stfurapeculture asked: On allies, I couldn't fit my reply in the reply box. I wanted to say I didn't think it was a hostile question you were asked. :/ I thought it was valid. I may think someone is an ally against racism, but if POC disagree, their opinions are more valid than mine. Similarly, people like Hugo Schwzyer think they are feminist allies, and some people agree--but I don't. Being an ally is about more than intent, because intent doesn't always match with actions.

I think being an ally is definitely about intent…but the type of ally you are is defined by your actions. People who are members of the marginalized group can of course critique an ally’s actions, and ally’s always have room for growth and improvement. There is a difference between making mistakes (and trying to grow) and “not being an ally.”

Not all allies are going to like each other or agree with each other. Not all trans* community members are going to like each other or agree with each other. Not all allies are going to like/agree with all trans* community members. And not all trans* community members are going to like/agree with all allies. That is simply part of being in a diverse group. It is part of existing as a member of society. You will have disagreements and arguments and people with vastly different perspectives. The trans* community is in no way uniform, and neither is the ally community.

I don’t think it is my job to decide who is NOT a trans* ally (and I really haven’t accused anyone of not being an ally either). But I have no problem standing up and saying that someone I know personally is, indeed, an awesome ally.

(ps…I have stayed far, far away from the Schwyzer debacle…I just can’t…I gave up on Jezebel awhile ago)