The political rhetoric around LGBTQ+ people has become increasingly hateful. There has been a rise in anti-trans bills proposed at state and local levels that unfairly target transgender people. Drag story hours at libraries across the country are targeted by right-wing hate groups and protesters.
Most recently, a man shot and killed five people and injured 25 others at Club Q, a queer-friendly bar in Colorado Springs. With the rising violence, both threatened and real, against the LGBTQ+ community, it’s hard to feel safe. But it’s important to carve out your own space so you can thrive in the face of adversity.
Volunteer with local queer-focused groups.
As the targeting of LGBTQ+ spaces by hate groups increases, people are looking for ways to build community safety. Rather than turning to law enforcement, which has not always been protective of gay and trans people, the community is looking for its own solutions.
See if your area has a coalition dedicated to counter-protesting at drag story hours or other publicized LGBTQ+ events. Even if the focus isn’t on providing an alternative to policing, there are most likely nonprofits in your city dedicated to addressing queer and trans issues.
LGBTQ+ youth are more likely than their cisgendered heterosexual peers to suffer from mental health issues, experience homelessness, and live in non-affirming environments. When you dedicate your energy toward helping others, you’ll see that the world is filled with people who want to support each other.
Educate yourself about LGBTQ+ resistance.
The fight for queer and trans rights has an important history. In so many areas of our social and legal spheres, LGBTQ+ people have improved their standing through protests, activism, and tireless community efforts.
When you take the time to learn about the rich history of LGBTQ+ resistance, you’ll see how the trail has been blazed by people who came before you. You’ll feel more motivated to live openly and bravely when you recognize and admire efforts of queer artists, activists, and thinkers.
Learn basic first aid.
It’s a good idea for everyone to know how to respond in a medical emergency before EMTs arrive. Arm yourself with knowledge. When you feel more prepared to act in an emergency, you’ll be less anxious about what might go wrong. Encourage your friends to do the same. You can even take a CPR course together and turn it into an event.
Create space online.
You might live in a city or state that is openly hostile to members of the queer community. In that situation, you’ll need to carve out your own space where you can feel free to be yourself.
Thankfully, the internet can connect you with anyone in the world. Finding a place online, whether it be through forums, gaming, blogging, or another area, can go a long way to improving your mental health.
Address your trauma by talking to someone.
It is normal to feel affected by recent shootings and hate speech from political figures and pundits. If you find yourself obsessing over your safety and withdrawing from social spaces, you might need to see a therapist.
While exercising caution is a good thing, worrying too much can be a sign of anxiety or depression. Depending on the traumas you’ve experienced as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, you may have untreated PTSD or CPTSD. Talking things through with a therapist will give you a new perspective on your safety and your place in the world. They can help you become more assertive and live openly, however you identify.
To learn more about how therapy can help you feel safe after targets on the queer community, please reach out to us for support by coming to gay men’s counseling.