Thoughts on Election Day, 2020

Hi, friends. I am seeing a lot of kumbaya/all we need is love kind of posts as our nation goes to the polls today. I understand the urge to post these things, and I get where you’re coming from. However, I’m about to step on your toes for a minute, and I mean what I’m about to say with all the love in my heart.

These posts, as positive and rooted in goodness as they are, are also rooted in privilege. Most of my friends who post these things are white, upper middle class, Christian, educated, able-bodied, straight people. My friends who aren’t posting these type of things? They tend to be Black or LGBTQ or disabled or immigrants or non-Christian. These friends are scared. They are worried.

So we can’t tell these people that they need to honor those who are bringing hurt into the very communities to which they belong. We don’t get to judge anyone else’s lived experiences. If they are saying they’re worried because of all the harm that’s already been done to them and those they love? LISTEN TO THEM. Claiming the outcome of this election is not a major issue or that we shouldn’t be concerned is dismissive and can be extremely hurtful. I know you don’t mean to, really. But the harsh reality is that intent doesn’t excuse impact.

I’m not here to debate. I’m not here for what-aboutism or angry comments from people who want to justify their candidate. I voted last Friday, and I’m good. I am here, however, for the people I love who I referenced above, people who I will stand with, always.

For those people, please be gentle with yourself. Take care of you today. You matter, and you are worthy. You are beloved. If you need to cry, pray, rage, or anxiously eat ice cream over Zoom with someone, I’m here.