I Will Not Apologize

I will not apologize for advocating on behalf of marginalized voices even when my allegiances make you uncomfortable or angry.

I will not apologize for posting articles that challenge your deepest-held beliefs even though your insulting response requires me to end our association and recognize the illusion of friendship that has existed for 30 years.

I will not apologize for challenging what you think you know to be true even though you are convinced that you know more about what it means to be me than I do.

I will not apologize for opening my heart and mind to people of diverse sexual identities even though you fear and rant against those who defy your sexual and gender norms.

I will not apologize for wanting more power, more money, more property, more publications, more adventure, more experiences even though you never risk anything and judge me negatively for doing so.

I will not apologize for undermining hatred in the public sphere even though you seem to do everything in your limited social media power to promote hatred.

I will not apologize for writing what I know even though you seem determined to prove to me that I know nothing.

I will not apologize for achieving my professorial position even though you deem me an elitist indoctrinator who shuts down dissent.

I will not apologize for succeeding even though you seem envious.

I will not apologize for being a woman even though you want me to know that my gender determines my worth and in your eyes, I am worth nothing.

I will not apologize.