Today, I saw this sticker on the window of a local business, and it reminded me of the peace of mind I feel when I see this on a business. As a gay (white, cis) woman, the world is not always a safe place. I recognize my many privileges and that it's important to use my platforms to create a safe space for marginalized populations, including ones of which I am not a member. I'm updating my banners to include both the Pride flag with the intersex circle and the Black Lives Matter logo. This may lead to strong feelings one way or another among some folks, and that's okay. My goal is to create and promote inclusivity and a safe space, as well as a platform to discuss opinions. If you are a business owner or have any kind of public platform, I'd encourage you to make an overt statement if you want to show marginalized groups that not only their money, but their presence is welcome (or if you don't feel this way, you can make an overt statement saying as much). While it may feel like this is already implied, explicit invitation matters more than many of us realize. I try not to live my life in fear, but I admit there is fear for what the next 4 years will bring. I hope to channel this to bring people together rather than further divide.
Wandering Switchback
Today, I saw this sticker on the window of a local business, and it reminded me of the peace of mind I feel when I see this on a business. As a gay (white, cis) woman, the world is not always a safe place. I recognize my many privileges and that it's important to use my platforms to create a safe space for marginalized populations, including ones of which I am not a member. I'm updating my banners to include both the Pride flag with the intersex circle and the Black Lives Matter logo. This may lead to strong feelings one way or another among some folks, and that's okay. My goal is to create and promote inclusivity and a safe space, as well as a platform to discuss opinions.
If you are a business owner or have any kind of public platform, I'd encourage you to make an overt statement if you want to show marginalized groups that not only their money, but their presence is welcome (or if you don't feel this way, you can make an overt statement saying as much). While it may feel like this is already implied, explicit invitation matters more than many of us realize.
I try not to live my life in fear, but I admit there is fear for what the next 4 years will bring. I hope to channel this to bring people together rather than further divide.
6 months ago | [YT] | 49