Consciousness, n.,

awareness; esp.: concern for some social or political cause

Merriam-Webster.com

Consciousness is possibly the number one trait I care about of a person. I fully understand that not everybody knows everything, but everyone has to be open to learning more about different issues, not just those pertaining specifically to themselves.

The bottom line is awareness, and if you are not aware, the you’re a part of the problem. You are the problem.

Jason Bolden in Netflix’s Styling Hollywood, S1E8

The process of gaining social awareness is forever ongoing, and my favourite way to learn is through human interactions. Getting to know someone who is knowledgeable on a specific topic while belonging to said minority group or being a long-time ally is one great way to acquire new perspectives on issues. Listen to them. If you were not an ally, try to learn how you can be supportive and be one. The world needs more kind and loving people.

If meeting people in person is not feasible, read books or simply follow other people on social media for enlightenment. I do both a lot. Follow artist Chella Man, whom I really love. He is a deaf, genderqueer, Jewish, Chinese American, and has taught me so much about deafness and genderqueerness in particular. I truly think if everyone follows him and make an effort to understand, the world will be a much better place.

If you have any suggestions on great activists to follow or read more about, please feel free to leave comments below. I am not passing up on the chances to learn more.

Happy New Year!