I was asked by a dance choreographer friend of mine if I could assist him in working the door of a queer party in the Upstate of South Carolina. I had to wear all black & participate in a company sing along. It was a show celebrating sexual freedom.
I consulted with my girlfriend if I should do it or not and she said I should stating "you're part of the atmosphere"-- so I agreed.
It was the day of the show and it slipped my mind, I called and texted, trying to get out of it as I was attending another event, but I left them hanging & I felt horrible. It was 30 minutes till show time, but I happened to be 15 blocks away. I was picked up in a van, taken to a place where my all black costume pieces were hanging and given a walkman with the music I was to learn.
Gosh I didn't want to do this. I got dressed in a long black sleeved T-shirt & stretchy jeans. I popped in the music and away I went holding a grudge to those that asked me to participate-- feeling absolutely overwhelmed.
Then, a breaking point. I told myself to relax, told myself that I'm just a small part of the show, and the burden of 10,000 heavy loads was lifted away. I was free with the most relaxing natural high. I was joyously walking down the street listening to the walkman. Everything was ok. My rate for working the event was $150.