right kind of people, they’ll give that gift right back to me.

Love, Queer Girl