This week at F-Sex, we are going to be talking specifically about privilege- even though it is a topic that has seeped into past conversations and will continue to be present in future ones. Privilege is something that just about everybody has some form of- but there are many different ways to have it and different ways to handle it. But no, that doesn’t mean it all somehow “balances out.” A person can have, for example, white privilege, male privilege, class privilege, and heterosexual privilege, while still lacking neurotypical privilege. And to top it all off, privilege is really complicated because not everyone who has the same kind has the same experiences. It’s also important to recognize that privilege is not your fault. The statement that privilege exists is not an accusation or attempt to blame. It is an invitation to see your experiences and the experiences of others in a new light. It is not an admonition to change the world, but a simple tool with which to begin considering if, possibly, some changes might be worth working toward. 

Here’s a funny and clever video to watch and get the ball rolling: How to Tell People They Sound Racist.

And some great readings to enrich the discussion experience:

Audre Lorde’s “On Age, Race, Class and Sex: Women Redefining Difference”

Peggy McIntosh’s “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack”

Asher Bauer’s Not Your Mom’s Trans 101

Brown Betty’s “What Privilege Is and Isn’t”

Have a great rest of the weekend and see everyone on Monday night! Remember, F-Sex is open to all over the age of 18- so bring friends, family, etc.! We will be meeting at Libertalia at 280 Broadway in Providence this week, 6-8 PM. Bring snacky stuff if you want to munch during the discussion. :)