Aware of the dangers- faced with the fear of public ridicule and aggression, I put out my hand with conviction; fingers spread wide, ready to receive. I look him in his eyes, and sternly say, “I’m not afraid. Not with you by my side.” Nervously, he slowly reaches out, weaving fingers into my own, grasping me tightly. We take a final look at one another, our eyes filled with resolve; driven by a deep struggle greater than the two of us. We turn toward it all with our arms intertwined. Our hands, our stance, our auras- as one, we stand strong, exposing our love to the public. And without a word, we take a step forward.