We will all need to stand tall and fight the good fight in the coming years. No matter how large or small a part we play in the collective mission of our existence we need to do it right. Recognizing we are on the right size of history, we need to be the adults in the room no matter how sharp we dig our claws in.
Walking our talk will be more important than ever because part of our fight is asserting our rightful place in society. We need not hide who we are, downplay our culture or spin our message. We do need however to present our message with grace, maturity, and a sense of confidence.
Demonstrate what healthy LGBT life looks like
Most of the opposition in society toward out community is based on caricatures and outlandish stereotypes that right wing media has used to stoke the fears and hate of people who mostly don’t even know many queer people.
We need to proudly present who we are and the inherent healthy lives we live. We walk in society next to everyone else, working, shopping, worshiping and experiencing the same basic humanity. Our lives must demonstrate our inherent goodness as human beings without apology.
Be impeccable with your words
Honesty and integrity in our message, our actions and our commitments is the cornerstone of any good life. Be that person who is respected and depended on by honoring what you say you will do. Show up and back up your message. Be credible in all areas of your daily life, and especially when you’re advocating for our cause.
Don’t fight hate with hate
Our opposition is powered by a level of immaturity, ignorance, anger, resentment, fear, jealousy and hate that is explicitly raw. While it’s easy to fight fire with fire when it comes to emotion and drama we must not.
Demonstrate our message with strength, intelligence, and love. Advocate from a position of power and professionalism in action. We must fight strong, hard and smart. We need to be the adults in the room.
Educate and encourage your tribe
Taking up the fight for our rights, freedoms and our very existence is scary. Many of us are fearful to stand out, to stand up and to fight for who we are. The very idea of having to step out on the limb and be counted can be intimidating and even horrifying for many of us.
We must empower our brothers and sisters to feel confident, self assured and worthy. If you are in a position to do so, educate your friends, family or chosen family of what is happening and how it’s affecting our community. Encourage them to be a part of it, out and in the open. Let them know you will be standing next to them all the way.
Smoker of fine tires, eater of natural foods, connoisseur of aromatic leathers, pusher of limits.