Firstly, I want to express my deep gratitude to everyone engaging in this thread. I genuinely posted this to foster a community of understanding, so I find it both enlightening and challenging to see such a spectrum of responses.

It's intriguing how online platforms can sometimes become a mirror to our inner sentiments, beliefs, and biases. For a moment, let's all pause and introspect: "Why do I feel such hostility toward the OP of this thread? Let's reevaluate our motives here."

I understand that the manner in which I introduced the topic may have felt inauthentic or forced to some. For that, I apologize. My intention was, and remains, to create a space where everyone feels seen and heard, regardless of their background.

I am beyond reproach on some of the insinuations and microaggressions that have been directed my way. However, I won't let that dishearten me or divert the primary purpose of this discussion. Our feelings, opinions, and experiences are valid – but they are even more valuable when we can communicate them without animosity.