NOVEMBER 3, 2020: ELECTION DAY
Hello QSC Director here, I just wanted to share some words with everyone about the upcoming election. There have been rampant anti-LGBT rhetoric ads as Election Day has approached. These posts have implied that on election day there may be acts of violence against the queer community and specifically transgender POC. While these rumors are unfounded, there is no question that the next couple weeks will be filled with anxiety, confusion, and uncertainty about the future. This is not a message to instill fear or nerves, my intention is not to fear monger. Stay safe and mindful as the next couple weeks unfold. Within this newsletter there will be mental health resources, physical safety resources, and guides for allies on how to best support our queer friends.
Self Defense Tips:
a. https://safety.lovetoknow.com/personal-safety-protection/self-defense-tip
b. https://www.insider.com/best-self-defense-tips-everyone-should-know-2018-3
c. https://campussafetyuniversity.com/physical-safety-self-defense-tips-techniques/
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project (1-866-488-7386): They specialize in young LGBTQ people’s mental health, and they’re available 24/7.They’re a great resource if you need help or just want to talk about your life
LGBT National Youth Talkline
LGBT National Youth Talkline (1-800-246-7743): The Talkline is open daily, with trained peer counselors ready to talk about mental health, dating, coming out, sexual health, or anything you need.
National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline
National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline (800-950-NAMI): NAMI offers a daily hotline that you can call to talk about mental health and to find resources in your area.
Understand the adversity LGBTQ people face:
To be a good ally, it’s important to understand how LGBTQ people’s gender identity and sexuality exist in relation to other social issues. The queer community has a long history with sex work, including but not limited to survival sex, or when someone will “trade sex for basic needs, such as food, shelter, and clothing.” They also face an overwhelming amount of workplace discrimination: The Williams Institute reports that lesbian, gay, and bisexual employees are more likely to report being fired from a job or denied a position compared to their straight counterparts.
A good ally offers financial support:
Crowdfunding is one of the most popular ways to directly support LGBTQ people. Rainbow Campaign hosts campaigns by LGBTQ folks, and thousands of initiatives for queer financial support can be found on GoFundMe. Searching the phrase “transgender,” for instance, brings up more than 6,000 results.
Uplift the most marginalized in the community
A good LGBTQ ally understands how to lift up not just queer voices but black queer voices, queer sex workers’ voices, and impoverished trans people’s voices, among other identities. People of color are more likely to identify as queer than whites, and we suffer disproportionately and systematically from poverty, unemployment, and other economic issues.
Valens, Ana. “Here’s What a Good LGBTQ Ally Looks Like.” Vox, Vox, 22 June 2019, www.vox.com/identities/2019/6/22/18700875/lgbtq-good-ally
Email: asuwqsc@uw.edu
