Typically, a post like this would begin ‘I’m honored’ or ‘I’m humbled’ or even ‘So grateful.’ Not meaningless statements, but not always sufficient. You know? Okay, to be fair, ‘Blessed’ would be neither meaningful nor sufficient. This pioneer rejects trite terms.
A few weeks ago, I had been named to the list of the 48 Most Influential Pennsylvania LGBTQ+ Leaders for 2024. The honor is bestowed by the Philadelphia Gay News, the most esteemed LGBTQ media outlet in the Commonwealth recognizing the most impactful LGBTQ+ individuals in the Philadelphia region.
So it a statewide honor emanating from Philadelphia. Those of you familiar with Pennsylvania might appreciate the added layer of regard for a Pittsburgh lesbian to be included in such a list. It says a lot about impact.
I am included in the category of Trailblazers: recognizing pioneers who have broken barriers and paved the way for LGBTQ+ rights. These trailblazers have each made significant strides in public service, activism and policy, breaking barriers for the LGBTQ+ community and paving the way for future generations.
Public service. Activism. Policy. Breaking barriers. Paying the way. Those are, in fact, humbling accomplishments for which to be lauded. I have never been described as a pioneer, but it feels okay.
But what does it mean? From MashedRadish.com
Pioneers were originally foot soldiers who marched ahead of their regiment to dig trenches, clear roads and terrain, and otherwise prepare the way, with their picks and shovels, for the rest of the army. Early on, pioneer also extended to “miners,” though this sense has since died out. The “colonist” and “settler” meaning of pioneer doesn’t appear in the record until the 1800s.
English got pioneer from the Middle French pionnier, “foot solider,” which developed from the Old French peon for the same. Peon, in turn, morphed from the Latin pedonem, literally “one who goes on foot.” The base is pes (genitive pedis), “foot,” a root which walks all over English vocabulary,
from impeach to pedestal. The Ancient Romans similarly used the likes of pedonem – or the moreclassical word, pedes – for “foot solider” and “infantryman.” The Old French peon also yields the English chess piece, the pawn. And in Spanish, pedonem became peon, originally an “unskilled farmworker” or “day laborer” in Latin America or the American Southwest, picked up for any sort of “menial, drudging nobody” by the early 20th century.
Interesting to me is the parallel with being considered aa prophet, especially as both are often misused. Pioneer became colonizers and peons. Prophets predict. In actuality, pioneers are hardworking badasses who do the really difficult jobs to literally clear a path. Prophets describe reality.
Anyway, I digress.
I am truly flattered and quite thrilled for this Pittsburgh girl to receive such a mark of esteem from a Philadelphia based iconic institution. They asked me for a 75 word bio and I sent 87 words figuring it was like a wordsmith challenge. It is essential to weave “former intern for then-Congressman Rick Santorum” into a Pennsylvania honor, right? I just blaze the trails, I don’t conform.
After events of the past year, it is astonishing to receive an honor for my work. I’m still struggling to keep the blog.
Thank you, Philly Gay News, Mark, Martin, and everyone.
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