I hate confrontation, with my disabilities it drains me to the core, but I cannot stand by and let things slide by me. Placing my head in the sand is not an option. I know this post will drain me, but I don't care; I have to let my voice be heard too.
What has happened in the past is absolutely unacceptable. We are better than this. People have been hurt and as a community that is something that we need to unite to prevent ever happening again.
No-one should have to live in fear; no-one should have to fight every single day of their lives just to be accepted for who they are. This is a core value that we must never, ever lose sight of.
I am not going to mention names, that has been done, the damage is real, and we must address what has happened and come together as a community to learn from it and ensure that it never happens again.
Transphobia has no place in society, and it definitely has no place in our community. I will allow my voice to be heard in defence of trans folk or any other minority group no matter who they are.
If I do wrong, if I upset someone, then I expect to be called out for it. I will learn from it, apologise and ensure it never happens again. I will also go further and ensure that I try to educate others as to my failings so that they can learn too.
I may lose followers for my support of the LGBTQIAP+ (Lesbian; Gay; Bisexual; Transgender; Queer; Intersex; Asexual; Pansexual; + (meaning "not limited to")) community and Trans folk in particular, but that doesn't phase me one little bit. I will be better off without anyone who doesn't understand the damage that words can do and also the damage that turning a blind eye can do as well. Now more than ever, minority groups need support, they need their voices amplifying too.
To all of the Trans folk out there, I am sorry that you have had to go through this. I am sorry that you have to fight for your very identity and I am sorry for the time it has taken me to join in the conversation.
I believe we are stronger as a whole, we as a community are capable of amazing things, and we can change.
I can only speak for myself, but please don't lose faith in the community; you are part of it. You belong here, as you are valid, your voices matter and I see you.
I want to finish by pointing anyone reading this to two posts that touched me. One is from the ever so talented Quinn Rhodes - I do not have to be nice to people who misgender me
The second post that I want to highlight is this piece over on Queer and Confused - Transphobia in Sex Blogging
A section of this second article really struck a chord in me:
"Our position in the world of sex blogging is precarious, we are constantly reminded that this is not a space intended for us. We don't belong here, and our inclusion is a privilege that can be revoked the moment we make you uncomfortable."
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This needs to be addressed. This needs to change.
We can and must be better than this; the status-quo is not an option. As a community, we need to acknowledge, listen, change and accept.
As a community we are capable of so much good, we need to stoke the flames to ensure our community is a beacon of hope for others in this world.