I Am Not A Tireless Advocate

There are so many amazing Autistic self-advocates out there and to some extent, I do feel like one. At the same time, I don't feel like I have the same amount of energy and time to participate as much as I would like, so I have to leave some effort up to others.

Also, I don't feel like I necessarily fit in with some of the advocacy crowd. I have learned very quickly that trying to play Devil's Advocate or see a situation from all sides, gets me into trouble with some. There's a lot of all-or-nothing-black-and-white thinking - which is a really autistic trait, but also not always the best when it comes to making well-rounded arguments. "No, because I said so" doesn't quite cut it in the outside world.

I am passionate and political. I am very clear on my stance on vaccinations (please get them!), circumcision (please don't!), use of the R-word (please don't!), and basically always fighting for equality when it comes to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender, disabilities/abilities, and neurodiversity. I could probably add more, but you get my drift. That's a lot of causes to be involved in.

I do my best to engage in meaningful dialogue and call people out when I can, but I am not a tireless advocate. There are also still times where I do not feel like I have enough privilege to speak up. There are times where I don't have the words to speak up, and there are still other times where I am simply too emotional to speak up effectively. I'm not even going to detail those situations because they are honestly too disturbing for me to want to relive and not useful here anyway.

I suppose I can be hard on myself for not doing more, but it's also ok to ask for help and let some others who are stronger carry the burden sometimes. I have hope that the world won't always be this way - by that I don't mean we will never need advocates (though that would be lovely), but that we can get to a place where I feel like I have more power than I do now. That is my simple wish. 

Thank Goodness For Advocacy

The great thing I noticed from reading Autistic self-advocates is how open minded they are and how they (we) consider issues of equality in all ways. In other words, these people are not just fighting for their own rights, but also for everyone's. You'll see essays against racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, ageism, and pretty much any other -ism out there.

That's pretty much how I live my life, and in the same vein, how I run this blog. It's always been the way I've thought - justice for all - and I wonder if it's just a facet of how a very logical Autistic brain works or maybe the open mindedness is one of our traits.

I've always played Devil's advocate and try to understand both sides of a story. I've always made friends with the underdogs and people no one else wanted to be friends with. Maybe because I related to them or because they just accepted me for who I am. 

 It doesn't really matter, I'm just impressed and grateful.

So I'd like to say thanks to all of those who fight daily against injustice. Your passion, energy and devotion are commendable. Because of you dedicated people, we all benefit. Thank you for standing up and speaking for those of us who cannot, for whatever reason.

Thank you to everyone who reads and learns more about all issues. We don't always have to agree, but a simple, "I hear you and you matter" make all the difference.

Thank you to all those who have opened their eyes to a new way of thinking and changed any harmful or negative beliefs or actions. Whether it's something like not using the r-word or not engaging in abusive behaviour, what matters is that you are moving forward in a new light and trying to be a better person. Don't be too hard on yourself for past mistakes.

Lastly, I'm so grateful this community exists. I've gotten to know so many amazing people and learned so much. Thank you!