I love it here

So I have been in Chicago for about a month now.  I have learned a lot of things about being here in that time.  But one of my favorite things about this place is that I finally, finally am not worried about the things I say or do being misinterpreted in any way.  I can make jokes with people in rehearsal, I wear what I want, I can be myself everywhere I go, and I can enjoy myself without the the threat of losing career opportunities.  People really don't seem to care as much about any of that here.  I knew I felt oppressed in Oklahoma, but I had no idea the extent of that feeling until I came here.

Maybe it's just that it's a bigger city and people don't have time to care about those things.  Maybe it's just that I'm nowhere near academia. Maybe the more liberal atmosphere has something to do with it, but I'm totally into it.  I mean, didn't we all get into theatre for the community?  What is it if you don't have communal support?  It's...not really fun or even worth it.  I guess I didn't realize how bad things had gotten. 

So I feel liberated here.  I feel accepted.  I feel beautiful.  I feel appreciated!  I feel appreciated!!  Appreciated appreciated appreciated!! I can't remember the last time I said that! 

Thank you Universe!  More please!