I was verbally abused by Twiggy and Jamie on many occasions.
When I first met them, I thought they were cool. I wanted to be friends with them, but they were so hostile to me and couched their abuse in political terms, so I started to feel really confused about my own radical politics and thought I must be an awful person for them to treat me that way. I rarely dared speak up about my thoughts or feelings because they screamed at almost everyone. They attacked me, my identity, my beliefs, and my politics (and I saw them do the same to others), refused to be accountable for their abuse, and silenced people by screaming over them and making threats. I didn’t step in when they abused others because I was completely mindfucked and didn’t trust myself or my politics anymore. I tried to justify their hostility and abusive behaviors because of their history of mental illness and the oppression they face. I felt bad when they left, but my mental health has improved since we parted ways and I am no longer being told I deserve to die because of my gender identity, coercive birth assignment, or sexual orientation.
Their most recent post about attempting suicide sends up big warning signs for me. That is a known tactic abusers use to manipulate people, and put in context with their history I think it is most likely a manipulation. However, regardless of what happened, they both must be in a lot of pain to be doing these things and I hope they both find safety, healing, and peace.
Reblogging because I made a commitment to support all other victims of Twiggy and Jamie who come forward. I am sorry you experienced that, too.
(Source: yourheartisamuscle)
