So, I started to look at where people get this sense of belonging. It used to be our location, our churches, our extended family. But with the internet, we can find people who are more ‘like us’, who share our dreams, our goals, our interests – when maybe no one else in our locality shares them.
There are many other communities out there, many of which I am/was oblivious to. For example, there’s the Rocky Horror community. I went along to a show recently because I was pushing my comfort zone boundaries:
I am not keen on:
1) Dressing up
2) Music
3) Audience participation
The evening was spectacular and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was chatting with people who have been going to Rocky Horror screenings for twenty or more years. Those who knew every word, nuance, and comeback. Those who had made outfits that were perfect to the originals – even down to the holes in the stockings. And as I had put in the effort to dress up, (I went as Magenta, and no, I won’t be publishing photos), I was accepted and respected immediately. I was welcomed in to the club. Although I don’t think that I will become a Rocky Horror regular, I appreciate what the people who do go get out of it.
I love the feeling of belonging that the maker community offers me. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or an expert, if you live in Brighton or Barbados, if you are young or old. If you get joy out of making things, and joy out of other people making things, then I feel you are part of my extended family.
