Can you do self-insemination at home ?
Two months back, I made the decision to share with my social media audience the challenges I had been facing for weeks. Alongside my preparation for breast implant removal due to persistent symptoms and pain, I was confronted with a recurrence of breast cancer. After discovering a lump, I promptly reached out to my doctor, leading to a series of medical appointments and scans. I received the diagnosis of breast cancer for the second time in four years.
I felt compelled to share my experience because concealing it felt overwhelming. I firmly believe in using personal trials for advocacy and education, hoping to either prevent someone else from a similar fate or empower them through their journeys. After revealing my breast cancer diagnosis online, I saw a surge of thousands of new followers within a few weeks. However, this momentum came to an abrupt end when I began discussing the vital work surrounding anti-racism.
Initially, my posts revolved around updates about my surgeries and recovery process. I continued to advocate for self-breast exams, welcoming many new followers who shared their own breast cancer stories. I received an outpouring of support, gifts for my family, and encouraging messages.
But once I shifted the focus to anti-racism, my follower count started to plummet—losing dozens, then hundreds. It seemed that while many were eager to show support for my cancer journey, they became uncomfortable when I addressed another crucial issue: racism. This discomfort led some to unfollow me.
I’ve received messages from people instructing me on what I should or shouldn’t discuss on my social media platforms. Some expressed confusion over why they thought I was “against white people,” and I was quick to point out that this concept, along with colorblindness and reverse racism, is a myth. They suggested I focus solely on my health, unaware that anti-racism is not merely a political stance but a moral imperative that impacts all aspects of life. We should all be striving to be anti-racist.
It seems that my journey through cancer, and back again, is far more palatable and inspirational to some than confronting the daily realities my children and others like them face.
When I addressed the unfollows publicly, some responded with “good riddance.” At first, I resonated with the idea that those unwilling to engage should leave. However, the more I reflect on it, the more it troubles me. It’s not about my personal follower count; it’s about the unsettling reality that when race is mentioned, many flee. If they disengage from a white woman like me, it’s likely they’re not following BIPOC voices either. If they can’t handle my perspective, I doubt they’re listening to people of color.
This leaves them as unwitting supporters of white supremacy, anchored in privilege and fragility. Their long-held beliefs about themselves and about people of color manifest in their actions—in meetings, boardrooms, and everyday interactions. Racism spreads insidiously through microaggressions and stereotypes.
Ultimately, they need to remain engaged and confront the need to unlearn racial inequity. Yet, many choose to disengage, preferring to witness my struggles with cancer rather than engage in the necessary conversations to advocate for marginalized communities and dismantle systemic oppression.
I won’t cease discussing anti-racism, even if it costs me followers. My purpose on social media isn’t to gain popularity; it’s about sharing information for the benefit of others. From the start, my focus has been on advocacy and education. I wish that the lives and equity of my children resonated as deeply with people as my cancer journey did.
Ignoring the struggles faced by people of color, including my own children, perpetuates systemic oppression. Ignorance is not a blissful state; it harms the Black community. Their lives depend on our collective effort to dismantle harmful systems. Prioritizing white comfort over critical issues is detrimental, yet it often occurs.
To those who unfollowed me, that’s fine. Yes, I noticed, but I don’t desperately need your presence. What troubles me is knowing the reason behind your departure. I wonder when, if ever, you will recognize that the life of another individual holds equal worth to your own.
For related insights, check out this informative blog post and resources from Intracervical Insemination for more on this topic and Cleveland Clinic for pregnancy and home insemination advice.
Summary
This article discusses the author’s experience of gaining followers through sharing her cancer journey and subsequently losing them when addressing anti-racism. Despite the backlash, she emphasizes the importance of engaging in conversations about race and the need for white individuals to confront systemic issues rather than retreat into comfort.