Conflict is a natural and healthy part of human engagement and community life. We are allowed to disagree, to be angry and disappointed with one another. But in distorted web of social media, our words can have an impact that we do not foresee, especially on the most vulnerable

We are living in a moment of extreme stress, exacerbating already unbearable dynamics: We have the right to anger. Everyone is capable of harm & healing. But we must also take care with our words and our actions. I wish we all would do so when it comes to trans women of color

Trans women of color inhabit a reality where we literally watch our sisters die one by one, sometimes before getting to meet them. We are perceived as suspect & crazy from the moment of being seen. We are living in a world where we are being eaten alive.

I implore us all - trans people included - to think about how we speak about twoc in public. Disagreeing/disliking someone is not a reason to demonize or shame her (I don't think there are good reasons to demonize or shame people, but this is an convo for another day)

Let us think: What do I really intend to say? Do my words and actions contribute to a community of healthy interdependence, healing, and transformative justice? Am I upholding the life and dignity of trans women of colour - even as I choose to disagree with her?