I recently joined an amazing writing community on Discord that I was previously part of in a different server before they moved: Weeknight Writers.

In one channel, writers can share prompts or exercises they find or create. Daelyn Morgana shared one of her blog posts with weekly prompts — this month focusing on Pride.

“Write a tale that centers around pride. NO hate or discrimination will be tolerated.” #WWReborn

Last year on my birthday (September 14), my husband and I went to a tattoo convention in Belton, Texas. (Side note: my husband and I share a birthday – different years, same day – so this was convention was a present for both of us.)

I don’t know if you’ve ever been to a tattoo convention, but there is so much to see and so many great artists to meet. I had a few ideas for a couple tattoos I wanted, so I was on the lookout for an artist who had time to show off their talent with me.

After walking around a bit, I met Lito Lundy (they/them), and I perused their artwork. They were friendly to the person they were tattooing at the time, and they were willing to talk to me as soon as they were done.

Lito asked what I wanted, and I let them know I was hoping for a bumblebee with the colors of the transgender flag. They asked the significance of this tattoo, and I told them about the very special transgender person in my life (whose identity I will keep private on this site).

Throughout the conversation, Lito’s enthusiasm for tattooing and passion for this particular project were quite evident. They helped me figure out what exactly the little bumblebee would look like, adjusted the wings a few times, and hand-mixed the colors so they were just right. (The exact colors were specifically important to my person.)

When I showed my special person this lovely bumblebee, I received one of the biggest hugs I’ve ever gotten. I was even told that the artist got the colors “perfectly right” (great job on the color mixtures, Lito)!

Everyone in the world deserves to be seen and loved as whomever they are meant to be. During Pride Month (and preferably all YEAR long), let those special people know they are seen, loved, and heard.