More Marginalized Than Thou

In class tonight, a discussion began on the status of GLBTQ (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning/queer) people and why they should be concerned about torture, because both groups have experienced humiliation and oppression. I wholeheartedly agree.



At my former school one of our community dynamics was "my marginalization is greater than yours" and we couldn't move forward because we were too busy tearing each other down and competing for space at the table. Faculty and administration were just as guilty as students at playing this go-nowhere game, and it interfered with the dialogue that needed to happen to reduce the margninalization of all groups in that place. I really think the opposite has to happen: I in my marginalization and you in your marginalization now have something in common. Maybe we don't go so far as to 'worship our wounds' (as Dr. Moore would say), but we see the need to work together to restore a more just and reconciled order that recognizes the abundance of room to be.



Similarly, in keeping us activists from burning out, maybe I can't organize on every issue, but 'I can show up to your rally if you show to mine. '