Hello lovelies. i hope that this finds you well? It is Pride weekend here in London. Owner and i did not attend the parade but, as always, we were there in spirit. i am lucky in that i get to live my life and express myself as my true (admittedly unashamedly slutty) self. Many are not able to or feel reluctant to do so because of what might happen to them. To be gay, queer, trans, bisexual, non-binary, a cross-dresser or any other spectrum of the beautiful rainbow can result in death, jail, assault, abuse, intolerance and isolation in far too many places. Even in my own country, the UK, people can be and are attacked for simply being who they are, loving who they do and presenting themselves as their true selves.
Dive back into history and you will find societies and cultures that celebrated and embraced diversity in their ranks. Sadly, a combination of religious dogma and the patriarchy refused to accept, let alone celebrate, such differences. Instead they chose to punish anyone that was different to themselves, which also typically included all women as well as people whose sexuality or gender identity did not conform to such newly imposed societal 'norms' and hierarchies.
Thankfully, increasing numbers of society, especially the young are choosing to say 'screw all that'. They together with those brave activists who have long campaigned, championed and advocated for their rights and/or the rights of others, have helped bring us to the present day. A time where diversity is starting to slowly, gradually, be once again be recognised and celebrated for what it is. A day where women are starting to enjoy equal rights where people of all different sexualities and genders can publicly celebrate the variety of human love, identity and expression in all its many beautiful forms.
i am someone who is uncomfortable with the notion of labels, i am me, i am unique. But, i also know myself to still be quite different to the societal 'norm' and very, very different to most 'men'. Owner and i live a relationship that is just as loving as anyone else's (i would argue more so than many). She has always accepted me for who i am and helped me on my own journey to discover my true self.
However, i am fully aware that even in a place as diverse as London with its myriad of cultures and identities there remain others still will be and who and are quick to judge us and our relationship. i also chose to dress and act and in a manner that it true to who i am but which some, a minority, find so challenging they would not hesitate to physically or verbally abuse or assault me. Some countries would imprison me, others still condemn me to death.
So let us celebrate Pride. Celebrate those who are now able to live their true lives and provide solidarity for those still denied that right. Pride is an opportunity to celebrate people for all that they are. Fabulous, loving and different in so, so many wonderful ways. It is also a time to say thank you to those, like Owner, who love us for the people that we are. So to all you beautiful people, happy Pride month.
In other news, i am delighted to say that Owner is now fully recovered and our life has started to return back to normal, well 'normal' for us :).
Take care and i leave you with a few gratuitous pictures of me being, well me!
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| Bathroom poppet |
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| My work outfit from earlier this week |
