I have a simple suggestion for people who say they care about social justice, equity, and inclusion, but who seem to have a difficult time demonstrating it.
Believe people.
Believe people who are on the downside of power.
Believe people who are not part of a dominant group.
Believe narratives that doesn't align with the narratives of the privileged majority.
Believe people's stories.
Believe people's experiences.
Believe people when they describe their lived realities.
Don't interrupt them. Don't disrupt them. Don't gaslight them. Don't "at least. . ." them. Don't silver lining them.
Don't discount someone's reality because it's different than your reality.
Don't assume that your norm is the norm.
Don't rely on your limited worldview and perspective to make inaccurate conclusions and come up with unhelpful or harmful "solutions."
Don't assume when someone tells you about their hardship that they are playing the race card or gaming the system or exaggerating or making shit up or looking for pity or wanting your sympathy or flat-out lying.
Lead with curiosity. Lead with empathy. Lead with non-judgment. Start conversations by listening. Be humble. Be present. Be compassionate.
Challenge your assumptions. Change your belief system. Interrupt your thought patterns.
Disrupt the status quo.