Politics

I don’t talk politics. I have strong opinions. I contribute to my community and the causes that I am passionate about, but outside of my husband and those that pay attention… what I think and believe about the things going on outside my front door is none of your business.

But, those days are over. The state of the world is such that I can’t just be a silent observer anymore.

So, I’m going to tell you three facts about me.

1. I am a New Yorker and from Puerto Rican ancestry.
2. I have cerebral palsy. I spent my early childhood learning how to live independently. School years, especially high school, I spent building a skin thick enough that the abuse didn’t destroy me. As an adult, I’ve had to learn to advocate for myself, how to ask for help, and to get out of my own way.
3. I’m a non-feminine woman and a bisexual. 

Why are these three things important when talking about my politics?

I’m a member of the vulnerable/marginalized populations you hear about. In fact, I’m a member of a few different populations. So, when it comes to politics, I bleed blue. I’ve watched Republicans try to take away and succeed in limiting our choices and freedoms.

I also live in Idaho, so I’m only a blue dot in a sea of red. Which is why, after the election, I can’t stay quiet anymore.

Things important to me:

Accessibility of goods and services. I am disabled and though I don’t utilize the marked parking or depend on the use of an elevator, ramps, or accesible stalls… it is important that they are there for those who do, because one day I might.

Accessibility to care. I am a woman, and I work in healthcare. Access to every aspect of healthcare is important, but it is especially important for there to be access to what is called reproductive health… but really, it is full body care. People in all age groups and stages of life should have access to care that could save their lives.

DEI. Racism comes in all shapes and sizes. I’ve seen clips of politicians making jokes and denegrating my heritage. Too often, the decision-making in my community is done by people who can never truly understand my life or journey.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. How to put the rest of it into words still eludes me.