We are here to celebrate the layers that makeup our identity, the dichotomies that are woven into our emotions, and the complexities that makeup our beings.

AND was founded on the belief that celebrating our differences can actually bring us together. Connection is an important part of humanity. We connect through relating to, learning from, and having open dialogue with one another. Once we throw away the labels and boxes that we so easily put each other into and actually start talking with and listening to one another, we can build a world filled with kindness and acceptance.

The AND blog is a compilation of shared stories by guest writers with a focus on transitions and identities. It is here that we not only acknowledge, but *celebrate* the responses, thoughts, and feelings that come along with these complex life topics. We are not trained psychologists or therapists. We are simply humans handing out pages of our journals in hopes that we can connect on shared experiences and all feel a little less alone.

You can be gay AND super good at sports.

You can want time to yourself AND love your kids simultaneously.

You can feel sadness in your loss AND happy in your daily life. 

We are here to celebrate the ANDs that makeup our lives. And reaffirm for us all—

It’s both.