I am two of those things: queer, and pagan. Therefore, I've combined the two symbols of those two things — the rainbow flag and the pentacle — to launch my own awareness campaign, such as it is. :/

If you were to look at me, you'd have no idea whatsoever that I was either. If I struck a conversation up with you in line in the grocery store, at Dairy Queen, waiting for a bus/subway/public transit of your choice, you'd probably smile and politely reply. In fact, you do that everyday when I run out to the market or to fill up my car with gas. When you make a derogatory remark about "dem fags" or "dem satanic witches", you personally insult me, my friends, and people I care about. But you know what? I can't say a damned thing to your face because it might, might get me seriously injured or even killed (I don't delude myself in thinking that if I point out that I am [insert group here], you'll suddenly make an about-face and magnanimously decide you've been wrong all these years). You also may be seriously hurting someone who already has enough angst and insecurity built up about maybe being in one of "dem" groups. They certainly don't need more. (Before anyone throws a hissy-fit and accuses me of labelling them a bigot, I mean the "you" in this previous paragraph as a general "you". Also, read the next paragraph, and then read it again and again until you get my point.)

I'm not making a play for PCism, because Goddess knows I despise having to walk on eggshells for fear of inadvertantly offending someone (there's this concept of "intent" that some people just can't grasp). I'm not asking you to walk on eggshells for me or anyone like me, or any other group that is misunderstood and generally shit upon for no good reason except for ignorance. All I ask for is a little sensitivity to your fellow human beings who are following their hearts and their spirits to their bliss. We're all on this ride together, and if we don't hang on to each other, we're going to be thrown to the wolves.

Anyone is welcome to snag this graphic for personal use (for example, at the bottom of their home page), but I do ask that you reference back to this page. And keep in mind that folks displaying the graphic aren't necessarily queer, pagan, or both, but these folks do support the right to be whatever one wants to be. I hope to see someday this icon in the most unlikely of places. :)