So I've gotten a few messages questioning my views on the intensely traumatic situation in Israel and Palestine, namely that I made a post and then removed it. Firstly, I removed that post because I realized I needed to be more educated on the history and weight of life and the struggles in the region. Real talk? I'm still seeking ongoing knowledge and understanding. But I'm more learned than I was a month ago, and I'm still learning enough to continue unpacking my biases and beliefs but be clearer about the intent and impact of my views and statements. So, if you're one of the people who questioned me about my stance or are new to these parts and don't know me or know where I stand on current events, please read and absorb the following words:

Free Palestine.

Ceasefire now.

I care about the impacts of this escalated state of violence on people living in the United States, watching their friends and families suffer through the harshness of war, as well as those experiencing this pain in Israel, Palestine, and neighboring regions. The short-term and long-term mental, physical, and emotional impacts of this state of violence will be something I will never fully understand. But I'll be damned if I'm not going to be there for people and continue learning what I can to be a decent human being and global citizen.

Oppression is oppression, even if you are historically oppressed and wielding your trauma to oppress other oppressed people. Being oppressed and obtaining what you view as safety and freedom does not give you a pass to wield the tools of oppression. Healing is so necessary.

We can all believe in freedom and safety for everyone affected in the SWANA diaspora while condemning hate and harm because what we're all sadly witnessing is the product of long-term trauma and oppression for everyone in harm's way and those doing harm. We must acknowledge that this isn't some cut-and-dry, black-and-white situation that sprouted up overnight and that human lives are at stake.

Human lives lost due to the throes of colonialism, prejudice, and white supremacist ideology is not a good look. Ever. There will never be anything that can be said to me that would convince me otherwise.

There you go. That should tell you precisely what you need to know about me, how I view and value human life, and how I feel about oppression, colonialism, genocide, war, violence, hate, and white supremacy. And that's all I've got to say about that because I do not engage in debates about human lives and oppression with people who want to play devil's advocate or categorize me as hateful for not "taking a side." The only side to take in this horrific ordeal is valuing human lives and freedom. If that's not a side you're comfortable with, I'm sorry your empathy settings need adjusting.

Vitriol will be deleted.

I now return you to your regularly scheduled programming.