The Dark Era Strikes Back
Disclaimer: This blog is mainly about politics and all that crap. If you are uncomfy with political topics, I'd advise to click out of here. This is also initially oriented for LGBTQ+ people but can also apply to anyone else.
So... it's been about nearly a week ever since the Trump administration was sworn into office. And right off the bat, things aren't looking good at all.
The recognition of only two genders (basically an attack on queer citizens and their rights; no longer recognised), withdrawing from the World Health Organization and Paris Agreement, releasing and pardoning Jan. 6 insurrectionists and far-right groups, the promise to end birthright citizenship, and even terminating DEI programs. These are just some of the awful executive orders that Trump has hastely signed. And with a new cabinet of the richest billionaires, including a straight-up manchild who explicitly shows that he's a fascist (looking at you Elon Musk), hardcore conservatives who are willing to continue the attack on LGBTQ+ rights/liberties, Big Tech giants who have donated and bowed down to the tyrant, and not to mention an entire playbook "Project 2025" that has the end goal of turning the US into a "traditional" and religious far-right oligarchy, Trump seems to be ready to take America, including the world, into a dark and fascist-friendly era.
This post isn't intended to be all doom and gloom, however. Yes, it may seem like the future from this point onwards is pessimistic, and it's alright to be scared and worried of what might happen next. However, hoping for a miracle to come by later on won't help things. It does't change or fix anything. While there is so much you can do during this time of tumultuous chaos, there are a list of things you could do that might have a positive impact for you and for others:
- Comfort one another. Comforting a loved one or those around you who are worried or scared of how a fascist administration could impact them can help ease them. Being there for them, whether to talk or hug (if comfortable) can make all the difference.
- Archive as much content as possible/Resist censorship. Archiving/preserving (especially LGBTQ+) media such as books/literature and movies can really help in the case that America (and of course the world) continues to take a fascist path for the worse by literally making such content illegal, banned, and erased via the internet and IRL.
- Protest and make your voice heard. Protesting peacefully against the government's decisions and actions can help drive the force towards pushing back against the Trump administration's oppressive and destructive playbook. It has worked in the past and can be done again.
Tip: If you have to register to protest against something, avoid it. It's probably organised by cops.
- Spread awareness, educate, and donate. As anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment continues to rise thanks to far-right disinformation and discrimination, it's more important than ever to educate and discuss about LGBTQ+ with those around you. It can help spread awareness and can be very helpful in especially supporting the community itself. Spreading awareness makes a difference. Donations to well-known LGBTQ+ charities such as The Trevor Project can also help support the community too.
- Be who you are. Just because some person signed an executive order targeting your specific group doesn't mean you're invalid as a person. As they say, 'your validity is not dictated by an executive order'. Don't let the government determine your rights or existence. Keep being who you are, stay unique, and don't let some higher authority hide the real you. Staying visible is still nevertheless powerful on its own. Visibility is an act of resistance as well.
This is pretty much most of the advice I can give in this post. It may not be much, but it's something to think about and consider during these next four years of fascist-like rule. Whereever you are reading this, I hope you are safe and comfortable. I sincerely hope that you can make it through these next four years and can help out one another despite the struggle. Always remember to take care of yourself <3. And we can definitely make it through this together!
- Signed, Jade Topaz