Status Updates From Continuum (Pocket Change Co...

The underlying relief from these reactions confirmed what I'd always suspected: These responses, while positive, promoted the erasure of individuality. Before, my identity was uncategorizable, leaving others uncomfortable, as we are taught to fear the unknown. The longer I stayed true to myself, the more this fear built inside others. I had to give up my authentic self to survive.

I acknowledge that discrimination often stems from ignorance. Although it stings to be misunderstood, others' ignorance does not always hold malicious intent. Focusing on this truth, I concentrate on healing myself in that moment through productive dissociation rather than painful projection…either I can advocate for myself and teach others how to avoid performing future discriminatory actions or I can walk away.