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   Elm Fork JBGC (efjbgc@denton.social)'s status on Friday, 15-Mar-2024 02:23:15 JST Elm Fork JBGC

   EDIT: We have edited this statement to reflect that only the person directly behind AA is a former alt right organizer. We were overly quick to believe that another person had the same background due to his association with them and abuse of community members. Sharing information about dangerous behavior in our community is very serious, and it's important to get it right; we will not allow this to happen again. We have also edited this statement to to mention the physical danger posed by their unsafe handling of firearms

   We're just gonna say it. If you're here in the DFW area, please do not join the DFW SRA. The same goes for Queers Bash Back DFW and Anarcho-Airsoftists. These groups are largely centered around the same small group of abusers and their apologists, including the former alt right extremist who 'changed sides' not too long before forming and running the latter group, AA, and who is central to the clique that runs most of these groups. They have a pattern of presenting themselves as experts in things like shooting or self defense as an easy way to gain authority and social power, which they use to threaten and attack more vulnerable community members who challenge them, while displaying extremely unsafe behavior, including with firearms. These people have been given many opportunities over the course of years to change their behavior in good faith, but every time, they've responded to criticism by attacking comrades, in many cases bullying vulnerable folks out of community and organizing spaces. We cannot, in good conscience, recommend any of these groups as safe spaces for marginalized people.

   If you're already involved in one of these groups and you're surprised to hear this, consider taking a moment to reflect on why the people affected may not have felt safe coming to you, or why you might not have noticed these issues when not directly targeting you. If, on the other hand, you've been seeing these problems and have so far said nothing because of doubt, take this as validation that you're not alone.

   If this is you, one of the best things you can do to show real solidarity with victims is speak up. Leave the groups that fail to deal with it, and loudly say why. Do not be passively complicit in abuse. If victims and the most vulnerable among us are unwelcome, then we go too. An injury to one is an injury to us all. Maybe it'll inspire others to do the same, but at the very least it'll show those targeted that they can trust you, that you're not all talk when it comes to standing with them and holding abusers accountable. Then create or participate in spaces that do not tolerate this behavior.

   If you're not local, we ask that you unfollow these groups on social media and refrain from boosting their content. Abusers must be denied the platform and status they use to attract victims. We cannot fight oppression of the state without fighting it within our own communities, or while excluding the very people we claim to be in solidarity with by tolerating those who have harmed them.

   • Embed this notice
     Elm Fork JBGC (efjbgc@denton.social)'s status on Friday, 15-Mar-2024 02:23:14 JST Elm Fork JBGC

     in reply to

     "Abuse jacketing" is extremely harmful rhetoric packaged in vaguely leftist-sounding terms (a common abuse tactic is to co opt whatever socially acceptable terminology might make it sound convincing). Even if this person knew for certain there had been no abuse, you can tell a lot about someone, and about whether they care about abuse, by how they respond to claims they disagree with. By responding so aggressively, saying anything it takes to get their way, they just make it even harder for more victims to come forward, showing survivors they'll be met with hostility, and set a precedent of tearing down survivors you disagree with or don't like. Even if we 100% know a claim is false, it's extremely important to be mindful of how we communicate this so as not to harm survivors and perpetuate a culture of abuse

   • Embed this notice
     Elm Fork JBGC (efjbgc@denton.social)'s status on Friday, 15-Mar-2024 02:23:15 JST Elm Fork JBGC

     in reply to

     Heads up that the person who currently controls the former EFJBGC Telegram is the main former alt right extremist abuser in question. In order to post these things, she had to remove write access from multiple other members, including some of those who first founded Elm Fork JBGC, in order to gain sole control of the Telegram. CTJBGC, and RIJBGC are familiar with the situation, including the abuse, and can vouch that this group comprises the vast majority of Elm Fork. We are continuing to compile the details of the story and will share them when we are able, and have asked other groups who are "in the know" whether they are willing to also stand with us against abuse

     AnthonyJK-Admin repeated this.