I am rarely, if ever, the only.
The only White person in a group of Black people.
The only man in a group of women.
The only straight person in a group of gay people.
The only cis person in a group of trans or non binary people.
The only neurotypical person in a group of neurodiverse people.
Etc.
And, if you are part of one or more dominant groups, you are unlikely to be the only very often either.
There are times when I don't think about not being the only. Because there's no reason for me to think about it. Because I don't feel unsafe, awkward, self-conscious, anxious, representative.
It'd be easy to take this for granted. That the world I navigate has fewer obstacles. That people automatically assume I'm "good" or "right" or "normal".
And I'm sure I often do take it for granted.
But most of the time I don't take it for granted. I do think about it. Intentionally.
I notice who's around me. Who's not. Who I'm consciously including. Who I'm unconsciously excluding.
I strive to be constantly aware of my social capital, power, and privilege.
I try to be a possibility model for dominant group members. And an uplifter of those who are marginalized and othered.
I'm not perfect. There's much I can learn and improve.
And self-awareness and empathy help me stay focused.