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Doing Better

It is safe to say that over the last couple of months the world is living through a tough time but hopefully one of change.

I'm talking Black Lives Matter. Trans Lives Matter and She Who Must Not Be Named, the Yemen Crisis and COVID.

To be truthful, I have wanted to write this blog post for weeks but I put it off because I was worried that I would say something wrong but I need to stop being scared about it. Because if I do say something wrong then I can learn from it.

As the movement is dying down I do see it mentioned less, especially Black Lives Matter but the truth of the matter is that this is not over. Breonna Taylor's murders have not been charged. George Floyd's murders are still not in prison and Elijah McClain still needs justice. Black Lives still matter and society has a long way to go.

In terms of Trans Lives. We have She Who Must Not Be Named hating on trans lives saying that taking hormones is conversion therapy in a country where conversion therapy is still legal and the Government asked if this was up for debate. Also, she signed something that means she is against cancel culture even though she is transphobic and has repeatedly mentioned this. Also during this time, trans people like Tony McDade are being murdered due to this transphobia. 

I think with all of this it is important to keep learning. As a white cis person, I am unaware that I have no idea what is it like to be in both situations and I will never know but I can learn to be a better ally. I am also aware that I should have been there before, more openly anyway. I have always tried to learn more about Black and LGBTQ+ History and have tried to call out things that were wrong but I didn't turn up all the time. I also know that I will always need to learn. I will never know enough. 

I think it is so easy to be there when it is on trend but I know that I need to keep learning and to uplift Black voices through reading books, both fiction and nonfiction as well as films. I am also listening to more black creators. I am fully aware that I should have done more in the past but I will be there in the future. I want to be made accountable. I need to keep learning.

I need to do better.

I have been reading at least one Black a month and wish to do so. I also want to do the same for Trans books or about trans people. This is obviously a minimum.

I will sign petitions. I will call out racism and homophobia and transphobia and anything offensive. I will make myself accountable. I will continue to learn. Continue to support Black businesses and to support Black creators. I will also try to donate when I can. I will do better.

Here are some links that you should sign and continue to learn: 





Please continue to support the causes. We do need to continue to discuss this. 

See you soon, 

Amy

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