An Ally’s Awakening

Avoiding interaction and not liking erotic pieces of poetry simply based on avoiding conflict is an apathetic and internecine inaction that sidelines authentic expression of oneself. The inability to articulate and release simple forms of gratitude, with sincere endearment, for fear of reprisal is self-sabotaging and vastly limiting. What is more, capping one's engagement while simultaneously stifling one's positioning on LGBTQ+ issues or works-of-art is the metaphorical equivalent to sitting on one's hands while watching an utterly moving artistic performance without clapping, therefore, avoiding any sign of pleasure or disapproval.

If a like or comment on your well-intentioned doings were proven to be counterproductive for the poet or writer, then they would be self-sabotaging and self-defeating their own means-and-ends. Moreover, if you genuinely express approval or appreciation for one’s self-expression then you are encouraging an underrepresented part of society to freely express their artistic creativity. As a self-aware, white and hetero cis “ally” you would be a champion of the oppressed, capable of extending understanding to anyone too afraid to participate. Let your passivity turn into participation in what will adorn your writing and build bridges across cross-sectional alliances against hatred and malfeasance.

With the understanding of the aforementioned, I beckon you to acknowledge your unintentional pacifism of the sensitivities of LGBTQ+ movement. It is not my intent to polarize, nor tar your peaceful positioning on this seemingly sensitive matter, rather to awaken and enlighten an already self-aware cis hetero "ally" of the ever-evolving LGBTQ+ movement and what you seem to already support. In the words of the famed-feminist, Simon de Beauvoir, " Those who occupy themselves in restraining this original movement can be considered as sub-men. They have eyes and ears, but from their childhood on they make themselves blind and deaf, without love and without desire. This apathy manifests a fundamental fear in the face of existence, in the face of the risks and tensions which it implies." In other words, taking shelter in the shadows is a cowardly act that is not in keeping with what the famous writer Steven Pressfield refers to when he talks about fighting "resistance."

Sadly, there is hardly a more unfortunate action than the inaction or lack of support for those deemed worthy of such. Although, it must be understood that all acknowledgements in the form of flattery is concomitant with the accompanied resentment from any oppositional views. However, this challenging growth opportunity has presented itself to unfreeze your emotions in transcendence of your freedom of expression. And, if opposition to your likings should rear its ugly head again, while clutching its pretentious pearls, let us revisit this post and remember the refreshing feeling and courage it takes to unapologetically support and defend your ideas and attitudes for the LGBTQ+ writers worldwide. In summation, if we're to become better writers ourselves, we must seek resistance and challenge ourselves to overcome the inevitable hurdles that accompany oppositional viewpoints to achieve a justifiable existence and transcendence of hatred.