Regular guest writer Denny Upkins held an interview with Ressie G, a reality TV producer who has brought Black LGBT representation to the world of reality shows, as part of Denny’s new series “Uplifting Black Voices.”
Tag: allyship
Accessibility, Social Justice, and Self Growth: How to be an Accessible Person
When I joined the disability activism community, I learned a new frame of reference that changed how I engaged with the world at large: Accessibility. I had no idea that this concept would expand for me from a branch of activism to a life philosophy and identity: How to be an accessible person.
Book Review of “Nonmonogamy and Neurodiversity”
When I learned that my friend Alyssa Gonzalez was publishing a book through Thornapple Press, I was eager to read it and I knew I wanted to write a review of “Nonmonogamy and Neurodiversity.”
Say Goodbye to the Version of Me You Knew: A Letter to Friends & Family of Chronically Ill People
For years I’ve heard stories from my chronically ill friends of loved ones who abandoned them or who refused to believe that their illness was real. So, I wanted to write a letter to the friends & family of chronically ill people.
Read This Before Commenting: Yopp’s Comment Policy
For the first time in six years, Yopp’s comments are open! Please take a comment to read Yopp’s comment policy before jumping into the discussion.
Every Single Social Media Link for Lizzo’s Featured Activists in One Place
My first thought after I finished watching Lizzo’s People’s Champion Award speech was “I need to follow all these people on social media.” And my next thought was, “Other people should too.”
Choosing Violence: On Allyship and the Legacy of John Brown
Something that hasn’t been explored a lot on this blog is historical figures in the social justice world. There is a lot to be learned in the accomplishments of activists of the past, as well as in the present day reactions to these activists’ legacy. Denny Upkins is back with a look at the historical figure John Brown and the importance of facing oppression head-on, without compromise. CN: Detailed discussion of racial violence and discrimination, …Read More
Creating Social Change One Person at a Time
Do you remember a time when you were a child and an adult in your life changed something in you for the rest of your life? Maybe they were the only person who believed in your ability to achieve your dreams. Maybe they taught you kindness and compassion towards the people you found difficult to forgive. Maybe they saw you for who you were and reflected you as good and valuable when no one else had before. Even just a small word of encouragement can be important enough to us at that age that we remember it for decades. That person that helped you probably has no idea that they affected you so much, even if that impact lasted a lifetime. What if you could be that person for someone else?
The problem of activists feeling simultaneously overwhelmed by so much to do and helpless at how little they have control over continues to be prominent in circles of people devoted to social justice. Today I’m re-publishing an updated version of an article I originally wrote and published for The BeZine as “Using Social Interactions to Create Change One Person at a Time” in September of 2019 which covers my philosophy around enabling social change. Enjoy!
Hiding Behind “Good Intentions”: Why Good Intent Does Not Erase Oppressive Impact
For every blatantly malicious bigot, there are 10 people who “meant well” or “didn’t mean it like that” or “had good intentions” when they said or did something that actually had a harmful effect on a member of an oppressed group. This excuse is used so frequently that it’s hard to see a single online argument about social justice without someone having to explain that good intentions does not negate or remedy impact.
It’s Time to Learn About Anti-Asian Hate
Soon after the Atlanta shootings in which mostly Asian women were targeted, activist and entertainer Eugene Lee Yang released a documentary entitled, “We Need To Talk About Anti-Asian Hate.” I recommend you go watch it.