As members of the LGBT+ community with many different identities that have been recently targeted, how have you practiced self-care regarding Trump’s executive orders? How do you plan to support each other through these harsh realities?
Many of the “frequent fliers” of the LGBT Center have expressed their fear and disdain for the new president and the chaos that has resulted from it. Tiffany Anderson (she/her/hers or they/them/theirs), a junior studying computer engineering, said she has to “take breaks” from social media because it can be too overwhelming to see all of the negative posts toward minorities and for her own well-being she chooses to #negatethehate and focus on things that she can control in her everyday life. She makes it a point to still be informed on the policy changes as they happen but also is aware of the fact that it can be toxic to her well-being if she surrounds her thoughts with all of the problematic language and ideas shared on social media. It’s really easy to get consumed by negativity and fear, but we have to try to remain as positive as possible and make sure we are still caring for ourselves whether that is eating well, getting sleep, painting, meditating, reading, etc.
We as a community of different identities have been making it a point to listen to different groups that are affected and cater to their needs by hosting events that are geared toward empowering and educating people. Several activist groups on campus have been working together to organize and facilitate peaceful public protests and rallies to ensure our students have their voices heard.
How can allies support groups affected by orders like the Muslim ban?
Allies can help affected groups by reaching out and letting people know you are in solidarity with them. It is an ally’s duty to listen to those who are being discriminated against and validate their experiences. It can be hard to fully understand someone’s situation if you have not lived it, but we have to empathize with each other and recognize that just because you do not experience it, does not mean it is not real. Allies also need to educate themselves on different issues. They should make a point to listen to people when they share their experiences, attend lectures and events or read a book or article that go in-depth on historical content. It would also be helpful to look into how systematic and institutional oppression work and understand how to use their privilege to combat oppression in its various forms.
On our campus, we have events all the time that highlight the different identities of our students that can be enlightening for allies to attend — it may take a little extra work to seek these events, but it is the duty of an ally to be an accomplice and to “get their hands dirty.” Silent support
Cassidy Paul (pronouns: she/her/hers or they/them/theirs) is the Education Coordinator for the LGBT Center and Women’s Affairs Commissioner for Student Senate.
Is there something you have always been curious about regarding sexuality and gender but have never been able to ask? Have a question about the LGBTQ community? Email them to lgbt@ohio.edu or oulgbtcenter@gmail.com, tweet @oulgbtcenter with #qaqueer,
