You may not know that you know a survivor, but it’s highly likely that you do.

Survivors of trauma are close to you. They are people you love & you may not know.

Many decide whether their story is safe with someone by how they respond to other survivors.

Don’t push them away.

I really wrestled w telling my story, & had decided about a week ago that it probably wasn’t worth it.

Then I had dinner with Sen. @Biaggi4NY. I told her everything because I knew she was a survivor. She helped me see the importance of sharing my story of the Capitol and trauma.

To be honest, every step of the way there were affirmers - @RepKatiePorter offering safety, @AyannaPressley pressing the pause button to acknowledge trauma, the courage of @Biaggi4NY, @yuhline, @CatalinaCruzNY & many others to tell their stories publicly helped me share mine.

This is all to say that survivors are watching. Loved ones are watching. They may share their story tomorrow, or in months or years. Or they may never.

Speaking vitriol towards other survivors hurts you & your loved ones. Bc dismissers rob themselves of meaningful relationships.