What do I mean by no cookies?
Well first I stole that phrase from a whole bunch of other WOC bloggers in response to discussions about anti-racism. It was years ago so I don't remember who exactly said it first, BUT IF YOU DO--let me know and I will credit.
Basically, I believe that when we operate as allies to any community and we do positive work we should NOT DO SO WITH THE EXPECTATION OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT. The ally's desire to get cookies for our work takes away from the issues that truly need highlighting in movements.
For example, I consider myself a trans ally. I don't need nor do I expect some kind of award for doing what ever advocacy work I do on behalf of transpeople's rights because I believe what we should be focused on is supporting transpeople and agitating for their rights. COOKIES WASTE ENERGY THAT COULD GO TO MORE ACTIVISM.
Now this isn't everyone's policy. And it would be a lie to say that cookies don't feel good when received. My point is that cookies should come on an individual level from personal relationships in my opinion and should not be expected. I feel like people in my life who are my allies in some of the work that I do *know* that I appreciate the work they do on my behalf and I don't have to tell them constantly. (For example many of the women in my personal support network are white women. I don't feel like I need to tell them how their personal or social work towards anti-racism makes me feel.)
Everyone needs replenishing and support. But if you are prioritizing your need for that support in a movement to which you are an ally over the work...revisit the cookie policy.
I am posting this so that I can refer to it in later conversations and so everyone is clear on my stance.
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