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Nova.. Very well said. that is exaclty how I felt after my first cruise. It open my eyes to so much that I never knew existed. Stories of ladies that have been together for over 30 years.. and how they had secret ways of identifying their sexuality (hand shakes and what not)  I couldnt thank these ladies enough for paveing the way for my generation and making it possible for us to feel ok about who we are.  I remember how hard it was for me when I first came out and I couldnt even imagine how they felt 30 years ago.  Living in San Francisco I often forget that the rest of the world doesnt have it as easy as us.  I have the pleasure of working for this company as well and there is not one day that passes that I dont hear an amazing story from one of the guests.  It had taught me so much and I will forever be greatful for our past generations.  Take a vacation with us, the feeling and energy is beyond words.

I work with Olivia and I recently took my first cruise ever: Caribbean Escapes. My assignment on this trip was to understand the Olivia experience.  I would do that by talking to people and hearing their stories. But what I got was my own personal experience along the way, and it was deep and moving. Coming back into my own. Having a chance to be myself in a place where I basically knew no one and re-acquainting myself with who I want to become. Hearing the heart-breaking and empowering stories of the amazing women of Olivia, seeing so many women commit to each other away from a world where we don’t have that option. And tearing down the walls to we put up throughout our daily lives. I eventually started referring to as my “Daily ‘Feel Free’ Cry.” It was triggered by anything. A hand on the shoulder here, talk of our grandfathers, things we had in common, sharing a good cry and a good laugh over the same exact thing. A woman who had lost her partner of 48 years, and blew us away with her hold on life. Two women from Bogota who spoke no English and had never been able to hold hands in public without losing their high-profile jobs. Listening to the sounds and passions of Melissa Etheridge, the soul of Doria Roberts. The story of a volunteer’s grandmother who fell in love with a woman after 80 years. And I struggled to put this all into words even as I pounded the teak decks for my next willing interview victim.  I can only hope that everyone walks away with the sense of peace and power that I feel right now. The rage subsides for long enough to remember how to love in this world. Like anything is possible. It’s still a fight. But anything is possible. And it can start with something so simple, like a hand on your shoulder.