I want to explain why I’ve decided to leave this group - and I will also delete my username linked to the forum rather than engage further here.
I was grateful to be welcomed after joining over from the Sandie Peggie thread after she turned out to be arguably racist and struggled to get my perspective heard and experience acknowledged. I enjoyed the fun, absurdity and support of this thread over the last few weeks.
However, recent events became exhausting and uncomfortable. Misrepresentations about my participation circulated without checking the backstory or suggesting Banned approached me directly to explain how she was feeling and resolve.
Even when I hastily scrambled to clarify this and someone checked there was no apology from these posters - even more unpleasantness to another relative newcomer who left the group. It reinforced a clique, exclusionary atmosphere from several key members.
The narrative of 'Hedgehag story' was the worst. It draws a sharp contrast: one figure (Banned) gets a velvet cushion, a crown, applause. But I, Lemon, gets crumbs, teapots, and makeshift ladders, all based on a false narrative.
Here, assigning me the “crumbs” says: You don’t deserve the feast (legitimacy, full identity, inclusion). You can only scavenge what falls from the table of those with real authority. You can be the sleepy dormouse, as long you don't step on anyone's toes. No, thank you.
I’ve decided it’s best to step away for my own mental wellbeing & as said I'm deleting the account. I appreciate those who welcomed me. I wish the group well, including Banned who of course can return to being the sole hedgehog with my blessing.