TheGayGaston
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Tough
🕑 Added 2020-06-01 20:58:04 +0000 UTCDon’t mean to keep things political or heavy, and feel free to skip this once if you want, (promise I have some more fun coming soon), but felt like I needed to share this. I have been at odds with my close family for a while and these are some of my sisters comments to me. And I know I already shared this but I had some more thoughts I needed to get this off my chest and thought it might better illuminate the funk I’ve been in. I am a few months behind on my GayBFF cards and Polaroids but promise to get them all out soon.
Anyway, so I response to 👆🏼
Why is it that when faced with a difference of opinion, rather than conversing, hearing each other’s perspective and attempting the educate each other, so many choose to lash out very and make harsh personal attacks?
It is a hard time for us all—especially when you are alienated and attacked by much of your own family. I don’t mean to make this about me, but want to remind everyone we need to be strong even when facing those we love and to support those that are doing it because it is disheartening. It is possible to have a difference of opinion and still love one another—but for that you need respect.
For the record I am not anti-police, I am anti-injustice. I am not pro-violence, I am anti-racism.
In response to below: Protecting yourself from a virus or lessening the chance of spreading it does not make you “afraid”, it means you are smart. Not sure why my career has been brought up and mocked, but in it I represent our country and welcome those coming to visit it with warmth and care. Sharing an opinion is different than “trolling” — making personal attacks, like below, now that is trolling. No I have not yet marched for this specific cause, but I have also been facing depression. In the past I have marched for causes I believe in and have directly faced hostility (albeit not nearly as much hostility as the brave protesters are facing right now), but sure, it still gives me pause. If I wasn’t being personally attacked by my own family and in a better headspace perhaps I would be marching and maybe still will. In the meantime I can support what I believe in, and believe it or not, this “lemming” has his own thoughts...he’s even been doing proper research and donating what I can to the proper causes—even while unemployed. And “deleting” the comment doesn’t make any of it unsaid.
So in the words of Ana Navarro: take a seat, sis.
If anyone cares for more information to education, ways to take a stand, or where to donate:
https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/
Comments
Michael, I also live in NYC and we are all very afraid of this pandemic that has disrupted our lives. In addition COVID19 has also been mentally and economically challenging for everyone, in particular for those who have lost their jobs or have been at ground zero dealing with sick patients (I’m a healthcare professional). I also haven’t been able to go out and demonstrate because patients need me in the hospital. However, I care about the lives of black people who are being brutally killed by the police. Depression is a serious disease. Please don’t be too harsh on yourself. Your sisters are being callous. That is hard to grapple with in your family. But remember that there are people in your extended family & fans who care about you and your well being. Keep your head up and keep doing what you are doing. If it weren’t for your posts, I would not have been able to deal with the sickness and death that surrounded me at work for the past 3 months. Lots of love 😘😘😘😘
You are at ground zero for this virus and alot of people are throwing caution to the wind and going to protest not knowing that this could be their last healthy act if the contract and die of this virus. You keep protecting yourself and stay safe my friend. I think its remarkable that you have stayed well you are deffently doing the right thing. If you don't look out for yourself no one else will. You are loved and respected and not just for your Beauty. Try to remember that in the hard times. 😘😘😘
David Gould
Thank you for sharing and clarifying. Your work is important, and there are many ways to stand in support and fight injustice. Keep up the good work, Michael, and stay strong. We will get through this and past this, and remember, fellow snowflake: Winter (that is, November) is coming!
Sharing your sister's comments and more importantly your response can only make you stronger. You do NOT deserve to be treated like this, but you have responded in a civilized and thoughtful manner and that makes you a better person. Please know that strangers care about your well being. Let that knowledge offer you some healing. ❤
Michael you responded to her with brilliance and poignancy. Having suffered with depression myself for years I know how dark it can get. You have to do what is best and what is kind to yourself. At a time like this, your posts and photos are bringing so many people joy and right now what’s more important than that? You are loved and admired by many and respected by even more! You are doing what you need to do to try and achieve your dreams and no one can tell you that you are wrong. So please hold your head up and do what you need to do to be kind to yourself right now and try to remember that the depression will pass. I’m sending you strength and prayers ♥️🙏🏻
Well said 👏
