Soulart

It was unbelievable the cheering for us. At first I thought "No... it can't be for us..." Yep! It was! Way to make us feel like Rockstars!!!!! HA! Oh so good. Happy to have shared another Pride experience with you my twin! Sent from my STV100-3 using Tapatalk

It finally happened! The ability to troop officially in a Legion Pride event in Edmonton!!!!!!! Whoa... hold your horses girl.... Back up a bit TK! (I'm getting ahead of myself here.....) Dear Vader....let's start the tale properly shall we???? * bit of a backstory needs telling first * Our Garrisons FIRST ever Legion approved Pride event actually took place last June 2016.... In Grande Prairie Alberta. Near my remote, Northern Albertan community- An Oilfield city, mainly fueled by that activity and a strong farming presence. Bit rednecky yes, but they did it! That city has one! (Again, an entirely different posting that I've not been able to write about yet) How incredible and fitting that the first Pride we fought to officially troop in, was also this city's first official Pride Celebration in the city's history. 6 members trooped this momentous occasion. The Original VI we were named... That involvement opened the door for our Garrison to experience the first in our history. Since last June, we have proudly trooped and supported one another in 3 official 501st Pride events. Still a couple more to go this year. Now! Let's talk about this Saturday, June. 10 2017 in Edmonton... (OK. Back on track) We tried to get into the Edmonton Pride Parade last year. It's a very strict procedure, and many rules. A Very long running, established Pride Celebration. It was disheartening when our application was denied last year. My Brother so desperately wanted to be part of this. Having walked for my first time in this parade beside him over 20 years ago, ( as a plain clothed Sister) it was very exciting to finally get the news to be allowed to participate in it this year!!!!! Oh no... no regular clothes this time! Let's yet again, leap in the vehicle, and drive 5.5 hours to troop, and turn around and drive home! I'd be trooping in my Phasma, as her shininess seemed appropriate. I whipped up sparkly pink gaskets and neck seals for my brother and I, as well as a seal for my TK twin. The Original VI were on site again for this event, joined by other members of the Garrison, as well as The Saber Guild/Echo Base Temple. It was truly amazing. The energy was high everyone was happy! Elated! Joyful! Excited! The energy was electric and powerful. Colorful. Every walk of life was there, in support of one another as human beings. The humanness, was all that mattered to me. I was mindful of everything. Every detail. Every nuance. Every mood. Being there to offer my support to equality for all is vital to my heart. I know not everyone is in support of this. I know it's a subject that brings up strong emotion and deep debate, judgements, and controversy. Hatred. Fear. I refuse to be part of such things. I was prepared to be kicked out of the Legion last year for being adamant on trooping GP family Pride event. My TK twin refused to let me troop it alone. We were only 6 in the end. I cannot be a part of, or give of myself to an organization that cannot support or accept its own members. Be you gay, straight, transgender or no gender.... We are who we are. We are all deserving of Fair treatment and acceptance. No different than abuses against women. Or children. Ones Ability to learn to read or talk. The events, causes and charities we support or endorse are all the same....we do them for awareness. For equality. For support. Because we can. Because of the individual Lives we choose to care for. I do not expect or hope that anyone else agrees with my posting. This is an account of my personal experiences surrounding this topic that touches my heart, and how it affects this Trooper. Everyone is entitled to opinions and feelings, and no one has to support me in this. I'm grateful to have shared this Parade with other members in my garrison. As well as our Commanding Officer, his wife and daughter. I was profoundly affected by this day shared with all of them. For SO many reasons. Here are just some. 1. My recruit Kelly joined me on this road trip. It was his first parade of any kind. His second troop ever. And he was nervous. He didn't know what to expect. I recalled my own terror at my first parade. My first troops. I was happy to help him though it. I kept checking on him as we marched. He did amazing!!!! He was affected by this experience, and got to bond with members he will rarely troop with. It helped him feel part of something special. Feel some of the beauty that being a 501 member can bring. The closeness. The feeling of a caring supportive, non judgemental family. 2. The Original VI that trooped the first Pride, were all together. My brother Peter (FOTK) Douglas (Kylo) Aaron (ANH Hero) Nicole (ANH Stunt, myself (ANH Stunt) and Xan our handler extraordinaire! In the shirts I had made for them. Our own love and Pride of one another ringing true and clear!!!!! We bonded from that experience last year, and knew we were part of something special. For ourselves, our Garrison, and it's members we love. We have shared 3 together now. This event Nicole was Ventress and I, The Captain. 3. We were joined by the Saber Guild, Echo Base Temple members too. A sharing of event with Sister legions. Not just the bad guys of a Universe we love, but a united gathering for a common good. I love that!!!!! I'd like to see more events shared. After all, we do the same thing. You cannot have light without dark... 4. My brother desperately wanted the Edmonton Pride troop. It had great meaning for him, and I wished to be by his side every step. To share in this experience is indescribable, and is it's own posting really! He looked spectacular. I watched him dance! Get the crowd going! Reveled in his Joy of trooping. His Happiness to be there front and center. Feeling safe and free to be trooping as a gay man, in a parade which is designed to support all those simply striving to be accepted for whom they are. Yes I cried in my Phasma helmet as I proudly watched him as his big sister, his Garrison mate, and as his childhood protector. This memory no one can ever take from me. I wanted to shout it out to everyone "HEY!!!! That's my amazing Brother! And he's utterly fabulous! Look at him!" I think I watched him and his man enjoy this parade, more than I paid attention to anything else. 5. This was the first troop ever, I felt comfortable and at ease in my armor. In myself. What I was doing there at an event. I know this sounds odd, but it's true!!!! I had new boots that I could have trooped in for days, I knew I'd have no armor malfunctions, I felt confident we'd be well received and welcomed, I was surrounded by people I love deeply and trust, and I believed with every fiber in my being, that what we were doing was vital. Important. Special. Had meaning and value. I trooped with all my heart and soul this day. Ever aware and mindful For the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex we each have as members in EVERY one of our Garrisons throughout this Legion. We just aren't made up of straight people...... I marched in honor and support of you. My brother. His amazing partner. Countless Friends and loved ones. Strangers. My Garrison family members. There was no fear. No hate. Only love. Delight! 6. I have hopes that as there's more Garrison participation, other Garrisons will allow their respective members to officially troop. And support. We don't always make it to every troop. Some we choose to not go to because it feels wrong to do. Or we simply cannot. I believe that if members were willing to participate, they should not be denied. I personally don't believe in trooping for some certain causes or raising money for certain charities. But I go because it's the people struggling that matter. The human Lives and hearts that matter. That need our support. I may not believe in or subscribe to the charity, or cause. I do not have to. But I will always give of myself for those Lives we are caring or trooping for. Always. 7. I hold hope our Garrisons participation in these events opens the door to others. Inspires others to openly support one another. We again will have Garrison patches and a beautiful coin to share with you all. As I did last year, I either traded or simply gave away mine if you shared why they were important for you to have or collect. They hold special meaning to me, as my heart is in them. This year I will do the same. You must again share part of yourself if you wish to have mine ❤ as we are connected by our experiences. Please enjoy some of my pics of this day. As before, with Unquestioned loyalty to the legion and those I hold dear, TK 41307 SoulArt Badlands Garrison Alberta Canada Sent from my STV100-3 using Tapatalk

Ah..... Our set kicked A$$, and I loved building, painting, creating all those flags, the friggin tiny deathstars on top of the stanchion posts I just loved! . All of it was beautiful. All of us that created this build, did amazing. I loved every moment. It was a great Expo, and we trooped our hearts out! Ran the 2 photos lines like pros!!!!!!!! Hours and hours in armor! Ah dear TK Twin..... So memorable. Can't wait to do it again!!!! Since you did a great recollection of it for us both, I'll not bother entering this one into a field report.

Thank you so very much.

Thank you for your kind congratulations, and appreciation of my achievement Sent from my STV100-3 using Tapatalk

Thank you for loving my chrome Lady too! That was the first time I trooped in her! I was nervous! Sent from my STV100-3 using Tapatalk

Thank you Sent from my STV100-3 using Tapatalk

Thank you! Sent from my STV100-3 using Tapatalk

Thank you!!!! I shall spin in said confetti, with my arms out like Maria in The Sound of Music on the mountain top!

1st- thank you so much!!!!!! 2nd- paper was a thicker cover stock from Staples Business Depot. 3rd- the floating frame was also from Staples Business Depot, and the Glitter lettering was painstakingly placed on by my Imperial Attaché/TK Twin Pyrates. (With a tooth pick!) Glitter stickers were from Michaels ❤ Sent from my STV100-3 using Tapatalk

Yes!!!! Let's dance!!!!! Woot Woot! Sent from my STV100-3 using Tapatalk

Hey!!!!!! How great to see you post here too! I'm just messaging you from my Geeky Pinks Phantastic Gaskets site!!!!! Thank you! Sent from my STV100-3 using Tapatalk

Thank you so much!

Right Marc???? How groovy is this!!!!!!

Just because.....

Bahahaha. I'm so ocd, you KNOW it has a matching frame! I'm so happy to get this matching one! Eek!!! Thank you all. ❤ Sent from my STV100-3 using Tapatalk

Yes. That rings so true doesn't it! ❤ Sent from my STV100-3 using Tapatalk

It happened Cricket! Centurion 335! Woot Woot! I was some excited I must say!!!!! ❤ Sent from my STV100-3 using Tapatalk

Derp around... I burst out giggling!!!!! I'm so excited for you!!!!! Sent from my STV100-3 using Tapatalk

Thank you so much! I'm happy to be here

I'd never wish to encroach on your Attaché role. I know it means the world to you. I'll help you in any way dear twin. (You already know I'm down for whatever Legion shenanigans we can get into armoring. Especially armor building til 4:00 am. At anyone's house, for anyone !!!!!! Accelerant in the eyes and everything!) Sent from my STV100-3 using Tapatalk

Thank you very much!

Hmmm. I agree with you! I better get on this.... I feel I can help other ladies in our Garrison- in any Garrison! It's not about "girl power", it's about supporting one another . I can certainly identify with their struggles in areas that may deter them from trying, and I'll offer my help and support if any wish to try. They may feel more comfortable discussing concerns with a female... I'm not certain, but I shall throw myself out there! Sent from my STV100-3 using Tapatalk

Mmmmm. This sounds right up my alley! Also, it seems like a great way to encourage or entice troopers to really help Troopers. That saying will take on a bigger meaning.... And this will be glorious to see. I must note how much I valued the time spent together with my Brother Barcoder on my ANH Stunt building her together with EIB and Centurion in mind, as well as with him and my TK Twin Pyrates over the 9 months it took to complete Phasma. Aaron and I promised one another we would achieve these levels, for our ANH twins, and I value their encouragement and support on my journey to Centurion. The 3 of us literally became a force of ABS nature, and developed a very close bond. This is important. On SO many levels. Besides helping each other reach costuming goals, and increase the higher level numbers, it will strengthen the bonds between the humans that wear them, therefore strengthening their respective Garrisons. This is vital. Incentives and goals are always lovely of course to strive for, though, this program may ignite all those wishing to help one another, get out there and really be troopers helping troopers!! I have valued every second building with Peter and Aaron as well as offering my hands on building help and experience to the 2 TKs that have joined in my remote area since I became a Legion member last year. I feel an affinity to them, simply by being involved in their builds. I have already promised that I will help anyone build as I recruit and encourage. No matter the costume. Whether it's sewing, trimming, sanding, gluing, pinning.... I'm happy to offer up blood! HA! (That comment made me giggle) I'm hoping that this will help inspire others to do the same. I'm excited to see and hear how this new program will go! Sent from my STV100-3 using Tapatalk

Awwwww!!!!!! OK..... That's pretty cool! I'm feeling pretty proud of this... I know that sounds vain, but pride and joy are the emotions nonetheless.