When I was 5 years old, I vividly remember telling my parents that I wanted to be a father. 

I didn't want to be a doctor, I didn't want to be an astronaut, I wanted to have a family of my own. 

As I've grown, as I've changed and as the world has changed, I have watched the window of opportunity open before me as a gay man. 

I see happy families, and I still want my own. I was always taught that when all else fails, family is the most important thing -- regardless of the parents gender or sexual identity.

I will raise my children to be honest and respectful, to be considerate and understanding -- so that when they are faced with discrimination of any kind, they may rise above it as my parents taught me. 

Please protect the rights of every parent, straight or gay.