2002-07-29 - 10:29 a.m.
I have been thinking recently about the politics and ethics around various kinds of disclosure. Most pertinently, I think about what it means to post stuff here or elsewhere on this charming and terrifying toy/ploy/tool of the web about people I know (or don't know). This question extends to other, larger questions. What do or can we take on when our friends or allies have beef with other people in our communities? To what extent does taking on other people's grievances have to do with trust? To what extent does it have to do with something much creepier and unfounded? Should we count on our friends to shun people we consider our enemies, for whatever reason? Should I even want my friends for example, not to associate with an ex? To ignore someone I have called transphobic? To refuse to talk with someone I understand to be an abuser? It's not an easy question...
First, I want to address the web thing. Part of why I've started this diary thing here has to do with the fact that it's dawning on me that for a lot of us trans folk, the most important work we can do right now is talk about and analyze daily interactions, the moments of policing, the moments of success and validation, the strategies we are constantly changing and developing to deal well with all of these in the world. It is these daily moments that seem aptly recorded in a daily-notes type of forum. I hope it is possible to use this weblog as something that has a purpose in that way, rather than as some sort of self-indulgent and self-important play-by-play of my life. The questions that arise having to do with this include some of the hard stuff about disclosure. Some of the policing moments inevitably involve people we know. In what ways, if any, is it fair and necessary to air these grievances in a semi-public forum? In what ways, if any, is it disrespectful and misplaced?
Second, to address the larger questions that are implied, what is gained and what is lost in taking on our friends' allegations against other people?
Anyway, just some thoughts as of late. Also, I really liked seeing the new remake of _Insomnia_. Who knew I'd like some cop suspense thriller with Robin Williams and Hillary Swank.
I don't think there is a way to post comments on this thing, but what I'd like to do, if you want, is to post e-mails. So if you send me one about this stuff, please let me know if I can post it and/or what parts I can post. Thanks!!
Sweet and tender hooligan,
Boots
