Embracing Pride at the Calontir War of the Lilies
Hey everyone! June has always been one of my favorite months, and for good reason—it means it’s time for Calontir’s War of the Lilies! A week of camping, classes, martial arts, bardic, and connecting with friends. If you’ve followed my posts over the years, you know I love, love, love this event. But June is also Pride Month, a vibrant celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, filled with parades, festivals, and a powerful spirit of self-expression.
This year at Lilies I noticed something heartwarming: many of my SCAdian friends were proudly wearing the iconic LGBTQ+ rainbow colors. You know, the ones designed by Gilbert Baker back in 1978. It was like a treasure hunt, spotting these colorful displays amidst the medieval garb. I decided to make it a game to see how many rainbow-themed items I could find throughout the week. So, I photographed them and have them here for you.
At Sunday’s opening court, I immediately spotted many fabulous rainbow items. Duke Hirsch and Duchess Magdalena were decked out in full rainbow attire—talk about making a statement! Duke Garick von Kopke sported a rainbow-colored knight’s chain around his neck. (Sorry for only getting a picture of his neck. I tried all week to photograph Garick from the front, but couldn’t find him.) Another peer had a felted hat with a rainbow crown. And a woman sported some amazing rainbow-striped stockings. These colorful elements added a delightful touch to the reenactment ambiance while promoting LGBTQ+ visibility and solidarity.
As the week went on, my rainbow-themed scavenger hunt continued to surprise and delight me. I found more hidden gems. As the weather was hades-hot when Mistress Geraude and I talked over lunch, she used a rainbow fan. And someone in the merchant area flew a rainbow flag. Each discovery felt like a small celebration of diversity and inclusion, weaving a vibrant thread through our medieval rest and relaxation. It was wonderful to see these subtle yet powerful expressions of Pride scattered throughout the event, a testament to the welcoming and supportive spirit of our SCA community.
Near the end of the Lilies War week I snapped a picture of Her Majesty Adalyde seated on a Calontir throne using a fan just like M. Geraude’s. So from opening court to the Grand Court’s closing I gathered sincere, gratifying displays of LGBTQ+ support.
These rainbow elements delight the Lilies’ reenactment ambiance while promoting LGBTQ+ visibility and solidarity. For many of my friends and family in the community, all they want is to live free of fear and be their authentic selves. I’m proud to be an ally and a safe person to confide in. At the end of the day, we’re all more alike than different. We all have feelings, strengths, and weaknesses. No one is ‘superior’ based on gender or the color of their skin.
So here’s to all my LGBTQ+ readers and SCAdians—Happy Pride Month! Keep shining your light and living your truth. 🏳️🌈
