Dinner is awkwardly quiet. The tension in the room is almost suffocating. Summoning my courage, I clear my throat. All eyes turn to me.
“Growing up, I never realized I had two mothers until I was around 10 years old. One day, I walked into the kitchen and found my mothers kissing. I was in shock. Later, they sat me down and explained to me, in clear terms, that they were lesbians and married to each other.
My mothers loved me deeply, and I never lacked anything in life. They raised me to be disciplined and straightforward, instilling in me strong morals and integrity. They taught me everything a child needed to know, offering guidance on everything from boys to sex to periods. They gave me the tools to navigate life confidently.
They are all I need, and honestly, I wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world. I am living proof that you don’t need to grow up in a heterosexual family to thrive. My two mothers, deeply in love, raised me just fine.
I am forever grateful that they taught me to respect everyone’s identity and sexual orientation. They showed me that love makes a family. A family is made up of people you love, and just like every other LGBTQ family out there, my family is valid and relevant.
So, ask yourselves: how did they manage to raise me so well?”
I finish my speech and sit down. Silence fills the room as everyone is lost in thought.
“Love makes a family,” Grandfather’s voice suddenly breaks the silence, startling everyone.
My mom bursts into tears, her emotions spilling over. With that simple yet profound statement, Grandfather has just accepted my mothers after 25 years of their marriage.
I smile to myself, feeling a warmth spread through me.
#IDAHOBITKE17
© NYAR AFRIKA 2017
I am Beryl Opiyo, a 20-year-old writer. My pseudonym is Nyar Afrika.
Nyar Afrika – Facebook
Beryl_Opiyo – Instagram
