Sometimes you’ve just gotta sit this one out

[Added: If you’re in San Diego and need a place to resist that’s easier on your body than the march, you’re welcome to my house. We’ll write letters to Congress, drink hot tea, and comfort each other.]

It’s become apparent that I may not be able to join the Women’s March on Saturday, and that has sent me in a downward spiral of shame.

Shame over feeling like I am inadequate or lazy.
Shame over feeling complacent, like I’m not doing enough
Shame over feeling like I’m going to miss out on a big historical event.

As my friend Jenn Leyva pointed out, what I’m really feeling is a combo of FOMO and ableism – both of which are bullshit.

Sometimes, our bodies can’t march. Sometimes, our bodies need to resist in other ways. Sometimes, we just can’t do everything. And that is okay.

The fight for civil rights did not start yesterday and does not end Saturday with the march. The battle for equal rights is continuous and you are allowed to take a rest when you need to.

I’m not sure if I’ll be at the march Saturday, I’m going to let my body decide what it can handle that day, but I know that I’m in this for the long haul, and that’s what really matters.

Much love and intersectional solidarity,

Lauren

P.S. If you’d like to participate virtually, check out DisabilityMarch.com.

P.P.S. This piece by Jamilah Lemieux is an important read on why people of color may be opting out of the march (and why other marginalized groups might as well). https://www.colorlines.com/articles/why-im-skipping-womens-march-washington-opinion