Greetings to the Tyger Populace,
So many things have happened in the last two months that I’m not entirely sure where to begin. Please hold tight, and come along for a little ride with me.
Let me start by recognizing we are a mighty and ferocious Kingdom, which is built upon a love for this hobby, a care for each other, and knowing when standing up is the right thing to do.
When I made the decision to drop the mask mandate on October 1, 2022, I heard cries of outrage and cries of joy. They varied from whispers to downright screams. I heard each and every one. I felt all of them, and the turmoil it put on the Kingdom and its people was hard.
When I stepped into this role back in April, I didn’t know quite how hard it would be to experience all of that first hand. Even having stood next to Medhbh for pretty much her entire time as Seneschal, I couldn’t anticipate how it would feel to stand in those shoes. If you were to ask any of my predecessors, they would tell you the same, I am absolutely sure of it.
All that is to say, I’m sorry. I am sorry that people felt (and still feel) stressed. I am sorry that people did not feel heard, and did not feel wanted. I am sorry to those who do not feel safe enough to share their thoughts. I firmly believe it is important to recognize when we have made a mistake which impacts so many others. I believe apologizing is important. I believe doing both of those things publicly when it is called for, is absolutely necessary.
I want to acknowledge that, regardless of where a person stands on the topic, they are important. I repeat, each and every one of you is important. You are important to me, to the Crown, to the Kingdom.
With that said, over the next day I will be releasing some information which I hope will help us all move forward as a Kingdom. I hope it will help us begin to walk towards each other again, instead of creating division. I hope we are able to find places to meet in the middle, where all feel safe, heard, and wanted.
I ask that you please be patient with me as I get this information out in a way which is clear, concise and easy to follow so it is done once without the need to retract, rephrase or explain in other ways.
With my love, and in service to the Kingdom of the East,
Audrye, KSen