Thread by @gindaanis

When a marginalised person takes the time to speak with you about where you went wrong, to have a conversation about how something you said reverberates through communities.

When we do that, recognize how fragile that moment is and what a gift you are being given.

Because on Twitter yes, we are outspoken and bold. Throwing our truth out there. But there is no mute or block in these face to face conversations.

And the potential for a relationship to end in a moment is real. Because there are some things you can say in response that we won't be able to come back from.

So the best thing to do in that moment is to listen. Recognize that it is the most fragile of gifts. Do not defend yourself. It hurts, but we aren't there to hurt you from spite. We are there because we have been wounded deeply and despite that wounding, we remain hopeful

So listen.

Ask for something you can read to help you understand better. We probably brought something hoping you would say that. Ask if we can talk again after you gave read the thing.

Promise to do better.

Make no excuses. There are none. Not now. Not 40 years after the civil rights movement. Not after decades of pride. Not after all the inquiries and vigils and protests and shootings and concentration camps and everything that is happening.

There is no excuse. Don't make one.

And yet despite there being no excuse. Despite our deep wounding. Despite the years of relationship in which you could have learned. Despite that, you are still being given this gift.

Don't fuck it up.