Everyone is always saying “do something,” but they never tell us what we should be doing. Here are some suggestions that may help you navigate this new world we find ourselves thrown into.
Know your people. In times of uncertainty, the LGBTQ community has always found ways to persevere. We are a strong community and, when faced with political shifts and legal challenges, we always rise. But knowing whom to turn to is crucial.
If you are discriminated against, it is essential to know where to go. Lambda Legal and the ACLU are good places to start. Local Pride centers can help you not feel so alone. I can’t express how important it is to find your tribe. Having friends you can confide in is crucial in our community — especially now.
Know your health. Be sure to find LGBTQ-friendly healthcare providers who can understand you. Physicians and psychiatrists who are part of our community have a better understanding of the stress that we suffer daily. They really do understand.
Find support groups. Local and online groups are ways to help you stay grounded — and feel safe. Knowing your rights is an important way to protect yourself against discrimination, and with support you can find answers.
Visibility and activism are powerful in helping you feel empowered and advancing our rights. Visibility is most important. Being visible shows people that we are just like them. By being visible we are not only represented and acknowledged in our society, but also respected.
Visibility helps to normalize our LGBTQ community by living openly and honestly. You will help pave the way for others who come after us to gain strength. Remember, the people who came before us paved our way — and sometimes at a great cost. And I am grateful. When the LGBTQ community is active and visible we challenge the stereotypes and inequality that are thrust upon us and we help reduce the stigma that being LGBTQ means we are less-than.
Supporting LGBTQ events is a way to stay visible. But being visible is not just about being seen. When people see us out there celebrating for our rights, that can foster courage in them to come out and celebrate with us. Even if they are not queer, allies are encouraged to stand with us and when they see “gay people” they realize, “Oh, they are just like us.”
Vote. Voting for leaders who support the LGBTQ community is imperative. Getting out the vote and trying to encourage people to vote for our equality and civil rights is a productive way to spend your time, instead of sounding off in the social media echo chamber, which is of no use whatsoever. Registering voters and advocating for better candidates helps to strengthen all communities.
Call your congresspeople. The most effective way to influence policy is direct contact with your state and federal representatives. Go to 5calls.org to get started.
Be. Strong.
