A blogger friend of mine recently posted about her sexuality – for the first time. I can understand her reticence in these troubled times. (Note to family – No, I’m not going to suddenly reveal that I’m a lesbian – “Not that there’s anything wrong with that”.) I realized that, while I may actually reveal or inadvertently point to who I am in this blog, I try to keep some things out of it (notably politics and religion). But because she was brave, I decided that I would be better off if I was open about who I am and what I believe.
STATUS
White – Since I grew up in the south, I realize that, even today, the color of my skin makes me privileged. I knew there were areas of town where people like me lived, and other areas where people of a different skin color lived, and believe me, I never wanted to live in the other areas.
CIS Gendered – I never wished that I could be romantically involved with girls. I knew other girls who felt differently, but it was never for me. I also never wanted to be a boy or a man. I know that makes me privileged because society looks down on differently gendered people. (I know that because I have two Trans grandchildren.)
College Educated – I am massively privileged because my parents, and later my husband supported me through college and graduate school.
Female – I always thought that I was as good as anyone. I fought the good fight for Roe v Wade in the 60s, and (silly me) I thought that gave me bodily autonomy. I worked hard – politically – to be able to have my own money, my own credit card, and my own property. Imagine my dismay at the recent Supreme Court rulings and threatened further erosions of my personhood.
SPIRITUAL
Progressive Christian – I’m a Presbyterian from before the womb going back many generations on both sides. I am a Calvinist – and firmly believe in Calvin’s definition of predestination – chosen by God’s grace through no fault or action of my own. In life and in death we belong to God.
Because of this, I believe my faith insists that I feed the hungry, house the homeless, comfort the grieving, care for those who cannot care for themselves. In other words, love other people at least as much as I love myself.
POLITICAL
Progressive Democrat – getting more progressive all the time.
I believe the Constitution of the United States is an imperfect document, but that it’s better than anything else that has been created as a form of government. The best part of it is the ability to change it. The Amendments are there to expand our rights, not to decrease them. The laws made by the Congress should do the same things – expand rights.
When there are rights either explicitly stated or implied, the Supreme Court should be very careful about changing any of them – and generally err on the side of expansion. When the Court took away rights from the Congress (recent decision on EPA) or women (recent decision on Roe v. Wade) I believe the Court overstepped its bounds.
I don’t like guns, but having lived in Texas for many years, I can understand wanting to have guns for hunting and sport. I will NEVER understand having a personal gun for personal protection. If you’re worried about that, do a better job of funding, training and disciplining the police.
I’m trying to give a little (out of my privilege) to support causes that align with my beliefs. I set up a recurring donation to Third Act – an organization that works to ameliorate Climate Change. I also support as many Democratic Representatives and Senators as I have the funds to do. If/when I have additional funds, Planned Parenthood is at the top of my list to contribute to.
Now, I’m going to go do something for myself – exercise, and then play a game of Cribbage with Al.