Introduction to Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is essential for the queer community, and especially for allies, because it equips individuals to question harmful narratives, resist manipulation, and build a more just, inclusive society.
Liberation requires more than pride flags. It requires clarity.
Critical thinking helps queer people and allies see through the noise, question injustice, and build a future grounded in truth and equity. It’s not just a skill, it’s a form of protection and power.
Thank you to the Center for Innovation in Legal Education for making this video available to the public, free of charge!
Facing Cancel Culture Within Our Own Community
At Xanadu Astoria, we’ve experienced firsthand how cancel culture, even from allies and fellow community members, can fracture the very connections we work so hard to build. Too often, discomfort is mistaken for actual harm, and the difficult but necessary conversations that create real understanding are avoided. Instead of working together to address our shared challenges, we remain divided, leaving the door open for those who genuinely wish to harm us and strip away our rights. In this environment, petty drama and misunderstandings become distractions, making their work easier while ours becomes harder. We believe it’s time to replace division with dialogue, and to choose courage over comfort when it comes to building a stronger, united community. Instead of calling each other out, let’s start by “Calling In.”
Has Cancel Culture Gone Too Far?
Prof. Loretta J. Ross on “Calling In”
In this compelling 18-minute segment from Amanpour and Company (aired February 18, 2025), renowned human rights activist and co‑founder of the Reproductive Justice Framework, Prof. Loretta J. Ross, introduces the concept of “Calling In,” drawn from her new book Calling In: How to Start Making Change with Those You’d Rather Cancel. She reflects on the limitations of cancel culture. How even well‑intentioned purity tests and public shaming among allies can undermine collective goals. Ross underscores the importance of pausing, aligning one’s actions with intelligence and integrity, and engaging empathetically, even with those we disagree with. Her approach offers a pathway toward transformative dialogue and healing, PBS.
Applying "Calling In" as a Tool for Community Unity
1. Prioritize Empathy over Judgment
Ross emphasizes the energy wasted by infighting within aligned communities, noting that the push to “call out” can distract from critical objectives, citing the failed D.C. statehood opportunity as a historical example. By shifting to "calling in," communities can refocus efforts on shared goals, even amid internal disagreements.
2. Use the Pause to Lead with Integrity
The first person to “call in” is yourself. Ross encourages a deliberate pause to allow reflection before reacting, choosing responses guided by intelligence and values rather than emotion or trauma. This principle promotes thoughtful discourse rather than reactionary conflict.
3. Embrace Vulnerability as a Strength
Rather than shaming someone for missteps, especially those from within one’s circle, Ross advocates speaking vulnerably and offering growth-oriented dialogue. This builds trust and opens pathways for genuine change, even when confronting discomfort.
4. Differentiate Intent and Impact
Ross clarifies that she reserves “calling in” for those who may be misguided or struggling, not those causing intentional harm. For unapologetic bad actors, different strategies are needed. This nuance allows communities to hold space for redemption while maintaining boundaries.
Summary: Fostering Connection, Not Cancellation
Prof. Loretta J. Ross’s approach invites us to resist the urge to cancel, even those we strongly disagree with, and instead, choose dialogue, empathy, and shared humanity. For communities, especially politically diverse ones, this means reinforcing bonds through intentional listening, reflection, and mutual respect rather than alienation (PBS+4WETA+4PBS+4).