"Why won't you engage with the convoy protestors?" is a question people have repeatedly asked and something I've been blamed for not doing. By not doing so, I'm told, I'm dehumanizing them.
I'll tell you why: Because many supporters have shown they don't like people like me.
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I'll tell you why: Because many supporters have shown they don't like people like me.
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Aside from some of the leaders having ties to anti-LGBTQ people/orgs, queer people I know downtown have been harassed simply for leaving their homes. I know trans people who were afraid to go outside. A coffee shop with a pride flag in the window was vandalized. 
The owner of Happy Goat Coffee reported staff getting called homophobic slurs, too.
There were repeated incidents throughout downtown during the occupation. Police are following up on several reports. Hate was crawling through neighbourhoods while people partied on Wellington.
There were repeated incidents throughout downtown during the occupation. Police are following up on several reports. Hate was crawling through neighbourhoods while people partied on Wellington.
And just look at my mentions over the last 3+ weeks. They've been a garbage fire. The main things people attack me for? Being non-binary, using they/them pronouns, raising a trans kid, and my (very gay) hair.
I am attacked based on my identity and my family members' identities.
I am attacked based on my identity and my family members' identities.
So when you say "why won't you engage with them?" my answer is: Why would I? I'm not calling them names, they're calling me names. I'm not threatening them, they're threatening me.
Why is it on marginalized people to do the work with those who are intolerant of us at best?
Why is it on marginalized people to do the work with those who are intolerant of us at best?
If you want my ear, you have to earn it. I don't just listen to people because they feel misunderstood. I've felt misunderstood my whole life, guys. I still treat people with basic respect and if you're not going to show me some human decency, why would I give my energy to you?
Saying "you need to sit down with convoy supporters and understand them" seems to largely come from a place of privilege. Those saying aren't stopping to think that the playing field isn't equal for all of us. If someone hates you on principle, it's hard to have a heartfelt chat.
I'm huge on building bridges - that's probably half my job as an advocate - but not when I'm mocked and belittled and harassed ad nauseum, and not when my life is being threatened (which it has been recently - a few times). That's my boundary and I'm good with it.
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