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Hi. I hope this finds you well.
I’ve been planning my Athletica newsletter for months now and now that the time has finally come, I’m unfortunately in a place of little emotional capacity. These past few weeks have been a real noisy time for my gentle heart. So I think I’ll be writing about some nice times that have happened to me in the past few months.
Before I get to the thick of it, I’d like to acknowledge the place from which I am writing this from; stolen land belonging to the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. I pay my respects to its true custodians, those before us and those to come. This land that I get to use to nourish my mind and my heart and use as a space to create a life that allowed me to write this newsletter has been in the hands of generations of Gadigal custodians for thousands of years before us, and will be for thousands of years to come. Indigenous strength and resilience is a source of inspiration. Indigenous sovereignty was never ceded.
I think it is always worth reiterating - one of the most direct ways to cause change is through funding. If you have the capacity, please consider donating to one of the funds below in this link: www.pathtoequality.com.au/donate
There are a lot of parallels to be drawn between what has/still continues to happen here and to what has been happening in Palestine-Israel. Some Zionists completely deny the existence of Palestinians, which resembles the Terra Nullius argument which British colonists claimed on this land. It’s a great time to read up on the history with so many resources becoming readily available. This site www.decolonizepalestine.com has a breakdown of the conflict by years as well as an extensive reading list. You can donate and learn about other ways to take action at www.apan.org.au. Go to rallies! Especially if you’re white! I think it’s also important to mention that being Pro-Palestinian and Anti-Semitism does not go hand in hand. For any Jewish readers who have felt unsafe with recent events, I am so sorry. My solidarity goes with you also.
Another example of IRL day colony to keep an eye on is the Pakistan-India Kashmir conflict. Sigh, colonisers. Wish we could all learn quicker.
I’ve been thinking about all these a lot, and talking about them extensively. Seeing the footage and also reflecting on the impacts these events have and will have, has devastated me a little. Protect your black friends, protect your brown friends, protect any people of colour you know and treat them gently and make them laugh when you can.
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