Here’s a story about perspective:

Today I went to a youth baseball game. I had to pee. For a gay woman with a short haircut, that can be a stressful experience, especially with a hat on, which I had. It was single stall, so I waited outside of the door for the person inside 1/

to exit. While waiting, three women walked right past me and tried the door, not realizing I was a woman. Cool, happens all the time. The last woman though, when I told her I was waiting, she asked me “you are waiting for THIS bathroom?” I nodded. She looked disgusted and 2/

walked away. I get misgendered all the time, but that’s not the point of this post. If being misgendered really bothered me, I can always change the way that I look. I can regrow my hair, change my clothes, etc. But what if I couldn’t? I would imagine that is what it is like 3/

to be black in this country. I have NEVER experienced racism, but I do know what it feels like to make people feel uncomfortable merely by being near them. But black people can’t change their skin and escape that the way I can. Now, I’m never going to change who I am just to 4/

escape criticism, but I am privileged to have that choice. I walked away from that exchange with perspective and empathy for what black people have to deal with in this country. Every. Damn. Day. I couldn’t imagine that discomfort every day. So if you’re reading this post, 5/

don’t feel sorry for me. But please, show some empathy for those that have it way worse than I do. Who can’t change their skin. Empathy goes a long way, and if you can feel empathy for me, please understand how to feel empathy for what black people in this country go through. 6/6