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Minority Report

I have been thinking for the last few months that many minority groups, whether they be disability groups or cultural groups, the LGBTQI community or the feminist movement would gain equality easier if we all worked together.

I have recently been disappointed by many of my celebrity male heroes. The #MeToo campaign made me go back and watch Emma Watson's HeforShe UN speech and I have decided to take some small actions as a "real man" to show solidarity with all the females in my life.

I am the first to admit that in the past I would make sexually inappropriate comments just because I thought it was funny but now I think before I speak.

The recent right wing protests in Australia calling for an immigration ban on African and Muslim people is absolutely ridiculous. The colour of someone's skin does not make them dangerous.

Like everyone I have my own subtle prejudices but someone's skin colour has never been a factor in my decision making.

I have many friends in my life who identify as part of the LGBTQI community and I love them unreservedly yet I am ashamed to admit that at times throughout my life the teachings of my faith have caused great conflict.

I know my friends that are a part of the LGBTQI community deserve the same rights as all my other friends.

So I have decided to no longer to listen the inner conflict of my faith and just love my friends as I have always done and should one of those friends invite me to a Pride rally I will no longer decline.

In closing, I again call for all minority groups to support each other and to help clarify my new theory please read the following poem.



Minority Report

Year after year I have fought so my name is not included in the Minority Report.
I am a straight, white male all the markers of privilege; only my disability indicates my minority. 
It is true we all have different ability, race, sexuality, and gender but it is our common humanity that we should remember. 
I know what it's like to be stared at and called a derogatory name because I do not look the same. 

I know how it feels to be dismissed with patronising 'sweethearts' because people do not think I have the right sexual parts. 
No matter how smart I dress, I know the soul cost of people thinking my work is worth less. 
What is it about my wheelchair that makes you think I should only have sex with "my kind"?
Do you even know that it's your prejudice that makes you blind?

I used to run from the tag of Minority because I just wanted to be me;
Now I have accepted my disability, I am nothing but free. 
So no matter your race, sexuality, or gender stay strong and true to your own agenda. 
We should all learn from the prejudiced lessons we've been taught and come together, it's time for all minorities to report. 

CVI 2019

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