“My silences had not protected me. Your silence will not protect you.” – Audre Lorde
As Pride month nears its closing days, I decided to get dolled up for one stroll around the backyard, just by myself. Pride need not be a crowded scene of thousands of people – a party of one is all you ever really needed. This year we slipped deeper into the habit of not celebrating things on a grand, public scale, and I feel more calm and tranquil because of it. Social media is all the outlet I require these days – and to be honest, these photos will likely be seen by more eyes than if I were to parade around Albany all day.
Thus we enter the last week of June, and the final days of Pride month. More than enough of an excuse to get decked out, I think. And more than reason to heed the words of the legendary Audre Lorde: “When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.”
I don’t know why I don’t wear this jacket more often. It cheers me up and makes me immensely happy. The colors alone fill me with joy. It’s a bit bulky in the suit closet, but who can be mad about taking up a little extra space when it’s for something so beautiful? Its frills and sumptuousness belie the very serious power beauty holds in this world. The right jacket is more than sartorial splendor: it is armor for the vanquishing of the scared and close-minded haters. The formidable floral fighter raises a fist of posies.
“Next time, ask: What’s the worst that will happen? Then push yourself a little further than you dare. Once you start to speak, people will yell at you. They will interrupt you, put you down and suggest it’s personal. And the world won’t end.
And the speaking will get easier and easier. And you will find you have fallen in love with your own vision, which you may never have realized you had. And you will lose some friends and lovers, and realize you don’t miss them. And new ones will find you and cherish you. And you will still flirt and paint your nails, dress up and party, because, as I think Emma Goldman said, “If I can’t dance, I don’t want to be part of your revolution.” And at last you’ll know with surpassing certainty that only one thing is more frightening than speaking your truth. And that is not speaking.” ~
