Being an ALLY 

So why do I attend Pride I’ve been asked…
I’ll answer that soon enough but let’s start with some questions for you. Have you ever had to think about your sexuality ~ how about your race/ethnicity ~ your origins ~ your religion ~ your gender ~ your sex ~ and when I say think about these things….it’s not merely oh it’s interesting that Dad’s side is 99% Northern European but it’s something that affects your life ~ daily in many cases and that you are forced to think about this/these part(s) of your identity because of your interactions with the world at large. And what is society and our culture tells you ~ to conform and that there is only one ideal/one acceptable way of being and well if you don’t fit into these boxes….you are automatically an OTHER. 
Side note: I’ll be honest here ~ that for me, I didn’t have to deal with many of the injustices that I know others have and continue to deal with ~ growing up or now. Actually I’ve had very few negative interactions about my race but being female has definitely come with many challenges. But I’ve talked with many of my friends and family about this subject and it’s interesting that many of them, actually almost the entirety, have wanted at least once while growing up to be white or straight, etc even though a lot never had really bad interactions ~ because as my cousin told me ~ it’s hard to be a minority.  
So I participate in Pride because I’m an ALLY ~ because I believe that LOVE IS LOVE. I believe in the right of people to be able to love fully and that there are many ways to express it. I also believe in their right to exist as they are and that they are not damaged beings needing conversion or therapy. The LGBTQ 🏳️‍🌈 community also has a community spirit that I adore ~ that there is no ideal because differences are not only welcomed but celebrated. We could all learn some lessons with that. 
I believe that we should always be striving to be better ~ personally and as a society that we can still continue to evolve. I believe in HUMAN RIGHTS for all. I believe in the greatness of this country ~ that the generosity and acceptance emblazoned on the Statue of Liberty still rings true : “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free”. That “the more perfect union” that was written about in the Preamble of the Constitution is something that we are always striving towards….
And most importantly, I believe LOVE WINS. It’s been a heck of a year for the country and I understand the frustration and anger (on both sides of the aisle actually) but as you all should know well now ~ I believe that emotions are amplified and I’ll always chose love. This year actually marks the 50th anniversary of the landmark Loving v Virginia Supreme Court case that forced states to recognize interracial couples and it’s only been a couple of years since Obergefell v. Hodges decision that legalized same sex marriage. It’s not just about being on the right side of history, it’s about ensuring that the arc of history continues in the correct direction.  
So with love and light, Rosemary 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈❤️❤️❤️❤️