2020 Kilt, Courage and Inclusion

Ask yourself, what is something meaningful you did in the first three months of 2020 that social distancing now prevents you and others from doing? Sharing happy memories is an effective form of neuro-coupling creating a personal and relatable connection with people who are motivated by feeling the warmth and emotions of your positive experience. For some in the LGBTIQ community holding a ‘Virtual Pride’ this year may be a tortuous process. On 29 February 2020, donning my kilt proudly walking with the Scottish LGBTIQ Group Sydney Bravehearts in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is my favourite memory of the Australian Summer. After witnessing months of smoke-filled skies and hearing reports of the devastation caused by the worst bush fires in Australian history participating in the parade was the perfect opportunity to celebrate humanity. COVID-19 may have changed the trajectory of this year’s Pride season however, Mardi Gras 2020 took place representing everyone in the global LGBTIQ and wider community. We marched for you! Your inclusion in my experience strikes the flint of unity sparking the resolve to get through the fear of the uncertainty and challenging period ahead.

My grandparents described prolonged periods of economic hardship as a ‘golden age’. Community nourishment was encouraged with neighbours combining rations ensuring there was enough food for everyone when celebrating important events such as a wedding or birthday. Imagine how history will judge the hand sanitiser hoarders and fights in supermarkets over toilet paper. I have the rare autoimmune condition Addison’s disease and have previously been placed in an induced coma requiring a tracheotomy and ventilation to overcome septic shock. Upon learning my gym and boxing centre would temporarily close my emotions oscillated between frustration and understanding the gravity of the situation. I was concerned it would be more difficult to maintain my fitness. Adaptability and a modified training program meant I was able to exercise at home providing a break from endless Zoom meetings and a welcome distraction from noisy leaf blowers. I have discovered that distancing has enabled me to expand my network of friends and include others in activities that I enjoy. For example, I have participated in numerous LinkedIn fitness challenges teeming with a friend to complete 1000 push-ups in an hour and practice yoga on a livestream while discussing ways to combat feelings of isolation. We were several miles apart adhering to all distancing requirements!

The COVID-19 leadership agenda seems to be divided into four parts: political, business, health and groups or individuals sharing their story. Each of these segments is represented by people representing a different viewpoint of a virus that has a unique ability to orchestrate humanity. COVID-19 does not discriminate but has explosive consequences on the most vulnerable and marginalised members of society. It has exposed structural inequity and blown the whistle on the lack of preparation for pandemic by governments and organisations. We have encountered selfish behaviour and an alarming rise in the incidents of racism and harassment. If COVID-19 were an army general, I would say “you made a fundamental error underestimating the courage of humanity.” In the absence of a cure or vaccine motivation and positive thinking will only get us so far. Courage is making a substantial difference. Medical professionals reporting shortages of ventilators and protective equipment prompted governments, businesses and health authorities to act. We are inspired by 99-year-old army veteran Tom Moore raising millions of pounds for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden with his frame. Survivors of COVID-19 have courageously shared their frightening experience of ICU separated from their families and comforted by doctors and nurses.

I believe the community is coming together supporting others through the hard times by sharing the important things in life: laughter, health, happiness, family and friendships. I have ‘Courage’ and ‘Fear Nothing’ tattooed on my back. I have found sponsoring my weaknesses and fears with confidence, self-belief and collaborating with others is an effective strategy to counteract limitation. I want a better society where fairness is the expected standard and we all have access to opportunities. I look forward to wearing my kilt in the 2021 Sydney Mardi Gras sharing stories of courage, inclusion and a unifying voice of humanity.

#lgbtq #courage #inclusion #martinstark #pride