Happy PRIDE

Have PRIDE in who you are, whoever you are!

Lately, I’ve started painting my nails.

I’ve become that guy you see on the street, the one you think, “oh look at that, that’s pretty cool, but I could never dress that way.”

I’ve traded my normally plain blues and grays, solid color clothes, for colorful designs: red and black striped bell bottoms, purple paisley corduroy bell bottoms, shirts with flying saucers and space dogs, and lush forests with cats hiding in the leaves, topped with a black leather jacket and gothy wide belt filled with grommet holes. I’ve pierced my ears, 8 times.

When I wear those clothes, I get a lot of compliments. “What a cool shirt!” “Love those pants!” “Hey, great jacket, bro!”

Something burbled out of me last year, something about being confined by convention and expectations. And I’ve prided myself by not being defined by others. Of course, I knew when I should dress a certain way and when I could push against those boundaries, but I wasn’t exactly what you’d call a rebel. I was a rebel dressed as a company man. Not any more.

For PRIDE month this year, I’ve decided to paint my nails rainbow colored in solidarity with all of those who have PRIDE in who they are and with those who celebrate the freedom of others and each other to be who they want to be.

I don’t have time for agendas of others telling me what I can and cannot do, telling me who I can or cannot be or what I can or cannot read. I don’t have time for agendas of others telling me what to believe or that my beliefs are wrong or bad or that I must have their permission to do this or that. I don’t have time for anyone who wants to bend me to their will and their beliefs. You can have your beliefs, as long as you are not harming others, but don’t impose those beliefs on me or others.

Know where your rights end and another’s rights begin.

I am on the side of freedom and choice, the side that says - Hey, let people be who they want to be and meet them there.

Happy PRIDE!

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I am a certified book editor and writing coach, with a 25 year history of teaching writing in college. If you’re in the market for an experienced editor, contact me at The Writing Prof Editorial Services.

I have written a memoir and am currently revising and will soon resume querying to seek traditional publication.

I write about:

• writing, literature, and the writing life

• writing process

• memoir craft

• mental illness - major depressive disorder, suicide, borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder

• sailing

• alternative lifestyles - polyamory and kink

Comments are appreciated. Let me know what you think. Let’s get to know each other. All the best!

Until next time, I’ll . . ..

Just keep writing!

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