01-01-2022, 04:41 AM
My understanding of this issue is that it is about identity. And Darcy has chosen an identity which best describes what is truest and most authentic for Darcy. I respect that.
Like most on here I am grappling with understanding this... but then my frame of reference, my identity is one represented by a large number of people. I look and feel male. And I see a lot like me wherever I go. Plus I've had plenty of decades of existence to reinforce my identity.
So how do I relate to Darcy with this new knowledge of how Darcy identifies Darcy? Simple. Respect. And a willingness to be open to the reality that Darcy's identity for Darcy is Darcy's business and my judgements are irrelevant.
I find myself, to be honest, wanting to understand but accepting that I may not be able to for some time. But I want to. Change aint easy, especially when we're asked to respect an identity that we can't relate to or haven't had to relate to... but that doesn't mean it aint very, very real for the person experiencing an identity so very different to so many, including me. I will be doing a lot of reading/research to better understand the perspectives and feelings of binary folks. To attempt to see the world and themselves through their eyes, minds and hearts. I'm determined to gain a better understanding.
But the one thing I do admire with Darcy's announcement is the courage it took to make this public. Like anyone making known their preference for an identity which is very different to so many, Darcy will experience ridicule and mocking. That is sad and an indictment on empathy and understanding... indeed, human intelligence. Fortunately, Darcy will also experience support, love and admiration from those closest to her... those who matter most, I expect and hope. Another victory for bravery, I suspect... and hope.
Like most on here I am grappling with understanding this... but then my frame of reference, my identity is one represented by a large number of people. I look and feel male. And I see a lot like me wherever I go. Plus I've had plenty of decades of existence to reinforce my identity.
So how do I relate to Darcy with this new knowledge of how Darcy identifies Darcy? Simple. Respect. And a willingness to be open to the reality that Darcy's identity for Darcy is Darcy's business and my judgements are irrelevant.
I find myself, to be honest, wanting to understand but accepting that I may not be able to for some time. But I want to. Change aint easy, especially when we're asked to respect an identity that we can't relate to or haven't had to relate to... but that doesn't mean it aint very, very real for the person experiencing an identity so very different to so many, including me. I will be doing a lot of reading/research to better understand the perspectives and feelings of binary folks. To attempt to see the world and themselves through their eyes, minds and hearts. I'm determined to gain a better understanding.
But the one thing I do admire with Darcy's announcement is the courage it took to make this public. Like anyone making known their preference for an identity which is very different to so many, Darcy will experience ridicule and mocking. That is sad and an indictment on empathy and understanding... indeed, human intelligence. Fortunately, Darcy will also experience support, love and admiration from those closest to her... those who matter most, I expect and hope. Another victory for bravery, I suspect... and hope.
Only our ruthless best, from Board to bootstudders will get us no. 17