ba·by (ba-be) | lessons of equality

Before Liam was born Matt and I had several conversations about him that started with, "What if...".  Everything from "What if...Liam doesn't want to go to college; Liam is a bully; Liam is being bullied and eventually we got to, "What if Liam told us he was gay?"  Out of all scenarios we discussed, un-surprisingly this was one that didn't go beyond the natural instinct of saying, "so what."  While we were both on the same page that Liam would experience un-conditional love regardless of what he told us, I realized this morning that we never discussed what we would do to ensure that he grew up understanding that there is no such thing as right or wrong when it comes to who you love...only that we all have the right to love whoever we want.

So as I waited for the El this morning, blaring Macklemore's "Same Love" on repeat I thought of things I want to tell Liam about equality.  So as of today, I will start telling him (and remind him throughout his life) that:

1. You are who you are...and whoever you become, you will be loved.
2. There is no such thing as normal.  What is normal, is that everyone is different. 
3. Learn from others who aren't like you. Embrace their interests, traits, and passions that differ from yours - and understand that those are the things that make each of us unique.
4. Respect each person's choices in life. This goes beyond who you choose to marry.  Respecting what others choose to do with their lives, is just as important as you choosing what to do with yours.  You will be respected in return.
5. Be the voice of change. While I'm confident you will embrace this lesson with open arms,  be the voice to teach others.  Choose to teach those who are not as fortunate to be taught at an early age that love is love and that everyone will be accepted regardless of their life choices.

|For the other moms out there, what lessons will you teach your son or daughter about equality?|