Having just been to my first protest I wanted to share my perspective on it.
Back in 2008 when the first Anonymous protests and raids began, like so many others I sat in awe watching thousands of people around the world standing outside orgs and saying "Enough!" I cried buckets sometimes watching numerous videos, especially when it was places I knew personally...the sheer size and impact of this phenomena was immense. Here were unknown people doing what I/we could not do, speak up and disagree, David and Goliath.
I made it my monthly task to collect and post the picket reports from around the world as they were posted, there were so many, and each time it was a joy and a wonder to see it continue. It was not an overnight sensation, these guys were here to stay. Some months I posted just wanting to remind exes that this was happening, that once out from under the short circuit scientology thinking, there were ways to publicly express disagreement.
Because of where I lived and it being hard for me to walk, I didn't think I would ever go to a protest, and that has changed now. Yesterday standing outside Melbourne org, that dirty, old and sad building where so much happened to me, was a watershed moment. I really didn't think it would affect me so much although I had been told by others who had done it that it would. I can't yet really explain it ...it's like a sort of closure. It is facing the unknown fears... it is standing tall and being who you are.
One anon told me I was "full of win"....I didn't hear properly at first and thought he said "wind"! I had hugs, smiles and a sense of real curiosity from the anons...here was another who represented the people they are fighting for. One lovely girl told me I was so brave, with tears in her eyes - goodness me I am not that brave, it's the other way around! I love the music, the dancing and the cake, the full of LIFE feeling in direct comparison to the shuttered, sour and fearful energy coming from the org and people who are supposed to be able to be free and communicate. It is really quite incredible to experience.
I know that there is a sometimes quite long period after coming out of scientology where you find your feet and start to be able to take different viewpoints. It is different for each of us depending on our experiences and lives. I know some exes feel that Anonymous is nothing to do with them, or that there is little point going to a protest. I just want to say that for me at least, this isn't true.
It is totally worth the effort to face any fears, to prepare and actually go and stand outside the place you worked and say "Enough!" It really, really is.
Try it for yourself. Go masked if you need to, lurk around the corner and watch or just wander by. Or go as yourself and speak or just hold a sign. It will change you, and also help lay the ghosts to rest. And Anons love us being there as well. You should hear the laughter when they hear churchies are told they are being paid!
The walls are cracking - go and experience it!