People are correct in pointing out that our ire and urgent calls to curb this pandemic should be primarily aimed at our government officials -- both locally and federally. I don't think this has been absent from the conversation or the "discourse" (whatever that means).

But for better or worse, the inaction of our government means that right now, some choices that should be personal can harm others.

I think there's a difference btwn imploring those within your community to use those harm-reduction methods (masks, distance, etc.) out of consideration for those disproportionately impacted by this pandemic while respecting their choices and what we might call "shaming."

Using language that criminalizes people who are "infected" or urges the policing of bodies/spaces is harmful. It is not helpful.

But if we are to help our communities survive this -- particularly queer ppl in Black and/or Latinx communities that have been disproportionately impacted -- we need to reckon with the reality of the moment.

It's not lost on me that part of the frustration over what happened on F.I. is rooted in the perceived privilege/economic class of the ppl who frequent the Pines.

I don't think we should stay silent when those with ample resources disregard the well being of those with fewer.

But being mindful of our language and what we're asking of each other seems most important.

Keep that anger for politicians, too -- god knows I've spent most of my time yelling at Ron DeSantis and emailing state officials about how their policies have put my family at risk.

But I'd hope we can all act compassionately while understanding the conditions imposed currently imposed on us by the state require collective efforts to reduce harm. And we should remind each other of that.

The parallels btwn the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic and the current COVID one are invaluable. Queer activists have paved the way for us to learn how to survive w/ out having to shame or criminalize others while organizing to demand resources & meaningful/non-punitive gov't action.

But again: Strongly urging those with privilege to avail themselves of what few harm reduction tools we have re: COVID -- without resorting to punitive or stigmatizing language, or telling ppl they shouldn't even leave the house -- does not seem equivalent to shaming imo.