Been checking periodically on a thread of racism in racing (via @UrbnHandicapper & @MrKenRudulphTV) A few thoughts. It’s not incumbent upon our Black brothers & sisters to come up w all the solutions for racism — institutional or otherwise. They didn’t create it. Others did. 1/x

Also, over the years I have learned to simply listen to my Black friends about what it is they encounter and struggle with every single day of their lives. While I will never completely understand or experience what it is they contend with each & every day I can surely learn. 2/x

Also, I’m a 57 year old white queer (i.e., LGBTQ) man who has encountered his share of hate & homophobia in his lifetime. That said, I’m lucky I have never feared for my life because of my sexual orientation. However, try being queer & Black. If not trans & female too. 3/x

They most definitely can’t say the same. So instead of interjecting your preconceived notions why not just listen. Don’t demand answers. Look within yourselves about implicit biases you may harbor. Start there. And while we are on the subject of racing & representation. 4/x

Where are the LGBTQ members of the thoroughbred racing community — the trainers or jockeys? Likely in the shadows, but for the few that I know of in other areas of racing — @brianwspencer & @Fijithegreat. The one I recall most was a LONG time ago — the trainer Rodney Rash. 5/x

Who had been assistant trainer for the legend Charlie Whittingham. And looking back I don’t recall if he was even out at the time. I just happened to say hi to him w a friend at “gay” club in West Hollywood all those years ago. Damn I’m old. I’m in no way an expert, but... 6/x

being part of a marginalized group in our society (LGBTQ) I feel I have a somewhat unique viewpoint. Hell, I once wanted to be involved as a career in thoroughbred racing myself, but worried how I would be treated as there were no role models in the late 1970s/1980s/1990s 7/END