AI: Wearing your pride

I read this really interesting post about Spirit Day recently, which got me thinking about (amongst other things) what part wearing LGBTQ* symbols can have in visibility and advocacy. I think one concern is that these sorts of actions are “slacktivist” and fail to get to the heart of huge problems. However, they can still be valuable ways to mark yourself out as supportive (and, most vitally, available to listen) to people who might not have anyone else. Even besides that, they can be a positive way to assert your own identity, though even that has to be based on how safe it is for you to do so.
 
While I don’t currently wear any of these sorts of symbols, I did wear a black ring for a short period of time, though stopped for a reason I can’t remember. (I might have also dropped it and failed to be bothered enough to buy a new one.) The black ring as a symbol of asexuality hasn’t quite taken off yet outside of the community, so it’s not so much a form of outward visibility as a way to find others or start a conversation. I also have a rainbow bracelet, which is meant to be a way to communicate support, though again my concern is that it’ll be seen as an empty gesture. I also worry about wearing it out and getting abuse for doing so, though I guess the more of us who are relatively safe (as I am) and are open about our support the better. I would be very interested to hear of others’ experiences relating to this sort of thing.
 
Do you wear anything that symbolises your sexuality or gender identity? Is it something you put on once a year or keep on all the time? Are there any other things you wear to silently show your support for one thing or another?
 
The Afternoon Inqueery (or AI) is a question posed to you, the Queereka community. Look for it to appear on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, at 3pm ET.
 
Featured image by Carolynn Primeau on Flickr.