It's really not that difficult to believe someone's truth. But for some reason, many people from the privileged majority seem to struggle with the concept.
Especially when it comes to believing the truth of people with marginalized identities.
I witness this happen over and over again. I've witnessed so often that I've come up with a simple framework to help folks who are struggling with the concept. It's got two parts.
1. Someone shares their truth.
2. Believe them.
Keep this handy and refer to it often. Maybe write on a scrap of paper and put it in your wallet. Or perhaps make it your screen saver or desktop background. Whatever you need to do to remind yourself, do it.
No need to give me credit. It's not really my original idea. It's basic human decency.
Instead of dehumanizing, or what-about-ing, or dismissing, or gaslighting, or accusing, or diminishing, or devil's advocating, or gatekeeping, or weaponizing, or ignoring, or oppressing, or marginalizing, or comparing, or minimizing, or scolding, or mocking, or trivializing, or. . .
Instead of any of that, believe people.
Listen. Empathize. Be curious. Connect. Hold space. Support. Be compassionate. Be vulnerable. Love. Be human.
Believe people. Try it, and see how it goes.
I suspect you'll like it.
And so will the people you believe.