I understand both sides of this Cynthia Nixon debate.

One thing that bothers me, though, is how supporters of her statement dismiss “born this way” as catering to right-wing conservatism or that shame is intrinsic to it. I can see how for some, “born this way” might just be a way to say “I can’t help it.”

But I find it empowering, so who are you to look down on me and tell me that it isn’t? I’m reading these arguments from people that are shaming others for dictating how Cynthia identifies herself, that we have no right to impose our own views about love and sexuality on her, but then they lambaste those who unite behind “born this way.”

For each person, “born this way” might mean something different. But let me define it on my own terms, okay? Don’t define it for me and tell me I’m a weak, shameful homosexual who caters to homophobes if I think otherwise. 

I’m not bemoaning my “disability” by saying “I was born this way,” nor am I looking to appease my homophobic straight foes. I’m thanking the universe or fate or science or circumstances or whatever for making me the way I am.

I am literally fucking overjoyed that I was born this way.