Is that your girlfriend....GIRLFRIEND?

Yes, I replied.

Why didn't you TELL me you were gay.  I'm mad you didn't tell me sooner.

That was a conversation between me and one of my cousins shortly after arriving in Bardstown, the site of this year's family reunion that took place last weekend.  Some members of my family knew I was gay already but others I haven't seen in years, like this particular cousin, had no idea.

And this was the first time I had ever taken a girlfriend to a reunion.

Katie Jo was nervous but remained at ease as she watched my relaxed demeanor during our 8-hour road trip to the hills of Kentucky.  My immediate family loves her, my 81-year-old mother was the one who invited her to this reunion, and my cousin/kidney donor would also be there.  So Katie had an entourage of acceptance surrounding her in case my extended family rejected her.  Despite my reassurance that scenario would not happen, she realized her fears were unfounded as the reunion began.

Through an afternoon of various conversations with many of my kin, funny banter between her and my entire clan as Katie took our group picture, and most importantly her being asked to give the prayer before our meal, Katie realized she really is part of my family.

I privately absorbed the importance of the weekend as Katie slept coming home.  Taking in the incredible beauty of the Kentucky countryside, I understood how ground-breaking our attendance there was, especially for my younger cousins. 

And I was glad Katie was the one there with me.


To read my thoughts on Coming Out to my high school friends, click here.