I was at the hairdresser the other day getting my color refreshed and a light trim and came out looking gorgeous (well, for me.) Someone complimented me and added that I was so Brave (yeah, I could hear the capital B) to be out living as myself. Probably all of us who go out on a regular basis have heard the same thing. And I do understand what they meant. But it kinda abraded me...
I'm NOT brave for getting my hair done in a hairdresser -- everyone in that shop was there to get their hair done. And I'm not brave for shopping for groceries -- everyone in the supermarket is there to do that. Likewise eating a meal at a restuarant or going to a theater to see a movie aren't brave acts -- they're just me living. Don't tell me I'm brave. Tell the people who try to stop me from being out there that they're cowards (and jerks) for trying to oppress and intimidate others. We don't need the general public to admire us, we need them to condemn the people and the mindset and the culture that make what we do potentially risky.
But I just said thank you and how it was kind of them to say and went on my way. Hopefully they felt good about it and will tell their friends and let their experience speak at the ballot box. But there are days, I feel like people need a good shaking...