Peaceful Resistance for LGBTQIA+
Photo by Jon Tyson @jontyson for Unsplash
Peaceful Resistance for LGBTQIA+
by SecondGrace.LA | 27 November 2024
Now is the time to unify in the spirit of determined, organized, peaceful yet radical resistance.
We will not back down on our rights nor our dignity. Instead, we will harness the stress, fear, anxiety, anger, malaise, into affecting positive change and lovingly, firmly, persistently setting and maintaining our boundaries and rights. We will show courage in the face of fear. We choose to reach out to our LGBTQIA+ neighbors, the all-too-frequently marginalized who still believe in true democracy, inclusion, and equality. A disproportionate number of the people we meet living on the streets are undocumented and/or Trans. For a generation we have forced those who don’t fit the “norm” to the edges of society where they suffer.
We will continue to create unyielding connection that will see us through and lift us up. It won’t be easy but together we can accomplish great things by means of legal, spiritual, emotional Jui-Jitsu by transmuting greed into generosity.
Here we have compiled some information and resources so we can all be well-informed and ready to stand up for one another.
Actionable Items and Information
Courtesy HUD User, Office of Policy Development and Research:
Insights From the Field: Listening Sessions With LGBTQI+ Homeless Youth, Young Adults, and Service Providers
Homelessness is a persistent and growing problem, especially for LGBTQI+ YYA. According to the Annual Homeless Assessment Report, approximately 8,000 unsheltered individuals identified as transgender, a gender that is not singularly female or male, or gender questioning in 2023, an increase of 19 percent from 2022. However, accurately estimating the extent of housing insecurity and homelessness among YYA, including LGBTQI+ YYA, is difficult because this population tends to avoid accessing services, instead jumping from one precarious living situation to another.
Courtesy of Human Rights Campaign:
The Trump administration has said that it is going to outlaw gender-affirming care. What are transgender adults, trans youth and their families supposed to make of this and how do I prepare?
Gender-affirming care is best-practice health care that is recommended by the entire mainstream American medical establishment. Despite this fact, about half of the states already prohibit transgender youth from accessing safe, age-appropriate hormonal care like puberty blockers, and some states restrict adults from receiving care as well.
At this time, the most important thing you can do is be ready. Protect yourself and your child by keeping their medical care private — be cautious of sharing the names or locations of doctors or practices, treat patient care plans with the utmost confidentiality, and share as little as possible in writing. Even the most innocuous information can be twisted or misconstrued.
Work with your health care provider on how to handle possible interruptions in your treatment plan and what to do in the event that your ability to seek medical care is abruptly impacted (this also applies to reproductive health options, PrEP, and HIV+ treatment, among other things). Ensure that your family, especially any minor children, understand whether and with whom they must share information and when they may refuse.
Some states have laws that extend protections to medical professionals who provide gender-affirming care, and some also extend some protection in certain circumstances to some patients and their families. Before relying on these laws be sure to consult with a legal professional to help ensure your family’s safety. Know the laws in your area and the areas to which you travel, and plan ahead whenever possible.
You can find LGBTQ+-friendly clinics and networks for consistent care here:
Courtesy of The Trevor Project:
Homelessness and Housing Instability Among LGBTQ Youth
28% of LGBTQ youth reported experiencing homelessness or housing instability at some point in their lives — and those who did had two to four times the odds of reporting depression, anxiety, self-harm, considering suicide, and attempting suicide compared to those with stable housing.
Nearly half (44%) of Native/Indigenous LGBTQ youth have experienced homelessness or housing instability at some point in their life, compared to 16% of Asian American/Pacific Islander youth, 27% of White LGBTQ youth, 27% of Latinx LGBTQ youth, 26% of Black LGBTQ youth, and 36% of multiracial LGBTQ youth.
Courtesy Ernst Coppejans Presents The Virtual Exhibition “from the streets to the heart”:
Did you know that 40% of homeless youth in New York City are LGBTQIA+?
See Their Humanity. Feel Their Struggle. Share Their Hope.
When was the last time you truly saw someone living on the streets? Not just glanced, but felt their story resonate within you?
For three years, I’ve roamed New York City, drawn to the shadows where 30 remarkable LGBTQIA+ individuals share their lives. My project, “from the streets to the heart,” seeks to unveil their often-overlooked stories.
Imagine feeling unheard and unseen, your existence overshadowed by the world. This exhibition honors their strength and resilience, challenging us to confront the perceptions that keep them hidden. By showcasing their true selves, we weave a tapestry of connection, inspiring change and understanding.
In seeing them, we might just discover a part of ourselves we’ve long forgotten.
Photo by Katie Rainbow 🏳️🌈: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-pride-flag-drawn-on-the-ground-8275181/
Courtesy of Trans Lifeline:
Steps For Transgender People Preparing For Federal Crackdowns Under Trump
Journalist and trans rights activist Erin Reed provides guidance for trans people on steps to take in preparation for anticipated restrictions and legal challenges under Trump’s re-election. Reed’s article covers actions like updating identification documents, obtaining passports with correct gender markers, securing medication supplies, and exploring relocation options to safer areas.
Read the article here: erininthemorning.com/p/steps-for-transgender-people-preparing
Resources for Dealing with Post-Election Grief
With the recent election results in, we recognize that this period can still be intense and stressful for trans folks. Political outcomes often amplify issues that impact us directly, stirring up a range of emotions that may feel challenging to process. To support you through this time, we’ve curated a few resources to help you navigate the post-election period with resilience, self-compassion, and community support.
Access Helpful Resources: https://translifeline.org/post-election-grief/
Finding Support & Building Community After the 2024 Elections: A Guide for LGBTQIA2S+ Youth
To help support LGBTQIA2S+ young people process the outcome of the election, as well as find support and build community, The Trevor Project has a number of tips to consider and explore: thetrevorproject.org/blog/finding-support-building-community-after-the-2024-elections
Courtesy of The Trevor Project:
Self-Care Flowchart
If you find yourself feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or just “off,” you’re not alone. Everyone needs to take care of themselves, even if it’s just enjoying a quick snack or doing simple breathing exercises. Self-care is essential, but it can be challenging to make time for it. And if you struggle with your mental health, it can be even tougher to make self-care a part of your routine.
Courtesy of Human Rights Watch:
Secure Our Socials
We are calling on Facebook and Instagram to do more to make their social media platforms safe for LGBTQ+ users who face digital targeting and severe offline consequences including detention and torture.
It starts with transparency.
As always…
You are not alone. We are in this together. Let’s combine our talents into creating a world where all are treated with dignity, love, and respect. We all deserve safe shelter, proper nutrition, ample hydration, and quality health/mental care. It would be safe to say we can all agree on those basic requirements if we put aside other issues.
SecondGrace.LA is a community of people and small, highly effective non-profits working to end homelessness forever. It's where we come together to share information and resources increasing our ability to help the people we serve. We have now expanded our scope to include immigrant and LGBTQ+ rights. Join us.