BLOW/pony

I'm sitting in a coffeeshop on West Burnside St. in Portland, Oregon.  It's simply called The Coffeeshop Northwest.  I ordered a coffee in a ceramic mug, and was told that the beans are roasted here.  I asked the about the baguette sandwiches wrapped in wax paper and tied with a string.  Come to find out every part of the sandwich is local from the bread to the meat.  That's typical of Portland.  People are interested in local and sustainable foods and services, but without the snobbery and self-righeousness you might expect.  In fact, people here are downright friendly and laid back.  Maybe it's the rain although in the week that I've been here it's been more sunny than rainy.

Our 2nd night in Portland my friend took us out to a once-a-month event called Blow Pony.  I still haven't figured out where the name comes from.  It's not from the various implications you might associate with such a name.  Instead the mission statement reads:

Created due to a callout in our queer community for unity and a place where all our sisters, brothers, others and allies felt safe, welcomed and loved.  We've been riding strong since 2007!

Our concerns are earth liberation, animal liberation, queer liberation, women's liberation, trans liberation, indigenous peoples liberation and searching the dumpsters for more trash!!

There's a big sign at the entrance making it known that if you are racist, homophobic, sexist, or just generally do not like hard-partyin' weirdos, this is not the party for you.  And they mean it.  Not long after we arrived the DJ announced that "This is a queer party. It's not okay to be rude.  This is a safe space for everyone."

The music spanned every dance genre imaginable and everyone was dancing and having a blast.  People were jumping around and what was most impressive is that people were smiling and laughing.  Could this really be true?  People having a good time and being friendly to each other?  After a couple hours of dancing the DJ stopped the music for an announcement:

I was just near the bathroom and heard someone make a nasty comment about someone.  This is a safe space for everyone to be accepted and expressed.  If you want to be nasty go somewhere else.  We won't tolerate your nastiness here.

That was followed by an uproar of applause and acclamation!  The music and merriment continued.

Kindness, laughter and smiles are contagious.  Be as generous as you can with these qualities.  When enough people are self-expressed, passionate and kind the world will follow.  Be part of this movement to throw your arms open as wide as possible in acceptance.  Join this movement to awaken joy, generosity and kindness.  Practice daily.  There's no better time to start than right now.