Growing up in a “different” family used to be taboo. But I wear it like a tattoo.

20 years ago in France, being accompanied to school by a mother who has a man-like haircut, jeans and sneakers, tattoos on her arms, a spiritual rock’n’roll attitude, and is being called “sir”, wasn’t quite easy. You have to hide where you come from, in fear of being judged or categorize beyond the identity you are trying to create and the ignorant kindness you want to bring to the world.

I am Léa, I have been raised by a lesbian mom, and a father who disappeared when I was 9 months old (that’s for another story!). This is the story of a rainbow who learned how to dance under the rain, and refuses to bow to judgements and fears of the world.

The shades of the rainbow are the shields you build in your heart and soul, in order to create your own truth, while protecting your being from the darkness that rules the world. You come to doubt your self and being a shame of your own home, your own mother, your own self, wtf?

There is a need to mention that it is sad to have to hide from who we are and where we come from, and carry the burden of a dysfunctional and judgmental collective. It is a shame to be made fun of when you have no name to put of a father’s box, no “normal” parents to attend your graduation ceremony, when you have to tear down all the photos at home when you invite your school friends because deep down you know their parents might stop them from seeing you, when you naturally feel uncomfortable mentioning your story because no one around can relate to you. It is isolating, painful and traumatizing. But it is beyond anything, eye-opening, humbling and strengthening.

Thankfully, I grew up dancing at the gay pride every month of June, hanging out naked around two other naked women at home, listening to electro and the “radio France Gay” while going on road-trips in South of France, going to parties with my mom and her lesbian friends, being around feminine energy all day, learning that love is love, and that no matter who I choose to love, my mother will accept us without conditions.

Here is to the daughters of the mothers who choose to be free, follow their hearts and acknowledge their sexuality without excuse. Here is to the Queer Queens raising your kids in your own terms, they will be fine, and brave, keep doing your best! Here is to the Queer community finding a way to explain their choices: you don’t have to. Here is to a world where we can be accepted fully. Here is to all of us: may we find peace and acceptance inside, so that we can love and accept others. May we heal our own traumas and judgement for our selves, so that we don’t project those on others. May we honour all existence on Earth.

Here is to my Queer Queen, doing her best with her soft heart and strong “i don’t give a f***” life. I got this from my mamma.

Léa