After this week's adorable story of a California teen coming out while riding a Disney theme park ride, NBC 4 New York reports another heartwarming coming out story, one that has also blown up on social media.
High school senior Kinsey Ratzman, 17, recently came out to her parents and their acceptance encouraged the teen to then come out on Instagram, where she wrote: "A year ago today I found out that I'd be able to marry the love of my life in my own country... I was a very happy pup. #lovewins (& oh yeah btw I'm gay and this is me coming out yikes)"
Over the holiday weekend, Kinsey's parents sent her to the mall with a cousin, and when she returned, Kinsey walked into a house full of party guests and covered in rainbows--not only rainbow plates and napkins, but rainbow pasta and even a homemade rainbow cake.
"It was so heartwarming and so sweet," Kinsey told NBC. "Your family is your rock. If they're not there supporting you, it's a really upsetting feeling. I have many friends in the LGBTQ community whose family members don't accept them and it really is a huge burden on their life and something they carry around every day."
The guest list included, among others, Kinsey's immediate family, as well as her grandfather.
Kinsey feels that, by trending on Twitter and making the news, her story can help give hope to many.
"The best part is seeing how happy the party has made everyone," she said. "Especially in light of the Pulse shootings this past pride month, our community needs a little joy and hope and I'm glad to say my family has helped contribute to that."
Kinsey tweeted that her direct messages are full of people who saw her story and are inspired and empowered to come out themselves because of it. "My heart is so warmed."
