General Discussions

[Baggers]

I was asked if I wanted to wear a rainbow pin at work once.

I declined.

Not because I dont support gay rights (I dont support all of them equally and that is one of my gripes with it).

I also don't like the mentality of you are either with or against them.

I demand the right to live and let live without celebrating it.  I dont want to, I dont have to.  Why do I have to? 

I totally understand (and respect) your view here, 3 Leos, but am 180 degrees differing, for 2 chief reasons. Neither of us is wrong or right. Personal choice.

1. I have two gay family members. When I publicly acknowledge their situation (lapel, wrist band, ribbon etc.,) it demonstrates something very important to them. They feel supported, which is important to both of us.

2. Having had and still having a number of lgbtqia+ clients I am very aware of how marginalized they feel and some of the traumatic things that they've been through, and still happen to them. If a sincere and authentic gesture on my part helps them to feel supported... yummy. Not much for me to wear a public acknowledgement of some kind.

Although this is not the same, the principle is similar. Being a returned serviceman from a war zone, on Anzac Day when I see folks wearing lapel badges / poppies, I do feel a sense of gratitude and acknowledgment. When folks refuse to acknowledge Anzac Day for their views on wars, or whatever, I get it and understand. Even agree to an extent. But it's just helpful for those of us living with PTSD (due to military trauma) to be acknowledged occasionally.

(to me the Anzac Day acknowledgement is not only about what we did/service, but what we live with... and believe me on return from service many of us were marginalized, and when some folks learn I have PTSD they do treat me differently, many very unkindly owing to their failure to understand what PTSD is like or just IS... and who could blame them? Many folks jump to all manner of assumptions as to how we got PTSD and what danger we might pose to the community... which is hurtful and ridiculous).