I read a blog post today about tolerance vs. acceptance and it got me motivated to put into words something that has been in my head for a bit. I was in Toronto a couple of weeks ago now and had an interesting experience (on top of having a great trip). There is a neighbourhood there called Church-Wellesley. As I understand it, it is otherwise known as the gay neighbourhood. There is an LGBT community centre and evidence all around of rainbow flags and acceptance of gay people.
As a lesbian it was interesting to be in a place where it was so accepted. There is no such neighbourhood in Calgary where I live. I am sure this is partly due to the size of the city, but also partly culture. In some ways I really enjoyed being in the gay neighbourhood in Toronto. In other ways it was strange to me. My reaction wasn't what I expected.
I thought I would be happy to be in an area where I would be totally accepted for who I am. And I was, but on the other hand I felt like I shouldn't need a few block area to tell me that who I am is acceptable. This isn't a knock on Toronto, or the community there. I know that for so many people being gay feels unsafe and it must be nice to have a place to go where it feels safe. Maybe it is a result of figuring out my sexuality in my 30's. Maybe it is coming to terms with my sexuality while coming to terms with depression. I don't care as much about a lot of things that I used to, especially what other people think. Not sure I have the answers, only a feeling, and one that surprises me.
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