Mark Wyner Won’t Comply 
#Mastodon has a LONG way to go to on Black #inclusivity. This is surprising because it’s appropriately focused on #accessibility and #LGBTQ+ inclusivity. We all need to uplift #BlackMastodon in every way we can. This will make Mastodon better and create a sanctuary for the Black community. Call out, fight, and report all micro-aggressions/racism witnessed here. Boost posts/accounts of Black Mastodonians. Use your #privilege to be a voice. This is our #responsibility. We’re #StrongerTogether.
Case in point. Since I posted this ~3 hr ago I’ve had to block 13 people. I’ve been called multiple homophonic and racial slurs. And I’m white. Imagine what these folks say to people who aren’t white, cis, straight males. People who are marginalized don’t have to imagine. They live through this repugnant hatred. Which is precisely why we need to focus on curating a safe and inclusive space. We can’t pretend it isn’t happening or this will never be as inclusive or welcoming as it could be.
Laurie@markwyner there is not hate or division on #Mastodon but even I posted offensively out of habit a few days ago. Hopefully #Mastodon will help you feel INCLUDED, safe and empowered to share, invite more friends 🌈
@Ottolaurie6 no, there is definitely hate and division. No platform is immune to that. While your experience may not reveal this, marginalized people see it every day. Our job is to believe them and work hard to help them create a safe place. Also, this isn’t about me. I feel safe and fine. This is about people who suffer actual abuse. I only mentioned that people came for me so folks could imagine the experience of people without my privilege.
@markwyner obviously the world is not healed but I am hopeful for going forward without tolerating the divisions of the past days/years. Recent history has been the worst in a longgggg time, the recent future CAN BE IMPROVED starting now. Thanks for the kind reminder of my naïveté.