The Melting Pot
Someday, the world-at-large will be like the breakfast table at which I sat at on Saturday, June 13.
My partner and I were up in Flagstaff for Pride in the Pines, and we stayed at the marvelous, gay-owned Starlight Pines Bed & Breakfast.
I was nervous at first, sitting at the table with three other couples — two gay and two straight — wondering what, if anything, the eight of us could possibly have in common. But my fears dissipated quickly as a lively conversation ensued about everything from travel, to politics to pop culture (yes, that was my topic, ha!). I realized quickly that all of us — eight complete strangers — had more in common than I could have ever imagined.
As I sat at that table, listening to the other’s stories about life and sharing my own, I got to thinking that our small group was just a microcosm of what could be in the future.
Sure, we talked about politics — one of the couples was from Britain so they were very aware of all the happenings in the U.S. — but we did so in a fashion that wasn’t threatening or compromising to anyone’s beliefs. Only conversation about Simon Cowell and Britney Spears elicited any type of disparity, but really, could there be any two more polarizing people in the world to describe at a breakfast table?
Sure, the straight couples knew in advance they were staying at a gay-owned B&B, so they knew sort of what to expect. But both couples were older — I would guess in their late 50s or early 60s — so their open-mindedness and willingness to share was refreshing, and it made me long for a world where diverse couples get together and chat about life all the time, not just because they all happen to be staying at the same B&B.
This is a world I truly believe will be a reality someday, but I think to get there, we have to do work with potential allies to continue to bridge that gap. Even I will admit to having preconceived notions about what was proper to talk about with two, older straight couples at a meal, but once I got over that, I felt truly blessed to be in their company.
Many of you will find yourself in situations like I did that morning, and it is my hope you will swallow your fears and be true to yourself around new people. You never know — a true ally relationship could be formed, and our community, while we stand together, thrives upon the allies we share our unique personalities with, one at a time. Sharing yourself is the best way to break down barriers. Don’t be afraid.
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