Life Without Shame

I'm not a fan of certain words because of their connotations in the historical realm. While I'm a Bills fan, I don't particularly like the use of "mafia" because of where I perceive it entering the zeitgeist. I'm especially weary of it after the 5/14 massacre and the memories I had of Columbine. The perpetrators of those heinous acts were radicalized by ideologies built on othering and hate. Ideas of identity built on division. They were proud in the paleness of their complexion.

I've never understood hate for others simply based on how they look or who they choose to love.

I would say in the same vein, I'm not a fan of the word "pride" as a monicker for celebrating non-heteronormative proclivities. But there's something about the process of othering that irks me more - the shaming of an internal want that is more natural than what is considered normal. So with that in mind I wanted to provide a touch stone for what Pride is really about - not being ashamed for who you are!

That's why I'm making 🌈Pride week my opening week for the T-Shirt store I've been working on. You might say this is all just "shameless" self-promotion. But isn't that the point😏?