Julia, this is so beautiful. I've found myself in this same place over the past week. I've been writhing with the discomfort - and almost ALMOST pulled away from it. But I kept going because I know I OWE it to this world. I owe it to the people asking for me to listen and yes, FEEL THIS. I owe it to everyone to use the privilege that I have to make this world better for all.

As I'm coming out of the deepest depth of the discomfort (which is NOTHING compared to what these women are and have been feeling and dealing with), I'm finding my place in it a little better and am becoming more comfortable in that role you described - as guarding the space for these women's anger, even if a knife hits me. YES. That is exactly our job right now.

Thank you for putting this so beautifully into words. <3