Bep, hi everyone,
Hyde and I have noticed occasional remarks lately that take swipes at cis people as a group. I don't think any of it has come from a place of malice, but I do want to head it off before we develop a culture of ambient contempt for cis people.
Bigotry, patriarchy, transphobia, and all those other ugly beliefs harm everyone, and we can criticize them directly without designating a proxy group to shame.
Cis-ness itself is a gender identity, and the cis people who choose to spend their time here show that it is as diverse and nuanced as any other identity. I don't think anyone should ask cis people to internalize shame about being cis. The world is frightening, and adding more shame to it only serves to constrain us to shrinking islands, always becoming more angry and afraid.
If you find yourself writing something that belittles or invalidates cis-ness, I ask you to take a moment to dig a little deeper. I can all but guarantee that there is an oppressive belief lurking nearby. These beliefs are wrong and so they cannot withstand scrutiny. They rely on the haze of fear and anger that they create to trick people into attacking each other. This creates more fear and anger and strengthens the belief. If you take a moment to see through the haze and take aim at the belief itself, I think you'll find that whatever you write is more precise, incisive, and persuasive.
I know that it is very difficult to relinquish the fear and anger because it's hard for me. So many of the painful things I've read in the news this year make me want to spurn the world. If you need some time to feel afraid and angry, that's okay. I do too sometimes. I just ask that you not write things here that belittle or invalidate people.
Bigotry and hatred make the world small and angry. Inclusivity, compassion, and curiosity make it expansive and fun.
I'm glad you're here, all of you.
