06/16/2026
It’s Pride Month, and this time of year always brings a little self reflection.
To the teachers who told 11th-grade Todd he was worthless and would never amount to anything—thank you.
You lit a fire in me. You gave me an unwavering determination to prove you wrong.
Most of all, I’m grateful I didn’t listen. I’m grateful I learned that being gay has absolutely nothing to do with what I’m capable of achieving.
Every dream I’ve accomplished, every obstacle I’ve overcome, and every success I’ve earned happened because I chose to believe in myself instead of the limitations others tried to place on me.
Happy Pride Month. 🌈