Dear sisters, I’m sorry.

To the many “sisters” of mine who are feeling freshly violated today in a world where you’ve routinely felt vulnerable, and second-class:

I’m so sorry.

I’ve been reading your pain and your stories for days now, your comments and dm’s to me. It has taken my heart to new levels of heartbreak. I hear you.

I’ve benefited my entire life from male privilege I never asked for, but was all too ready to accept. I played silent roles in a culture that routinely makes you feel “less than.” I still often do.

I don’t know how to change it in our culture. Heck, I don’t know how to change its powerful grab over my own soul.

It’s not enough to say “I’m sorry” and to acknowledge it. It’s not enough to do more than listen, but rather to truly “hear.” It’s not enough to try to be better. It’s not enough to speak up. But it’s all I know how to do.

I’m sorry for my role in it.

I will truly try to hear.

I will try to be better.

I will speak up.

I’ve been shown much more kindness by the women in my life than I deserve. And the “thinking the best of me” by my many new “sisters” I’ve just met over the last few months… that’s stunning to me. I have no words.