As many of you are aware over the past two years I've been working to set up my business, Sosanna’s Closet.  Basically it’s where I sell clay sculptures, jewelry and more recently I've started carrying cloaks and dresses.  I've attended several Pagan-centric events, such as Pagan Pride Days Raleigh and several seasonal events at Truely Unique in Wilson with huge success.

Recently my hubby and I decided that we’d start branching out into other more mainstream festivals to get my art out there in the market.  One such even is called “Pig in the Park”.  (facebook page) Now I know what you’re thinking, Sosanna, this is a BBQ event, you’re a vegetarian, why would you go there? 

Well I’m trying to set outside my comfort zone.  I wanted to start making Pagans more visible in my community.  I wanted them to see that we’re just like everyone else.   

So I sent in my request to go to the event.  I was very excited.  I got the following reply from the Director of Tourism for the City of Goldsboro:

                                   What items do you offer for sale?

No greeting …

I replied:

 Hi (first name removed to protect her identity)

I sell handmade clay sculptures and wreaths as well as new age/metaphysical supplies.  Here is a link to my esty shop with some of the items I sell.  Saturday I will be at the Yule Bazaar in Wilson.

Today I got an email from the Development Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Wayne County that said the following:

I received a forward of your email to our tourism director. 

Just wanted to let you know that I do not think that you would be a good fit for our PIG IN THE PARK festival because of our venue and theme.  Last year, we had some new, unique vendors to the event and they were disappointed in their sales.  I’m afraid that you would be, too.

Have a good day,

Signature removed to protect identity

No greeting.  Had no one taught these people how to write a business email? 

No reference to why my shop isn't a good fit, just a statement that pretty much says one thing, YOU ARE NOT WELCOME HERE.

Now, being the type of person I am, Ms. Director had her signature on the email so I called her.  I asked her, “Why am I not a good fit for your festival.”  Keep in mind I’m looking at the page and seeing the list of Christian groups lined up to sing, and the reference that any “offensive” material is not permitted.

She stutters about and then says, “Well its pocket books, and people don’t do well that don’t sell pocketbooks and jewelry.”

 I said, “I sell jewelry.  I sell custom clay statues and figurines. “

 She said, well you know, regular stuff, jewelry and pocketbooks’.

 I said, “You mean Christian stuff.” 

She got all defensive and said, “now I didn't say that, you said that and I’m offended that you said that. I’m just trying to save you some money”

 I said, “I bet you are.”

She said “we’re non-denominational and we accept all colors and everything, if you want waste your money that’s fine, but people usually don’t make anything unless they sell pocketbooks or BBQ sauce.”

Someone came to my door and knocked and the dogs were barking like crazy, so I just said I’ll be writing a letter because I feel you've discriminated against me and hung up the phone.

Really?

I contacted the Travel and Tourism Dept of Wayne County which apparently only has one person working it and I only got a voice mail every time.  I also checked one the City of Goldsboro Page and didn't find anything to help me either.  (Facebook Page)

So I guess instead of investing money in my own city, I’ll need to continue to go to other more open minded festivals where I won’t be judged because of which gods or goddesses I follow.  I’ll have to continue to reach out to more open minded counties that welcome anyone to join their events and help stimulate their economy instead of doing that here in Goldsboro.

Thank you, Ms. Director thank you for reminding me ever so strongly why I spent so many years in the broom closet.

I would have posted the entire email here but I’m not really sure of the legality of publishing their email addresses on my blog, so I decided to leave that bit off.  I do want to say, that on the Pig in the Park vendor page it lists arts and crafts as being accepted and it doesn't say a damn thing about pocketbooks.

Namaste & Blessed Be!

Sosanna

)O(

sex·u·al·i·ty   

[sek-shoo-al-i-tee or, especially Brit., seks-yoo-]

Noun

1. Sexual character; possession of the structural and functional traits of sex.

2. Recognition of or emphasis upon sexual matters.

3. Involvement in sexual activity.

4. An organism's preparedness for engaging in sexual  activity.

So this week I’ve had an eye opening experience.  I’ve always known that pagan people are very open sexually.  We accept all sexual variants speaking very generally.  And of course we all know about “Beltane”.  The Great Rite is one of the hallmarks of Wicca.  For those that may not be familiar this is where the Maiden and the Male God are joined together usually symbolically by the use of an Athame and a Chalice in a fertility ritual.

I am a very open sexual being.  I have no issue discussing sex. I was introduced to Wicca via Tantric magic or Sex Magic and Tantric Yoga. 

I am monogamous.  My partner and I have been together ten years.  We have been faithful to each other for those same years.  Up until this past year I’ve been a solitary.  I did not venture outside my own walls as it relates to my spiritual practices, however I recently became involved with a local group and have had my eyes opened!

Through email questions and learning about events outside our group, I’ve learned that some consider the word Pagan to also mean “Free Love”.  Now at first, when someone asked me if I supported free love, I was like, sure love is good.  Everyone love.  I even checked it out on the old faithful Wikipedia to make sure I wasn’t agreeing to something I didn’t want to.  For example, I am completely accepting of any sexual activity that is between consenting adults.  I am NOT however, supportive of groups like NAMBLA.

Now that being said, I’m not one to bash anyone sexual appetite but can I just make a wee little suggestion here.  I’ve come up with a few things that may help ease tensions in a group setting.  Just because I’m pagan, specifically Hecatean, it does not mean that I’m automagically a sex maniac.  Please observe the following:

There!  Easy breezy. 

Whips and Chains – Great! - Safe Sane & Consensual

Group Sex – Whatever floats your boat 

Talking to me?  Keep it clean please!

I am a wife, a mother and a lady, and if you can’t respect that, please leave me alone.

Namaste & Blessed Be

Sosanna

)O(