#acceptancenottolerance

I hate the word “tolerance”.

I don’t want someone to tolerate who I am as a human being.

I don’t need someone to tell me that it’s okay for me to be who I am.

This tolerance that we’re preaching sends the wrong message.

It tells us that instead of accepting people in any way they come,

We should merely allow them to exist as they are,

A thinly veiled air of rejection and hatred underlying all of this.

I hate the word “tolerance” because it suggests that there is something to be tolerant of,

Like there is something inherently wrong with being who you are,

Like a man can’t act feminine and still be a man,

Like a woman can’t cut her hair short without being criticized,

Like any person can’t love who they love,

Whether due to gender, or race, or religion, or disability, or any other fucked up reason,

Love knows no bounds, so we shouldn't tolerate the people that we love.

I know that some people can’t go beyond tolerance,

But for those who can, tolerance is the wrong word.