Today marked a huge step in equality for Pennsylvania. U.S. District Judge John E. Jones III ruled that the same-sex marriage ban was unconstitutional.

When I first saw the news, I almost started to cry. First, out of pure joy that we are one step closer to equality nationwide but then out of sadness. It is sad that in 2014, we only have 19 states where couples, regardless of sexual orientation, can show their love through marriage. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised since there is still inequality, not just for members of the LGBTQIA community, but for women and people of color, too. I mean, I have this blog for crying out loud!

In high school, I made a pledge that I did not want to get married until all of my friends could. It never seemed fair to me that I was able to walk down an isle but they could not. I always saw myself as a straight ally to those in the LGBTQIA community, especially my many friends who identified as gay or lesbian. It took me many, many years to realize that I am actually part of it as well.

Although, I have always dated men and identified as straight, the truth is that I am bisexual. I have been attracted to women as well as men (and no not in the “I would soooo be a lesbian for Anne Hathaway” way). I have come close several times to asking women out before, but I was always too afraid.

It is with that confession and the news from today that I have decided to write an honest, open letter for my son to read in the future.

My dearest son, I hope by the time you read this letter, the world will be a very different place. Hopefully, for the better. As your mom, I don’t want to see you grow up and fall in love, but I know it is inevitable. I will blink my eyes and you will be a grown man. A grown man with a kind heart in whom, I hope, I have instilled a sense of respect and acceptance for others. The reason I’m writing this is because right now you are just figuring out relationships with your peers, making friends, and think that girls have cooties, but you will have crushes and fall in love one day. You are such an intelligent and handsome young man that I know it will be sooner than later. What I want you to know is that if you bring home a girlfriend one day, I will welcome her with open arms. However, if you come home with a boyfriend…I will welcome him with open arms. You see, it doesn’t matter to me whom you love as long as they treat you well. I hope that if you realize you are gay, bi, trans, straight, asexual, or whatever, that you never feel you have to hide it from me. I love you just the way you are and nothing in the world could ever change that. I will always be here to support you no matter what. As my child, I know that you will grow up to be a strong person and even if you identify as straight, I hope that you will be an ally as well because, as my child, I hope you learn from me that everyone deserves equality. When you read this, I hope that you no longer have to worry about whether same-sex marriage is legal in the state in which you live. I hope that you don’t have to worry about many things that I and others do today. Most importantly, I hope you never worry that I will not accept you or be disappointed in you, especially over sexual orientation, because you shouldn’t. Who you love will not change the fact that you are my baby. I love you unconditionally, Mommy