Gerard Way: "I Am, And Will Remain, Inspired By Your Rage"

Joining the many rock musicians who have shared their support for the George Floyd protests and Black Lives Matter, My Chemical Romance frontman Gerard Way has posted an eloquent statement standing by those seeking justice.

Following the death of George Floyd, whose neck was knelt on by (now-former) police officer Derek Chauvin for over eight minutes, Gerard writes about the privilege of having time to process what's going on in the world right now: "There is not much time to think, surely not days, when the knee is on your neck," he concedes.

He continues by sharing his deepest apologies that "things have not changed", writing: "I cannot begin to understand your experience, but what I can do is stand by you. Continue the internal discussions we are having about ways to affect change in non-performative ways. Meaningful ways beyond this moment, beyond this gesture."

As well as promising that he will continue to "further educate" himself, Gerard directs followers to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, which is not only a fantastic source of information, it is also a worthy organisation to donate funds.

Read Gerard's full statement below:

"I could start by saying I have needed time to think, to explain away the days of silence.

"I could say there are no words, or that I don’t know how to begin. But not knowing where to begin is a bad way to begin, and days of thinking are a luxury.

"Having the time, and more importantly the safety, to consider ones words is a privilege for me, along with many other privileges I possess due to the color of my skin. And these are privileges not everyone benefits from. There is not much time to think, surely not days, when the knee is on your neck. When the bullets penetrate, or the tear gas finds its mark. When generations of enabled systematic oppression, and its guardians, work against you. When opportunities are not afforded to you because of who you were born to be.

"I have always considered myself empathetic, it is one of the reasons I believe I am able to do my job. But in all the pain I have received, I will never begin to know the pain you know. I could never feel the pain you feel.

"And I am so deeply sorry things have not changed.

"I cannot begin to understand your experience, but what I can do is stand by you. Continue the internal discussions we are having about ways to affect change in non-performative ways. Meaningful ways beyond this moment, beyond this gesture.

"And this is a moment, like many moments before this and the countless lives lost. I will open my heart, to receive what you have to give— anger, frustration, sadness, but in doing so, I know I will never be able to fully understand it the way you do, and surely not experience it. I can only open up to you, and accept what you have to give.

"Grateful for your kindness, your honesty, and the knowledge you have shared that I will further educate myself with. I am, and will remain, inspired by your rage.

"For information or if you are able to donate, this is a great place for that: Naacpldf.org"

Wondering how you can make a difference?

• Donate to George Floyd’s memorial fund.
• Fight for Breonna Taylor, a first responder who was killed in her bed by police searching for drugs that were never found.
• Help the family of Ahmaud Arbery, a black man who was shot while jogging.
• Donate to the community bail funds of protestors.
• Head over to Movement For Black Lives.
• Connect with leaders building grassroots campaigns.
• And check out these anti-racism resources.