I reject racism. I do not speak for BIPOC, but I stand in solidarity with them. I choose to use my privilege, which I recognize, and my platform, to take a stand and to do what I can to change an inherently prejudiced system. It’s time to listen to black and indigenous voices and bring necessary change.

I am raising funds to donate to organizations in both North America and Australia that endeavour to better BIPOC’s situations.

To do this, I am cutting my beard, but how much is up to you. My beard is 16 inches. For every $250 raised, I will cut off one inch. The more money donated, the more beard I sacrifice. My goal is to take at least 10 inches off, raising $2500. It would only take 250 of you to donate $10 each.

As a friend said to me recently, money matters. Where we donate it and spend it is political. And this is one way to use what I have to make a difference. I love my beard and it has become a large part of my identity the past few years. But I value equality more, and hope that this action reflects a commitment to genuine progress, rather than virtue signalling.

If you consider yourself an ally, and stand with the black lives matter and indigenous lives matter movements, please donate. If you disagree with my stance, and choose not to educate yourself, please click the unfollow/unfriend button (social media).