Phoenix Pride 2015

I sit here completely and utterly exhausted, and yes a bit sunburned. This morning found me rising early, and getting ready to head out for the Phoenix Pride Parade. A stop at the grocery store for donuts for the group, then head on over to the staging area. While waiting for Daddy Mark to arrive to take us further in to the actual staging area, we ran into Sir Joe and Cub G at Starbucks. We gathered around the car, and I asked Cub G to take a picture of me. This was not just any picture, in reality it looks like any other picture...me in my vest wearing a bootblack t-shirt. But if you look carefully, not just any t-shirt. A t-shirt designed by a very special bootblack, Tabitha Arie Fischer. The graphic is a boot comprised of many single words, words Tabitha collected from bootblacks all over. Each word explains what bootblacking means to the individual who sent it to Tabitha. I chose this shirt for a special reason. 

While Phoenix was celebrating Gay Pride, Tabitha Arie was in San Jose, competing for the title of International Ms Bootblack 2015. This was not her first attempt, she was determined to compete until she won. The contest was over last night, and once again, Tabitha was announced as 1st runner up. My heart broke for her, and I felt that by wearing the shirt she designed, I was able to show her and the world that no matter what a panel of judges decided...I thought she was a winner. When I posted the pic, it was with the caption...'channeling Tabitha Arie'. How was I to know what was happening in San Jose at that moment in time. 

It was just a short time later, that the announcement came across Facebook that a mistake had been made, and Tabitha actually won the contest. Excitement abounded among our group. She finally reached her goal. Tabitha made history. That is her story to tell, what I will say is this:

I have watched her grow, have been judged by her and have learned from her. Because of Tabitha, I am a better bootblack, a better person. She has taught me that it is ok to go after your dreams, no matter what others think. In some ways, I was like her. I competed several times in my quest for a Bootblack title. Tabitha was instrumental in showing me that it was ok to go against the norms, and break out of the box that society wanted to keep me in. 

Just as I have stated before....our physical bodies do not determine how good of a bootblack you are. I encourage anyone who has a dream to go forth and do the work it takes to make the dream a reality. 

The next year is going to be amazing....for me, for Tabitha, and if you want it....for you!