the wrong end of the telescope

I wore purple today. Not because I think it'll solve the problem of gay teen bullying, or because I think easy-to-follow campaigns are the answer to all the most serious problems. No, my reasoning was very simple.

I wore purple today because visibility does mean something, because turning around and seeing ten purple shirts and a rainbow pin can make you feel like yes, they exist, I'm not alone. And that sounds cheesy and that sounds stupid, but only if you've never sat in a room and known without a doubt that you are the only one.

I have a straight friend who says she doesn't understand why queer people have to choose to stand out (not in reference to this campaign) because sex is a private thing, and I sighed before answering, because I'm tired of explaining just how exhausting it is to constantly have to say it or choose not to. Of course some people dress in a way that makes it obvious; being visible can be dangerous but it can also make things easier. Of course she doesn't understand, she's never had to think about it.

More seriously, the relief of seeing allies around you, that's the point of this campaign. To demonstrate that we are not alone and we can stand together, as stupid and cheesy as that sounds, it's a first step at remaking the visual makeup of the world. Things were a little less normative today.