Today I had a fabulous lunch with good friends while our kiddies slept in their portacots in the bedrooms. My friends were so excited to hear all about the opening week of Embrace and the highs and lows of all I'd encountered. It was so cathartic to talk about what has been one of the most interesting/crazy/emotional weeks of my life!
As the day was drawing to a close, my friend Natalie asked me, 'I was wondering though... Why is it specifically gay inclusion you care about most passionately?' I suppose as a straight person, some people probably wonder this issue has provoked such a big response in me as technically, it doesn't affect me personally. I thought I'd share my answer with you all.
I'm very aware that as fate (or biological determination) would have it - I am indeed a straight person. I'm also in a loving opposite-sex relationship that has seen an engagement, marriage, babies, travel and fun - spread over nearly eleven wonderful years.
I bet not once, in any of the happiness I've shared with Mark did anyone out there hold my choices up to any morality barometer and ask themselves, 'Um, do I approve of this?!'
Every time Mark and I progressed in our journey, we were met with squeals of delight, hugs, kisses and high-fives. Knowing others aren't so lucky (and are even terrified of being honest with those they care about), I have never taken this support for granted.
I'm acutely aware that had the cards have fallen another way, and my sexuality been same-sex, I may not have been so lucky and this motivates me to make a constructive difference.
To me, striving to equalise people in our laws starts at a grassroots level. That is, perceiving the human experience as universally equal. That's where the mission of Embrace comes in and why I care so passionately about this organisation.
Also as a mother, I want a more compassionate and equal world for my children to grow up in - no matter who they reveal themselves to be in time.
Kate x
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