I saw the pride flag glow
So here’s my funny ally story.
About 7 years ago, I was in my kilt phase and working with a local progressive group, and we were signed up to do the July 4 parade with the Pride group.
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They were looking for someone to march with the Pride flag, and, when nobody looked like they were going to pony up, I volunteered. And I kid you not, I asked, ‘is it okay for me to carry the flag, since I’m “just” an ally?’ The members were gentle, but chuckling, and handed me the flag.
Even though I sweat profusely and my bum leg was already giving me fits, I had a blast. And I felt a sense of freedom and belonging I hadn’t felt in a long time.
So, somewhere, there’s video of me walking a parade in the cornfields of central Illinois in a kilt waving that rainbow flag high, two years before I realized I wasn’t “just” an ally. (There were no signs!)
I wish more people treated allyship as something of importance, rather than a word you stick in a bio.
And for some of you, I’ll just say, come on in, the water’s fine.
