Hi Olyvier, thank you for your comment! You sharing your perspectives adds value to me, other readers, and obviously justice for Black people specifically.

I think you were the only Black commenter so far. I was hoping someone would add what you said to the discussion! <3 Because clearly, it was an elephant in the room - I opened the post mentioning BLM, and then focused on the controversy surrounding my relative's LGBTQ comment. Being antagonistic regarding race or BIPOC should receive just as much flak as being anti-queer or trans.

I agree with you that the absence of tension is not more mature than confrontation. What I really should aspire to is a balance of peacemaking & challenging. Without challenge to the privileged, inequities will just continue at the expense of those who suffer them. It's the perfect Martin Luther King Jr. quote.

Like I suggested in my article, I don't fully agree with every common message in LGBTQ movements. I also don't fully agree with every aspect of Black Lives Matter messaging. But I fully agree with the main points and purpose of both, which is extremely important to get behind and advocate.

With LGBTQ, it's easier to figure out and say what I really think, since it's part of my own identity. With BLM, I obviously have white fragility. I have the luxury of racial privilege and the fear of being seen as racist if I speak and get it wrong. So I have to get around that. I must put justice for Black people above my own thoughts or comfort, and start participating authentically as an ally in your racial equality efforts.

Is that right? What do you think? Even though you disagreed with my reaction, yours was of course my favorite comment of all. Since your words were the most needed, and they gave me the largest volume to think about.

It means a lot you commented. I don't know how you'll feel about my reply but you definitely made a difference. <3