My mom’s story is one of resilience and sacrifice. At the tender age of 13, she had to bid farewell to her school days because society demanded that she get married. You see, in those times, my grandpa believed that a woman’s worth revolved around becoming a wife and a mother. It wasn’t her choice, but she felt compelled to obey her father’s wishes. Obedience was all she knew.

But my mom is a fighter. She defied societal norms to raise us, her children, in a way that challenged the status quo. My sisters and I were given the same opportunities as my brothers. We had the freedom to pursue an education, to study after school, and to express ourselves through our choices of clothing and style. She didn’t discriminate between us and the boys in our family. She taught me to be fearless, to stand up for what I believe in.

Being a lesbian in Ethiopia is no walk in the park. It’s like tiptoeing through a field of thorns. I’ve never found the courage to share this part of my identity with my mom. I worry that she might not fully grasp its meaning, and I don’t want to burden her at this stage of her life. Maybe she suspects, but she hasn’t found the words to ask. But deep down, I know that regardless of her understanding, my mom would stand by my side through thick and thin. She’s an extraordinary woman.

What I love most about my mom is her refusal to impose societal expectations on us. She never pressured any of us to get married or have children. She championed our freedom to explore life on our own terms, without feeling the weight of external demands. That kind of support allowed me to discover my true self and live my life authentically.

On this special Mother’s Day, I want to share every aspect of my life with her. I long to introduce her to my remarkable partner, the person I want to share my future with. But even if circumstances don’t allow it, I want my mom to know that she is an exceptional woman. Despite having her dreams snatched away at such a young age, she has given me the world. Happy Mother’s Day, my mom. You’re a true inspiration.