Re: Joint Statement From the LGBTQ and ACLA Caucuses: We don’t need your permission to exist

From: Torres, Azalia
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2017 10:22 AM
Subject: Re: Joint Statement From the LGBTQ and ACLA Caucuses: We don’t need your permission to exist.

As someone who’s been at LAS for 6 months short of 30 yrs, I’ve experienced a lot of the conditions which have driven so many of my colleagues of color away. I’ve chosen to stay and address and struggle w colleagues and management to bring about change in an org which has often been insensitive to the needs of those of us who are not white or heterosexual or different in any way fr their  definition of normal and acceptable. Unlike many of you, I’ve personally experienced the type of exchanges that occurred via email to Jason. I’ve also throughout these years attempted to struggle to address those incidents with patience and with the goal of changing minds. Because of course it always falls on “us” different folks to educate and be sensitive to ignorance and indifference.

I’M TIRED!!  The burden is on all of you who have historically ignored the disrespect, ignorance, insensitivity, and hurtful behavior of not only the idiot who wrote the disgusting email but of many others in our midst: throughout the entire staff of LAS. I’m not going to be tolerant or willing to educate at all any individual who demonstrates repeatedly their disdain for all that doesn’t conform to their idea of “acceptable”. Individuals who view any efforts to educate them as a waste of time:  sensitivity or anti bias trainings. Even being disrespectful during the process. ENOUGH!

Things have to change around here in a dramatic way. Expressing views in statements is not enough. You who are not folks of color, LGBTQ, or different in so many ways, have to take responsibility for addressing your fellow colleagues when a wrong is committed. Stop looking to us to do the hard work. YOU MUST BEAR THE BURDEN. STOP GETTING OFF SO EASY BY JUST AGREEING WITH US. DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS UGLINESS WHICH JUST MAKES OUR LIVES HERE AT LAS LESS THAN WONDERFUL.

This does not reflect the opinions of anyone but me. I take all responsibility for the above sentiments. Especially if someone is offended by them.