Because I'm Proud- One Mom's Journey to Become the Best Damn Ally She Can Be

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To the Festival! (Pride, that is)

To the Festival! (Pride, that is)

Pride festivals are much like other festivals, except for one thing. There is sooo much joy! I don't remember any other type of festival with so much positive energy. Yes, there are one or two grouchy grumps, and the protestors who are drowned out by choruses of "love is love", but for the most part, the Pride Festivals I've been to are filled with excitement, love, and hope.
June 06, 2023
It's almost Pride Month!

It's almost Pride Month!

Tomorrow kicks off the month of Pride. While I am excited about celebrating my friends and family in the LGBTQIA+ community, I am also sad and angry that the reason for this month still exists, here, in 2023.  So much misunderstanding, fear, and hate. Something has to shift. 
May 31, 2023
Wonderfully Unique- thoughts on the Kinsey Scale and the Klein Grid

Wonderfully Unique- thoughts on the Kinsey Scale and the Klein Grid

I am constantly amazed by what I don't know. This is one example. It makes total sense that one can be more or less Bi, right? I mean, people are all sorts of things on a continuum. I also love the idea that sexuality can be fluid and that we can "evolve and change over time". Give it a read and see what you think.

April 17, 2023
woman dancing en pointe outside

Dancing Beyond Gender Norms

Can you imagine, though,  what it would mean to young people who identify outside gender norms to see themselves represented on stage? Or the validation a non-binary individual might feel to be included in a company no matter their gender at birth? 

When I think about it, isn't this what needs to happen everywhere? Don't we need to burst our imaginary bubbles of what is traditional and "appropriate" regarding gender roles so that anyone of any gender can achieve their goals and live their dreams?

November 08, 2022
Longing for Belonging

Longing for Belonging

What I'm really thinking about today is belonging, family, and community. At Pride, for every person who came into our booth with a supportive family, there were others who looked at our pins and buttons wishing for parents or siblings or a community who would really see them and accept them for who they are. The longing for belonging was palpable and heartbreaking.
October 20, 2022
In Which we Consider Beyond the Pronouns and The Pride Flags

In Which we Consider Beyond the Pronouns and The Pride Flags

"Here's what I'm wondering. If you are filling out a form for whatever reason and you have the opportunity, do you indicate your gender identity or sexual orientation? I'm assuming (dangerous, I know) that if an organization includes these questions on a form that they genuinely want to know and are trying to be inclusive. Is that enough though?"
August 01, 2022
It Was Just the Best Pride!

It Was Just the Best Pride!

We're still basking in the wonderful that was. Out! Raleigh Pride on June 25. It was just so much, well, wonderful!

Yes, there were loud detractors citing misinterpreted biblical text, but those were met with shouts of "love is love" to drown them out and there were so many more examples of love and inclusion and respect than of hate.

 Family after family stopped at our booth and looked for buttons or pins or jewelry or keychains that represented and affirmed their children.

One young adult was so moved by a child's wish for a button and their parent's affirmation that the young adult bought said button as a gift.

There were folks who asked questions (which my lovely young mentor was able to answer quite well, teaching me in the process) and others who made great suggestions for designs that we've taken with us and started making.

Even in the ridiculous heat, and the extraordinary number of people, there was so much joy and love that it fills me up even now.

All I want to know now is how do we keep that wonderful going. Because we need to. We have to. This community deserves that kind of love every day, everywhere.

Hope you have a great week, 

thanks for being here,

Ellin (she/her)

 

 

 

July 19, 2022

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