Are black rights and trans rights overshadowing womens rights?
Us: talking about our local history room at the library, and how they're working on diversifying the collection, with regard to women, people of color, and queers
Them: Something about how all the focus on trans and black rights is leaving women's rights out of focus
Me: "No they're not!" I say loudly, defensively.
Hearing that, I felt like black and queer folks were being other'd and blamed for issues that women deal with.
I felt like marginalized groups (one of which I belong to) were being attacked.
I checked myself and tried to approach with curiosity. I acknowledged that in my circles, this hasn't been the case, not what I've seen. "But in your circles, in what you see, it apparently is?"
I don't know if they were blaming queer folks or having a negative attitude toward black rights. I didn't ask, too blinded by my pain to see their pain. I might have misinterpreted their tone and statement.
I want to be better at approaching these situations with curiosity and kindness. It could have been so much more interesting if I'd asked questions and tried to understand both what they think and why. It would have been more fruitful for both of us.
I should forgive myself for my mistake. Perhaps I can bring this up later. I actually am curious.
Chapter 8 or 9 of Antiracism as daily practice by Jennifer Harvey discussed issues like these.