‘More reasons to get vaccinated’
At first, I was hesitant about getting vaccinated – the politics involved; the history and mistrust of the healthcare system in America for people of color; the fast turnaround to produce the vaccine; and the list of other excuses I had.
Then I said I might get vaccinated after I saw how other people reacted.
Still no action.
But as the pandemic continued to take over communities, I realized that inaction was an action.
I was making a choice not to get vaccinated. I was taking a risk with my health. I was choosing to keep myself and my community in this pandemic.
For all the excuses I had not to get vaccinated, I had more reasons to get vaccinated.
Quinton Reynolds is currently the lead organizer for Trans(forming) – an inter-generational, metro Atlanta-based organization led by and for trans men, intersex, gender non-conforming and non-binary persons. He was born and raised in East St. Louis, Ill., and now lives in South Atlanta.
Why I’m Vaccinated
This essay is part of our new series on the importance of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. You are hearing from your neighbors, faith leaders and those in the business community, among others. They are sharing their personal stories – all of them with a simple and heartfelt message: Get vaccinated. Save lives.
