You're not alone.

One of the biggest statements to remember, or even realize, not even talking about acknowledge, is that you are not alone. It certainly holds true: many have gone through a similar transition as yourself, experienced hope, fear, absolution, relief, regret, terror and bliss. It's what makes us what we are. Not the sum of our emotions, but the sharing of them.

Being you is, well, often difficult. The world doesn't always approve, there's laws against what you, being you, can do and cannot do. A lot of countries even carries harsh punishments for being you, and being true to yourself. There's stigma, disgust, and basically any unpleasant emotion you can think about involved. You can't just brush that off as "some people", despite it being so tempting.

Sometimes, you have to fight.

Sometimes, being you, and not compromise that, is a win.

Sometimes, it doesn't feel like it.

A queer american fictional character once said that the definition of queer is like the price of oil: it changes every day. It might do. Also, it being a so american statement makes me flinch for using it as an example.

But we're here. And we won't go away. Because if we do, the world would be a poorer place to live in. Less color, less fabulous, less sparkling, less diversity, less including, and simply less.

Acceptance, even for something that is unknown to you; strange, weird, and queer, is important.

So, you're not alone. That's a comforting thought. You are not alone.

Fourth Exalted March

You meet the most wonderful people while at Pride.

Went to the capital Friday, spent some time walking around looking for a Body Shop - after checking in, of course; don't want to drag luggage around more than necessary. Took an early evening (or so I thought, until I realized how many hours I'd spent reading newly purchased D&D books), and woke up far too early only to continue from last night. After breakfast, it was time to get ready. No pics of the outfit (that I know of being posted). Sorry.

Marching in heels, even good shoe heels, took a toll once the day was over. (Only one blister!) But before that, I met someone. Someone wonderful. I asked them if they needed assistance, carrying two flags and a cardboard statement. I was allowed the rainbow flag, and thus kept waving that as I marched on with pride, staying close to them.

Post march, we spent some time in the Pride Park, waiting for a rapper. Enjoying time with an eight year old girl and her two mothers, and I was granted serious hope for the future of our race in terms of responsibility. Concert came and went, and something between that wonderful someone previously mentioned and myself had simply "clicked". No idea what it was, just that it did. They talked me into staying (or returning, as I was due back at the hotel for a much needed nap) and watch another concert with them. (Lazy Queen rocks!)

I am so glad that I did.

The rest of the evening was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. We also made plans to meet up the next day and have sushi. First time writing phone numbers on each other's arms, too. So nineties.

Another night passed without much sleep, so the morning was laying in bed reading even more D&D books (I bought a total of five). Had breakfast, and went back to bed with hopes of catching some sleep before check-out (only got one). Met up at the fountain (THE fountain in Oslo - ask me about it some other time), and took the subway to my now officially favorite place in the capital. Now I regret not knowing about it in advance, because I know a friend of mine that would have loved it during the visit last fall. And no pics, because that was not allowed.

Spent over an hour inside in the embracing darkness of the tomb of Emanuel Vigeland. (In a gloomy space, he covered walls in fresco paintings of naked human figures.) Also it's only open on Sundays.

Took the subway back to the center of town, entering your classical British bar for a beer (our restaurant of choice had not yet opened), then sushi. And oh, what sushi! Salmon, tuna, lots of white ones and something I cannot recall that melted in the mouth - that one was burgundy red.

Ended up discovering a second blister on my other foot after all that walking. Still, would not trade this weekend for anything!

Thank you for being awesome.

Potential song?

Hung out to dry
By a hetero sexual male
Perfumed towels
A surprise treat

Walking into the bathroom
Late at night
Sensing a smell
Of a calming fragrant man

Masculinity
Hung out to dry
Masculinity
Smelling oh my my

Reach out
Touch it
Reach out
Touch it

Masculinity
Hung out to dry
Masculinity
Smelling oh my my