I Am Not A Flag

Recent events like the Orlando nightclub tragedy  sure have stirred up a small kerfluffle in the New England town where I live, specifically about rainbow flags, and whether failure to fly one in the town square signifies discrimination.

*Sigh*

Really?

Now, I've spent a good portion of my life fighting for and championing equal rights for LGTBQ people.  The rainbow flag that has come to symbolize the struggles *and successes*  is one that is iconic to the general LGTBQ community is one I hold dear.  We moved to Massachusetts to be in a safer, more accepting environment, and our neighbors and fellow townsfolk are just amazing people. Human people, I should add.  Gloriously imperfect, but accepting people willing to give you a chance, help you when you need help and accept you into the community.

So fighting over whether or not to raise a rainbow flag seems like an unnecessary and misplaced distraction in light of the unity we all seek with each other during these historic, challenging times.

To put it another way,

I am not a flag.

I am your neighbor.

I shovel snow.
I grow tomatoes in my garden.
I watch your house for safety,
And you watch mine.
We share the neighborhood,
The laughter of the children,
The alarms of distress,
The roads,
The garbage collection,
The first responders,
The schools,
The town square. 

I am not a flag.

I am a co-worker. 
We share the donuts.
We come to work,
Joke about hours,
Work with each other,
Get things done, so that
We can support our families,
Buy groceries,
Pay our taxes,
Live better lives.

I am not a flag.

I am a human being.
I love. 
I love the only way I know how.
And I marry,
Sharing fully my commitment
With the love of my life.

I am not a flag.
I am not a rainbow.

I am one of you.