In case you don’t know it already, I’ve had a busy month. This is the first Pride Month I’ve actively taken part in here in Sydney. “Why?” you might ask. Simple answer is that I haven’t felt welcome or safe as an LGBT+ Community member to do so in my area. Then last year happened with Western Sydney Rainbow Connections and taking part in the LGBT+ Writing Competition. The more I became involved with Western Sydney Rainbow Connections, the more I started to see the pieces of the community that did support and love me (my colours and all!). Today, I took part in the Village Cafe, an outreach program for the local community. I was there representing the LGBT+ Community (myself) and also Likemind Community Outreach AND Western Sydney Rainbow Connections.

I was nervous going in. It was being hosted in an area I used to work in as a teacher once upon a time. An area where being LGBT+ I wasn’t entirely safe. After all, it was just the other day, my husband was walking in the next suburb over and was called a fa***t. Though we are making steps towards an inclusive community, we still have a long way to go.

I’ll admit at first I wasn’t sure if we were keenly welcome. There were rainbow flags put up to denote Pride Month, so that was amazing, but I found any signs of LGBT+ Outreach lacking.

But then again, it dawned on me, why didn’t I bring in some things to promote? After all, I am there for the LGBT+ Community, Likemind and WSRC, so perhaps I’ll need to better prepare myself. I’ll need to go back to WSRC with some ideas as to how I can better represent my community. I could bring in LGBT+ information, buttons, stickers, etc. All I would need to do is connect with the Village Cafe organisers I’m sure.

And then again, it dawned on me, how the hell did I get into this position? Someone who was terrified of the community now facing it head on and saying, “I’m here. I’m queer. Are you? You’re safe. You aren’t? Doesn’t matter. You’re still safe with me.” WHO AM I EVEN NOW?

Another reason why I didn’t feel keenly welcome was the fact that there was a moment where I sat down at a table to start introducing myself to people and within a minute they all left the table without further conversation. Some were members of the community. Others were like myself part of an Outreach Program. My husband and I and the ally we were with quietly excused ourselves from the couple people left to get a free coffee and discuss what we were feeling. As an LGBT+ Community member, I’m sorry to say I’m used to situations like this where it’s clearly evident that our mere presence makes people uncomfortable.

The conversation I had with our ally friend helped. I could have left right then and there. I could have said well I tried and they didn’t want me. I was tempted. My husband was too, but we went back and joined a colouring book table which became a very happy accident.

The colouring pages was actually run by a local artist, Rhonda Dee. You can see her work on her Instagram here. We had a wonderful discussion regarding art (colours) and how it affects my mood and has changed me in many ways. I no longer bite my nails, for example, to preserve the beautiful colours and patterns I create. I use colours around my eyes to give me a voice and authenticity to my Non-Binary identity. It was an amazing conversation. I really suggest checking her work out.

I also had wonderful conversations with the Penrith Council Members and more and more I’m seeing such a willingness from them to help make the LGBT+ Community more seen. I started talking about the Inclusive Writing Groups I wanted to start and how my husband and I want to see more LGBT+ Artists seen more (more so for the independents). The afternoon soon was lost on us as we disappeared down the rabbit hole of conversation and a few coffees later, the highlight of the day happened for me. If had not stayed, I would have missed it.

A young LGBT+ person came to the Village Cafe. With them was their family. I was introduced to them as they were looking for more LGBT+ outreach. We connected in our frustrations as to how little there was a public community or a place for us to go to feel safe, seen and socialise. It’s a huge need in the Penrith Area. I could hear the frustration in the mother’s voice as she expressed to me that need for that safe space. I heard the pride in her voice for her LGBT+ child. I was in awe. I spoke to the youth and listened. Agreeing on many things and bonding over sparkles, colour and Beetlejuice. It was a great moment and it had me leaving the Village Cafe wanting to do more. Not just the youth but for all ages.

The Village Cafe could be one of many starting points for inclusivity in Western Sydney.

I want to do more.

Want to know about Village Cafe? Here is some more information.