I'M AN ALLY

For years, I have done just about anything to "fly under the radar". I hate drawing attention to myself in most circumstances; therefore, I was silent about things that ultimately define me. I hated that people might discover that I was a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and look at me differently, so I didn't talk about it. I hated that people might discover that I was a "flaming" liberal, so I didn't talk about it. I hated that people might discover that I left The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints three and a half years ago, so I didn't talk about it. I wasn't ready to face vulnerability outright. I was silent. But I REFUSE to be silent on the issue of racism or bigotry. Recent events have triggered a force within me that I will not extinguish. And if that means making myself or others uncomfortable, so be it. I will have open dialogues with those that wish to engage respectfully. I will do everything in my power to educate myself and my children about past and current social justice issues. I will stand as an ally to suppressed communities, specifically Black and LGBTQ+ communities. I will march with others at protests and rallies all over this state if needed. I will never claim religion or patriotism as an excuse for my actions or beliefs on racial injustice. 

Being anti-racist is NOT political. It's humane.

Images are from a protest that I attended held in Tempe on June 11th.