We kicked off T's summer by marching in Canada's largest Pride parade and championed freedom to information.
I have a leadership role on my work's Pride employee group and was part of the team that organized our march.
For the second year, we chose the theme of intellectual freedom and reused signs from last year, a mix of slogans such as "Freedom to Read 'Em" and of book titles frequently challenged for featuring 2SLGBTQ+ content.
I carried the sign featuring "And Tango Makes Three" (below), one of my favourite picture books I read to T at bedtime, which tells the true story of two male penguins that raised a baby penguin.
With anti-2SLGBTQ+ sentiment rising around the world, and libraries facing increased intellectual freedom challenges, it is more important than ever to speak up against hate and intolerance.
If you don't want to read books featuring gay people, don't read them. If you don't want to watch a drag queen lead a storytime, don't join in. But don't tell others what they can read and enjoy.
As our group neared the entry point of the parade, a woman stood in the middle of the street and started screaming semi-incoherently for us to repent or we would go to hell.
We ignored her and carried on with our message of love, respect and tolerance.
That really is the best way to respond.
The hubby is draped in the rainbow flag and T is wearing his cute new tilly hat.
T marched with us last Pride and he asked to march with us again.
I told the hubby to meet my colleagues and I close to the start of our entry into the parade, to lessen T's wait in the loud crowded muster area and minimize chances for disregulation.
Aside from a few cranky impatient moments, T did great - and my heart is full.
One of my colleagues noted he was more outgoing this year.
My heart swelled watching him hand beads and our stickers - with messaging such as "Be Open," "Be Curious," "Be Brave," - to kids and older adults sitting on camping chairs.
Our dog lover zeroed in on a few adorable pups along the way.
He shoved his way through a crowd to grab a photo with our mayor, Olivia Chow; also the wife of the late great Canadian NDP leader Jack Layton.
I am so proud of this kid.
He drives me crazy on a daily basis and his FASD makes some days hard. But on days like the Pride parade, his true self shines brightly.
As I was waiting in the chaotic crowded muster area with a few colleagues before we entered the parade, T came to hug me. It was his way of regulating himself.
Lady Gaga's iconic "Born This Way" came on a nearby marcher's portable speakers and the words resonated deeply at that moment.
"I'm beautiful in my own way
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way.
Don't hide yourself in regret
Just love yourself and you're set
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way."
I always felt that a higher force brought T into the hubby and my life and it likely would not have happened without him being born with FASD.
Life worked out in this way - and we're on the right track baby, he was born this way.
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