Pride Month

 Three posts in one day!  I know it is a lot.  But I feel the need to counter the negative in the last two with something positive this month.  I was reminded of that as I opened my Threads feed and saw it filled with Pride Month positivity.  

I almost went to the Pride Bingo tonight but I know myself well enough to know I've got a lot on my plate and this evening's quiet night at home is a key part of enjoying the rest of my plans this month.  And I knew it would be a lot of people - they usually set up outside because of such a huge turnout.  It would have been draining no matter how much fun it might have been.

But I do have plans this Pride month.  It feels different this year.  I belong to a welcoming church that practices what it preaches.  Women, minorities, those from the LGBTQ community all hold leadership roles. And every year, my church gets involved in Pride events around town.

I've already ordered and received new tank tops through my church's Red Bubble website.  On my kitchen table sits a headband with rainbow feathers and a rainbow pinwheel I plan to attach to my scooter for the parade.  A colleague gave me some leftover poster board to make a sign and share with others at our sign making party.  And I've signed up for a shift in our booth at PrideFest.  

When I was married we did go to the parade one year, in 2023 but that was the extent of our involvement.  It wasn't his thing.  I was in a heterosexual relationship and hadn't developed deeper connections at church yet so I didn't push for it.

But this year is different.  It's just me now.  I get to focus on what is important to me.  I don't think this has come up in the blog yet but I'm bisexual.  Before I met my husband, I had dated women - nothing serious, a summer fling with a woman I'm still connected with through social media and a couple casual dates. 

And I'm a bit gender non-conforming.  I love my sundresses and can't wait to dress up on a cruise we have coming up but I don't shave my legs and armpits.  I don't wear makeup.  I don't do my nails.  And when I lived closer to my family, I joined and advocated for the cold weather camping trips with my dad and nephew and sometimes brother-in-law.  This is what feels most authentic to me.

So it's Pride Month!  And I'm ready to jump in more this year.  I can't wait to feel the energy of walking alongside like-minded people, people that are becoming my community.