Happy pride

Stolen from @jandersoncoats.bsky.social

My day job is at a rural branch of a public library, and we have a Pride display. Yesterday I was at the desk when a man came in. Fifties, maybe, or sixties. Plaid shirt, mesh trucker cap, suspenders. He went up to the display and just stood there for a long moment. Then he came up to the desk. 🧵 1/

Not gonna lie, I braced. I mentally ran through the spiel I’ve prepared for when someone complains about a display. Especially a Pride display. It doesn’t happen often, but it happens enough. Freedom to read. Something in the collection for everyone. Here’s my supervisor’s card. 2/

He glanced at the display. Then he ran a hand down his face. Graying whiskers. Sunbrowned. Then he said in a very quiet voice, “You know, when I was young, we weren’t … we could never…” And he gestured to David Levithan’s “Two Boys Kissing” with the cover that shows, well, two boys kissing. 3/

“Yeah,” I replied quietly. And I leaned closer and I asked, “Want me to go over there with you? Help you pick one?” 4/

Right away he shook his head and took a step back and sputtered, “No. Thank you. No. No.” Then he glanced at the display again and went on in this quiet, wistful voice, “But. I just … I’m glad you’re doing this. For the young ones.” 5/

“Yeah,” I said again. Then I said, “For you, too. These books are here for everyone.”

He nodded. Looked at the display. Stood in front of the desk for a moment. Looked at the display again.

Then away he went toward the holds area. 6/

It kinda broke my heart, if I’m honest. But he’s not ready, and that’s okay. I hope he is one day. But today is not that day.

So it’s okay if you’re not ready. Maybe one day you will be. The books are always here. They will be waiting for you when you are ready. 7/7