Different
Strokes...
Channels
and Psychics and GAYS, Oh My!
by Stephanie Maciel
print version
Sedona
is a plethora of fascinating people, from hippies to timeshare
sales men/women, the townspeople are anything but boring. The
greatest thing about our community is the level of acceptance
and tolerance of differences that prevails.
I have
lived in Sedona for 13 years and am grateful for the acceptance
and support the community has given me. Several years ago, I
“came out” in an article in a local paper and wasn’t certain how
it would be received. To my great relief, things went rather
well.
by Stephanie
Maciel,
Founder &
CEO of
Creative
Printing
I’d all but
forgotten about the article when a customer from a large firm
called and asked if it had hurt my business. I stood up, looked
out the window of my office, and saw a lobby full of people.
“No, apparently not,” I replied.
While some
people were shocked, they all felt I was courageous and admired
my honesty. Not one negative consequence came from it. Many
customers came forward to tell me how proud they were of my
willingness to stand in the truth of whom I am.
Of course
gay is only a tiny portion of who I am.
A
professional woman, community minded, eclectic and independent,
in many ways I’m just like everyone else. I put my shoes on the
same way, I own a home, two cats and a dog. I’m grateful for
parents who love and accept me and for a thriving business in a
beautiful town. For me, it’s all about being joyful and at ease
with myself.
While I
don’t feel the need to shout my personal life from the rooftop,
I certainly am not ashamed of who I am. When I’m talking with a
customer, I don’t announce “I’m gay.” After all, you wouldn’t
say, “Guess what, I’m heterosexual,” would you? But if people
ask, I have no problem telling them.
I am
extremely pleased with the introduction of this column. While
there is a large community of gay people in Sedona and the Verde
Valley, it is difficult to meet others of like mind. Other than
a monthly potluck, which not many know about (for info call
(928) 445-8800), there aren’t any bars or nightclubs that pursue
the gay community. I would love to see a small gay flag outside
an establishment to welcome gays or a weekly meeting place for a
collective, conscientious group to get together.
There is no
need to segregate – just include us.
I want to
dispel the myth that gay people are odd or different. I am an
example of that. When people see that, they lose their issues.
If I could educate the people in Sedona, dismiss the stereotype,
and help them understand how much alike we are, I would find
that very rewarding.
This
monthly column can be a great way to do just that.
How
wonderful to have a platform to speak out from, to share issues
or information. Other’s can contribute from the gay viewpoint
and share their experiences, or questions can be e-mailed, (stephanie@redrockreview.com)
which I will happily answer.
It’s a good
way to let others know, hey we’re safe here, come out and play.
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