Gay Pride month is not about a lifestyle
Happy Pride month, y’all. Sometimes I wish we had Dallas Gay Pride in June like the rest of the world, but then I think how freaking hot it has been and how awful it would be to be on a float in drag on a 99 degree day. So yay! Happy Dallas Gay Pride in September.
A friend of mine sent me this piece he wrote. He was inspired by his gay Pride and saddened by a recent Supreme Court ruling. Caine Langford beautifully asks the question that many of us would like the answer to.
“I don’t agree with that lifestyle.”
I heard someone say that in a news report the other day in reference to the Supreme Court ruling about the Colorado baker not wanting to bake a cake for a wedding. I questioned what about our “lifestyle” would someone not agree with?
Do you have neighbors? We are your neighbor. We take care of our home, the lawn and the landscaping so that the neighborhood shows well to visitors. We bring in our waste cans on a timely basis so they don’t clutter up the street. We participate in the Neighborhood Watch program so our homes are more secure. We work from home, so we pay attention to what’s happening on our street during daylight hours when you are more than likely not home and we will contact the authorities to help protect our properties. We wave when we see children playing in the yard and we drive slowly through our neighborhood in case one darts out to retrieve a ball.
Do you have children? We do now. We fought for guardianship of our niece and nephew because their parents were unable to properly care for them. This allowed the kids to attend a high school where they will graduate with an associate’s degree in a few years and go onto a university without debt. Our niece has shown an interest in modeling and has become much more confident in the way she conducts and handles herself. Our nephew has his eye on an MBA in the future, which for a freshman in high school to have the foresight to look that far ahead is incredible.
Do you have pets? We rescue. Over the years we’ve rescued a number of dogs who are typically seniors or disabled in some form. Most people looking to adopt want a younger, healthy dog. These older or challenged dogs need our love as well, so our hearts are open to providing for all the health needs, belly rubs, and snacks that are required.
Do you hug or kiss your spouse in public? We don’t. Please don’t think we’re ashamed or worried about a public display of affection. A simple nudge or a silly face to each other is enough for us to display our affection.
We pay our taxes, we shop locally, we are quiet people who live our lives and happen to be a married gay couple. We were both raised in rural Midwestern states and like most people, we didn’t feel comfortable in our own skins till our mid-20s. Accepting ourselves wasn’t a choice or a decision, it’s who we are just like accepting we’ll never be good at music or being an artist. We were both taught to treat other people as we want to be treated. We listen and try to accept others who we may not understand. We give of ourselves and expect nothing in return.
So please help me understand — how do you not agree with our lifestyle?
And now for a question from our audience… and yes, this was a real question sent to me.
Hi, Cassie! Hope you’re well! A fun question: would you rather be a vampire or a werewolf or something else? If a were-creature, what animal for your red-tide once-a-month changing? Thanks! The Werelion
Dearest Werelion, I can’t even call you weird for sending in this question, because you know I have thought, even dreamt, of this scenario. A vampire would be cool mostly for the not ageing thing. As a drag queen of a certain age, I would definitely drink blood and kill a few folks to stay young. Don’t judge me, I would only eat really bad people like jerks that are cruel to animals or Nickleback fans.
I’d be OK being a werewolf, too. Or possibly a weredragon that could fly. And if any of you tell me that I couldn’t be a dragon because they don’t exist I would politely slap the shit out of you. This whole scenario is fantasy, dumbass.
This question actually reminds me of my youth. When I was a kid, actually I was in my teens, I went through a phase where I tried to convince one friend that I had powers like a witch. Another friend I tried to convince I was bitten by a vampire, I went so far I even cut my neck with a razor so it looked like I had bite marks. I was a really weird 14-year-old.
I got a book from the library on lycanthropy and learned one myth of becoming a werewolf was to sleep outside, on a Friday under a full moon. I tried it, it didn’t work, but I still tried to convince my friends that it was going to work someday and I would be a powerful werewolf.
Looking back I think I just wanted to be someone that I wasn’t. Someone not gay. If I was powerful or scary no one would care if I was gay. Now I know I did transform into something strong and powerful; first I accepted that I was gay and that made me strong. I started doing drag and that made me powerful. My transformation is complete. The sun goes down, the make-up goes on and no one is safe! I am a werequeen!
Remember to always love more, bitch less and be fabulous! XOXO, Cassie Nova.
If you have a question or comment, email it to AskCassieNova@gmail.com.
