my revolutionary pledge

The true focus of revolutionary change is never merely the oppressive situations that we seek to escape, but that piece of the oppressor which is planted deep within each of us, and which knows only the oppressors’ tactics, the oppressors’ relationships. -- Audre Lorde

I am only an expert in myself.

I have lived with pain since I was a child. Lots of pain. Pain from living at the intersection of utter disregard for humanity

I have been re traumatized over and over again without much relief and expected to live a full and vibrant life without this trauma being addressed

It is impossible for me to live this way.

I have acknowledged my pain both privately and publicly.

I will continue to do this.

Other people in my life, both known to me casually and my friends, are also in pain.

Sometimes, I have been the cause of that pain.

I can acknowledge their pain.

I can listen to them, hold space for them to name their pain without the need to name mine as a response.

I can not respond at all and just listen.

I can see their humanity, even when it is wrapped up in rage and righteous indignation.

When I can no longer see their humanity, I know that is when I need to step back and reorient myself.

I can see who is in spaces with me and who isn’t.

I can see who is propped up as a leader, and who isn’t.

I can be aware of when I am taking up too much space.

I can call out sexism, homophobia, transphobia, anti-semitism and racism when I see it -- no matter who is perpetrating it.

I can engage in meaningful conversation with women --all women, be they cisgender, gender nonconforming or transgender-- without calling them names, erasing them from the space(or history), trying to talk for them or just being an asshole.

I do my best to be learned about the issues I am passionate about so that fear and ignorance don’t rule my mind and reactions which leads to sexism, homophobia, transphobia, anti-semitism and racism.

I can’t win this alone.

I need all of the freedom fighters with me, so I treat them that way, even when it is hard and we are in pain.

I refuse to lose my humanity or my dignity in this freedom struggle.

I will love and support.

I know that we will win.

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