The olden days
TOUGH QUESTIONS: A STORY.
During a full-blown pandemic surge, a woman referred to us by a previous client reached out. She wanted entertainment for her daughter’s birthday party, at their home.
We discussed the event in detail: what she wanted, the number of guests, contingency plans for bad weather (YES, it was outdoors and YES, it was WINTER), and more.
Diversity
Then I brought the hard-hitting questions:
Were they comfortable with the LGBTQ community?
Were they comfortable with people of color?
Not only was her answer a quick, emphatic — “YES —ABSOLUTELY!” to each question, but she told me several guests fit those descriptions.
I took a sharp breath in—now the next part:
Safety
I said, “Your neighborhood is very beautiful. Our entertainer will be arriving at night. Do you have a place for him to change in privacy after he arrives? He won’t be familiar to the neighbors, and I believe he will be more comfortable arriving in normal clothing and changing after arrival.”
She understood.
But I spelled it out. I HAD TO…. On top of Driving While Black, he could face even more intense scrutiny for driving in costume.
Resolution
Their event was a great success.
The Birthday Girl felt loved and cherished, her friends were wowed, and they all felt welcome and recognized for who they are.
Equally important: our entertainer felt loved and cherished for who he is. He also felt protected.
He knows I have his back.
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