Healed People Heal Others

The other day as I was walking to the Pride Parade, I stopped by the 7/11 downtown. I was dressed as the Queen of Hearts of course. In the store, I came across an older man experiencing homelessness. He asked me to buy him a coffee. I said I would. He commented on my costume and I told him that I was going to be marching in the parade. He proceeded to tell me how much he hated gays and some other hateful commentary. After that, seeing I was headed to the parade to march in solidarity, many people probably would have retracted their offer to buy him a coffee, but I didn’t. I listened to what he had to say and then bid him farewell as we parted ways, silently blessing him, that he may find peace in life.

I do lean slightly towards the left in my political standing as I value things such as diversity. I’m very much surrounded by the left where I live, however my art and advocacy have fortunately garnered attention from people of all different political standings and religious beliefs, which has been wonderful as it exposes me to many different perspectives and viewpoints.

What many on the left don’t seem to realize is that to truly value diversity, it means that I also must accept that people whom come across as racist, homophobic, sexist, and bigoted also have a right to exist, as much as all the minorities (in this part of the world) do. To say that they don’t is no different than them saying that these minorities I support don’t. The hatred gets launched back and forth, only gaining traction and power.

Because I value love, acceptance, and peace, the injustices I see happening in this world are unbearable and angering to me, as they are to many (whatever cause it may be that pulls on your heartstrings). For me, the answer is to continuously work on offering love and kindness to every person I meet; despite their values or beliefs. To do this means I must work on my own emotional regulation, as I can’t be a safe space if I’m easily triggered and reactive.

Love is the answer, especially towards those whom I find hard to love and accept as they are. Offering love and genuine kindness doesn’t mean I condone someone’s opinions, beliefs, or actions, it means that I can see their humanity. I can see that we’re all doing our best with what we have. If I meet their opposing perspectives with curiosity, I can see how if I were looking at the world through their lens, I’d probably feel the same.

The peace that I, and so many of us seek starts within. Hurt people hurt others; but fortunately healed people heal others.

Creator/Author of meme Unknown