Pride Weekend & National Coming Out Day

Reflections at the conclusion of Pride Weekend & National Coming Out Day 2020.

As a cishet white female married to a cishet white man and mother of two cishet children, why would I a) join what was formerly known as the Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce; and b) why would I become an Ambassador?

Why I’m an Ally

At first I was puzzled by some of the looks I got when I introduced myself as straight—furrowed brows and all. In the interim, I’ve learned that there is a sense of apprehension. “Wait—she’s straight—why’s she here?”

I’m a member of the OUT Georgia Business Alliance because I can be. The shocking discrimination I’ve seen aimed at the LGBTQ+ community, family and friends, acquaintances, business partners, colleagues, and people I’ve known is a sickness that hurts and kills people. Ignore it? Never. What can I do? Let it begin with me.

Community is everything

Having community that has your back is crucial. For me, showing up, bearing witness, and speaking out are on par with how I try to live my life and how I’ve tried to raise my family.

Venturing out of your comfort zone

It’s easy, way too easy, to live in a bubble. To not see the tear-stained faces of kids being rejected for being who they are, to see people denied access to resources and basic human rights because of how they identify and who they love hurts every one of us. If we believe for a minute that denying equal access and equal rights to any other individual or group while we ourselves enjoy these privileges will help us, we are delusional.

An omnivert confesses

Despite what people think, I am really uncomfortable in big crowds, particularly outdoors. But every time I am able to march on Pride Weekend & honor National Coming Out Day, I do it. It’s one tiny thing I can do that helps make the world a little bit safer and a lot more welcoming for all of us.