The other day at work, in an online meeting, a fuckhead said the phrase “Well, it’s probably because she’s a woman and she doesn’t know what the hell she’s talking about”, referring to an external contractor. I’m not out, but I stopped the meeting and said “You don’t get to talk like that in front of me. Now, I have to call HR.” There was laughter. To which I replied sternly, “It is not funny. Do better.” There was no laughter then. I don’t put up with that shit. Misogyny, any kind of trans- or queer- based phobia, racism. None. That’s how you ally - you speak up. You challenge the notion that these fuckers are in a safe place. You DO have power to create change. Be the voice for the voiceless. Afterwards, two of the other attendees reached out to me to thank for my courage to stand up to one of the “cool kids”. I don’t need thanks, I need people to be better. BE BETTER.