Many states in America are ramping up their anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric. All over the country, bills are being proposed and passed that limit the rights of non-straight, gender non-conforming people.
Prominent political figures advocate for discrimination and harassment of those in the queer community. It’s normal to feel unsafe, anxious, and helpless. But no one should feel completely frozen by these negative emotions. It’s important to learn to cope with your stress so you can better navigate life in your state.
Know your rights.
Knowledge is power. Take the time to understand the specifics of the anti-LGBTQIA+ bills and their potential impact on you and your community. Stay updated on these bills as they progress and seek out reliable sources of information to counter any misinformation or bias.
Familiarize yourself with your personal legal rights as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Research local and federal laws that protect LGBTQIA+ rights and understand the legal resources available to you.
In case of discrimination, it's crucial to know where to turn for assistance, such as LGBTQIA+ legal aid organizations or civil rights organizations specializing in LGBTQIA+ rights. When you're well-informed, you're better able to advocate for your rights and the rights of others.
Know when to power down.
Staying constantly up to date on the news and politics can feel overwhelming. While it’s vital that you do know what’s going on in your state and how you’ll be affected, there’s only so much you can handle.
Instead of perpetually doom-scrolling, try to dedicate specific parts of your schedule to reading the news and social media. Try not to let yourself feel guilty for moments when you’re not fully involved with your state’s political situation.
Find safe community spaces.
In the face of a hostile environment, work to establish safe spaces for you, your friends, and people in your community. Fostering safety is one way of challenging these queerphobic systems at work.
These safe spaces could be within LGBTQIA+ support groups, online communities, or even within your own home. Consider hosting a queer-friendly game night or have a weekly online meetup with people around your state.
Surrounding yourself with people who affirm and understand LGBTQ+ identities and struggles can help counteract the fear the community is experiencing.
Practice self-care, mindfulness, and resilience.
Self-care is vital for maintaining emotional well-being and nurturing your mental health. To cope with stress, engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. These can include exercising, meditation, pursuing creative hobbies, or spending time with loved ones who uplift and support you.
Learning mindfulness, or being fully present within your body and allowing your emotions to pass, is a helpful practice in emotional regulation. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, it’s also important to build resilience in the face of resistance.
Consider taking up journaling or attending therapy or support groups to help process your emotions. Focus on building a positive mindset and reminding yourself that you are strong and deserving of equality and respect.
Connect with others through activism.
Advocacy and activism play a crucial role in fighting against discriminatory laws. Get involved with your local LGBTQIA+ organizations and community centers.
Participate in protests, rallies, and social media campaigns to raise awareness about the harmful consequences of your state’s bills. By using your voice, you can feel more in control and contribute to positive change.
Find support in therapy.
You are not alone. If you’re struggling to cope with the hostility from political figures, social media, and increasing violence against the LGBTQIA+ community, consider seeking therapy.
A queer-focused therapist can talk you through your thoughts about current issues and learn healthy coping strategies for the distressing environment you live in.
To find out more about how therapy can help LGBTQ+ people feel safer, please reach out to us for gay men’s counseling.