What a thoughtful piece, Jay, I really enjoyed it. You added such resonance and depth to the idea of "dignity," and there was much I didn't know about the German laws which protect it, for which I am glad (even if they are imperfect, they are still better than what we have in the US). This especially from your beautiful letter from love I appreciated: "Sweetie, I know how heavy the weight was you carried — the feeling of being overlooked, having to hide, being denied the freedom to simply be yourself. But I want you to know: Right here, right now, in this moment, you are whole." I see you, you ARE whole. Wishing the very best for you, Jay!
Thank you, Amy, for your kind and thoughtful words. It means a great deal to me that the letter resonated with you and that it added depth to the concept of dignity. While no system is perfect, I share your appreciation for the steps some countries take to protect what should be an inherent right for all of us. Your reflection on wholeness touched me deeply. Thank you for holding space for this conversation and for your well wishes. Sending the very best back to you, Amy xo
I read this essay with great interest. I appreciate your sharing of the agony of living "in the gap between the promises made and the reality experienced." It is absolutely not easy. As a second-class citizen, I can relate to that feeling, even though our struggles may be of a different nature.
It is amazing how Germany has enshrined "dignity" into its constitution, and I like your statement that dignity is our birth right. I agree with that 100%.
The problem with the American Constitution -- mainly, the way people interpret and apply it today, is that the "pursuit of happiness" is touted as the highest goal of life and an unquestioned quest of ALL people. Well, it may be true in one sense, but when everyone is out pursuing their happiness (open to interpretation), the part about sacrificing for the common good when such pursuits clash with one another is lost. Whereas, dignity is something that is unarguably a birth right and the desire of every single person who is born, regardless of their background.
Imagine a government established on this principle AND actually ensuring people of ALL backgrounds will live in dignity? We are definitely not there yet, but it doesn't mean we can't dream of one and work toward it. We can start with our own social circles.
Thank you so much for reading and sharing your reflections. I deeply appreciate your thoughtful perspective on the challenges of living "in the gap between promises made and realities experienced." It's a heavy space to inhabit, but naming it is the first step toward transforming it.
I agree—it is remarkable that dignity is enshrined in Germany's constitution, and I wish more places would center it as the foundation of human existence. Your point about the "pursuit of happiness" is so insightful. When happiness becomes an individualistic goal without consideration for the collective good, it can create disconnection rather than cohesion.
The dream of a government and society rooted in dignity is powerful. As you said, we may not be there yet, but imagining it and working toward it in our communities is where change begins. Thank you for reminding me of the importance of starting close to home—it’s such an empowering perspective.
Wishing you dignity and connection on your journey.
Hi Jay, I agree that "naming it is the first step toward transforming it." It is so true! And I think that's the reason we are talking about these subjects. From discussions come inspirations and possibilities. It is where ideas for actions are born, and how communities are built to execute the actions. Yes, as we can see from the course of history, lofty goals such as the one we're talking about always faced headwinds because of the resistance of people/groups who have entrenched power. Sometimes it just feels like there's nothing we could do. But as long as we can still have a space/platform to express what matters to us, we will lend strength to the resistance against the resistance to change.
Wishing you the same -- dignity and connection -- on your journey too!
Manuel, I’m glad the insights resonated with you. Fitting the pieces together has been a profound process for me, and knowing it holds value for others makes it all the more meaningful. If there was a particular piece that stood out to you, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Conversations like this help deepen the understanding for all of us. You might find this essay equally insightful then: https://wildlionessespride.substack.com/p/how-dignity-transforms-shame-part1?r=1sss7q
Thanks for contacting me. I know many LGBTQI-A folks and what they experience. I visited the link and visited related links. Your series on Human Dignity was inspiring and changed what I was planning to post on Tuesday. Many thanks.
Manuel, Thank you for taking the time to explore the link and related pieces. I’m deeply moved to hear that the series inspired you and even influenced your upcoming post—that means so much. Your engagement and reflections enrich this ongoing conversation about dignity, and I’m grateful for the connection. Looking forward to seeing what you share on Tuesday!
Jay, you shed light on dignity in a way I never have considered: dignity for one’s self as a practice. It makes so much sense, something we give ourselves, regardless of how it is protected- or not- by law or culture; and as a natural antidote to shame. Powerful.
Susan, yes, dignity is indeed the natural antidote to every kind of shame. When we cultivate a sense of being inherently dignified and sublime from within—regardless of external circumstances—shame loses its foothold in our lives. It cannot coexist with the deep, unwavering acknowledgment of our own worth.
Mesa, thank you for sharing how my essay sparked something in you. While dignity is indeed a deeply personal practice, there’s also an inherent need to embody it with an awareness that it is both very private and close-up personal, yet equally political—especially in these times in the US. I’m grateful for this dialogue and the reflections it inspires. Xoxo
I love your reflections on dignity, Jay. How inherent it is in each and every one of us, how utterly crucial to combating shame. I'm so sorry you've had to fight to claim yours- you are so clearly deserving, with your beautiful heart and mind. ♥️💙✨️
Thank you, Kendall. Dignity simply exists—it is intrinsic, whole, and untouched by the external. Life may try to obscure it, but it remains steadfast, waiting for us to recognize and embody it once more. I appreciate your words—they hold a depth and sincerity that resonates deeply with me.
What a thoughtful piece, Jay, I really enjoyed it. You added such resonance and depth to the idea of "dignity," and there was much I didn't know about the German laws which protect it, for which I am glad (even if they are imperfect, they are still better than what we have in the US). This especially from your beautiful letter from love I appreciated: "Sweetie, I know how heavy the weight was you carried — the feeling of being overlooked, having to hide, being denied the freedom to simply be yourself. But I want you to know: Right here, right now, in this moment, you are whole." I see you, you ARE whole. Wishing the very best for you, Jay!
Thank you, Amy, for your kind and thoughtful words. It means a great deal to me that the letter resonated with you and that it added depth to the concept of dignity. While no system is perfect, I share your appreciation for the steps some countries take to protect what should be an inherent right for all of us. Your reflection on wholeness touched me deeply. Thank you for holding space for this conversation and for your well wishes. Sending the very best back to you, Amy xo
I read this essay with great interest. I appreciate your sharing of the agony of living "in the gap between the promises made and the reality experienced." It is absolutely not easy. As a second-class citizen, I can relate to that feeling, even though our struggles may be of a different nature.
It is amazing how Germany has enshrined "dignity" into its constitution, and I like your statement that dignity is our birth right. I agree with that 100%.
The problem with the American Constitution -- mainly, the way people interpret and apply it today, is that the "pursuit of happiness" is touted as the highest goal of life and an unquestioned quest of ALL people. Well, it may be true in one sense, but when everyone is out pursuing their happiness (open to interpretation), the part about sacrificing for the common good when such pursuits clash with one another is lost. Whereas, dignity is something that is unarguably a birth right and the desire of every single person who is born, regardless of their background.
Imagine a government established on this principle AND actually ensuring people of ALL backgrounds will live in dignity? We are definitely not there yet, but it doesn't mean we can't dream of one and work toward it. We can start with our own social circles.
Lily,
Thank you so much for reading and sharing your reflections. I deeply appreciate your thoughtful perspective on the challenges of living "in the gap between promises made and realities experienced." It's a heavy space to inhabit, but naming it is the first step toward transforming it.
I agree—it is remarkable that dignity is enshrined in Germany's constitution, and I wish more places would center it as the foundation of human existence. Your point about the "pursuit of happiness" is so insightful. When happiness becomes an individualistic goal without consideration for the collective good, it can create disconnection rather than cohesion.
The dream of a government and society rooted in dignity is powerful. As you said, we may not be there yet, but imagining it and working toward it in our communities is where change begins. Thank you for reminding me of the importance of starting close to home—it’s such an empowering perspective.
Wishing you dignity and connection on your journey.
Hi Jay, I agree that "naming it is the first step toward transforming it." It is so true! And I think that's the reason we are talking about these subjects. From discussions come inspirations and possibilities. It is where ideas for actions are born, and how communities are built to execute the actions. Yes, as we can see from the course of history, lofty goals such as the one we're talking about always faced headwinds because of the resistance of people/groups who have entrenched power. Sometimes it just feels like there's nothing we could do. But as long as we can still have a space/platform to express what matters to us, we will lend strength to the resistance against the resistance to change.
Wishing you the same -- dignity and connection -- on your journey too!
Invaluable insights.
Manuel, I’m glad the insights resonated with you. Fitting the pieces together has been a profound process for me, and knowing it holds value for others makes it all the more meaningful. If there was a particular piece that stood out to you, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Conversations like this help deepen the understanding for all of us. You might find this essay equally insightful then: https://wildlionessespride.substack.com/p/how-dignity-transforms-shame-part1?r=1sss7q
Thanks for contacting me. I know many LGBTQI-A folks and what they experience. I visited the link and visited related links. Your series on Human Dignity was inspiring and changed what I was planning to post on Tuesday. Many thanks.
Manuel, Thank you for taking the time to explore the link and related pieces. I’m deeply moved to hear that the series inspired you and even influenced your upcoming post—that means so much. Your engagement and reflections enrich this ongoing conversation about dignity, and I’m grateful for the connection. Looking forward to seeing what you share on Tuesday!
Thanks for contributing to world sanity.
Jay, you shed light on dignity in a way I never have considered: dignity for one’s self as a practice. It makes so much sense, something we give ourselves, regardless of how it is protected- or not- by law or culture; and as a natural antidote to shame. Powerful.
Susan, yes, dignity is indeed the natural antidote to every kind of shame. When we cultivate a sense of being inherently dignified and sublime from within—regardless of external circumstances—shame loses its foothold in our lives. It cannot coexist with the deep, unwavering acknowledgment of our own worth.
Yes, and the inverse is true. Shame is kryptonite to a person’s sense of self-worth.
Yes it is. I have life 47 without access to my true inner Self and all concepts of Self.
I love this reframing of dignity as a deeply personal practice. Thank you for opening my heart and mind to something new, Jay! Xoxo
Mesa, thank you for sharing how my essay sparked something in you. While dignity is indeed a deeply personal practice, there’s also an inherent need to embody it with an awareness that it is both very private and close-up personal, yet equally political—especially in these times in the US. I’m grateful for this dialogue and the reflections it inspires. Xoxo
My heart is with you.
Gloria, thank you for your kindness and for holding space for this reflection. Your words may be few, but their weight is deeply felt.
I love your reflections on dignity, Jay. How inherent it is in each and every one of us, how utterly crucial to combating shame. I'm so sorry you've had to fight to claim yours- you are so clearly deserving, with your beautiful heart and mind. ♥️💙✨️
Thank you, Kendall. Dignity simply exists—it is intrinsic, whole, and untouched by the external. Life may try to obscure it, but it remains steadfast, waiting for us to recognize and embody it once more. I appreciate your words—they hold a depth and sincerity that resonates deeply with me.