Running

[Jynx]

@avant-garde that is deeply unfair, and the trigger is very understandable. You ought to be able to simply express an opinion without being berated for doing so. Especially when it's a reasonable, thought out argument. It's not like you're out here just telling other people they're wrong, simply presenting your thoughts, no? 

Ugh, so sorry you copped that. 

[avant-garde]

Then let's throw in yesterday...

Content/trigger warning

I don't handle men touching me very well... especially unfamiliar men... even when men are kind and gentle... that's been their approach to rape before too... it doesn't help that I'm very familiar with a massage table and so it's no surprise that I had a seizure... it ticked a lot of trigger boxes...

Being relatively unconscious at the hands of a man didn't help either, similar to when I was abused...

I felt trapped, unheard, unconscious and unimportant... that my voice didn't matter, so my body couldn't escape so my mind decided to...

@Jynx 

[avant-garde]

@Jynx 

They had no desire to hear my opinion, just to tell me I was wrong. My argument was irrelevant.

[Jynx]

@avant-garde aye it's been a rough day after a very rough day hey. I am really hearing how much more intense yesterday was than I initially gauged as well. 

Ugh, and it would be so hard to be able to just... openly chat about these kinds of things. Cos if this is what you cop for sharing a more generalised opinion about something? Yikes. I can see even moreso why you have found solace in being able to be open in this space! 

[avant-garde]

@Jynx 

You know how much I get from my church just because I love and associate and talk to and support the LGBTQ community, and that I feel such a strong emotional connection...

But yet I still choose not to be quiet about it... because I believe Jesus would be doing the same thing...

[Jynx]

@avant-garde yeah Jesus flipped tables for his beliefs!! He was a man who would cause a RUCKUS!! I think that's awesome that you stick to your beliefs like that!! 

[avant-garde]

@Jynx he said "you who is without sin cast the first stone"

then said to the woman "I don't condemn you either"

[Jynx]

@avant-garde ach, he was incredible hey. 

I'm off soon 😯 

*gentle hugs incoming*

[avant-garde]

*snuggles in close, holding tightly*

I appreciate you @Jynx 

[avant-garde]

Dear [group name removed] 

I wanted to write this so that you can get a better understanding in regards to the comment I made in regards to the late Pope.

The comment I made was not in relation to him as a person, rather it's the position that I don't agree with.

I'm not glad he's dead, he was a person who did a lot of good in this world, good that I agree with. I just don't believe in the role of pope, because there can be a lot of damage done with that kind of power. And if someone can change a belief within a religion then what does that do to the followers. What does that say about their beliefs in the first place.

I know Christians aren't all angels either and we both have done horrible things, I myself survived a lot of horrible things at the hands of the Christian church. But I don't believe any one living person should have the sway a pope has over any religion or denomination.

Secondly, I know my opinion over Christians and Catholics rubbed some people the wrong way, and I do my best to respect others opinions. I apologise if I came over as brash or inconsiderate in that regard. I do stand by my point though and if you do wish to discuss it further I would be open to that. 

Lastly, and perhaps the most painful point.

The response I received to my comment made me feel belittled, berated, inferior, disrespected, unimportant, bullied, unsafe and verbally assaulted. I felt like my voice and my opinions didn't matter, that I didn't matter.

I don't respond well to that kind of interaction as it is much too similar to the atmosphere I grew up in.

I know I hit a nerve in some people and I apologise for my part in making it uncomfortable.

However the responsibility for the interaction isn't solely mine and I ask that there is some reflection on what occurred and how best to navigate through this situation.

For the time being I will be in the library as this instance is still very raw for me. If this letter has been received favourably then I ask that you come fetch me, if it has not then I ask that you allow me the time I need to take care of myself to a point where I can handle whatever triggers may arise for me in attending, hoping that next time there is a disagreement we are able to have an open and understanding discussion. 

Sincerely

[my name]

-----------------------------

@rav3n @Ru-bee 

How does that read?