When I joined a board and walked into my first meeting it was filled with BIPOC professionals, people working full-time jobs outside of being on the board. I waltzed in, settled down, and boy oh boy! I was wearing my Butch Please hat. There was one person in particular who gave me a deadly stare. I continued to be carefree - paying attention to the person talking. During check-in I intentionally introduced myself as a person who would hold the board accountable to the community. My allegiance is with folks using the services and it shouldn't matter what I wear, what matters is making sure we provide the best services to the community.