Kalen Allen, Correspondent & Host of OMKalen and KalenReacts
The Ellen DeGeneres Show
For International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia which is observed every year on May 17, to raise awareness of LGBT rights violations worldwide, Global black Gay Men connect (GBGMC) asked Kalen Allen to pin an open letter to young black gay men around the world.
Dear friend,           I am you and you are me! We’ve most likely seen a lot of the same things, felt the same pain, and danced the same dance! That is what makes us beautiful! But the truth of the matter is, this world wasn’t and isn’t built for us and that is just fine. We are the seasoning to the pot.  We shake things up. We keep everyone else on their toes. Our very existence makes people sit up straight! Mainly, because we are everything but the word. But, our courage and ability to live our most authentic life forces those around us to have to look in the mirror and question if they are doing the same, whether they notice it or not. So, do not fret when someone doesn’t like you because the gag of it all is, they don’t even like themselves. The moment you learn that someone else’s opinion of you is none of your business will be the moment you find true contentment. Life is too short to be wondering who you could’ve, should’ve, or would’ve been based off of someone else’s preference. The only person you have to be satisfied with is you. Do not modify! Do not alter! Do not sway! Become comfortable in the discomfort and never let anyone get away with treating you like you are less than. You are everything but that! Walk into the world with your head held high and know that you are beyond qualified! Let the world underestimate you, but, in return use that underestimation to fuel your determination. Many people will try to write your ending. Tell you what your life will be. But you are the author of your own story. You have the pen. Now, it is up to you to decide when to block out the noise and start writing you’re happily ever after. You are worth it! Believe it!
Sincerely,
Your friend Kalen
About GBGMC:
Founded in 2018, Global Black Gay Men Connect is a group of Black, gay, bisexual, and same-loving men forming a movement internationally to empower our communities, foster resilience against oppression, and initiate an ever-growing platform for our collective voices to be heard.
