Buckle up divas, I wanna get some things off my chest... I’d like to take some time to discuss my recent struggles regarding the responsibilities that come with the kind of platform I’ve been given.

As I’ve mentioned before, staying up to date on current events has never been my strong suit. I really want to make it clear that I am in no way apathetic about the horrific events that are happening in a world plagued by social inequity and cruelty.

I think they’re so reprehensible and sickening that I’m often overwhelmed by them, which is what makes me shut it all out.

I also find it difficult to speak on issues like this eloquently, and at times I really don’t consider myself qualified to contribute to the conversation.
However, my anxiety can’t excuse willful ignorance, it just explains it.

As I navigate this new lifestyle, I understand that part of my job description is to keep myself informed and educated. Every day is a new opportunity to learn and grow, and it’s an opportunity I intend to take going forward!

I’m BEYOND lucky to have the kind of audience that I have, but it’s not something I ever could have imagined for myself. If I could turn back time and tell myself 2 years ago that I’d be on the world’s stage, maybe I could have better prepared for it...

But I guess, at the end of the day, that doesn’t matter. What DOES matter is that I now take the time to develop my voice. Not just creatively, but politically and socially as well.
I can’t help but think back to the ending of one of my favorite movies

As Dorothy prepares to return to Kansas, Glinda tells her she’s been able to leave all along. When asked why she couldn’t have told Dorothy this earlier, she says, “She wouldn’t have believed me. She had to learn it for herself.” Now I have to learn these lessons for myself.

I ask, respectfully, for your patience and understanding as I continue to learn, grow, and change on this journey we’re all strapped into