I'm at the North/Damen/Milwaukee intersection, leaving a concert at the Double Door

I'm leaving a concert and making my way towards heading home

I passed a group of men hanging out on a street corner singing Stand By Me. I stop and join them, despite being shy and anxious about singing. They supportively include me, letting me take a verse and join a chorus, and then I go on my way.

I had a moment of courage and throwing caution to the wind and was supported by this the group of strangers, and got to share in the joy and moment that they had created.

There's so much assumption in some of my social and professional circles about who and where is safe, which people you're allowed to connect with. This was a moment of me being out, a woman alone in the city at night, and coming upon a group of somewhat tipsy men and not fearing them because they weren't doing anything to be afraid of, and sharing this spontaneous moment of humanity. And I didn't unpack all my baggage about singing with them, I just joined and was welcomed, and in that moment I didn't care if ant other passers by heard me or if I was good enough to participate.