I have a hat. It was given to me by a friend. 

‘You have kids you can give it to, don’t you?’ she queries.

 I try it on. Its cowboy shape is unmalleable, yet the thick weave is light on my head and well aerated for summer wearing. It’s too big, but thankfully has a chin cord.

My friend doesn't realise the significance of her recycled gift. I don’t know if she would understand. It doesn’t feel right to explain it to her in the moment.

I take the hat home, thanking her.

I put on my flowing handkerchief dress of vertical greens, reds, oranges and whites. I place a red summer jacket on top. I'm wearing green joggers. I clip on my red, orange, blue and pink beaded necklace. I place my gifted rainbow-striped cowboy hat on my head.  

Whoa! My outfit shouts. It demands attention! 

Should I? I wonder, concerned.

On Sunday 5th March, 2023, I drive to Sydney with friends. We arrive early. There's a fantastic buzz in the city. I fit right in with the thousands of smiling people cluttering the streets, outfitted in their colourful finery.

We line up, ready for our allotted time of 8.10am. 

We can start the walk early, so we proudly head off. 

I'm one of the lucky 50,000 people chosen through allocated tickets to walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia's first World Pride March. I'm walking for equality, for my friends and family. I'm thankful that children coming into this world may be treated fairly, no matter what their gender pronoun may be.

My rainbow hat is now a treasured keepsake, a piece of history, to be passed on. 

What a story to tell my friend!