Wins and Actions for The Week of 2/27
We are marching ever-forward towards a better world. Here are a few of my favorite wins, and joyful actions you can take this weekend to help keep moving forwards.
Good morning, lovely people! Last week, I got GREAT feedback on the list of action items I sent out, so I’m going to do my best to make this a regular Friday series. Here is an overview of some of my favorite wins from the week, and a variety of actions you can take to make a difference!
The Wins of the Week
Governor of Maine pushing back on Trump at the White House Governor’s Dinner: “I’'ll see you in court!”
Multiple hospitals around the country (most recently in Colorado) resuming safe and legal access to gender affirming care for youth after public pushback, AG pressure, and positive progress in the court case against the unlawful healthcare executive order.
Even though the state of Pennsylvania’s interscholastic org is going along with the executive order, Philadelphia schools refuse to kick trans girls off sports teams. (LGBTQNation, 2/26)
A number of South Dakota Republicans voted against an attempt to attack same sex marriage, citing a clear hateful intent (LGBTQNation, 2/27)
Actions to Take
As I say often, it’s crucial to find a balance of actions that are tiring, boring, or frustrating with actions that are positive, productive, and pleasant. Including advocacy that feels good as part of our strategy is a key element of keeping progress sustainable.
Don’t forget to share this with someone you know who’s looking for something to do!
Attend a Webinar:
A Trans-affirming education and advocacy organization is hosting a series of trainings on advocacy actions for allies looking to do more. Their next training is in a couple weeks. Sign up here!
Contact your elected officials:
17 Attorney Generals are currently suing the US government to get rid of Section 504, a critical protection for disabled folks in the US. Visit the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund to learn more about section 504 and contact your attorney general if your state is involved.
But Ben, does my attorney general/other elected official care? Consider this: best case scenario is that they do care about what their constituents have to say, and a high-volume of emails means something to them. Worst case scenario is that they don’t care, and a high-volume of emails is very annoying. I live in Missouri, and take pride in making Andrew Bailey’s day a little bit worse :)
Apply Public Pressure:
A number of nonprofit organizations have removed information about LGBTQ+ people from their websites, as Erin Reed has reported. After significant public pressure and pushback, many of these organizations have reversed course and restored the LGBTQ+ sections of their websites. Learn more about what organizations are abandoning LGBTQ+ people to overcomply with executive orders, and reach out to let them know you aren’t okay with this!
Spread the Love:
Think of your favorite hero, advocate, leader, or just someone doing work you admire. It could be Sarah McBride, the ED of your state equality organization, or an unexpected ally. Maybe it’s a friend who is making cool, meaningful art. Write them a personal thank you email!
Spread the Love EVEN MORE!
An organization based out of Chicago-area called the Pinta Pride Project is running a year-long card writing project for allies to send loving and affirming cards to LGBTQ+ people. Anyone is welcome to send or receive love!
Sign up to receive cards here! (But Ben, someone deserves that love way more than I do! I don’t want to take resources from someone who actually needs it! Counterpoint: everyone deserves love, there is no competition here. Receiving support is a gift we can give not only to ourselves, but also to people who are looking for ways to help. I signed up, too!)
Expand your knowledge:
I read this article today and it was INCREDIBLE. This very much aligns with my framework of focusing on the world we’re trying to build. This is an extremely sanity-inducing, brilliantly written and well sourced piece.
That’s all for this week! Let me know if you like these actions, or if you have other actions I should uplift next week!
Bit by bit, piece by piece, we can build a better world.
With love and hope, as always,
Ben
I have a small action a person could take? Check out LGBTQ+ materials, particularly children’s and teens materials from your public library. Request them if you don’t find something you are looking for. I’m a children’s librarian, we don’t keep track of who checks out what but we *do* keep track of how often materials check out. It helps gives us hard numbers that show people want and use these materials. It can be helpful if something gets challenged.
Love the line in your counterpoint "there is no competition here" 🙌 yes! Too many of us are conditioned to be caregivers but not care-receivers. Love demands both.