These past two weeks have been particularly difficult, with numerous executive orders affecting diversity and the LGBTQ+ community. Three executive orders this week alone focused on the trans community. Between doomscrolling and 24/7 coverage, it’s easy to get caught up in a pervasive feeling of helplessness. But there are things you can do if you are feeling helpless and want to take action.
There are ways you can help! Photo: Rawpixel/Shutterstock
Take a breath. Self-care is going to be more important than ever. Whether you are directly affected by recent events or your empathy meter is in overload, take time to take care of yourself. Meditation, therapy, doing a hobby, spending time with friends or loved ones – these are all forms of self care.
Find some community. Whether that is online or in-person, there are places where communities are gathering and planning how to tackle what comes next. Check and see if there’s an LGBTQ+ community center near you, or join queer-centric apps like Freddie and Famm Connect. You can even start your own! Host an inclusive game night, sports team or book club and find your people.
Support LGBTQ+-owned businesses. Grab a drink or a snack at your local queer bar. Buy your next book from a queer-owned bookstore. Find all kinds of LGBTQ+-owned businesses from tattoo artists to tax professionals.
Read and support queer media. We understand there is a general frustration with the media, something we work to combat everyday with authentic, trustworthy reporting for, by and about the LGBTQ+ community. Local queer media outlets have been doing the hard work for decades (some for half a century) and are covering the stories that directly affect our communities. Read, share and if you can, financially support. Staying informed goes a long way.
Contact your representatives. Share your concerns with your representatives about anti-trans legislation, LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights or whatever you want to address. It’s your right. You can find your representative through House.gov, Senate.gov, or use a site like 5 Calls that will even provide you with optional sample scripts.
Volunteer. Does your city have a local Pride organization, shelter, health clinic or community center? Do you know a queer or trans-owned business that could use a little help? Your skills could be a huge resource to an LGBTQ+ nonprofit. Don’t have anything nearby? There’s plenty of assistance you can lend remotely too.
Consider running for office. Whether it’s a run for state house or your local school board, everyday people run for office all the time. It’s one way to be the change you want to see. See what seats are available in your district by checking out Run for Something or LGBTQ+ Victory Fund.
If you are an ally, stand up and speak out. True allyship is an action. If you want to support your LGBTQ+ friends and family, show up to events, talk to people in your community and have those difficult conversations. In fights for LGBTQ+ rights like marriage equality, allies played a vital role. Allies can experience burnout too, so learn thesigns and practice self-care as well. We need you!
Donate. Times are tough for a lot of people, so financially supporting an LGBTQ+ organization isn’t always possible. However, if you are in a position to do so, even small amounts can make a difference.
Fundraise. Helping raise funds for someone’s gender affirming care, a scholarship, a campaign – can go a long way in alleviating feelings of helplessness and can make an actionable difference in the lives of the people in your community.
You have more power than you may think. Small steps everyday, or even just when you can, can chip away at feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Have more ideas you want to share with us? Drop us an email at news@outinwichita.com