I am an Ally

 Pride Month is over, but being an ally is ongoing. I totally believe that people should be able to define themselves in whatever way they find that fits them individually. Without being hassled. Without judgement. Without repercussions. With unconditional acceptance. 

If our body temple could use a little restructuring, I’m glad people have the right to do so. We see it all the time in many, many people—hair dyed a different color, a little nip and tuck, enlargements, reductions, add-ons and more. At most of these, we hardly notice. Procedures and practices exist so that we can feel a little better and more confident. I like to use a light smear of eye shadow. It makes me feel like I’ve made an effort!

If someone is perfectly fine with everything about themselves, even when that acceptance of themselves falls outside of societal norms, bravo! In years past, so many people-so many people-were denied the right to be themselves and to love whomever they loved. I don’t believe that emerging from the closet should be an emotional ordeal for any living, breathing, human being.

There are issues which are not as cut-and-dry as what I’ve pointed out, of course. Women’s sports, anyone? No issue is black or white—the shades of gray give us things to think about. But generally speaking, I want to ‘live and let live’. Which is more harmful: denying a person governance over their own bodies due to someone’s discomfort over that choice, or demanding that we live in a Stepford world?

I am grateful for the bravery and tenacity of those who came before, and for the continuing efforts of the many who are forced to continue to fight for this basic right of owning their own dignity. For my LGBTQI  brothers, sisters, and undecideds, I am an ally.