Heteronormativity connects to broader social hierarchies of worth that value some ways of living over others.

People can reinforce heteronormative expectations without consciously holding homophobic beliefs.

We all internalize familial and cultural expectations, and examining them requires conscious effort.

I recently flew home for my aunt's surprise 70th birthday party. It was a beautiful celebration, full of family, laughter, and lots of good food and catching up.

I love my family, and I know they love me.

Still, whenever I visit home, I’m often asked whether I’m dating, and if not, why not. I regularly hear talk of who bought a new home or recently got married.

Meanwhile, I’ve had a pretty full year. Last October, I got licensed as a therapist, and that same month, I received a publishing contract for my second book. I’ve also been spending time exploring the possibility of living in Mexico City, nurturing a strong spiritual life, and focusing on my health.

Writing my second book has been a passion project of mine. I was recently telling a friend that so much of writing isn’t even writing. The stories and experiences a person is writing about have to be lived first. A book is an extension of the writer’s life, and mine reflects my life and the passion I feel about my work.

I've also been single for a long time, and I used to believe something was wrong with me for not being in a relationship. I’ve even explored my propensity for being single in therapy. I've turned over a lot of rocks, and what........

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