I’d really like for this to be my last time writing about Black Lives Matter. With that being said, however, I understand that right now my voice is one of the most important. A couple weeks ago, a friend of mine asked me how I was feeling in lieu of the tragedies affecting the Black Community. I answered honestly, stating that I was drained and was at a loss for words most of the time, and explained how important it was to share my perspective without forcing it onto others. Comments I hear in passing – at work, mind you – like “why isn’t there a White Entertainment Television channel?!” are microaggressions that fuel the smallest of fires that burn behind the bullets killing our melanin-kissed brothers and sisters.
Black Lives Matter does not mean anti-white. I would know this because my husband is white. Not only is he white, but he’s from Southern Indiana, grew up raising horses, and hops around randomly and calls it dancing; especially to a fierce Lady Gaga track. All jokes aside, I have an interesting perspective and more to consider when it comes to my life in relation to everything that’s going on currently. S and I live in a pretty quiet area on the west side of Indianapolis. There’s not much traffic in our neighborhood, and the presence of other people of color is sparse. Lately I’ve been haunted by thoughts of me getting taken out by some uneducated, neighborhood watch tool or a policeman, while I’m peacefully walking our dog. I know this seems extreme, but I find it sad that I’m unsure of my safety anymore. Not only for myself, but for our tiny family we’ve created.
I’m always on high alert now when I see a police car behind me. I try not to run errands at night at the risk of being profiled and pulled over – although we’ve seen that time of day really isn’t a factor. The fact that all police officers aren’t evil, racist assholes isn’t a lost realization floating around in the darkest parts of my brain, BUT at the same time, it’s something I’m forced to consider. Take S and I visiting his parents for example. He’s from a very small town where I’m convinced – whenever I’m visiting – that I’m the only black person present, and that everyone there will throw a tantrum if you bring up gun control. I’m going to separate the next few lines because they’re important…
Even with those thoughts in my head and the fact that I am, most likely, the only black person around those parts, I would never jump the gun and be hyper-protective and reactive. I remain open and try to look at more than just the book’s cover. Inside of me there’s still a voice that says “go with the flow and be your best self…” If any of these murderous officers – not all, but the ones with blood on their hands – had any ounce of humanity, they’d be able to consider the fact that a person’s skin color doesn’t make them a threat. They’d be open. How I’m able to think like this in times like these is beyond me, but I’ll take it as a sign of hope; A sign that hope still exists.
I’ve never played the race card in all of my twenty-nine years and don’t plan on doing so for any reason. What I will do is stand up for what’s right. Preaching on Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media platform has never been my style. If ever there are comments made that I disagree with, I simply bring up facts, significant points, and anything that will get the opposition to think past themselves. Consider my Indiana family for example. I know they love me and that they’d do anything for S, myself, and my family. I’m wondering how having a gay, black man in the family has caused their thinking to shift. “Racism isn’t going anywhere. It’s just changing its face.” I have a feeling things will get way worse before they improve. Educating and providing views into life as a minority is key if the receiving subjects are willing to listen. Stay woke, everyone! And if you don’t know what “woke” means (as it relates to Black Lives Matter)? Chances are you aren’t.
Let love breathe,
Gays in the Life 
Powerful words, man. My man and I feel this. I am in the position of your husband in this situation, and sometimes it can feel helpless. I can’t imagine. Even being in a relationship and this close to a POC, we still don’t truly know the feeing. All I know is what I feel for him; I’ll never know the true feeling he has inside himself concerning these matters. All I can do is listen and try to understand as best I can and take from that, putting some rational goodness back into this world.
Your words ring true in my life because of my other half, and it brought tears to my eyes. He and I don’t often brings these things up because of how hard they can be (even in discussion), but your truth is shared by many and a reminder that maybe we, too, should be having this conversation.
The microaggressions you mentioned are everywhere. I hear them daily it seems, and I try to combat them without being insensitive. But maybe it’s time we stop caring about being nice and simply tell the truth instead.
Thank you for sharing such poignant words. I can take and learn from these, applying them to how my world view can help others, like my family–whom is much like your your husband’s from what you’ve described.
Keep writing, my friend. You’re amazing!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post, Jordan. You are correct about being nice and telling the truth. Now is not the time to worry about feelings. All we can do is present the truth, in an insensitive way, and hope the subject learns. This can be so difficult and beyond frustrating, but at the end of the day… at least we can say we tried. Thanks again, and I wish you and your family well 🙂
This speaks the truths of so many others. I love reading your posts and happy you’re finally at a place in life where you could start your writing. Keep it up, can’t wait for the next.
Love, hugs & kisses
Mom😘
Thank you! Love ya *kiss kiss*
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I reblogged this on my blog, I hope you won’t mind. I think what you wrote is very important and I wanted to share it. On the reblog I wrote how I admire you, and some other thoughts I feel. Please be safe, be well, and know many of us care and are joining with others to change this horrible situation.
No, not a problem at all! Thank you so much for sharing with your readers. I appreciate the continued support 🙂
The recent shootings in Minnesota and Florida of NON THREATENING MEN have ached my heart! There was a time I felt empathy for Blacks for slavery and other injustices in the past. However, these ordeals aren’t of another era, but right here and right now. And I’m disappointed in my fellow man. These circumstances have shown me that just because inequality may not make any noise for a time, doesn’t mean that prejudice and racism has ceased to exist. How absolutely sad. I’m truly sorry that whites and authorities behave so violently and irrationally.
Thank you so much for your thoughts, and for reading. I completely agree. Racism isn’t going anywhere, it’s just changing its face.
Take care out there, my dear. And thanks for stopping by my blog tonight. It’s been a while!
It has! I’ve been in a little rut, but I’m getting back in my writing schedule AND am actively finding more time to engage in my fellow bloggers’ work 🙂
Feels good to get back to writing, doesn’t it? 😀
Absolutely!
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Reblogged this on Gays in the Life.