Hi, My Name is Skadia and I'm a Lesbian

     This isn't how the world works, when someone introduces themselves. It is however, how the world judges. I wanted to talk a bit about how I've been seen differently as a lesbian in just every day normal life. Some of my friends can't believe when I tell them things like this, but when they see it, they all seem to understand a bit more.

     "I don't want a dyke to touch my food." So my day job when I'm not writing is working at a movie theater. I really do love my job and the company is the most accepting that I have ever worked for. Being a lesbian doesn't matter to them. They are even super cool with Trans and just about anything else short of illegal activities. I have honestly had guests waiting in line, only that when I call them they wave me off or ignore me. Only to go to someone's register next to me and gripe 'under their breath' that they cannot imagine why anyone would let 'people like that serve food'. I've even had co-workers hear people talking about the 'stupid dyke who wouldn't -insert whatever rule I followed here-' It happens, a lot more than people realize.

     "You people should all just go die." Again another extreme thing, but I've heard it more than once.

     "Fucking dykes!" This gem is generally yelled out of car windows most often while I am walking with my girlfriend just holding her hand and talking. Or playing pokemon go. Sitting too close will also get the came reaction. I've even had some homeless guy harass me just because my hair is short and for once I actually 'looked gay'. That was a long bus ride.

     I could honestly go on and on about what other's have said or done to me all over the simple fact that I love someone, but I won't. That's not the message I want to send. It's not about hate, it's about love. It's about not being alone in this world. I wanted to share these with you all because you are not alone. Don't let their words control you. Rise up. It sadly won't be going away, you will have to deal with it, so don't let words bother you. They truly don't matter. I mean come on, these people aren't paying your bills, their opinion shouldn't matter one bit. Sure, it can still hurt, but don't take these things personally. You're better than that.

     ~Skadia, the writing panther, who just happens to be gay.

Day of Remembering

     I want to step back and take a moment to talk about something. I didn't even realize we were at the one year mark of the Orlando Pulse shooting. I still remember seeing it. I remember reading the stories about the EMT's showing up and the only sound being cell phones ringing. It still brings tears to my eyes. One year ago, someone decided to take lives just because he didn't agree with how they lived. It still hurts. This month is LGBTQ Pride month, and I cannot be more proud to stand up for the rights that we have fought for. We have come so far, but we also have a long ways to go.

     Be brave, I know it's scary, and events like what happened at Pulse really drive it home on how hard some of us fight. But we can do it. Together. With love. Don't forget, you are never alone. Reach out, talk to friends, family, call a help line if you need too. I know I'm always here to talk to if you need to vent, or cry. Hit me up on Twitter or even message me on Facebook. You are loved, and you matter. Never forget.

All my love
~Skadia