“I will not have my life narrowed down. I will not bow down to somebody else's whim or to someone else's ignorance.”

― Bell Hooks

I grew up in a conservative family, and I don't t hide that part of me. In fact, I embrace growing up in such a conservative house, because it molded me into the person that I am today. Although my family is conservative to this day, I am liberal and hold many different views now than I did when I was younger.

I'll admit that I don't often have a filter. I say what's on my mind, which may bother a lot of people. Even though I am vocal, I will try to understand your worldview as long as you try to understand mine. My limited filter comes with respect as long as you give me the same. With that being said, don't ever try to tell me that my views are wrong or invalid, or that my views go against my religious beliefs.

Growing up in a house of conservative republicans is easy when you are also a conservative republican, however, if you're liberal the dynamic changes completely. I enjoy having conversations with my family and peers regarding politics and social norms, but the moment you tell me to bite my tongue because my views are wrong, I will start spewing fire right back.

Censorship is a hot topic, especially when looking at it through the lens of larger society. What I do not understand is why censorship is not talked about within the household or friend groups. I love talking to my family about politics; it's one of my passions. I love trying to understand why so many people I know are supporting Donald Trump rather than supporting other reasonable candidates (*cough Jill Stein cough*). I love trying to wrap my head around why other believe that school dress code was put in place to 'protect males' from getting distracted in the classroom, but why queer females don't distract the same way. Heck, I even love trying to listen to opinions regarding gender and sexuality, though mine differs vastly from a majority of those that I associate with. What I don't love is getting immediately shut down by those I love, when they don't agree with what I have to say.

Don't tell me to bite my tongue after I just listened to you explain to me why you believe that the patriarchal views that you hold regarding the gender binary are valid. Don't walk away when I am trying to defend the idea that education and time in the classroom is much more important than the tank top that a female is wearing. Do not I repeat do not, tell me that my beliefs go against my religious beliefs because the minute that you tell me that is the minute that I lose my shit. Jesus loved all -- that's one fact that I will never dispute.

Why is it that so often in various relationships where individuals differ, especially in regards to political leanings, that conversations turn one sided? Why are individuals who hold the 'minority view' in respect to the larger group told to bite their tongues? Why is it that Donald Trump and Tomi Lahren can empower your beliefs, but Jill Stein and Bell Hooks can't empower mine?

Let me talk about why I feel that 'professional dress code' in the workplace is biased against females. Let me express how I feel about the gender binary and how heteronormativity is inherently ruining love. Please, I beg of you, let me tell you my views concerning education and how (despite the controversy), I feel that Common Core ELA standards are going to positively influence an entire generation of learners and ignite a lost passion for literature. But do not tell me that "feminism is a bullshit cause" or that "God said Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve." In fact, don't tell me that my views are a result of a f-ed up society that ruin their chances of going to Heaven.

I let you say your words, now let me say mine.