Speaking Up: A Little Story
Once upon a time, there was a shy parent who always struggled with speaking up in public. They had always been shy and reserved, but joining a new group (CCGA) sparked a desire to build confidence, especially for the sake of their child.
One day, this parent found themselves at a fabric store, searching through pattern books for a specific sewing pattern. The children were restless and crying, and the parent’s anxiety was building. They thought, surely, there must be an easier way to find the pattern. Summoning their courage, they went to the service desk and stood there, waiting patiently until someone finally came to help.
When the service helper arrived, the parent asked for the pattern they needed without much detail. They hesitated, but then a wave of determination washed over them. This was their moment to speak up.
“I need this pattern for my daughter who is transgender,” the parent explained. “There are no undies out there that accommodate transgender girls.”
To their surprise and delight, the service helper smiled warmly and said, “I’m transgender too!”
In that moment, a beautiful connection was made. The service helper was so moved by the parent’s courage that they decided to join the upcoming launch of the group the parent had joined.
The parent left the store with not just the pattern they needed, but also a newfound sense of confidence and a new friend who understood their journey.
And so, they learned that speaking up, no matter how hard it seems, can lead to wonderful and unexpected connections.
The end. 🌈🏳️⚧️
Cody just got out of bed to say, “Mummy, you need to know tomorrow is rainbow and Bluey day so you have to wear proper clothes like me. I am wearing rainbow pants, rainbow top and Bluey jumper. But you can take your jacket incase you get cold!”
Thanks, IGA! – From Alice
My Story… I have lived in the same small town in the Coffs Coast region for many years and we have a locally-owned supermarket. They have seen my daughter and I shop there before and after her affirmation. The other day, before we went shopping, my daughter had asked me to plait her hair, so I did. We collected our groceries and lined up at the register. The person serving us smiled at me. I asked my daughter to collect a box to hold our groceries which she swiftly set off to do and as she was gone, the person at the register said, “Her hair looks adorable, is it OK if I tell her?” I smiled back and said, “I am sure she would love that, thank you for checking first”. My daughter loved the compliment and as we were leaving the store she commented how kind the people are in our town. I am so pleased to see people within our community showing respect and affirmation in the most kind and simple ways. I never want to leave! – Thank you IGA
LGBTQI+ groups join forces in Mardi Gras float to ‘block out the hate’ in NSW mid north coast
