My following response to the above thread:

“That’s what I’ve trying to figure out this whole last year!

When my family all peaced out to Denver after rejecting Kev’s and my marriage, I was left to fend against the overwhelming homophobic violence of my community of origin alone. I had no rights anyone was bound to respect in rural/suburban MD.

My moving to DC honestly is the move of a refugee toward asylum, because I am unsafe anywhere there is not a dense queer community.

My friends and chosen, nonbiological family have been the only support available in getting here. I’ve learned that the only way to guarantee I have support is to be a supportive presence in my community members’ lives.

Why should they show up for me, if I’m not actively showing up for them?”