Currently...

I've always counselled any queerlings in my sphere to only come out once you've found your family, and it's safe to do so.

Then practice the LOUD part of "loud and proud" fiercely.

Although society on a whole is more open for our youth, I fear the small, insidious "microaggressions" have expanded enormously, and feel even more personal and targeted through social media. This is really hard, and maybe worse.

I felt, in my day, more self empowered to battle the big bad world (gold star ACT-UP! veteran), once I had reached PRIDE.

These relentless small battles can really wear a child down.