My T-Shirt May P*ss You Off

I came across a T-shirt the other day that said, “Equal Rights for Others Does Not Mean Fewer Rights for You. It’s Not Pie.” I believe strongly this sentiment and came close to hitting “Buy” on the website, but something stopped me. I thought about potential clients who may be offended by the shirt. I was concerned about someone getting angry. Given the violence of January 6th, I had concerns about my personal safety.

As I work with my women executive clients on strengthening their leadership presence, we often talk about finding the courage to allow ourselves to be fully seen and heard. I thought about that quite a bit as I struggled with the decision to purchase the shirt. How do we make the decision to be fully seen and heard. How do we balance that with considering the reactions of others? What stops us from being fully seen and heard. I want to be able to express my core beliefs and be sensitive to others’ comfort level. Do I have the balance correct? Are my concerns misplaced.

I will keep you posted on my decision. I am leaning toward getting the bumper sticker along with the shirt.