26 Comments
User's avatar
Alice Hanscam's avatar

Erin, this is beautiful. A testament to all--from birds to queer alike. I am grateful you have taken up birding--for we need more of you "young people" (yes, I get to say that, at age 65!!) tuning in to how incredibly amazing our birds are and the need to protect them. So aligned with all the challenges LGBTQAI+ have been facing. Thank you for all you do and this particular post. I will be sharing. Happy Pride!

Sandra's avatar

Amazing essay, Erin….thanks for writing and sharing!

Talia Perkins's avatar

7 years transitioned? I hope you feel 7 years old in enthusiasm and energy, 17yo in pretty, and 70yo in wisdom.

Thank you, and more power to you!

lyn solomon-linville's avatar

Perfect fir the first day of Pride!

Sherry Anderson's avatar

What a beautifully refreshing letter today! You are an invaluable person to so many! Keep "flying"

Ken's avatar

Beautiful article and every word is so true. I am an amateur birder as well. Birds were around as dinosaurs, so their survival is quite impressive

Carol Sattler's avatar

This is beautiful!! So happy that you’ve become a birder!

Shirley Gauthier she/her's avatar

What a great read to start my day. The entire I was reading your post I was remembering your wedding post. This grandma values both you and your wife and all your contributions to preserve, protect and promote rights for all. I am an ally and "Erin In The Morning" and members of this group motivate me to do more!

Paul McLean's avatar

An especially beautiful essay today, Erin. I hadn't placed you in Montana, and the mention of Missoula made me wonder if you've crossed paths with another Montana essayist, Chris La Tray/An Irritable Metis. I ask because I'm recently drawn to the Two Spirit history among many Indigenous nations, and wonder if you've written about this or otherwise engaged it yourself.

Mike Gelt's avatar

It’s a shame that so many members of the LGBTQ+ community still feel they have to stay hidden, and in doing so may be missing out on friendships, connections, and even family members who already know and are simply waiting to embrace them for who they are.

This Pride Month, I hope more people find the courage to step into the light, live authentically, and join the countless others who are helping make our community stronger, more visible, and more united. No one should have to hide who they are. Happy Pride Month!

Again this year my wife and I will join our trans granddaughter in a pride parade and help her celebrate who she is

Hollie's avatar

What a beautiful essay! I have shared it with my family including my bird-watching daughter and her wife. ❤️

Susan Tuzzolino's avatar

Oh, you are a birder after my own heart!!! I would love to use your photo as my FB cover photo!! Would you grant me permission to do that??

peavs's avatar

Happy pride!! There is something just so queer about birding and I love it 🦆🕊️🦜🦅🦢🦉🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Phoebe Ravencraft's avatar

I love this so much. Thank you for a such a beautiful metaphor for all we endure and all there is to celebrate. 💜

Nancy's avatar

Aw jeez Erin, now I'm all teared up on a Monday morning. What an absolutely beautiful message. Happy Pride!!! 🏳️‍🌈🦜🏳️‍⚧️💓

Dorothy Hodgkinson's avatar

Wonderful experiences, insights and growth!