To mark #PrideMonth, I want to tell you how #Blessed my life has been.

When I was little, I read story books about princesses who married princes.

When I went on nights out (when that was a thing), people sometimes approached me and asked me if I had a boyfriend or husband.

When I walk down the street holding hands with someone, no one shouts abuse at me.

This is privilege.

If you are straight, you might think this sounds pretty typical. You might not understand why I’m #Blessed. Maybe you were expecting details of more extravagant pleasures, like infinity pools and happily ever afters.

In diversity and inclusion, the words ‘being aware of your privilege’ comes up quite a bit.

This is about making taken for granted benefits, visible. Often it is only when we compare our lives to those in the minority do we see the inherent privilege we have.

Where are the lesbian role models in fairy stories?

How often does someone mistakenly assume the gender of your partner?

Have you ever had a small public display of affection met with hostility which threatens your safety?

That’s the daily existence (yes still) of those who are LGBTQ+.

We have a culture where heterosexuality is the norm. Which makes it ‘right’. And anyone who strays from this ‘wrong’.

So if you never have thought about privilege, maybe you simply have not had to think about it.

I’d encourage you to start thinking about it. Only then can you be aware of ways to open doors for those who face challenges in their very existence