Thread by @chiluvs1

We have to be really careful of #Covid19 support groups that claim to be inclusive but don’t want to talk about the racial disparities in healthcare or statistics that clearly state who this virus affects most. #longcovid

If I can’t have a discussion about being a black woman struggling with this virus and the racism that while seeking treatment in a #Covid19 support group, I don’t want it.

Having this virus isn’t a public relations job for me. This is real. It affects me every single day. #longcovid #covid19 #blackpeople #chronicillness

It would be silly of me to act as if I’m not maneuvering thru some form of double consciousness as a black woman wading through the channels of what the media is seemingly painting as a “white woman’s disease.” #longcovid #covid19 #blackpeople #chronicillness

I’m not interested in being in spaces where I can’t talk about race; where I have to pretend I’m colorless in order to get media connections or opportunities to spread awareness. #longcovid19 #covid19 #chronicillness

So I get why I make some support groups uncomfortable. It’s because I don’t belong there. I would muddy up their “image.” But I am black. And I have #covid19. And I’ve had white men call me “aggressive” while treating me. I can’t lie about that.

& for real for real, @itsbodypolitic is one of the ONLY groups that has ever made me feel good being me while having this stupid ass virus. & no, they don’t pay me. #longcovid #covid19 #chronicillness

I just never had to shuck & jive to be there. And they actually address the many -isms we face while we wait & see where #covid19 will take us. I’m empowered by this group. Oh, I like Long Hauler Fighters too. #longcovid #covid19 #chronicillness #blackpeople