I realised that at the end of 2023, there had been a definite shift. Palestine – more than any conflict made me think about how I wanted to proceed with this blog. In the spirit of starting as I mean to go on, I need to clarify who I am. For those of you who missed it, I gave some insight into coming from a bunch of misfits right here.

I wanted to blog on the “nice things” but there we were at the end of 2023 and everywhere I looked, the world was in disarray. Palestine opened my eyes to how divided we all still were. I saw the complexities of language and how it could be changed to fit the narrative that suited. Sudan was a war that I wanted to say more on but language was an issue and I had to keep my feed on Sudan to a minimum because of the kids’ affinity to their dad’s homeland. Then there was Congo and the Rohingyas, the persistence of Western governments to move to the right; and as a Black woman, I sat and watched overwhelmed by it all.

Just so we’re clear, as a #BlackWoman, this space aims to be inclusive. This is based on how I’ve been treated in this world, by this world. It’s a space that I share with millions of other Black women across the world. We all understand what misogynoir looks like. The way we have to push through a thicket of disrespect, undermining, competing with mediocrity- oftentimes losing and then battling the inevitable tears of fragility when we call things out. No, it’s not a happy space, but it’s a space that we occupy… And Still, We Rise. (Shoutout to Claudine Gay).

Subsequently, I am #AntiRacist and I fight patriarchal bullshit (when I have the strength). No, I don’t hate men but I’m no longer in the educating business. If people want to know more about why the patriarchy is harmful to everybody or what racism is, they had the whole of 2020 – 2021 to update themselves. However, if you’re still stuck, start with Rennie Eddo-Lodge’s Why I No Longer Talk to White People About Racism. Upgrade to Akala’s Natives and Dr. Kehinde Andrews’ Psychosis of Whiteness… then work your way up from there.

I’m also Anti-Homo/ Bi/ Transphobia. Do I understand all of the issues pertaining to the LGBTQ+ communities? No. But do I think that the LGBTQ+ communities are the biggest problem to our existence? Also, no. Call me crazy but social media bots, misplaced Christian conservatism have sent the world into a tizzy and whilst I think some voices need amplifying, the communities are as wide and varied for me to find the voices that I can understand, ask questions of and consider the intersection of commonality.

Needless to say, I believe that systematic barriers are designed to keep communities down. Some communities more than others. I am wired to be anti- anything that serves to divide or oppress underrepresented communities and voices. In essence, I’m here for the learning not here for the bullshit! So, going back to the top of the piece, I still want to talk about the fun stuff but I may touchdown on the odd issue that may seem a tad more serious. It speaks more to my political DNA in the meantime… Normal blogs return next week!

With love, thank you for reading, Tricia✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿