I’m already getting choked up writing this.
The Nazi regime sent several groups to the gas chambers. Among them were people with disabilities, queers, and socialists. I am an openly gay man with a disability who has an active and public life in left-of-centre politics and the labour movement. In other words, I would have been gassed three times over in nazi Germany. That’s not to mention the governments and people today who would lock me up in an institution because of my disability or stone me because I love people of the same sex.
Yet, here I am; about to celebrate Pride week. I’ll likely drink too much, change my clothes more times next weekend than I care to admit, and just generally be a big old fabulous queen. I, like you, will truly be in my own skin next week and what a wonderful and privileged feeling it will be. My Pride celebrations start tomorrow night at the Can’t Stop the Spirit worship service at St. Andrew’s United Church, where my very being will be affirmed to be blessed. I am always acutely aware of the radical and fortunate statement I make when I practice my faith as an out gay man. Then, throughout the week, there are parties to go to and a community to be a part of that doesn’t have to hide itself. Finally, next Sunday, I’ll do perhaps the most radical act of all; I’ll drive my wheelchair down the middle of the longest street in the world, shouting “Here I am; a disabled, queerer than a three dollar bill, old lefty. If you don’t like it, too bloody bad!”
Mentioning Nazis at the start of Pride week seems like a bit of a downer. That’s far from my intention. Go out and party hard. God knows I will! Just remember that we’re truly blessed to be able to hold our rainbow flags high as the floats go by.
Happy Pride!
Luv,
Colin
