In some ways, 2018 has felt like the worst of times: mass shootings becoming a new normal, the continued rise of nationalism, earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires ravaging California, a U.S. Supreme Court that protects homophobia masquerading as freedom of religion, and of course, President Donald Trump. Yes, there has been an abundance of darkness in 2018, but as a gay, black man, I'm thankful for occasional bursts of sunshine.