3 months ago, my cousin told her mother that she was a lesbian. Her mother was ashamed and told her not to tell anyone because she was afraid our family would be ashamed.

Last weekend, my cousin stood next to her little sister as she married the man she loved. At the wedding reception, she got up in front of all our family and friends and said "Mom, I know you told me to keep this a secret but I'm sick of living a lie. I don't care if people are ashamed of me and my choices. I like women. And tonight I brought my girlfriend to the wedding. I love her, and some day I'm hoping that we can stand up in front of our family and friends and say our vows." Everyone clapped and hooted and whistled. And during the first dance, her little sister said "Bring your girl out and dance with us. It'll be both our first dances of our new lives."

My family's ability to overlook differences in beliefs and accept something like this, despite our strict Catholic background has completely restored my faith in humanity.