Biko Mandela Gray,

“I’m in line.” I laughed when I read that, probably much the same way the man behind the desk did. At 4’0”, 120#, I can maybe-kinda-sorta understand how I might not be seen — okay, I can’t see it at all — but you? I’m laughing even harder at the Cirque du Soleil level of mental gymnastics some people aspire to in order to deny our humanity.

Thank you for your treatise on the America’s penchant for racial inequities, unwillingness to regard People of Color as … people, and how our blackness may as well be a cloak of invisibility that would shame any such creation in J.K. Rowling’s world.

You know … the whole refusing to recognize people as human has a corollary in Christ’s teachings for me. “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.” Granted this is in reference to the Gospel, but the principle is applicable everywhere: if people aren’t interested in hearing what you have to say, leave them to their own devices.

As a black male who is 4’0” tall, Christian, and gay, I’ve had the cloak of non-humanity and invisibility tossed my way more times than I would attempt to count; but there’s one thing you touched on I learned a long, long time ago. I don’t need substantiation from the world. Everyone’s not going to understand me or want to. That’s their choice, and most likely their loss. For me to have the expectation that “everyone” will “get me” only sets myself up for a world of disappointment. And that’s okay with me, because I am a part of a community that unconditionally accepts and validates its members.

Thank you. Thank you so very much. Keep fighting the good fight.

And love one anther.