Today was difficult. I had to let an LGBTQIA+ (ex)friend know we were done. Whilst respecting differences of opinion is important, compromise cannot be made if those differences defend and uphold oppressive systems and ideology. Has anyone had similar experiences?

1 / I want to talk about this because I notice that LGBTQIA+ people especially can feel obliged to maintain relationships in the community, even if they are toxic.

2 / LGBTQIA+ people have complex experiences, and uniting qualities. You would not find me having lunch with Cate McGregor, Buck Angel or Milo Yiannapolous, however.

3 / We are not perfect. It is important to have conversations, arguments and fallouts. It is important to forgive, whether that results in reconciliation or not. We need to curate the people in our lives where possible to protect ourselves, and to be honest with others.

If you are LGBTQIA+ and have had to end LGBTQIA+ friendships, tell me what you did, why and how it felt. What advice do you have to others in this predicament?