Turning Point

Last week we held my organization, Beyond the Plus’, first monthly socials, and there was a lot to unpack. In a good way!

People started showing up right when the event started, and kept filing in over the next hour or so. We had food, games, and lots of laughs. There was music and dancing and having fun, there was real talk about the state of the world and our country, but in between sat about a dozen queer people who could relate to each other and never did before.

I got a glimpse at what it must have been like being gay in the 70’s. Just a room full of queer people who were all being open with each other. People who had nothing to hide and could be their authentic selves. People partying the night away, laughing while playing games, and coming together as one. That night about a dozen people, some of which already knew each other, became each others closest allies. Some of which had never met another zoo or MAP before, one second they were alone in this world, and the next they had friends they could be their true selves around.

I say it every time, but this is why I’m here. This is my call to activism, and what I want to do for the world. Every time I meet someone new I remember why this cause is so important, but being able to let other people meet other new people in such mass? It takes that feeling to another level. 

It’s hard work, and it will never not be, but I’m prepared. We are prepared. People like us are tired of being put down, tired of being scared that if anyone ever found out who we truly are, we’d become isolated. As one person put it, isolation is a death sentence. We are saving lives.

It felt like a turning point. From here on is a new chapter, and no one knows what will happen next. The future is sure to hold trials and tribulations, but we also have the power to make those hardships worth it.