MY SURPRISE PROPOSAL TO RAYVON OWEN

A few years ago, I was struggling with mental illness. I was depressed and felt hopeless—especially about love, and relationships. During those times, one of the things that helped me was the music of Demi Lovato. She has remained an important part of my life, which is why it was so perfect that while at her concert last night I:

PROPOSED TO RAYVON OWEN!!!

Rayvon, I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you, and I am beyond thrilled to officially call you my fiancé!

Like I said last night, when I asked you to marry me, I never thought that I would be fully open to love again. Then you came into my life, and I have never been the same. You inspire me and push me to be a better and more open person, and you always show me compassion and patience. I know it’s not always easy being in a relationship like ours—especially when society and even some friends and family have fought to push us apart—but if there’s one thing I know for certain, it is that love is what life is all about, and your love makes my life complete.

You’ve made me a better man and I’ll forever be grateful to you for loving me unconditionally. I know with all of my heart that Tom would be so happy for us, and I thank you for honoring and respecting the fact that he will always be a part of my life.

I have to give a huge thank you to Demi for being a supportive friend and for helping make last night possible. It was one of the greatest moments of my life! I also want to thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for young people, and particularly the LGBT community. Your heart, your voice, and your activism make everyone feel accepted, less alone, more empowered and more hopeful.

Thank you to everyone out there who has supported me, as well as my relationship with Rayvon. Your support through the years has not gone unnoticed and I would not be where I am without all of you.

To anyone out there who struggles with feeling worthy of love, I want to remind you that you are not alone. For the longest time, I doubted that I would ever deserve love. I wondered if my past would keep someone from loving me. But it’s possible. You are worthy of love. There will always be people who will try to keep you down, but there will be far more people out there who will accept you, for all that you are. Never forget who you are, or what you really want in life. Remember that it’s YOUR life, and that anything is possible.

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