We are never safe.
As women, we have learned that we are never safe, regardless of where we are. At the office. In a conference. Walking home. On school grounds.
We might have the illusion of being safe. But make no mistake, we are never safe.
As Asian women, we have also learned that we are never safe. The stereotypes are hurtful. The transgressions are cruel.
Racism against Asians is not new — but as we are often portrayed as the model minority, or the silent minority, we are largely invisible, making our pain, also invisible.
Out of sight. Out of mind.
Under-reported. Largely unnoticed by the media.
Or worse, downplayed.
Yet, with every transgression that we encounter, with every news on violence against women, with every hate crime, the pain just piles on.
Every time, we internalize. We process.
And we keep moving forward — carrying the load of pain with us.
We run with it.
Until the baggage becomes too heavy.
Until the pain becomes unbearable.
Until the burden becomes insurmountable.
We pour our souls and our heartbreaking stories out in the open, like a dam breach.
We scream in the vacuum of space.
Where are our allies, we ask?
We are exhausted.
We are sad. We are angry.
We are at a loss of words.
The silence from the vacuum of space is deafening.
Who are we? And where do we truly belong?
No. We are not OK.
We are always here with you my dear friend.