From the Editor: Dissent Fuels Community

One argument I often see floated from both those on the Right and the Left is the idea that being “so sensitive about everything,” “politically correct,” or, my personal favorite, “snowflakes,” leads to tearing apart a community at every turn, for any reason. For example, these people will argue that folks who demand we stop using gendered terms like “dude” and “yasss queen” or call out someone for cultural appropriation are just looking for reasons to fight and not band together. 

I used to somewhat subscribe to that ideation. I felt like while of course, being sensitive and caring was important, focusing on microaggressions was just a way to keep dissent going in spaces that could otherwise be unified to fight back against oppressors and make real change. 

Now, I realize that dissent is really a necessary part of change and holding the community accountable. It’s not about tearing people down over any little thing they get wrong or say. It’s about pointing out microaggressions and ways we can change our language, and being strong enough to stand up for the marginalized and call it out when things are unjust or unfair. 

So, in the spirit of that, we introduce topics that people are calling out and calling attention to, like police at Pride and how we show up for our community. We invite discussion and examination of our community so that we can continue to grow and be more loving and accepting of everyone in the ever-expanding rainbow.

In community and Pride,

Addison Herron-Wheeler