You are the Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow

In my previous career as an elementary school teacher, I often began the school year by reading the story of The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister to my new class of bright-eyed first graders.  More than half of my students were still learning English, getting used to a group setting where they had to learn the concept of taking turns, while their parents were either unfamiliar with the American public school system or eager to get their child settled in to a new routine.  Each new setting unavoidably produces initial feelings of social anxiety as all of us need and wish for a sense of belongingness in our social environment. My first lessons focused on building a community in my classroom; a collective group who would respect and share their cultural differences and value their uniqueness as an asset. I wanted my students and their families to know that our classroom celebrated who they are, where they come from, the languages they spoke, appreciated where they lived and valued what they have or do not have. 

When I read the story of the Rainbow Fish to my class, I used the main character's narcissist personality traits in addressing aspects of privilege, human condition, individual differences, pluralism, and globalism. For me, the fish symbolized all these qualities of existence. In actuality, the story was about this fish who swam in new waters and all the other plain-looking fish marveled at the Rainbow Fish's glimmering, colorful scales. Many of them asked him if they can have a sample of just one of his scales to brighten their own presentation.  Rainbow Fish haughtily said "No!" and swam away.  Pretty soon, the other fish realized that he was not interested in getting to know them; perceiving them inferior, so they left him alone.  Rainbow Fish became lonely. Realizing that beauty was not about parading one's advantage, Rainbow Fish began to share his colorful scales. Soon, his circle for friends and connection to the sea creatures grew. 

After our November 24, 2012, "Post-Thanksgiving Mixer with Our Rainbow Family" event, I fondly recalled those memories of my students and their families.  I thought about how I held those moments so near and dear to my heart.  It was a special segment of my life; an opportunity to build new relationships every year with new sets of families.  Just as in May of 2012, discovering and becoming involved in SGV API PFLAG would forever change my role as a mother.  After the November meeting, I wrote the following thank you note to my new Rainbow Family:

"Holidays come and go; the anticipation, anxiety, preparations, and ensuring that every aspect, word and deed, and that everyone is acknowledged, all come with the territory of consolidated events with family and friends whom we hold near and dear. This describes who each one of you are to us and with one another!

This past November SGV API PFLAG group meeting and "mixer", themed "Thanksgiving with Our Rainbow Family" was a special time in which we shared some of our memories in the past few months that we have known each other, and it was also a time to welcome new faces. 

Our group is filled with so much love and care.  It was as if our hearts and soul were served up on a silver platter; available for all to take part in its contents; its ingredients of:  vulnerability, trust, deep sense of kinship, honest sharing of frailty, of significant events in our own lives, of a collective purpose to always strive for justice, no matter what the color of our skin is, and most especially, who we are. 

It was a special honor to have each one of you, as individuals, to have shown and stayed at this gathering.  We shared tables and meals.  We shared smiles, laughter, well-wishes, and hugs.  We shared experiences; some borne out of deep-rooted culture.  SGV API PFLAG is a place of acceptance; of unconditional love; a venue to say what we feel; to cry when we need to; to practice how we are to move about the outside world who needs to become aware of the beauty of pure love.

Perhaps it takes me in so many words to express my sincerest gratitude for all that you are.  Having you as part of our meeting is a blessing indeed.  A simple "Thank you for being there" does not adequately convey how much you made a tremendous difference one another.

There is also one individual whose love and work sometimes goes unnoticed because he is part of the backbone and machinery of these gatherings.  I would like to recognize and thank Andre Ting for providing us our regular meeting venue. 
His generosity in allowing the SGV API PFLAG to use his facility for free began in April 2012.  He sets up tables, chairs, restrooms, and gives time in continuing to reach out to other LGBT organizations and bringing to their awareness the existence of SGV API PFLAG.  Andre has recruited many of our attendees, due to his involvement with the Chinese Rainbow Association, Asian Pride Council, the coordination of the Afternoon Tea with Asian Parents, to name a few.  We are fortunate to have a fairly centralized location to meet, all solely due to Andre's support.

Finally, the Leadership Team of SGV API PFLAG wholeheartedly express how proud and privileged we are to have you with us and we hope that you will return.  Though the November meeting was more of a "mixer", and not our regular support group meeting format, we hope that you will return to experience what you may have endeavored to find:  a safe space where you can express yourself within an empathetic and culturally-sensitive setting.  Our SGV API PFLAG is all about inter-generational dialogue.  It is for LGBTQ persons; for API parents/family members of LGBTQ, and for straight allies. 

The end-of-the-year is upon us.  This time of year always prompts us to reflect upon the past year and to renew our hopes, dreams, and goals for the next year: 2013.  Please know that the SGV API PFLAG will continue to be a CONSTANT source of love and support in your lives and also in our lives.  This is a mutual relationship and one that is everlasting.  You are no longer in the company of strangers, but of loving extended family members!"

- Carol Mannion

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