I won’t link to the post, because someone will (fairly and understandably) point out that I’m “putting someone on blast”. But earlier today someone said (about me): “I just wish more people would agree to disagree.”
I’ll agree to disagree on the best flavor of ice cream. I’ll agree to disagree on which Star Wars movie is the best. But when it comes to anything that infringes on a person’s actual humanity? No, I’m not going to just “oh, well!” that. I’m going to disagree very strongly and very loudly.
I’m sick and tired of people who want to treat a disagreement over how *actual transphobia* was handled as if it’s on equal footing as a disagreement over text editors or operating systems. I’m tired of the tut-tutting and pearl clutching from people who don’t understand or don’t care about the very real issues that others face. I’m tired of the ignorance, the let’s-all-just-get-along, and the intense disrespect that comes from those who put their own desire for quiet and comfort over others who actually want to deal with real problems that others face in our shared communities.
This same person also said (again, about me): “I'm not sure half the time that man is on the same planet as anyone else.”
Gee, thanks. I’m on this planet, right here. The one with serious issues. I’m on the planet where choosing to talk about those issues, to address them, to raise awareness, is seen as a step toward positive change. I’m on the planet where a tough conversation does more to move the needle than a monthly photo blogging challenge.
You don’t have to like any of this. And you don’t have to *do* any of this. But to choose to not understand it? That’s just a special sort of highly privileged ignorance. And it doesn’t look good on anyone, anywhere.
You can agree to disagree with that if you want. Meanwhile, I’m going to be supporting people who aren’t lucky enough to be in a position to simply disagree with things like the removal of their basic human rights. Right here on this very planet.