Upcoming Actions to Take—Big and Small!
For those looking to get involved and stay informed but aren't sure where to start, here are a few places to look! Consider this your official Homework Assignment from GQN.
Hey folks! I’ve heard from so many people lately that they’re looking for things they can do to make a difference, for places to learn, etc. So I thought I’d try writing a little Friday wrap-up with a few ideas of things you might do. Some are bigger commitments while others will take just a few minutes.
Notably, some of the items on this list are fun. Advocacy is much more sustainable when we balance things that are difficult but important with things that are enjoyable, and I want us to break down the notion that the worse something feels (like going to testify at the capital) the more important it is. This is a false equivalency. Some important things will feel bad, yes, but you aren’t doing a bad job at allyship/advocacy because you’re enjoying yourself while doing something.
Let me know if you’d like this to become a regular series, and feel free to share this with someone who’s eager for steps to take!
Upcoming Webinars:
Tuesday, February 25th from 7PM - 8:30PM ET: How to Testify for Trans Rights with A4TE
Wednesday, February 26 at 3 p.m. ET: Know Your Rights on Passports with Lambda Legal
Lending some Love:
Pick 1-2 queer friends or family members that you care about, and give them a call/text. Don’t be the one to bring up politics. Instead, acknowledge that times have likely been pretty challenging, and ask: “What’s been bringing you joy lately?”. If they aren’t sure, ask “how can we change that?” and be a part of adding some joy to their life.
A Book Recommendation:
This week I’ve been reading “Loving Corrections” by the brilliant adrienne marie brown. It’s a short collection of essays dreaming up new ways of relating to one another, keeping ourselves and each other accountable, and communicating in a way that builds and maintains trust.
Weekend Action:
This weekend, I challenge you to go out to eat at an LGBTQ+ owned restaurant! Putting resources back into our local queer business community has so many knock-on positive impacts.
But Ben! Where will I find a queer owned restaurant? I’m so glad you asked! Check out this awesome map, from a group called “Everywhere is Queer!” https://www.everywhereisqueer.com/map
Long Term Action:
SAGE and HearMe are teaming up to provide text-based culturally competent companionship and support to isolated LGBTQ+ elders. They are currently looking for volunteers. Here’s more from their site:
We are inviting compassionate individuals, particularly those connected to the LGBTQ+ community, to provide empathetic listening support. Our goal is to create meaningful connections and foster a more inclusive and supportive world for our LGBTQ+ pioneers!
HearMe will provide:
Professional training and events focused on LGBTQ+ elder mental health
A Certificate in Empathetic Listening with a specialization in LGBTQ+ elder support
A Letter of Verification upon request
A truly amazing and life-changing experience!
Sign-up to become a SAGE x HearMe volunteer listener today!
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That’s all for now! Let me know if you’d like to see this become a regular series, or if you have ideas for other actions I can suggest to folks in future iterations!
Have a lovely weekend!
I reached out to a younger gay man that I know at work. We know each other, just not well, and now we're having coffee this week. Yay to new friends as an adult.
You have some wonderful ideas of things to do to help out. Thank you for sharing!