Thanks for this. I've never considered myself to be LGBT although technically I guess I am. (Transgender) And I've never participated in an LGBT-related event. You mentioned not coming out to grandparents. I never came out to anyone until I finally (awkwardly) spilled the beans to my wife in the process of trying to delete myself from this level of reality, so to speak. It turned out she didn't care to know anything about it... and still doesn't. So it's don't ask / don't tell around here. And, even at that, I didn't spill EVERYTHING... and never will. (Some things are, perhaps, best kept to oneself?)

I recall that, several years ago now, I happened on some LGBT rings on eBay. And, for some reason, I really wanted one. I "talked" about it with a few on-line acquaintances I had at the time. And they convinced me I didn't really "qualify". (I don't know... perhaps they were right.) Anyway, as it happened, I found a silver Navaho-made ring that has different color squares of minerals & shell across the top. I bought it right away. And it turned out it fit my pinkie finger perfectly. So that's where I wear it. To me, it has the appearance of an LGBT ring. But no one else would likely make that association. (I've had a number complements on it over the ensuing years though.) And although it's not an LGBT ring, when I wear it, it reminds me of that part of me nobody knows at all.

I've sometimes wondered what it would be like to attend a Pride event. But I'm pretty certain I never will. I wouldn't have any way to get there. Plus I dislike crowds as well as noise and commotion. So even if I did figure out a way to get to one I likely wouldn't enjoy it. I prefer to keep to myself as much as possible.

Happy LGBT PRIDE 2022!!!

P.S. In retrospect, this turned out to be sort-of a lack-of-pride post. To the extent that is the case, I offer my apologies. Pride of any sort has always been something I've not had a lot of.