White House principal deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre is receiving praise after sharing the story of her family accepting her as part of the LGBTQ community. Going to Twitter on Friday to honor Pride Month, Jean-Pierre said her mother first rejected her when she came out at age 16.

"The revolted look on her face sent me running back into the proverbial closet and slamming the door shut,” the press secretary wrote. “After that, my sexuality became a family secret and it would stay that way for years.”

While she continued to date as a teenager, Jean-Pierre hid her relationships from her family. But her loved ones eventually learned to change their attitude.

"Just as American society has evolved over the course of the past couple of decades to embrace the LGBTQ community (never forgetting we still have work to do), my family has evolved to embrace my membership in it," she wrote. 

The proud Black Queer woman now freely brings her partner and the couple's daughter to her family's house. 

"I’m proud to be an out Black Queer woman and I have been for quite some time," she said. "I’m happy to say, my Mother is now proud of ALL of who I am; she loves my partner and she loves being a doting grandmother to the daughter we are raising."

Although the journey was challenging, the 43-year-old is grateful for where she is.

"My journey towards feeling accepted by myself and loved ones wasn’t an easy one, but it was worthwhile. No matter where you are in your journey, I see you, we see you and we celebrate you  – Happy Pride!" she wrote.

The press secretary's story inspired others to share their own story.

Some also shared their loved ones story.

Many more came to social media to support those who are struggling to come out.

Jean-Pierre talked more about her personal life in her 2019 memoir, Moving Forward. The New York native discussed her sexuality, mental health and overcoming abuse. 

According to Huffpost, the daughter of Haitian immigrant parents earned a master’s degree from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. She later served in Barack Obama’s administration and worked on his re-election campaign. Jean-Pierre worked as MSNBC political commentator before joining President Joe Biden's administration.

The trailblazer and her partner, CNN reporter Suzanne Malveaux, are raising their daughter, Soleil. 

Karine Jean-Pierrepride-monthWhite House