Meaning: The quote by Jane Rule emphasizes the importance of bearing witness and speaking out as individuals and citizens. It highlights the idea that if we fail to actively engage and participate in society, we risk sacrificing the rights and freedoms that we have been granted, particularly the right to life. Rule's words urge us to recognize the power and responsibility we hold as individuals to be a presence in the world, rather than allowing silence to overshadow our voices and actions.

In this quote, Rule addresses the concept of bearing witness, which can be understood as the act of observing, acknowledging, and testifying to the truth of a particular situation or experience. By emphasizing the role of citizens and individuals in bearing witness, Rule points to the inherent connection between personal engagement and the preservation of fundamental rights. The quote suggests that when individuals remain silent or passive in the face of injustice or challenges, they contribute to a void where speaking out and taking action should prevail.

Furthermore, Rule's words highlight the notion of personal agency and responsibility within the broader context of society. She emphasizes that each individual has the capacity to be a "speaking presence," implying that our voices and actions can contribute to shaping the world around us. By using the term "witness," Rule also underscores the idea of accountability and the moral imperative to confront and address issues that impact the lives and well-being of others.

The quote's reference to the "right that we have had to life" can be interpreted in various ways, encompassing not only the literal right to life, but also the broader concept of living a life that is free from oppression, discrimination, and unnecessary suffering. Rule's words prompt us to consider the consequences of complacency and apathy, suggesting that when we fail to bear witness and speak out, we risk jeopardizing the very rights and freedoms that are essential to our existence.

As an author known for her advocacy of LGBTQ+ rights and social justice, Jane Rule's quote likely reflects her commitment to challenging social norms and promoting equality. Her words resonate with the broader struggle for human rights and dignity, inviting individuals to recognize their role in upholding these principles. By invoking the notion of sacrifice, Rule underscores the potential cost of remaining silent and inactive, framing it as a forfeiture of the very rights and liberties that form the foundation of a just and equitable society.

Ultimately, Rule's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of individual agency and collective participation in shaping the world we inhabit. It calls upon us to be vigilant witnesses to the challenges and injustices that confront us, and to lend our voices and actions to the ongoing pursuit of a more just and compassionate society. In doing so, Rule's words encourage us to embrace our role as active and engaged citizens, committed to upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals.