In my youth I was all about experimenting. I wanted to try things for myself. I thought nearly any (safe) experience was worth trying, as I was sure I would learn something about me from it, good or bad. Now that I am firmly in my thirties, I feel the urge to simplify. Filter, filter, filter.

Pride Calgary 2018 is underway in our great city and the festivities are chock-a-block full of options. There’s bingo, there’s clubs, there’s drag, there’s learning opportunities, and yes, there’s a parade. I’m in.

Something I have struggled with but haven’t identified fully, until just now is my trouble with packing for a visit to my hometown. As I prepare to whip a bag together for a quick weekend trip I am at a bit of a loss on what I’ll pack.

When you think of Nashville, aka: Music City, what comes to mind? Honkey Tonks, live music, a lot of drawls, “yee haw’s,” and “y’alls”? All of that is true. What you may not have thoughts about was else the city has to offer. May I suggest the next time you head to Nashville, check out one of the best ticket’s in town: a drag show.

I am no stranger to hyperbolic language. I'm not a fan. When I heard the CBC headline, “Medicine Hat judges ordered 4-year-old not to wear girls' clothes in public,” I thought it was another media attempt at sensationalism. Turns out I was wrong. The details of the story are even more unbelievable than the click-baity headline.

The announcement and public reveal of Caitlyn Jenner caused quite the stir. The ripple effects of her big Vanity Fair cover cannonball extended past the pop culture world into mainstream grocery store stands and talk show television.

Given the choice between 2 doors would you choose “average” or “beautiful?” That was Dove’s latest campaign 's challenge in #choosebeautiful where it explored how women feel about themselves. In 5 major cities: Delhi, London and Sao Paulo, San Francisco, and Shanghai Dove constructed signs above the only two entrances into city buildings. Women self-selected and walked through either the “Average” or “Beautiful” door. Hidden cameras caught the footage.

Self-expression through clothing, or lack thereof, is a huge element to the party. One of the ways to self-love, acceptance and exploration is through the clothing they wear. Look no further than the parades to see bright colours, sequins and sparkle galore. Not everyone is sartorially flamboyant – and that’s okay too. It appears to me that people embrace whatever version of oneself you’d like to share that day. Good for you. There are no rules except love. Especially for Pride, I say, wear whatever you feel good in. Whether it’s hot pants, bedazzled wings, or jeans and a T; you shimmy, shake and sway to whatever drum beat your heart desires. Just be you.