THREAD: What brought me to fall in love with Twitter was the ability to have a voice, express myself, be myself. That’s something ive struggled with my entire life. Knowing I had something to contribute yet... not being able to make a difference. https://twitter.com/shanfromtexas/status/1338025646698717184

I’d share ideas in engineering all the time, only for them to be dismissed or stolen time after time. I was dismissed in every aspect of my life. But I never gave up. You see, women of color go through this all the time. So many are chased away from white male dominated fields.

You ask, why are there no women in engineering? Why are there no women in politics? This is why. Things like this force them to leave. It isn’t weakness...it’s the engrained culture that causes people to look past attacks on women... but when men are attacked, they can’t take it.

I’ve had to deal with a lot of bullying, a lot of misogyny, a lot of islamophobia, and a lot of other factors that make it extremely hard. I could take the easy way out and just leave the field. I want to. But I know that’s not the right decision.

I know that I’m not overreacting. My personal circumstances, as well as the obvious bigotry I will continue to face online, would leave literally anyone in the same position as me. Emotion isn’t weakness. The ability to overcome the pain and hurt requires strength. I won’t leave.

Those assholes will have to continue dealing with me. But I also need to take care of myself... take a step back. This is why minorities really leave while male dominated fields.

Recognize the bigotry and give support to those who need it. Ask minorities how you can support them. Listen to their voices. Otherwise, you’ll continue to lose important perspectives and much-needed voices.