I have a Masonic Avatar on at the moment .. I don't do that often, but people's reaction is interesting.. and generally positive and curious.

Several people have been surprised I am a Master Mason.. not really knowing much about us except the standard conspiracy theories.. and especially surprised to see a "younger" bloke who is "normal" being a member LOL..

I have been guilty of being a bit of a closet Mason. I even remember an occasion when a friend was spouting all sorts of rubbish about them and I did not say anything. Now I would.. but not then when I was still trying to understand the basics of the organisation and fraternity..

Recently one of our staff was talking about finding a mates grandfather's regalia. He was talking about all this "weird Masonic stuff" - case, apron, jewels and the like. In the past I would have just said "Oh really - that sounds like interesting stuff".. but now it was "You know I am a Mason don't you ?"...

Another close friend once made a joke about "The Evil Freemasons who run the World" and then asked "I wonder what they get up to ?"... A family member who was there just said "I am not sure - why not ask one ?" and pointed to me.. He was surprised. Interested. Curious. He is now a member of my Lodge :)

Being cautious, I am still careful who I tell in my daily life.. but have never got a hostile response.

I think a turning point was when I told my mother. Her side of the family ( thinking in the context of early to mid last century) comes from an Irish Catholic Working Class Family and in Melbourne, sectarianism was a problem from WW1 to the 1970's. Freemasons were often seen as baddies.. Knights of the Southern Cross - the goodies.. but that is speaking in very broad brush strokes.... And we all know some Irish Catholic National Heroes were Freemasons (Dan O'Connell being the best example.. ) I was concerned about my mum's reaction - which was very favourable. One of her closest cousins holds Grand Rank and had broken all the ground I thought I would have to cover. She was supportive. More interestingly - she had actually been to functions held in Masonic Premises. The only thing which had held me back was fear. And it was proved that the fear was totally unfounded....

I think a big part of my confidence to talk about Masonry is founded on the fact I now know more about it.. and it's history.. I am comfortable with being a Freemason. More than that - I am proud of it..

Anyone feel like sharing a story about telling folks they are a Mason ?

Are you an "Out and Proud" Freemason or do you hide your membership ? Me - I am still a mixture of both - I don't advertise the fact by wearing a pin and jumping up and down about it.. but I do bore my mates with Lodge stories and how much I enjoy being a Freemason and the great friends I have because of being a member.. ..