A love letter

I'm so proud. So. Proud.

A little over a year ago I was thinking "here goes the Forssa Pride Parade" every time I walked outside in Forssa.

This past May I lost my "Only lesbian in the village" status when I met Noora. On that faithful July evening when we came up with the idea of Forssa Pride Party, we had no idea if we could secure a location for it, let alone if people would show up. Now, a week removed from it, I am so proud to say it was a total success. Beyond my wildest expectation. You never know with these things, based on how many people liked the Facebook page (72), and how many said they were going to come (42), I was hoping it would be more than just me, Noora and my friends. But Never in my wildest dreams would I have expected 184 people to be there. Never. That little crazy idea me and Noora had, moved 182 other people. And not just from Forssa, or the neighboring towns, No. They came from Rauma, Turku, Tampere and Helsinki. Way over 100km away. To experience something different. To support a little town event. To meet new people.

I feel blessed, and that's not a word I usually use, because I associate it with religion, and we all know how I feel about religion. But I truly feel blessed right now. Everybody we asked for help or for advice or to do something for our event said yes. Eino made a fabulous poster and when I asked if he could adapt it for badge format, he did it. When I asked Pirkanmaan Seta for the badge machine, not only did they tell me where to get it, they promised to pay for the badges, got it for me and made the badges. They even tried to organize a bus transportation from Tampere and back. My friends, even though they probably thought I was crazy, promised to show up and support me. I gave interviews to 2 local news papers/magazines and gave on to a regional radio. And on Friday people came to shake my hand and thanking me for organizing the party. I met so many new people that I don't even remember them all. Got some new friends. And all the feedback we've gotten, whether before or after the party, has been nothing but positive. People had fun and are ready to come again. And the owners said they'd be open to it. So it looks like this might turn into a bi-annual or maybe trice-a-year event. How cool is that?

And it's not just the party. I was approach about starting a support group for lgb people in Forssa. We had a meeting about it yesterday and in 3 weeks time we'll have the first meeting. And I'm leading it. How crazy is that? Me, leading a group? I hate public speaking, I hate having all eyes on me, and here I am about to lead a support group. It's awesome, and crazy and wonderful and I really don't know which way to turn right now.

So thank you for everyone who had a part in making the first (of many) Forssa Pride Party a success. I really really appreciate each and every one of you for your support and participation and hope to see you at the next party, if not at the meetings.