Catnip Corner 4/12/26

Written By Monique Campbell (she/her)

Dear LGBTQIA+ family,

Hi everybody! I just watched Lilly Singh’s sex song for the girlies and, because I’m a weirdo, it made me cry. No really, it brought up some BIG feelings about how I have spent my whole life shrinking myself to appease certain egos and I just wanted to share with my other weirdos out there that I love you just the way you are.

LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO SPEND IT SQUISHING OURSELVES INTO OTHER PEOPLE’S BOXES!!!

Who we are is not dictated by our genitals. Our interests and aptitudes have no limits except those we give ourselves. We are NOT defective if we do not perform femininity or masculinity to the ideals of anyone else, not even our parents.

Every regret that I have in my life has been a time that I based a decision on what someone else thought instead of my own take on the situation. One example is that the first time I started college, I chose elementary education as my major because my parents did not believe in psychology. Circumstances forced me to quit. When I returned, I chose psychology, which is exactly what I was made for. Another was when my youngest son’s father wanted to date me and I was not interested. My daughter told me that I was being a “rhymes with witch” to not go out with him. He was not a good choice and is a terrible father. Also, nobody is entitled to anyone else’s romantic attention. I am, of course, forever grateful for my kiddo, but it pains me that it hurts him that his father makes no effort towards him and I cannot fix that for him.

This has been a difficult concept for me. Although I never gave a fig for peer pressure, I have always deeply longed for parental approval and for my children to be proud of me and my worst missteps have been a result of those very desires. At the advanced age of almost 55, I finally realize that those people love me no matter what, even when they disagree with me, so I need to make my personal decisions based on what fits me. I do not need to shrink myself. I do not need to pretend to be other than who I am. There is no better freedom.

I hope that all of you get to be exactly who you are. I am here to cheer you all on!

Monique Campbell (she/her)

Monique (she/her) is a student of Psychology, minoring in Human Services and Philosophy. She is also working towards an addiction counseling certificate. In addition to her interest in Positive Psychology and neurodivergent/queer-affirming mental health, Monique also happens to be a CAT LOVER!  Monique is a mother of 5 and a grandmother of 7. She loves nature and animals, especially cats! Monique grew up in California and Oklahoma, and graduated high school in Texas. Monique expressed that she always has free mom hugs for anyone who wants them!

Monique will be taking on some of the responsibilities and creative outlets within Prince Kitty Co, allowing us to share even more resources within the community. Stay on the lookout for our new segment, Community Catnip, where mental health tips and tricks will be shared. We are also conspiring towards a group- more information to come!

Next

Catnip Corner 4/4/26