This is a very special subject for me to talk about.  If you know me you know I am strong in my beliefs and I stand firm on them as well. If you are in my Tribe, you know I always have your back! 

Being a hairstylist for well over 30 years, I have met all kinds of people, clients, other stylists, and I have always believed what you do is your business not mine. As long as you are true to who you are.   

My BFF is gay and he is a big part of my family! He has been there for me over the years, through the good times and the tough ones.  But one thing is for sure, there is nothing he wouldn’t do for me!  

My youngest son came out to us when he was 19 years old. He had a relationship with a wonderful girl for a couple of years prior to that and they lived together.  Throughout that time, he struggled with his mental health.

June marks the BEginning of Pride Season across Canada... a time to celebrate love, identity, and the courage it takes to live your truth. For many, it's a season filled with color, music, parades, and community. 

But for others, it’s also a time of deep reflection, pain, and the quiet bravery that often goes unseen.

As a mother, Pride has taken on a deeply personal meaning for me. My youngest son is gay. And while I’ve always loved him unconditionally, I’ve witnessed firsthand how even in 2025, speaking your truth can still be met with fear, resistance, and, sadly, cruelty.

When he first came out, I could feel the weight of what it took for him to say those words out loud. It wasn't just a conversation, it was a declaration of who he is, who he gets to BE,  in a world that doesn’t always welcome differences with open arms.

My husband, his father, struggled in the beginning. Not because he didn’t love our son, he absolutely does, but because of the societal conditioning, the expectations, and the fear. 

Fear of judgment. 

Fear of what others might say.

Fear of what this would mean for our child’s life in a world that can still be so unkind.

But love has a way of opening hearts. Over time, my husband began to see not just who our son loves, but who he is: kind, creative, loyal, authentic, strong, hardworking and dedicated. And with that understanding came acceptance, and eventually, pride.

Still, I know not every family gets there. And not every person feels safe to be seen. That’s why Pride matters. That’s why this month isn’t just a celebration—it’s a reminder. A reminder of how far we’ve come, and how far we still have to go.

To anyone struggling to speak their truth, I want you to know this: your BEing is beautiful. Your love is valid. And your presence in this world is a gift.

To the parents who are trying to understand, keep trying. Love doesn’t always come with all the answers, but it does come with the capacity to grow, to shift, to soften.

And to those who stand proudly, visibly, and boldly: thank you. You are paving the way.

This June, let us not only celebrate Pride but commit to creating a world where no one has to choose between safety and authenticity. 

A world where love is louder than hate. 

And a world where everyone feels free to BE exactly who they are.

With love and pride,
 

Vicki