It's always terrifying to me how someone who can call themselves an ally or an advocate to a group of folks (gender/sexual minorities, sex workers, those with mental illness...) can, in one breath say they want the best for that group, and in the next breath condemn them, show disgust, show judgment, et cetera.
Being an ally, an advocate means NOT being disgusted. Not showing judgement. Not appropriating experiences when it is convenient or profitable for you to do so.
Lately, it seems nearly every time I speak out about an ally doing something harmful to the community they are claiming to help, I am attacked (often when I am a member of that community).
Seek first to understand. Seek first to act from a place of understanding. Seek first the words, thoughts, feelings, wants, needs of the group you are claiming to help.
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