In this brilliant analysis in an opinion piece for Elle, Naomi Osaka Dared To Say No, Brea Baker looks at Naomi Osaka’s pulling out of the French Open and saying “No” to the media demands made on her by the system of professional tennis. (Naomi since pulled out of Wimbledon, too.)

It’s a very moving piece, with Brea writing:

As a young, Black, and Japanese woman, she said no. In a society that demands she, and so many like her, give her entire self over for corporate profit, she said no. In a world where Black women are rarely afforded space to enforce boundaries and take care of ourselves, she had the courage to say no.

and powerfully, the piece quotes poet Omar Sakr, who wrote on twitter:

“Imagine if the response to Osaka had been, ‘We’re sorry that you’re struggling, of course you can skip the post-match press. We can have counsellors made available also. Perhaps there is a more suitable way for you to communicate with press. Let’s discuss it when you’re ready.’ Instead of literally, ‘Do what you’re told or we’ll punish you.’” 

When we look at systems that are set up unfairly (with an eye to making them better, or replacing them with new systems) it’s important to recognize that we have to stand up for each other – within the LGBTQIA2+ community, and with other disenfranchised groups as well, including women of color like Naomi.

She rose to the very top of her sport, and then said “No” to a practice that had nothing to do with playing her sport that caused her harm. We should all be cheering her on. I am!

The light in me recognizes and acknowledges the light in you,
Lee