I think about @georgetakei's "You can pee next to me" as referenced here: https://shortyawards.com/1st-socialgood/you-can-pee-next-to-me.

Takei can say that, as he is outspoken and a well-known part of the LGBTQ community. I, however, am a "nobody" and I'm quite content with that. And for *ME* to say it, it sounds on my ear, "creepy dude." I tried it in my head trans-fem, trans-mask, non-binary... nope... "creepy dude" echos in my head. I have the positive, affirming sentiment supporting identity and affirming agency. Just not the gravitas or established identity within the LGBTQ community to pull that particular phrase off.

And to me, that's ok. I *DO NOT WANT* actual "creepy dudes" stalking people, leering at them with, "Hey... you can pee next to me! Heh-heh... heh-heh-heh!" Uhm... no. HELL no! I'm glad for the opposition to the bathroom laws and how Takei handled his role in the opposition.

So much as I am with Mastodon, I avoid proselytizing. By that, I mean... I'm not going to people "preaching" Mastodon, how they should be on it, The Bird Site is a hellscape they should leave RIGHT NOW! Nope, that ain't me. I'm happy to talk about it, but it's not how I'd choose to start a conversation. Same for LGBTQ. "Hey, I'm a cis-white male but I support you as an ally and can we be friends?" Nope... Just... "creepy dude."

Now if I encounter someone trashing LGBTQ, I have friends and a bit of family in that community. And I'm inclined to jump in with both boots going for the neck. I don't know what it's like to be LGBTQ. I know what it's like to be "different," apparently to EVERYONE, and just not good enough. I had that from my natural father. I had that from churches. I had that in the US Military. I hated that I was so damned "odd" somehow until I learned to accept myself, my sense of humor, my view of life, who I am, and what I have to say. I'm a work in progress. I'm growing. But I have identity, I have agency, I have freedom of conscience, and I have a right to these. How is it possible anyone would see fit to deny this to any other human soul? And yet they do, and I see that. But not around me.

Anyway, I can't think of any cool catchy phrases to communicate. Best I can do is just be myself. I watch for opportunity to spread kindness and support, and I act as a voice where I can for those who are being stripped of their voice. I gotta be me.