With all that’s going on in the world, it’s really, really tempting to just hide under the covers. But I can’t do that. As scary as it is for me to stay visible as a queer person, I need to keep going out into the world. I mean, it would be really easy to hide: I’m a white cis-woman with a husband. No one can tell that I am queer, pagan, kinky, and an immigrant. I have to be explicit about those parts of me. I’ve realized that hiding who I am is not only cowardly, it leaves all my more visibly queer folks exposed and alone. And I’m not okay with that.
Now I need to confess, I’m British, so the idea of staying visible in the face of all this (waves hands at the world), is frankly terrifying. Making a fuss? How very unBritish of me. But here I am, not staying silent and not staying in the shadows. I hope it helps people feel seen and supported.
I’m continuing to work with QSAC, the Queer Sacramento Authors’ Collective (it sounds like we’re the Borg but we’re really a friendly bunch of people). We meet and talk about authorly things and have booths at local Pride festivals and conventions. And yes, I am absolutely still going to Pride festivals this year as well as other events.
So far, here’s what I have planned, all with other authors from QSAC:
- March 22-23: Sac Comic Con Winter, Sacramento
- April 19-20 Sac Anime, Roseville
- May 17, Placer Pride, Roseville
- May 31 Sacramento Book Festival, Sacramento
- June 7 Davis Pride, Davis
I saw queer author Casey McQuiston speak in Sacramento last month and they were delightfully funny and down-to-earth. They admitted to this being a really hard time to be a queer creative and that it was hard to keep going. But they were doing it. And so am I.
This is so true. I’ve been trying to be more vocal for the queer community at my work and standing up and being noticed. It’s not always easy, but right now it’s important.