HONORED ON THE CA SENATE FLOOR
2018 was such a weird year, personally. Full of extremes. Extreme loss and guilt that had stacked up for decades. Sadly, celebrating felt wrong to me.
The only bright side of 2018 was this event. Being recognized on the California State Senate floor. Wow. What a massive honor! I remember always dreaming of someone saying my name to introduce me and then there being applause. What a dream come true.
I was so numb following 2018 that for a couple years it didn’t even register with me that I for sure HAD that moment, and didn’t even remember it until I saw my brand video that my team created.
"Honoree, Steph Grant is escorted by Assembly Members for Cervantes and Irwin. Steph Grant owns a photography agency that specializes in LGBTQ weddings and corporate events. Since LGBTQ affirming wedding photographers are difficult to find Steph knew that she could help LGBTQ couples by capturing the beauty of their love and happiness on film.
In 2013 she photographed the first lesbian Indian wedding in the US and considers it some of her proudest work. Originally from Huntington beach, Grant founded the Promote Love Movement, which provides a space for people to share their experiences in a judgment free environment. Welcome Steph Grant.”
APPLAUSE!!!
It’s funny sometimes how moments pass us by so quickly. We work so hard. Tirelessly. Focusing on tiny things that people may never even notice. But when it comes time to celebrate, we fly through those moments and they barely stick with us. This is exactly what I did. What I do. My mindset is “ok. I worked hard. It’s out there. That’s checked off my list. What’s next?” And I forget to let myself feel, well, anything… I forget to feel proud of my hard work. Almost as if I don’t deserve that moment of happiness. I forget to take time off before the “next big thing.”
Growing up, I never had the opportunity to relax. I still struggle with relaxation. I was busy exhausting myself, doing my best to be perfect. And I damn near was in most areas of my tiny Steph life! I wish I had had more time to just be a kid. Now, at 36… and life passing by quicker than ever, I need to remind myself CONSTANTLY that it’s not always about the hustle. Take the moment to soak in the applause. To celebrate the hard work.
I accepted this award for little Steph. For those who are not out just yet… or may not be a place in their world to ever be out. I accept this award for all of us who have shared our stories. Anonymously even, or when we were terrified. My story is your story and for that I am thankful. What an honor. One of the best days of my entire life. Thank you CALGBT Caucus for all of your hard work in fighting for equality. Thank you to my team who was there with me on that day to document these moments so I could look back on them 2 years later and FEEL THEM. I didn’t know that in 2018… but 2020 needed that.
