Neither Identity Nor Experience Is a Ticket to Irrefutable Authority

No one is infallible, and that includes you

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We live in a time where “lived experience” and “identity” are often wielded like trump cards in arguments.

(No, not Trump — trump with a small t. Don’t get triggered. :-) ).

If you’re outside a group, you’re told to sit down and shut up. If you raise questions, you’re accused of invalidating someone’s existence.

Let me be clear: I affirm the dignity, value, and civil rights of every single person — regardless of race, gender, orientation, or creed. Every human being deserves respect. Period.

I shouldn’t have to say that. I shouldn’t have to clarify that, but such are the days in which we live.

But respect is not the same as infallibility.

Your identity and your experiences matter. They shape your perspective. They give you insight that others may not have. But they do not grant you irrefutable authority.

You are still human.

You are still fallible.

No one — no matter who they are —should be able to shut down dialogue simply by invoking identity or experience.