I have learned to stop being afraid of being a racist and to listen to different perspectives. I have learned that when I listen, people welcome my contributions and questions. I have learned that we are all raised with blinders on in one way or another, and I have learned that lots of us wish to deny the existence of those very blinders.
I have learned to talk to people about my issues with glbt inequality from listening to BlackKos members talk about their struggle. I have learned that even if I don't think I'm being racist, if people keep pointing out that I'm being insensitive it's time to consider that they are right.
I'm out for a week because I stand in solidarity with the boycott. As Noise of Rain said, I'm out because I need my black brothers and sisters more than they need me.