I saw Alok perform tonight.
They were incredible and said the most valuable things. I’m reflecting on so many profound truths. One that resonates deeply is how important it is to show up as ourselves. How living authentically for ourselves and no one else should be a right we all have access to.
But there’s a shadow to this truth: some tell people to “be themselves” as if it’s not dangerous. As if it’s equally safe for everyone.
With systemic power, authority, and patriarchy surging unchecked, many people face real danger for simply existing as themselves. We need to be aware of this. We must understand how to recognise the threats and protect people because they are people. Human beings deserving of safety and dignity just like anyone else.
We have to call out injustices and fight relentlessly to eradicate them. But simultaneously, we must protect those endangered by a powerful minority’s rigid beliefs about how people “should” exist.
These threats are serious. They demand our attention, our action, and our unwavering solidarity.
