{"id":57995,"date":"2022-05-26T15:54:51","date_gmt":"2022-05-26T19:54:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/?page_id=57995"},"modified":"2026-06-25T17:51:13","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T21:51:13","slug":"love-letters","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/about\/equity-inclusion\/love-letters\/","title":{"rendered":"Love Letters to the LGBTQIA+ Community"},"content":{"rendered":"

In celebration and recognition of Pride Month, we dedicate these love letters of support and affirmation to you \u2013 our LGBTQIA+ friends, students, colleagues, family members, and peers.<\/h4>\n

We wrote these letters to let you know that you are welcome, needed, valued, respected and honored, and we hope they give you inspiration, hope, and pride in who you are.<\/p>\n

Submit a Letter<\/a><\/h4>\n

<\/h2>\n

Love Letters to the LGBTQIA+ Community<\/h2>\n

Thursday, June 25, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dear Friends,
\nHappy Pride Month.<\/p>\n

This month is about love, respect, and letting people be themselves without fear.
\nWhether someone is discovering themselves, living openly, or simply supporting others, everyone deserves kindness and safety. Pride reminds us to stand with people, celebrate them, and make space for their truth.<\/p>\n

Wishing you a month filled with color, courage, and gentle joy.<\/p>\n

\n

Monday, June 15, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dear human,<\/span><\/p>\n

Show yourself the love and support you do not get from others. I promise you, you deserve.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

With love & light,<\/span><\/p>\n

From another LGBTQIA community member<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

Wednesday, June 10, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sending so much love to my friends, family, and colleagues in the LGBTQIA+ community!! And an extra dose of love to anyone out there who doesn’t have that support close by and may be struggling in silence. Please know you are loved, you are seen, and there are people who will cherish you exactly for who you are. <\/span>\"💞\"<\/p>\n

Kayla Chandra, Digital Communications Manager, BUSSW<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

Wednesday, June 10, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dear Beloved LGBTQIA+ Community,<\/p>\n

My hope is that this month you are reminded that you are not alone in your experience, and your humanity, dignity, and existence matter more than ever.<\/p>\n

\n

Tuesday, June 9, 2026<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

I began love letters four years ago, as a way to ensure that we all could write to our LGBTQIA+ friends to show our support, solidarity and most importantly, love. The past couple years , we have seen far too many rights taken away from the community. We are here to let you know: your shine will not diminish and we will continue to support, advocate for, and rally for you more than ever. I will continue to fight and be there with you through it all. Gracias. Obrigado.<\/span><\/p>\n

Daniel Jacobson L\u00f3pez (he\/\u00e9l\/ele), Assistant Professor and Deputy Title IX Coordinator, BUSSW <\/em><\/p>\n

\n

Tuesday, June 9, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sending love and solidarity this pride season and always to my friends, family, loved ones, colleagues, and strangers alike in the LGBTQIA+ community.<\/p>\n

You belong, always.<\/p>\n

Will Near, Asst. Director of Marketing & Communications, BUSSW<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

Tuesday, June 9, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dear human,<\/p>\n

You make me feel. I see that sparkle in your eyes when days are good, I see that gaze in your eyes when you are tired and overwhelmed.<\/p>\n

As your queer sibling, I want you to know that you are not alone: I’m here, I see you & I’m with you.<\/p>\n

We’re all that we need.<\/p>\n

Love<\/p>\n

Dani AC, (MSW ’16), Social Worker<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

Monday, June 8, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

The two most inspiring elements of the queer community are our ability to experience joy together and our ability to love and care for one another even when our environments give us every incentive not to. Let’s not lose that.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

As we collect new letters for this year, scroll through the meaningful words sent in previous campaigns below:<\/p>\n

Wednesday, June 12, 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"decorative<\/a>Sending unconditional love and support to my dearest friends, family and colleagues in the LGBTQIA+ community! Standing with you as an ally, always.<\/span><\/p>\n

Michele Walsh, Assist. Dean of Marketing & Communications, BUSSW<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Tuesday, June 13, 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n

Be who you are. Love who you want. Live life. Every month and every day of the year. I love and support you.<\/p>\n

Nat Cao Andreae, The Center for Aging & Disability Education & Research (CADER)
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Saturday, June 10, 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n

The importance of self love…
\nJM Drake’s poem, “Truth in Me”<\/p>\n

I have no desire
\nto fit in.<\/p>\n

No plans
\nto walk with the crowd.<\/p>\n

I have my own mind,
\nheart
\nand soul.<\/p>\n

I am me<\/p>\n

and it<\/p>\n

has taken years
\nto realize
\nhow important that is.<\/p>\n

Shared with love,<\/p>\n

Judith<\/p>\n

Judith Gonyea, Professor, BUSSW<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Friday, June 9, 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n

You are cherished, celebrated, and loved. Your presence in this world enriches it immeasurably. Thank you for teaching me the true meaning of love, acceptance, and resilience. Together, let us continue to pave the way towards a future where every person, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can bask in the warmth of love and acceptance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Renee Spencer, Professor and Chair, Human Behavior, Research, and Policy Department, BUSSW<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Friday, June 2, 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n

Proud to voice my unflagging support for my family, friends, and members of BUSSW who count themselves as members of the LGBTQIA+ community!<\/span><\/p>\n

Daniel Miller, Associate Professor and Director of the PhD program, BUSSW<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Thursday, June 1, 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dear community\/Querida Comunidad,<\/span><\/p>\n

Remember that we matter. We deserve love, connections, and liberation. This Pride Month I hope the world is reminded of our worth, humanity, and dignity. Sylvia Rivera said that during the Stonewall riots<\/a><\/span>, she thought, “My god, the revolution is here. The revolution is finally here!” May our work as social workers <\/span>contribute to this revolution. \u00a1S\u00ed se puede!<\/span><\/p>\n

Luis Alvarez-Hernandez, Assistant Professor, BUSSW <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Thursday, June 1, 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n

We see you, love you just the way you are, and will fight for your rights. Happy Pride Month!<\/span><\/p>\n

Ruth Paris, Associate Professor, BUSSW <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Thursday, June 1, 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n

she asks me what it’s like,
\nloving a woman, when I, too, am a woman.
\nand she laughs,
\nwhich one is the one who sits and watches tv while the other one cleans?
\nshe asks: how does your love work?
\ndo you trade off who goes off with their friends while the other one stresses?
\nbut our love works like this:
\nshe saw her favorite dessert in our fridge
\nand she waited until I came home so we could split it.
\n-anonymous<\/p>\n

Sending love, light, and solidarity to my fellow LGBTQIA+ folks! Happy Pride!<\/p>\n

Molly MacMillan (MSW’19), Graduate Admissions Advisor, BUSSW <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Thursday, June 1, 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n

You are loved and accepted as you are!<\/span><\/p>\n

Taylor Hall, Lecturer, BUSSW <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Thursday, June 1, 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n

As we celebrate pride this month, we stand in solidarity with our LGBT community and denounce the attacks on our trans siblings.\u00a0 We see you, love you, and are in the struggle to build a world centered on equity, inclusion, and justice.<\/p>\n

Love and Solidarity,<\/p>\n

Dawn Belkin Martinez and Ellen Devoe, <\/em>Co-Chairs of the <\/em>Equity and Inclusion Committee, BUSSW <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Wednesday, June 29, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Puerto
Puerto Rican Rainbow Flag \/ Fundacion Derechos Humanos de PR<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Boricua\/Latinx\/Latina orgullosa de nuestra ra\u00edces, proud of our roots. A fragmented USA, diasporas longing for no violence, end to misplaced colonization of identities & border walls; Why is my love still a sin? Fortaleza; Afro-Latino drums play songs del Coqu\u00ed, aqu\u00ed estamos, as\u00ed somos, Happy PRIDE!<\/span><\/p>\n

Luz M. L\u00f3pez, MSW\/MPH Program Director, BUSSW\u00a0 and <\/span>Global Health Core Director, Center for Innovation in Social Work & Health<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Wednesday, June 22, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

Not everyone will have the opportunity to witness your brilliance.
\nDespite this, let your light SHINE!
\nYou are never truly alone in this sea of humanity.
\nA community surrounds you that will continue to support you, fight for you, and love you just the way you are!<\/p>\n

In solidarity,<\/p>\n

John Deric Galandines, MSW Student, BUSSW <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Tuesday, June 21, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dear LGBTQIA+ community,<\/p>\n

May we embrace each other’s humanity and walk together with compassion and love.<\/p>\n

Sending love and and support,<\/p>\n

Deborah<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Saturday, June 18, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

No matter where you are in your journey, please know you are not alone. There are so many of us who see you, support you, and love you.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” – Maya Angelou<\/span><\/p>\n

Anonymous<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Friday, June 17, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

Proud to be able to voice my support for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community! We are here for you!!!<\/p>\n

Dan Miller, Associate Professor & Director of the PhD Program, BUSSW<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Thursday, June 16, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thank you for being who you are! Your voice, hopes, love, courage, joy, and struggle matter, guide, liberate, saves lives, and make the world a better place. Happy Pride!<\/p>\n

Jordana Muroff,\u00a0 Associate Professor, BUSSW\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Thursday, June 16, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

Happy Pride Month!<\/p>\n

This is your reminder that you\u2019re loved, you\u2019re appreciate, you\u2019re special, and you matter <3 whatever you\u2019re going through, you will get through it. Stay strong!<\/p>\n

Samantha (MSW’25), Clinical Therapist<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Wednesday, June 15, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

Whether you are out and proud, unable to come out for whatever reason, or somewhere in between:<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

I see you. You are loved. You are valued. Continue to unapologetically and relentlessly live your truth and know I stand with you in where ever you are on your journey towards it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Anonymous (SSW’21), forensic social worker<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Monday, June 13, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

Happy Pride! Excerpted from a longer poem of mine: <\/span><\/p>\n

I have walked where mountains \/ <\/span>rise through ancient sea beds uncontained \/ Seeds will blow undetected \/ lie fallow for a season \/ then flourish in their reason \/ breaking stone. \/ We insist on living where people may love whom they will, unfettered and free.<\/span><\/p>\n

Geoff Wilkinson (SSW’85), Clinical Associate Professor, BUSSW Macro Department<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Sunday, June 12, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

To my trans son: You are the joy of my life. I have always seen you, in every way, but to see you now\u2014 happy, whole, and true is the greatest joy of all. I love you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Anne Detweiler (SSW’97)<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Sunday, June 12, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

Know that you are a spark of the Divine and deserve all the Unconditional Love and support that is your birthright.<\/span><\/p>\n

Carol Rogers, BUSSW alum and clinical social worker<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Sunday, June 12, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sending a \u201cMom\u201d hug to all of you. So proud of your courage to be your real selves. I\u2019d send a real hug except I\u2019m on the west coast. If you ever need a BU Mom, I\u2019m here.<\/span><\/p>\n

Betsy Guinn (SSW’79), U.S. director of a non-profit in Cambodia<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Sunday, June 12, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

Who YOU are is a member of our family, our community, our town, our world. Keep shining your light and live your life with passion AND compassion. Happy Pride Month!\u00a0 <\/span>🏳️‍🌈<\/p>\n

Kim G. (SSW’90), LICSW, Private Practice<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Thursday, June 9, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

To my family members, J & J: I am so happy you found each other and that each of you are making your way through this challenging world with grace, determination, humor and pride. For you and all of the LGBTQIA+ community \u2013 you are loved unconditionally. Love is love.<\/p>\n

Michele Walsh, Director of Marketing & Communications at BUSSW<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Tuesday, June 7, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

To all the LGBTQIA+ members of the BU Community and the community of human beings: I see you and love you for your true selves. You are valued and add so much to our world.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom Byrne, BUSSW Assistant Professor<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Monday, June 6, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thank you for living your truth, so that others feel like they can live their truths.<\/span><\/p>\n

MSW Student (Anonymous)<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Thursday, June 2, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"
Photo courtesy of Eleanor Zambrano<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I see you. We value you and we stand by you. We honor your strength and resilience during a time when others challenge your voice and love. Happy PRIDE \u2013 shine bright! <\/span><\/p>\n

Con mucho amor,<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie Zambrano, Executive Director of the Center for Innovation in Social Work & Health at BUSSW<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Thursday, June 2, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

A special message to all of you!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In Portuguese:<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\/ssw\/files\/2022\/06\/Lopez-Message_Support-Portuguese.mp4<\/a><\/video><\/div>\n


Wishing you happiness, peace, respect, and strength! HAPPY PRIDE.<\/p>\n

I am thrilled that we are launching this… why? Because you matter, and you are valued. We are here to support you. Know that you are not alone. Celebrate your pride!!<\/p>\n

Daniel Jacobson L\u00f3pez, BUSSW Assistant Professor and creator of the School’s <\/em>Love Letters project<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Wednesday, June 1, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

I am so proud of you. Whether you are out and proud, or proud and hidden for whatever reason \u2013 you are valid and you are loved. There are always people who are willing and ready to love you. You are amazing the way you are. Happy Pride to my community <3<\/span><\/p>\n

Anonymous (SSW’23)<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Wednesday, June 1, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is to all of you and to my amazing children. I see you and I will fight for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellen R. DeVoe, BUSSW Professor<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Tuesday, May 31, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

I see you! I respect you!!! I love you!!!<\/span><\/p>\n

Cory Oliveira, BUSSW Faculty Advisor<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Tuesday, May 31, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thank you for being in the world. You have so many gifts and talents that the world needs now more than ever. Keeping shining your light brightly. Sending a big warm Mom hug to you all.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lori (she\/her) \u2013 Worcester Hybrid Program<\/i><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Tuesday, May 31, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dear Amazing LGBTQIA community,<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s not an easy world out there but know that so many of us have your back and are there for you 150%. We can\u2019t explain the ignorance and hate you face sometimes but we do know that love always wins. Keep following your dreams and living your life as YOU.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

Alessandra, Founder of BU Parents United\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Monday, May 30, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

I love you as your authentic self and take you as you are. You are loved!<\/span><\/p>\n

Taylor Hall (SSW’19), BUSSW lecturer and PhD graduate<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Sunday, May 29, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

Let your beautiful, authentic self shine! My family and I stand with you!<\/span><\/p>\n

Lisa Pirwitz (SSW’22), MSW student<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Saturday, May 28, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dear friends,<\/span><\/p>\n

This letter expresses my solidarity and support to the LGBTQIA+ community. Saddened by the anti-LGBTQIA+ laws and anti-transgender policies put forward, I want you to know I am working along with wonderful people to build a world that values, uplifts, and loves everyone!<\/span><\/p>\n

Jorge Delva, BUSSW Dean and Professor<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Friday, May 27, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

I love you for who you are!<\/span><\/p>\n

Anonymous \u2013 Online Program

<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

This project is an initiative of the Boston University School of Social Work Equity & Inclusion Committee. If you have any questions, please contact Daniel Jacobson L\u00f3pez at djlopez@bu.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Learn More About Equity & Inclusion at BU School of Social Work<\/a><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In celebration and recognition of Pride Month, we dedicate these love letters of support and affirmation to you \u2013 our LGBTQIA+ friends, students, colleagues, family members, and peers. We wrote these letters to let you know that you are welcome, needed, valued, respected and honored, and we hope they give you inspiration, hope, and pride […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14869,"featured_media":63753,"parent":61090,"menu_order":8,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/57995"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14869"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=57995"}],"version-history":[{"count":51,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/57995\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":82804,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/57995\/revisions\/82804"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/61090"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/63753"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=57995"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}