Thinking About Community on Canada Day

Everything is closed today, so I ran errands yesterday.  In one shop, the person at the register didn't say anything at first.  It took me awhile to put all my purchases on the belt, so I just went with it.  Then the phone rang beside her.  She answered it and spoke softly.  Her voice was deep and I noticed the scarf at her neck on a hot, hot day seemed to cover an Adam's apple.  Now, I love living here.  The bush is beautiful and the people are wonderful.  I've been heartily welcomed.  But it's a small town that works hard and plays hard.  The queer community is quiet.  I think, if I felt compelled to explore my sexuality or my gender here, anywhere, but particularly here, I would feel afraid.  I wanted to reach out.  I smiled and asked her about the busyness of the store and whether it looked like rain for Canada Day.  She was tentative, but warmed as we continued to chat.  She rang in my odds and ends and I noticed her jaunty ponytail and her careful lipstick and her hands.  She had the most beautiful hands.  I thought about what it would take to have nails that perfect.  She must soak and scrub and file and moisturise.  I hope that's a happy part of her day, a day that includes risk, rejection, microaggression, danger, and scrutiny.  I hope she has great support.  I hope she's safe.