Kamis, 28 Juli 2011

"I am stronger than yesterday
Now it's nothing but my way..."

Rabu, 27 Juli 2011

Random

Aku selalu malu kalau orang lain tau apa yang sebenarnya aku pikirkan.
Jangan tanya kenapa, aku juga ngga tau. Kalo aku bilang ke Titis sih, karena aku menganggap itu semua ngga penting. Termasuk pula malu untuk menangis dihadapan orang lain.

Kalau aku terlalu marah, aku pasti nangis. Tapi emang aku pernah marah? Well, pernah. Dan itu cukup membuat teman-temanku, yah, mungkin kaget (dan ngrasa bersalah, hehehe). Dan kalau aku nangis, aku pasti beranggapan kalau aku ini cengeng. Beneran cengeng kok, karena akhir-akhir ini aku sering nangis tanpa alasan yang jelas. Galau lebih tepatnya. Hahaha. Jangan tanya kenapa lagi, aku tetap ngga tau (boong ding, hahaha). 'Onestly, pasti tau. Tapi aku ngga mau ngasih tau. Itu tadi, aku (kata Titis) terlalu meng-underestimate diriku sendiri. Jadi aku ngrasa itu semua ngga penting. Tapi emang ngga penting kok, hehehe. Kecil kalo dibandingin sama yang lain.

Aku seharusnya tau kalau seseorang itu diberi kehidupan masing-masing, diberi masalah sesuai limit, diberi kelebihan dan kekurangan masing-masing. Aku ngga tau, masih ngga tau. Perasaanku campur aduk setelah liat facebook tadi. Emang, fb itu ngga baik buat kesehatan jiwaku :P Tapi ternyata asyik juga loh buka fb lagi, saengganya aku bisa chat sama temen baikku yang ngga punya twitter :)

Mungkin itu proyeksi dari apa yg aku tangisi (okey, aku mulai jengah dengan tulisan ini). Nangisin apa coba? Hadeuh, bener-bener ngga jelas!

Aku skip taekwondo lagi. Bodo ah! Aku lagi titik jenuh (alibi~). Aku lagi pengen coba karate atau aikido, tapi mungkin aku bakal tunda tahun depan abis ujian sabuk hitam (kalo boleh! :P). Soal sabuk hitam, yang penting bagusin gerakan n teknik dulu lah, baru mimpi pegang black belt. Malu kalo udah sabuk item gerakannya kayak anak sabuk putih :P.

Voila hua hua!

Senin, 25 Juli 2011

For Good

im limited (just look at me) 
im limited 
and just look at you you can do all i couldn't do, glinda 
so now it's up to you (for both of us) 
now it's up to you... 

i've heard it said 
that people come into our lives 
for a reason 
bringing something we must learn 
and we are led to those who help us most to grow 
if we let them and we help them in return 

well, i don't know if i believe that's true 
but i know i'm who i am today 
because i knew you... 

like a comet pulled from orbit 
as it passes a sun 
like a stream that meets a boulder 
halfway through the wood 
who can say if i've been changed for the better? 
but because i knew you 
i have been changed for good 

it well may be that we will never meet again
 in this lifetime 
so let me say before we part 
so much of me
 is made of what i learned from you 
you'll be with me 
like a handprint on my heart 
and now whatever way our stories end 
i know you have re-written mine 
by being my friend... 

like a ship blown from its mooring
 by a wind off the sea 
like a seed dropped by a skybird 
in a distant wood
who can say if i've been changed for the better?
but because i knew you

because i knew you

i have been changed for good

and just to clear the air
i ask forgiveness
for the things i've done you blame me for
but then, i guess we know
there's blame to share
and none of it seems to matter anymore

who can say if i've been
changed for the better?
i do believe i have been
changed for the better

and because i knew you...

because i knew you...

because i knew you...
i have been changed for good...
***

Thank you for your uncountable love, being part of someone special makes me special too :)
Thank you for let me being part of your life, something that I can learn and see, so I can choose the best way for my life.

For everyone that makes my whole life so wonderful. Always. Love. You. 

#tfm, 25 Juli 2011

Lagi dan Lagi

Lagi dan lagi, aku bersamamu dalam jarak
Tanpa sepatah katapun aku bersuara
Berusaha mendengarmu
Ada apa?
Apa yang terjadi? Aku hanya bisa bertanya-tanya
Mengira-ira walau mungkin itu salah
Aku belum mendapatkan jawaban
Karena kau sama, berdiri di sana, terdiam seribu bahasa
Bercerita melalui tatapan mata
Mencoba berbahasa
Berusaha membuatku mengerti
Bahwa kesedihan itu tidak ada yang abadi.

Tetap kuat, Intan.

#tfm, 24 Juli 2011

Menangis untuk....

Terkadang aku berpikir,
Kalau aku nggak ada nanti, apakah ada seseorang yang akan kehilanganku?
Apakah ada yang rela menangisi kepergianku, menyempatkan waktu untuk melihatku untuk terakhir kalinya?
Dan apa yang telah aku perbuat untuk mereka, untuk bisa merasa dikenang sebagai seseorang yang berarti dalam hidup mereka?

Well, bukan berarti aku mau bunuh diri atau mati muda waktu nulis ini. Tidak sama sekali. Aku ingin berumur panjang, masih banyak hal yang belum kukerjakan, dan terutama aku harus memperbanyak ibadah. Tapi berpikir tentang kematian dan orang-orang yang akan ditinggalkan terkadang memang perlu untuk sarana instropeksi diri.

Setidaknya, hari ini aku mendapatkan sedikit jawabannya.

Aku bercerita tentang rahasiaku yang paling dalam dengan seorang sahabatku dan, tanpa diduga, dia menangis untukku. Aku memang tidak pernah bercerita dengan siapapun tentang hal ini sebelumnya dan melihat dia menangis sesenggukan karenaku membuatku, yah, sedikit merasa bersalah.

Bersalah karena bercerita, bersalah karena membiarkannya menangis.

Tetapi setidaknya aku tau, ada seseorang yang akan menangisiku kalau aku pergi. Ada yang sayang padaku dan mau menerimaku dengan tulus. Itu tidak bisa diungkapkan dengan kata-kata.

Aku sendiri tidak menangis. Aku tidak menangis untuk diriku sendiri. Bukan berarti aku tidak sedih atau apa, namun kejadian itu sudah lewat beberapa tahun lalu dan saat ini sudah berakhir. Bukan masalah berat kalau dipikir sekarang, namun lumayan berat saat menjalani dulu. Hidup kan memang kadang diatas, kadang dibawah.

Kenapa yang tidak tega justru dia? Apakah karena dia sahabatku dan dia tidak ada bersamaku waktu itu? Aku tidak tau.

Sebenarnya, kemarin aku juga sempat menangis waktu seorang sahabatku yang lain menceritakan tentang masalahnya, juga bertahun yang lalu, dalam perjalanan pulang. Aku tau jawabannya: karena dia sahabatku, maka aku menangis. Aku tidak tega, aku sayang dia karena dia begitu tulus juga menyayangiku. Dia sangat berarti bagiku. Tapi dia, sahabatku yang kuceritakan pertama, mengapa dia mau menangis buatku? Apa yang telah aku perbuat sehingga dia rela menangis untukku? Aku sayang dia? Tentu, tidak ada keraguan. Tapi apa yang telah aku lakukan untuknya?

Dia berkata, semestinya aku tidak usah terlalu memperhatikan perasaannya pada waktu itu dengan memendamnya sendiri, karena aku berasumsi bahwa dia (pasti) punya masalah, aku tidak mau membebaninya, dan aku juga tidak mau dia tau tentang hal itu. Well, aku hanya berhati-hati, aku terlalu sayang padanya hingga tidak tega dia mengetahui masalahku dan ikut memikirkannya. Bukan berarti aku tidak butuh empati, aku butuh. Aku juga manusia biasa. Namun keadaan kan terkadang berbeda. Suasana hati juga berbeda.

Setidaknya, ada seseorang yang akan kehilanganku kalau aku tidak ada. Tapi, apa alasannya sampai dia mau melakukan itu?

“Air mata tumpah satu-satu,
Membasahi pipiku yang diterpa angin malam,
Ini bukan tentang aku, tetapi kamu,
Dalam kehidupan fana yang tak tau
bagaimana akhirnya.
Ingin rasanya aku mengenggam tanganmu
Mengusap pucuk kepalamu, memelukmu
Tetapi aku tidak bisa, karena ini tentang kamu
Kamu yang tau, lebih mengerti
Kamu seperti teriakan di tengah padang pasir
Kamu yang teriris dan berusaha membalut luka
Kamu yang berjuang ditengah ketidakpastian
Kamu yang mengalami semuanya.
Aku, bagaimanapun, tetap berada diluar
Melihatmu melakukan semua
Berusaha untuk kuat, berusaha untuk tegar
Aku, menggantikan air matamu yang keluar
Yang tidak sempat kau pikirkan
Bukan salahku kalau aku tidak tega
Aku menangis karena kamu sahabatku
Tidak lain.”
tfm, 22 Juli 2011, 08.37 p.m.

Mungkin kamu berpikir kalau aku berhati keras, terlalu berlogika dan mencari-cari alasan. Tetapi, mengetahui alasan mengapa mereka akan kehilanganku kalau aku tidak ada membuatku merasa tenang. Setidaknya, kehadiranku di dunia tidak sia-sia. Aku sayang sahabatku. Aku beruntung memiliki mereka dalam hidupku.

#tfm, 23 Juli 2011

Hidup, hidupku, hidupmu

Di dunia ini, tidak ada keadilan yang benar-benar adil. Kehidupan selalu menemukan jalannya sendiri, tidak peduli siapa dia dan bagaimana dia tercipta. Sebuah perjalanan unik, biru dan ungu dalam satu wadah, telah tertempel nama dan tidak mungkin tertukar. Kehidupan itu kompleks, namun dia menemukan kekuatan diatas kelemahan, lalu menemukan tawa diatas air mata. Semua itu harapan bagi mereka penghuni kolong jembatan dan peringatan bagi mereka penghuni mansion, bahwa hidup itu roda. Roda selalu berputar, kecuali bila sudah saatnya tiba untuk berhenti berputar, berhenti mengalirkan hidup baru, berhenti untuk meraih mimpi, jiwa yang terbang diatas raga yang rapuh.

Seperti waktu yang tidak dapat diulang, hidup juga tidak bisa kita ulang meski pada akhirnya kita mungkin akan menyesalinya. Hidup penuh dengan konstelasi-konstelasi unik yang menghubungkan semuanya, seperti hubungan pasang surut air laut dengan bulan. Kita tidak akan pernah tahu apa yang akan terjadi selanjutnya berdasarkan apa yang terjadi di masa lalu. Bisa jadi sangat berbeda. Ayahku berkata bahwa aksi-reaksi yang abadi adalah perubahan itu sendiri, walau sebenarnya banyak orang tidak mau untuk mengubah hal yang telah terjadi ataupun berubah tanpa keinginannya.

Kawan, dulu aku berpikir bahwa Tuhan tidak adil dengan membuatku berbeda dengan orang lain. Berbeda secara raga, jiwa, dan lain sebagainya. Dan aku selalu melihat dunia dengan kacamata tiga dimensi, sesuatu yang dekat namun tidak punyaku, tidak dapat kuraih. Tapi itu semua berubah dengan pertemuan-pertemuan, lagi-lagi ajaib, dengan orang-orang yang mentransplantasikan sebagian hatinya padaku dan terkadang kubalas dengan memberikan formula yang membuat antibodinya abnormal dan menyebabkan infeksi bagi dirinya. Dia menceritakan sebuah dongeng tentang hidup di dalam rimba sebuah suaka tempat tinggalnya. Suaka itu disebut keluarga. Dengan dinamika, persepsi dan latar belakang yang menyertainya. Semua yang terlihat sempurna di kulit bukan daging. Semua yang palsu, yang kasat mata. Hidup itu keras, kawan. Semua itu hukum alam, itu yang dia ceritakan. Tanpa air mata, tetap tersenyum. Mungkin telah lelah untuk mengeluh, mungkin air matanya sudah kering.

Jangan tanya apa reaksiku. Aku hanya bisa tersenyum, mengusap kepalanya, lalu menangis diam-diam. Benar-benar tidak bisa diandalkan. Makhluk unik yang memiliki hati seluas angkasa itu mahfum dengan apa yang aku lakukan. Mungkin karena tidak ada pilihan?

Kawan, hidup itu penuh dengan daerah abu-abu. Ketidakjelasan dan percampuran antara putih dan hitam membuatnya seperti itu. Daerah itu tidak bisa ditentukan kebenaran dan kesalahannya hanya dari satu sisi. Aku heran mengapa Tuhan tidak menciptakan ruang diantara surga dan neraka untuk para pengelana abu-abu. Kebenaran itu hakiki milik Tuhan. Tentu saja, Tuhan tidak bersedia menerima orang yang memiliki jumlah kesalahan dan kebenaran yang seimbang. Harus ada yang lebih besar. Kita, manusia, tidak ada yang tahu. Kalau kita tahu kapan kita akan mati, niscaya akan tercipta sebuah tembang: muda foya-foya, mau tamat bertobat, mati masuk surga. Bahagianya.

Aku membayangkan kalau kita memiliki sebuah rekaman lengkap kehidupan kita dari awal sebelum dilahirkan hingga saat ini. Mungkin kita bisa merentalnya dari langit ke tujuh, lalu mengembalikannya saat kita tahu bagaimana kisah ini akan berakhir? Mungkin pula, setelah menonton video berdurasi sesuai usia kita yang direkam oleh Atid dan Roqib, kita akan bisa lebih menghargai hidup kita, menghargai dan menyayangi orangtua kita lebih dari apapun, jauh lebih rajin beribadah, dan tidak menyalahkan Tuhan untuk apa yang terjadi di dalam hidup kita selanjutnya. Aku hanya membayangkan, hanya berkhayal. Mumpung gratis.

Tuhan itu adil, sudah jelas. Dia memberikan kelebihan di satu sisi dan mengurangi kadar kesempurnaan sisi satunya. Itulah mengapa tidak ada manusia yang sempurna; kalau manusia itu sempurna, niscaya dunia tidak akan tercipta. Semua orang baik, semua orang bisa mencukupi kebutuhannya, semua orang tidak ada yang bersyukur karena kehadiran orang lain dalam hidupnya. Hanya orang-orang bodoh yang berkata bahwa Tuhan tidak adil. Aku dulu berpikir seperti itu, jadi aku juga termasuk orang bodoh. Sepertinya hari ini setan dalam diriku sedang baik hati untuk membiarkan malaikat menceramahiku.

Lalu, pada akhirnya aku menyadari bahwa aku tidak ingin ini semua berganti. Aku tidak ingin kelemahanku diganti oleh kelebihan yang lain untuk membuatnya tampak sempurna. Lagi-lagi, karena kesempurnaan hanya milik Tuhan. Lagipula, akan ada konsekuensi negatif yang akan menyertainya. Aku mungkin tidak akan sebahagia ini apabila aku berada disisinya, begitupun dia disisiku. Tuhan memberikan kita tempat yang terbaik. Ada rahasia dibalik semua ini dan hanya bisa kita ketahui setelah kita lulus dari perguruan tinggi cabang dunia. Ijazahnya, kita akan mendapatkan nilai dari tindakan kita. Bahagialah mereka yang mendapat nilai A di ijazahnya dan bersiap-siaplah untuk segala sesuatu yang tidak mengenakkan bagi mereka yang mendapat nilai F di ijazahnya. Studentophobia. Phobia menjadi mahasiswa.

Maka, sebelum hal itu terjadi, bila kamu tidak bisa mendapatkan jawaban atas masalahmu sekarang, teruskan hidupmu. Pada saat yang tepat, sebuah persinggungan kosmos akan membuatmu menemukan keajaiban-keajaiban baru, pertemuan-pertemuan baru, tempat-tempat baru, dan kebahagiaan baru yang tidak pernah terbayangkan sebelumnya. Dan ketika tumbuh besar nanti, ketika malaikat berbaik hati untuk memutarkan premier video hidupmu dalam mimpi, kamu akan tersenyum, melihat ijazahmu yang walau tidak semua bertuliskan tinta biru namun kamu lulus dalam remedialnya, dan berkata, ‘Inilah hidupku’.

#tfm, 21 Juli 2011

Senin, 13 Juni 2011

June 2, 2000
What does that day, month and year mean to you? President Bill Clinton used that particular day to declare ”Gay and Lesbian Pride Month”. Nine years later, on June 1st, President Barack Obama spoke to incorporate an even wider group. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered citizens alike could all have this month for recognition, respect and appreciation. However, I am aware that not all minds meet equally about the rights and respect that we should pay to others. As each generation leaves their footprints, and paves the way for what is to come…to some, change is an impossible idea or action to put in motion.
You know what? Often, this unfortunate reality is because of learned behavior! As much as we may often preach that we like to speak for ourselves, or outside the box, how many times have you caught yourself, or someone you know repeating the thoughts of another before them? Sometimes without proper information? And how many times have you felt that perhaps further knowledge on an issue or subject matter might result in a different voice, a different understanding? Perhaps even going against the ideas they’ve learned, heard, or grown up around? We have the ability to fly planes, send astronauts into space, develop technology such as cellphones! Things that once were unfathomable. I can sit at this small computer and type this message. Once I push send, this message can be seen by anyone who’d like to engage, all across the WORLD. 
As many of you know, we (the Glee cast) have been storming the country at whirlwind speeds to put on a forty-two show, month-long tour. It has been a constant reminder of why we do this. We’ve witnessed the impact our show has had, from the very beginning, to these moments, three years later. You LOVELY & AMAZING fans! Just indescribable. The love, affirmation, and dedication you provide! We see it all, value it all. Trust me, we do! On stage, the excitement that we absorb from your ball of energy brings our adrenaline levels to highs that often-times, we aren’t sure we can reach. Bottom line, we love you guys. And our crew! Without this diverse group of hard-working people, this venture would be impossible. 
Yesterday was June 11th, and we were tackling our newest location, Toronto! We had finished our first concert of the day, and I was about to take a moment to relax before the second. On the way to our dressing rooms, I passed a stack of shirts lined up on the merchandise tables. The white T’s were modeled after shirts we wore in a performance set to Lady Gaga’s, “Born This Way.” In case you are not familiar here are the lyrics:
[Verse:]My mama told me when I was youngWe are all born superstarsShe rolled my hair and put my lipstick onIn the glass of her boudoir“There’s nothing wrong with loving who you are”She said, “‘Cause he made you perfect, babe”“So hold your head up girl and you’ll go far,Listen to me when I say”[Chorus:]I’m beautiful in my way‘Cause God makes no mistakesI’m on the right track, babyI was born this wayDon’t hide yourself in regretJust love yourself and you’re setI’m on the right track, babyI was born this way
Beautiful. True. Words to remind yourself, words to live by. Doesn’t matter if you’re not a Gaga supporter, or one of her “Little Monsters” as she lovingly refers to her fans. Kindness moves mountains. Acceptance opens doors, makes room for change, diffuses misunderstanding. Every day, people commit hate crimes because of misunderstandings. Hate effects the target, and consumes the person behind the gun. It is crazy to realize that we have been in war for almost our entire existence on this planet. Many times for reasons of greed and hate. 
Anyone that has experienced the death or abuse of a loved one can tell you that, “IT HURTS BEYOND EXPLANATION!!! AND WE SHOULD DO EVERYTHING IN OUR POWER TO MAKE ANY CHANGE POSSIBLE.” Raise your hand if you’ve spent nights crying yourself to sleep, raise your hand if you’ve felt as if you’d rather hide in bed all day than face the people that make you feel small or powerless! Raise your hand if you’ve felt as if you’d rather lie to people than tell them the truth about who you really are, because at least you wouldn’t be the victim of hateful behavior or prejudice! And raise your hand if lying feels almost as bad. 
I was not raised in a family that accepted prejudice or hatred. For that, I thank my Mom and Dad each and every day. Look, we are human, we make mistakes. I will gladly shout from the rooftops that I AM NOT PERFECT. Nor will I ever be. But I can happily say that to my knowledge, I do not ever intentionally cause people pain. I love my family, my friends, my co-workers…and they all consist of girls AND boys. I do tell them that I love them. Yesterday, during our second show,  Instead of wearing my usual shirt during “Born This Way” I decided to wear one that said “Likes Girls”. It should actually have read, “Loves Girls”, because I do. The women in my life give me things that the men in my life can’t. And vice-versa. No, I am not a lesbian, yet if I were, I hope that the people in my life could embrace it whole-heartedly. And let me tell you, I can easily spill (quite comfortably) what I admire, respect and think is beautiful about any of the women in my life. Piece of cake! 
Last night, I wanted to do something  to show my respect and love for the GLBT community. Support that people could actually see. Which is why I decided to change my shirt for the show. I happened to read a few comments that were posted on twitter. Many of you asked, “why?” This is my response. I am not asking for you to agree with what I am saying, but if you are listening, thank you. That is all I can ask. And a step further would be to take a moment to (honestly) answer the questions that I have raised. We can’t always put ourselves in someone else’s shoes. But we can try.
I am lucky to live in a place where I can wear almost anything that I want to express myself, and that jail is not a probable consequence. Which makes me feel as if I should exercise my right to do so every now and then. Think of the people that have died because of their passion and heartfelt hopes of change? So many good men and women. All because of an inherent wish for tolerance, love and support. 
Our show celebrates the GLBT community. We are proud to be a part of something that embraces an often avoided topic. Hate is terrible, especially when we pass it down to a new generation of innocents. Recently, I heard a lament about San Francisco. How SFO just didn’t sound like a fun place to be, or visit, because that person wasn’t gay. Wait, really???? I wanted to laugh! But that would have been a response that wouldn’t have encouraged that person to be open-minded. To see that perhaps, their statement was foolish? Why won’t San Francisco be fun for you? Do you think the whole city is gay? Do you think they will judge you? Won’t feed you good food?  Perhaps they won’t let you have fun, the way THEY have fun? 
Sadly, we’ve gotten letters from people who explain that they love the show but hate the gay story-lines. That we shouldn’t be polluting their children’s heads. To this I’d sometimes like to sarcastically reply, would you also like us to tell them that a stork is dropping off our offspring? That the sky is purple? That it is not practical to be true to yourself, because there are mean people in this world that will make them feel wrong for being honest? That instead of embracing themselves, they should lie to the world? THEY should be the ones being untrue and unhappy? 
I believe that if you are bringing a child into the world, you should be willing to accept them in any reality. Whether they are Black, White, Asian, have four fingers, are disabled, gay….that the only wish should be for a happy and healthy baby. We are each other’s children. Unless someone has committed a violent or hateful act, why should we judge? We can so quickly resort to anger, often, the product of a whole other issue. Most often, an issue with our own self. 
I understand that I am sitting behind the protection of this computer screen, in this hotel room, and to many I might sound “preachy”. Especially now that I have written an essay. I hope my intentions sound pure, and just. I speak, because I am passionate. I write with this passion because I know how it feels to be hurt, to be depressed, to not value yourself, or your feelings. If any of this has inspired or moved you, even just made you think….I encourage you to tweet or reblog a picture, quote, anything that you feel will continue to spread the love. And if any are interested in tracking the chain, perhaps visualizing the greater collective, include the hatch tag, #letlovein.

Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives. - C.S. Lewis 
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. - Lao Tzu 
Fortune and love favor the brave. - Ovid
AND remember that sometimes….
People need loving the most when they deserve it the least. - John Harrigan
To thine own heart be true. Many thanks for your time, your love, and the gift you’ve given me.
Sincerely,
Dianna Elise Agron
June 2, 2000
What does that day, month and year mean to you? President Bill Clinton used that particular day to declare ”Gay and Lesbian Pride Month”. Nine years later, on June 1st, President Barack Obama spoke to incorporate an even wider group. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered citizens alike could all have this month for recognition, respect and appreciation. However, I am aware that not all minds meet equally about the rights and respect that we should pay to others. As each generation leaves their footprints, and paves the way for what is to come…to some, change is an impossible idea or action to put in motion.
You know what? Often, this unfortunate reality is because of learned behavior! As much as we may often preach that we like to speak for ourselves, or outside the box, how many times have you caught yourself, or someone you know repeating the thoughts of another before them? Sometimes without proper information? And how many times have you felt that perhaps further knowledge on an issue or subject matter might result in a different voice, a different understanding? Perhaps even going against the ideas they’ve learned, heard, or grown up around? We have the ability to fly planes, send astronauts into space, develop technology such as cellphones! Things that once were unfathomable. I can sit at this small computer and type this message. Once I push send, this message can be seen by anyone who’d like to engage, all across the WORLD. 
As many of you know, we (the Glee cast) have been storming the country at whirlwind speeds to put on a forty-two show, month-long tour. It has been a constant reminder of why we do this. We’ve witnessed the impact our show has had, from the very beginning, to these moments, three years later. You LOVELY & AMAZING fans! Just indescribable. The love, affirmation, and dedication you provide! We see it all, value it all. Trust me, we do! On stage, the excitement that we absorb from your ball of energy brings our adrenaline levels to highs that often-times, we aren’t sure we can reach. Bottom line, we love you guys. And our crew! Without this diverse group of hard-working people, this venture would be impossible. 
Yesterday was June 11th, and we were tackling our newest location, Toronto! We had finished our first concert of the day, and I was about to take a moment to relax before the second. On the way to our dressing rooms, I passed a stack of shirts lined up on the merchandise tables. The white T’s were modeled after shirts we wore in a performance set to Lady Gaga’s, “Born This Way.” In case you are not familiar here are the lyrics:
[Verse:]
My mama told me when I was youngWe are all born superstars

She rolled my hair and put my lipstick onIn the glass of her boudoir“There’s nothing wrong with loving who you are”She said, “‘Cause he made you perfect, babe”“So hold your head up girl and you’ll go far,Listen to me when I say”[Chorus:]I’m beautiful in my way‘Cause God makes no mistakesI’m on the right track, babyI was born this wayDon’t hide yourself in regretJust love yourself and you’re setI’m on the right track, babyI was born this way
Beautiful. True. Words to remind yourself, words to live by. Doesn’t matter if you’re not a Gaga supporter, or one of her “Little Monsters” as she lovingly refers to her fans. Kindness moves mountains. Acceptance opens doors, makes room for change, diffuses misunderstanding. Every day, people commit hate crimes because of misunderstandings. Hate effects the target, and consumes the person behind the gun. It is crazy to realize that we have been in war for almost our entire existence on this planet. Many times for reasons of greed and hate.
Anyone that has experienced the death or abuse of a loved one can tell you that, “IT HURTS BEYOND EXPLANATION!!! AND WE SHOULD DO EVERYTHING IN OUR POWER TO MAKE ANY CHANGE POSSIBLE.” Raise your hand if you’ve spent nights crying yourself to sleep, raise your hand if you’ve felt as if you’d rather hide in bed all day than face the people that make you feel small or powerless! Raise your hand if you’ve felt as if you’d rather lie to people than tell them the truth about who you really are, because at least you wouldn’t be the victim of hateful behavior or prejudice! And raise your hand if lying feels almost as bad. 
I was not raised in a family that accepted prejudice or hatred. For that, I thank my Mom and Dad each and every day. Look, we are human, we make mistakes. I will gladly shout from the rooftops that I AM NOT PERFECT. Nor will I ever be. But I can happily say that to my knowledge, I do not ever intentionally cause people pain. I love my family, my friends, my co-workers…and they all consist of girls AND boys. I do tell them that I love them. Yesterday, during our second show,  Instead of wearing my usual shirt during “Born This Way” I decided to wear one that said “Likes Girls”. It should actually have read, “Loves Girls”, because I do. The women in my life give me things that the men in my life can’t. And vice-versa. No, I am not a lesbian, yet if I were, I hope that the people in my life could embrace it whole-heartedly. And let me tell you, I can easily spill (quite comfortably) what I admire, respect and think is beautiful about any of the women in my life. Piece of cake! 
Last night, I wanted to do something  to show my respect and love for the GLBT community. Support that people could actually see. Which is why I decided to change my shirt for the show. I happened to read a few comments that were posted on twitter. Many of you asked, “why?” This is my response. I am not asking for you to agree with what I am saying, but if you are listening, thank you. That is all I can ask. And a step further would be to take a moment to (honestly) answer the questions that I have raised. We can’t always put ourselves in someone else’s shoes. But we can try.
I am lucky to live in a place where I can wear almost anything that I want to express myself, and that jail is not a probable consequence. Which makes me feel as if I should exercise my right to do so every now and then. Think of the people that have died because of their passion and heartfelt hopes of change? So many good men and women. All because of an inherent wish for tolerance, love and support. 
Our show celebrates the GLBT community. We are proud to be a part of something that embraces an often avoided topic. Hate is terrible, especially when we pass it down to a new generation of innocents. Recently, I heard a lament about San Francisco. How SFO just didn’t sound like a fun place to be, or visit, because that person wasn’t gay. Wait, really???? I wanted to laugh! But that would have been a response that wouldn’t have encouraged that person to be open-minded. To see that perhaps, their statement was foolish? Why won’t San Francisco be fun for you? Do you think the whole city is gay? Do you think they will judge you? Won’t feed you good food?  Perhaps they won’t let you have fun, the way THEY have fun? 
Sadly, we’ve gotten letters from people who explain that they love the show but hate the gay story-lines. That we shouldn’t be polluting their children’s heads. To this I’d sometimes like to sarcastically reply, would you also like us to tell them that a stork is dropping off our offspring? That the sky is purple? That it is not practical to be true to yourself, because there are mean people in this world that will make them feel wrong for being honest? That instead of embracing themselves, they should lie to the world? THEY should be the ones being untrue and unhappy? 
I believe that if you are bringing a child into the world, you should be willing to accept them in any reality. Whether they are Black, White, Asian, have four fingers, are disabled, gay….that the only wish should be for a happy and healthy baby. We are each other’s children. Unless someone has committed a violent or hateful act, why should we judge? We can so quickly resort to anger, often, the product of a whole other issue. Most often, an issue with our own self.
I understand that I am sitting behind the protection of this computer screen, in this hotel room, and to many I might sound “preachy”. Especially now that I have written an essay. I hope my intentions sound pure, and just. I speak, because I am passionate. I write with this passion because I know how it feels to be hurt, to be depressed, to not value yourself, or your feelings. If any of this has inspired or moved you, even just made you think….I encourage you to tweet or reblog a picture, quote, anything that you feel will continue to spread the love. And if any are interested in tracking the chain, perhaps visualizing the greater collective, include the hatch tag, #letlovein.
Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives. - C.S. Lewis

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. - Lao Tzu

Fortune and love favor the brave. - Ovid
AND remember that sometimes….
People need loving the most when they deserve it the least. - John Harrigan
To thine own heart be true. Many thanks for your time, your love, and the gift you’ve given me.
Sincerely,
Dianna Elise Agron

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I was raising my hand when Dianna said "If you’ve felt as if you’d rather lie to people than tell them the truth about who you really are, because at least you wouldn’t be the victim of hateful behavior or prejudice." That's very touching me. Instead, you have to deal with yourself, love yourself as really are and think that God made this body and soul fit on you, doesn't like anybody else, one and the only me, no matter what happen. Two thumbs up for Dianna :)