Tag: hate

Entry 85: Life goes on

Recently, a friend wrote the following…

“So, let me get this straight:

I am not safe as a woman, because a man could kill me for nothing more than saying I am not interested?

I am not safe as a black person because the cops could kill me for nothing more than driving while black?

And, I am not safe as a queer person, because a bigot could kill me for nothing more than existing?

Yeah…why ever would I hate living in the U.S.?

It is clearly great here..”

S.S.

I was shocked when I read this, as no one I know personally,  has ever verbalized their feelings quite like this, and it brought back so many memories.

This country was founded on racism and bigotry, and it exists today throughout this country. The founding fathers, as it were, came to this land to escape religious and political persecution, and they founded a country based on exactly those values that they wished to escape from. The difference, is that they used those same values against everyone who was not white and christian like themselves. White men committed genocide against the first nation people who lived on this land for centuries. They enslaved black people whom they stole from homelands far away, and the laws these white people wrote treated people of color as property and not human beings. Blacks, asians, latins, anyone who was not white, or shared any religion that was other than christian was and still is discriminated against every day in this country.

Growing up in a major city, I was blissfully unaware of discrimination in my early youth. You see, I am considered an “other”. There were places I could not go, places I could not live. I knew these things, and yet was too young to question them. I am not a person of color in that designation, but my religion is enough to bring scrutiny upon myself.

When I met Annie, all that changed. If you’ve read any of my journal you would know why. You see, Annie lived in the perfect storm. She was Asian, not white, not christian, and she was transgender female, all designations christians hate the most. Then add in the fact that I am Jewish and there you have it.

The year we spent together was full of joy and fear. Everything we shared was based upon these two emotions. The joy of our mutual love was impossible to kill and yet every day, every place we went in this country, the fear of bigotry and discrimination was always so close to the surface, and we were always on guard as to who was around us and where we went.

We came so close to leaving this country. So close, we could taste the freedom from bigotry, discrimination and the ability to live our lives without fear. If Annie had not passed away, we would have lived our lives together in a safer country.

So, here we all are now in 2022. The racism, bigotry and discrimination from white christians still exists, and they make no effort to hide it. They are proud of who they are and make sure that everyone who is an “other” knows it and knows their place.

Personally, I think I am now too old to start over in a new country, and even after fifteen long and painful years, I grieve for Annie every day. I also had hopes that this country could change its racist ways, but that hope is fading fast.

I was so shocked when I read that quote from my friend, but I suppose I should not have been. I wish I had some comforting words to share with her, but I do not. She spoke the truth that white christians will never understand.

Entry #65: Stay or Go

Writing this blog has never been easy. Reconstructing all my memories of Annie and the life we experienced together during the short year we had each other has been heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. Make sense?

Until this past week, I have shared this blog with only two other people that I know in person. From them, I receive only respect and encouragement to keep writing and express myself in the only way I can, as I am not an eloquent speaker.

This week, I shared it with a third person. Someone whom I have known for 6-8 years in social settings, always seemed like an open minded person. We discuss many topics, and I have been  supportive of her struggles during Covid, as that is what a friend does.

Sharing this with her was a terrible mistake. A side of her came out that I never knew existed. Rather than give me understanding and empathy over the words I write, I received hate, bigotry and disrespect. After reading most, if not all ( I could tell by her comments), she decided to die on the white privilege hill of her own making.

To paraphrase, since I never had the thought to record her comments, she could not understand why I would ever love an Asian (American) like Annie. I wasn’t sure if she was taking issue with Annie being Asian or transgender, or both. To top it off, she took issue of my writing about my feelings for my black friend. She wanted to know why I couldn’t simply find a white woman.

Well, she is now gone from my life and I have no regrets about it. How dare she comment on who I loved back then, and who I have feelings for now.

The hate and comments I endured during my time with Annie was common back then, even though I knew nothing of it until Annie and I became a thing. It was a constant worry for us wherever we went…would she be safe…could I keep her safe…constant vigilance as to who was around us at any time or place. It was exhausting to fear violence that could erupt without warning.

I thought that was behind me after all these years, but with what has happened in this country with the murders of black folks, and the terrorizing of transgender POC, I realize that this country is no better off than it was back then. Now, when I go out in public with my friend who is black, will my whiteness bring on trouble for her as well? Must I scrutinize every person that comes close to us when we are in public?

I have no solution to this dilemma, and I absolutely refuse to give up not only my friendship, nor my feelings for her. I will fight the haters wherever I find them. Who I choose to love and be seen with is no one’s business and I will make that crystal clear to anyone who gets in my way.

I waffled back and forth as to whether I would delete this blog. Yet, I find that I cannot let the actions of bigots deter me living the truth of who I love and care for.

If someone has issues with me writing about my relationships and friendships with women of color who may be transgender or cis, then just get over yourself and stay off my lawn.

I do not, nor will I welcome you into my life.

So, if you have read this far, just know that I will keep on writing about the women who have made such an impact on my life. This is not only my truth…it is their’s as well.