Sending love to Jussie Smollett and to anyone who has endured bigotry, violence or hate of any kind. As a queer, black man who was the victim of a hate crime almost 7 years ago I understand the shock, shame and fear one experiences from an attack of this nature. To feel almost less than human & that your entire existence could ignite anger in another person so much the only way to express their distaste for you is to taunt, beat & bruise in hopes of breaking you. But break I didn’t, and break Jussie won’t. And break you won’t. Whoever you are, wherever you are, however you’re healing. Through my healing came understanding, acceptance and an even greater, unapologetic desire to be myself no matter who was uncomfortable as a result. Jussie’s fearlessness in walking in his truth in the public eye is admirable. I stan for and stand with him. I pray those responsible will be brought to justice. Hate mustn’t win. Here or ever. We must continue to uplift, protect and above all LOVE one another. And that doesn’t start and stop with gay black men, but trans women, Muslims, Indigenous people, Mexicans, Latinas and any and all marginalized communities that continue to be affected as a result of our country, its ignorance and the senseless acts it incites. WHEN IS ENOUGH, ENOUGH? LETS LEAD WITH LOVE ❤️
