Thank you for this, Sophie. And thank you for the embodied knowledge and metaphors your writing has offered me, without which I would not know the vastness and power of mycorrhizal networks.
Thank you Finn. Powerful writing. Sitting here with it all including these lines: Believing someone about their experiences, their pain, their lived realities—this is powerful. This can save someone’s life.
I know who I am and what is true.
Do I need to be believed about these things for them to be true?
Yet my body reacted as though it could just as easily have happened to me. (YES!!)
But there’s also a terror in knowing that not being believed while interacting with powerful institutions can quickly escalate to some incredibly frightening outcomes, even regardless of whether one is factually correct. (Dismantling of these institutions is NOT happening fast enough)
I do not need proof outside of my direct experience.
And, your creed is stunning and inspirational.
Thank you for sharing your unfolding existence (still thinking about those words "prcoess" and "journey").
“There is a freedom in knowing that I don’t need to be believed, that my experiences have a truth deeper than whether anyone in particular believes me. But there’s also a terror in knowing that not being believed while interacting with powerful institutions can quickly escalate to some incredibly frightening outcomes, even regardless of whether one is factually correct.”
You are so superlatively skilled at articulating nuance + complexity in your writing. So direct, so clear, so stirring + agitating, in the very best way. So grateful to be a part of your mycorrhizal network ✨
Powerful and helped me understand my trans son in ways I didn't think about it before. There is so much frustrating with the systems that seem to create these pockets of invisibility, where people slip through the cracks. Deep appreciation for your insight.
Finn, reading this post again today, the clarity of the strength and peace you have around your belief in yourself comes through so eloquently.
And, I get frustrated for you and with you at all the bureaucratic “logic” that is so illogical. Brings up so much frustration I felt everyday when I worked and the endless problem solving it required. It will work, but hopefully the easy way.
What a great illustration of how nothing is just one thing. And how we don't have to be so resolute, almost blind, to the complexities of everything to get what we want/need. A sad habit in our polarized world, right now. Everything isn't black and white. This or that. Nothing is one thing. As a complete stranger, let me make this bold statement: you're gonna be such a thoughtful dad!
From someone who has not been believed, I am here alongside you Finn. Part of your mycorrhizal network. This is a fierce piece of writing
Thank you for this, Sophie. And thank you for the embodied knowledge and metaphors your writing has offered me, without which I would not know the vastness and power of mycorrhizal networks.
Pernicious discrimination is a form of both hate and evil, in my firsthand opinion as a victim and survivor of this cruelty. I love you, friend. 💕
I love you so much, dear friend! 💕
Thank you Finn. Powerful writing. Sitting here with it all including these lines: Believing someone about their experiences, their pain, their lived realities—this is powerful. This can save someone’s life.
I know who I am and what is true.
Do I need to be believed about these things for them to be true?
Yet my body reacted as though it could just as easily have happened to me. (YES!!)
But there’s also a terror in knowing that not being believed while interacting with powerful institutions can quickly escalate to some incredibly frightening outcomes, even regardless of whether one is factually correct. (Dismantling of these institutions is NOT happening fast enough)
I do not need proof outside of my direct experience.
And, your creed is stunning and inspirational.
Thank you for sharing your unfolding existence (still thinking about those words "prcoess" and "journey").
xo
Thank you so much for this, Mary! (And I'm still thinking about those words "process" and "journey" too!)
“There is a freedom in knowing that I don’t need to be believed, that my experiences have a truth deeper than whether anyone in particular believes me. But there’s also a terror in knowing that not being believed while interacting with powerful institutions can quickly escalate to some incredibly frightening outcomes, even regardless of whether one is factually correct.”
You are so superlatively skilled at articulating nuance + complexity in your writing. So direct, so clear, so stirring + agitating, in the very best way. So grateful to be a part of your mycorrhizal network ✨
Thank you, dear friend! ✨
Powerful and helped me understand my trans son in ways I didn't think about it before. There is so much frustrating with the systems that seem to create these pockets of invisibility, where people slip through the cracks. Deep appreciation for your insight.
Thank you so much for this comment, I am moved to hear that this helped you understand your trans son in some ways. Thank you for reading.
Finn, reading this post again today, the clarity of the strength and peace you have around your belief in yourself comes through so eloquently.
And, I get frustrated for you and with you at all the bureaucratic “logic” that is so illogical. Brings up so much frustration I felt everyday when I worked and the endless problem solving it required. It will work, but hopefully the easy way.
Thank you so much, Mary, I really appreciate this affirmation.
I'm sure there will be more to come in this bureaucratic saga, unfortunately, but plenty of other thoughts and experiences to explore in the meantime.
What a great illustration of how nothing is just one thing. And how we don't have to be so resolute, almost blind, to the complexities of everything to get what we want/need. A sad habit in our polarized world, right now. Everything isn't black and white. This or that. Nothing is one thing. As a complete stranger, let me make this bold statement: you're gonna be such a thoughtful dad!
Aw, thanks! Most of the time I can't even think that far ahead to the dad part!