Standing in Solidarity With Those That Need It Most
Posted in: peopleofanera
“As I started to witness the actual destruction and loss of life in Palestine through social media, the lies I had believed for so long became impossible to ignore.”
The queer community has had a significant impact on my life. As a community that has experienced great harm from both powerful institutions and individuals, we want to shine a light on injustice around the world. I believe the superpower of my community is our intolerance for harm and ravaging hunger for accountability and justice. To me, an important aspect of being queer is to examine yourself and the systems you are a part of, working to create integral change to make them more inclusive and just. No one is free until we all are free.
Growing up in New Jersey, I was not taught about Palestine. I vividly remember the anti-Muslim furor that was whipped up by the media after 9/11. Islamophobia had unfortunately become commonplace and permeated the education system. During my childhood, I recall being taught a very limited perspective on the history of the Middle East in school, particularly one that seemed to ignore the voices of Palestinians calling for change. I took what teachers said at face-value, not questioning whether or not I was hearing the whole story.
After coming out as queer in 2016, I found that both my social circle and perspectives on life expanded. Surrounded by voices that have been historically marginalized, I was able to reexamine the institutions and individuals that have perpetuated socioeconomic inequality. I took time to unlearn white supremacy, sexism, homophobia, and Islamophobia, going so far as to recognize how I may also have benefited from these structures. Learning about my own privilege led me to the decision that I must redistribute my wealth to support those who have faced discrimination and had their voices silenced throughout history. It is important to me that as part of my own work toward anti-racism the wealth I have been given goes back to those who actually created it, as well as those who have been exploited or harmed by colonial forces internationally.
In the wake of October 7th, 2023, I was emboldened by my community to continue to question and unlearn what I had previously been taught about Palestine. The queer community in my life was able to point out the inherent Islamophobia in the media’s discussion of the events. I was struck by the sheer amount of destruction and loss of life in Palestine that was clearly visible through social media. After seeing a video of the bombing of Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City, I felt especially compelled to redistribute a portion of my wealth towards Palestine.
I discovered Anera in early 2024. I appreciate that Anera’s work is driven by a team on the ground in Palestine who can better assess the needs of the displaced community. I made the decision to donate to Anera, making a commitment to both amplifying and protecting the voices of those in Palestine.
As we identify the intersections of our communities with the fight for the safety and wellbeing of Palestinians, it is essential for us to take the time to question any harmful ideologies we may have learned growing up and stand in solidarity with those that need it most. The process of unlearning is never easy, but it is integral to creating a better world.
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