By: Alaina

In reply to Allison.

i don’t have links, but i know quite a few of the folks arrested, and while i’m not speaking for them, my understanding is that a) they’re calling on their communities to make sure these charges get dropped so that there isn’t a trial at all and b) there is no way to participate in the legal system and have justice be served as a queer person of color because the system wasn’t made for us. i think refusing to participate by not hiring lawyers (which is costly and time consuming for folks who are already spending their time working with their communities and/or working minimum wage jobs) they’re highlighting those facts. it doesn’t feel good to see something like that, but as folks committed to dismantling a system, getting a lawyer would be the opposite of that project. the goal is non-participation and breaking the system down, not trying to get it to work for them. just my thoughts again, since i’m not on the ground and not in their minds. if i find some speeches/words written as to why, i’ll post them here.