Dear M. - Reading your post, I felt to reply right away but I don't really have any specific words...just letting you know I see you and honor the bravery in confronting how it feels to be here as part of this space and what it brings up for you. It sounds to me like your last paragraph aptly describes what is coming up for you...my word! all that has been experienced (for us all), all the violence and rejection - for being. Sometimes perhaps it was more grossly brutal, more overtly suppressive, but I feel this still now, it is still here - I experience it every time I step out and share an uncommon voice or way of being. The only way is through ...feeling it and breaking through it...you will come through the other side. Connecting through the ether M. Thank you for sharing. Much love, Jen