In these trying times of hate, bigotry and adverse action by an increasingly authoritative and fascist political power the time to stand up and fight has come. Whether we like it or not every one of us must play a part, take action and orient ourselves for the survival of our freedoms, our rights and our every life in some cases.
The gravity of our time is every bit as consequential as the AIDS crisis was to the 1980s and 1990s. The difference today is we fight a power that is out to cut down everyone in our LGBTQIA+ community, not just gay men.
For those in power anyone not white, hetero-normative and a Christian has a target on their back. It’s not just our immediate community, but also women of all races, ethnic minorities and immigrants who face their rights, freedoms and way of life being taken away or diminished. We must throw everything we have into the resistance of fascism and authoritarianism that has arrived at our doorstop
Act locally
Support and participate in grass roots activities in your community where you live. Many of the national movements to suppress our rights are happening first at the city, county and state levels. This is where we need to watch our law makers and influence our community the most.
Be of service and organize, promote, and spread your influence at home. Attend protests, go to town halls where your elected leaders are, participate in as many community meetings you can where your voice can be heard.
Get in your elected representative’s faces
If you’re in a blue state, let your leaders know you have their back to fight harder. Support their ground game and contribute to their outreach efforts where possible. It’s important they know that they have the support of their constituents to take that leap and fight harder.
If in a purple state or district, turn up the heat and let them know they better have your back. You have a lot of power here to move the middle lane most purple state elected representatives try to stay in. Move the middle your direction by being a constant voice in their ears. Keep the pressure on.
If in a red state, be vociferously vocal and hold them accountable to you their voter. Go to those town halls, stand up and be counted. Many of the red district have turnover in the coming two years, they will be running for election. Let them know their power is under threat if they don’t start protecting democracy and everyone in their district, not just their favorite people.
Attend protests
Get up, stand up and be counted. There are rallies and protests on local, regional and national levels where you can participate to be a strong voice of opposition. Be peaceful at all costs. Our message is diminished when protests turn to violence and vandalism. Our voice and our numbers are the message.
Smoker of fine tires, eater of natural foods, connoisseur of aromatic leathers, pusher of limits.