I aspire to be a person that truly lives in community with others - to express solidarity, allyship, and support for those who are experiencing marginalization. Further, I aspire to be a person that advocates for a just world and to navigate life with compassion and empathy for others. I am far from fully actualizing this vision for myself. What has been helpful to me in the journey is to hold myself accountable and be committed to (un)learning a lifetime of both problematic and limiting beliefs. It has been valuable to centre the truth that living in community requires humility and working collectively, while also holding personal accountability. This has meant critically asking of myself:
- How can I show up for 2SLGBTQQIA+ folks, in tangible, genuine and impactful ways?
- What can solidarity from me look like in 2SLGBTQQIA+ led movements and work? What resources do I have to offer?
- What actions from me (both 'visible' and 'invisible') support a more equitable and inclusive community?
- What work can I do in my own networks that challenges heteronormativity and cis-privilege?
It is heartbreaking to see the devastating impacts of legislative tools being used to deny 2SLGBTQQIA+ people of human rights, dignity, respect and affirmation (a repeated story throughout history). This culture of using institutional practices to enact harm, certainly makes the world more hateful, and one that is less safe and inclusive. In such circumstances of complex and overwhelming affronts to justice, I have found these questions helpful to guide how I can approach taking action.