At work I found a message in my mail. U-Pride invited me for lunch. The first time I heard of U-Pride. Employer, the city of Utrecht, had a pink network? Why in gods name?!… But I’m gay, forever young and I really like parties. So I went. Cause let’s be honest. A gay lunch! That sounds as camp as a row of tents with glitterballsandwiches!

Up to the highest floor of our brand new city hall. At first I thought I got out on the wrong floor. No Lady Gaga. No Madonna. No Abba. Nothing. And all the people looked just like normal human beings. This couldn’t be right. But my curiosity took over, and the sandwiches ogled like marines on shore leave. So I took bold steps in my trendy shoes, and swayed my hips towards the crowd. I listened…

Pink head
I found out that even within the government work environment there are places where people feel threatened. I never feel threatened at work. If someone asks for a fag, I raise my finger with a loud ‘helloooo’. Just in case they desire me. And now these stories. In shock my head blushed pink. Instantly my wrists turned limp. I’d get aggressive if I could stand the sight of blood.

I never stand on barricades, because that is very hard to do in stiletto heels. I don’t wave flags, unless the colours match my clothes and I don’t care for demonstrations. Unless of course, it’s a dance demonstration. Because, who doesn’t like a nice fat salsa. All of a sudden a pink network seemed necessary. So I decided to join the club.
Províded they give parties of course…
Inside…
I will not let my hair get ruined!

Prejudices are correct
I admit, some prejudices are correct. I know, for example, that I have a fabulous taste in clothes. Let’s face it, I’ve been in the closet for years! Prejudices do exist. No, getting around it. I’ve got them myself.

After 26 years and 11 months, I found out the closet could open and immediately sashayed to my bff. Drank a rosé wine and told her to stop hoping. I was almost insulted how totally nót surprised she reacted. I urged her to warn me when, all of a sudden my wrists would turn limp. Convinced as I was that some gay virus would eagerly devour my joints.

I…
I don’t have limp wrists. I dó scream like a girl when I’m scared. I also cry over movies. I love Lady Gaga ánd Madonna. I don’t like football. As a matter of fact, I don’t like balls at all. (Well… J) I hate to see the bottom of a glass. Which is strange since I’ve bottomed for years. And oh… I am kind to my mother!

A building filled with family
So now they walk around freely in city hall. Sometimes conspicuous, most of the time not. Most of the time openly pink, sometimes forced to be mousey. But still, a happy thought for me. A building filled with family. Everywhere I look, I see aunties passing by.

Party
And now it’s happening. After testing for 1 year, U-Pride officially takes-off. And I’ll be there. As a member, straight up and pulsating with pride. If possible front row, because I’m short and I don’t like looking at backs. And backs are only fun to look at if they’re really muscled. Maybe I’ll even hold a little rainbow flag in my hand. Provided my wrist can handle the weight…

By the way, everybody is welcome. Éven normal human beings!