A few weeks ago, we had a thought-provoking conversation with our close friends who are strong supporters of the 2SLGBTQIIA+ community. During our gathering, we recounted an unsettling incident that occurred during our 2SLGBTQIIA+ Pickleball sessions at a local court. An individual intruded upon us, questioning our gender identities and the display of Pride flags. Over multiple weeks, this person also repeatedly returned and took photos of us without consent. Our friends were present during these incidents and expressed their discomfort and anger towards the man’s presence.

Although I was saddened to learn about my friend’s discomfort because of this individual, it provided a valuable opportunity for someone who does not experience discrimination based on their sexual orientation to gain insight into the daily challenges faced by many 2SLGBTQIIA+ individuals. This experience was both eye-opening and unsettling, as it shed light on the feeling of being unsafe. It serves as a reminder that everyone deserves to feel safe and secure.

The conversation started with our friends clarifying their intentions – that they meant no disrespect and they innocently raised doubts about the importance of our Pride flags during Pickleball playtimes. The underlying sentiment suggested that removing the flags might create a safer environment (and it’s worth noting that other players shared this same inquiry). I was delighted by their trust in us to ask such questions and acknowledge their lack of understanding. It sparked a meaningful conversation about the importance of Pride flags and the repercussions of succumbing to homophobia by removing them.

So, why not remove the Pride Flags and just play Pickleball? It’s a valid question, but for our community, it goes beyond just a game. It’s about creating a haven, a sanctuary. The flags serve as a beacon, assuring our community members that they are embraced in a safe space, among like-minded individuals. Moreover, the flag acts as a deterrent, filtering out those who harbour prejudice and intolerance. Nobody should be subjected to such negativity while engaging in a healthy activity (and I have experienced negativity with other Pickleball clubs).

Displaying flags may make us “political,” but our lives and rights are deeply intertwined with policies and current events. Merely by existing, we inherently engage in politics, as we grapple with constant questions about our freedom to love and marry whom we choose and how we govern our bodies. We are not simply individuals gathering for a game of Pickleball; we are a unified force committed to championing our community and paving the way for future generations. We have a choice: to let these questions linger unanswered or to proudly raise our flag – in all its vibrant colours – and make our voices heard.

Furthermore, by keeping the Pride Flag up, we are also actively demonstrating our support for others who may not feel comfortable enough to come out in their environment. That includes allies as well as members of the 2SLGBTQAII+ community. We can show them that we are here for them and that they have a safe place to express their true selves, should they choose to do so.

It’s easy to take pride in our flag – it stands for love, acceptance, and unity. We stand in solidarity and proudly acknowledge the struggles of our community members by keeping the Pride Flag flying high.

After engaging in a meaningful conversation that evening, our friends expressed gratitude for the safe space we provided for them to share their lack of understanding. It allowed them to explore important questions.

If you’ve ever pondered the significance of the “A” in the 2SLGBTQIIA+ acronym (please note: there are multiple “A”s: Asexual, Allies, +), I hope this story serves as a powerful demonstration of what it means to be an ally to the 2SLGBTQIIA+ community.

Let’s summarize how to be an Ally from the steps our friends took:

• Realize that experiencing a sense of safety signifies a level of privilege that is not universally afforded.

• Embrace what you don’t know without fear and educate yourself.

• Seek a supportive environment for questioning and discovery.

• Practice active listening.

• Remain open to having your perspective transformed.

• Once you have acquired new knowledge, become an advocate and amplify the voices of diverse individuals.