10 Hopes for Fellow Members of the Queer Community

This Pride in 2023 is somber. It has been an alarming year of regression for Queer people in the US and around the world. I am writing this post to spread a message of hope and love to my fellow Queers, and for us to continue envisioning the great possibilities ahead of us.

As individuals:

1. I hope we see ourselves and each other as perfect and whole. I hope our self-worth comes from within - not judged by the flatness of our stomachs, likes on Instagram, or the uniqueness of our outfits. Being exactly who you are is the best gift you can give the world, and we should all embrace each other as we are, in all shapes, sizes, and styles.

2. I hope we find more balance with our sense of spirituality and purpose. One of my reflections on our community is that we tend to emphasize hedonistic values - experience, novelty, pleasure - not bad things, but I think we sometimes lose our greater purpose. I hope we all find purpose and see ourselves as part of something greater than ourselves.

3. I hope that we continue to seek the mental health supports we need to process our internalized homophobia, transphobia, and gender identity/expression issues. In a heteronormative patriarchal and religious society, signals are everywhere that what we are doing is disgusting or wrong. Know that you get to exist on your own terms, and I hope we find the strength to ignore others' opinions and keep being us.

4. I hope we seek the help we need when we are homeless or are going through substance abuse. I hope we have the courage to admit when we have a problem and when we need to change. Whether we are forced out or trying to escape something, I hope we can find family wherever we are and get the help we need. I hope we have patience with ourselves to make slow progress and even relapse, while never losing our tenacity.

5. I hope we continue to shine brighter than ever for others, Queer and non-Queer alike. I hope the Queer community keeps using its creativity, fearlessness, and power to create space for a diversity of existence. I hope we continue to question the norms that don't work for us and expand the area of what is possible for the benefit of everyone.

6. I hope that our fellow Queer children have examples and heroes who they can look up to and that they are loved for who they are by their family and friends. For the children in the closet or yet to discover their true selves, you have a tough road ahead. I hope you find inspiration in role models to keep you going, and I hope you have the courage and strength to choose to be yourself, and find family that accept you exactly as you are.

7. I hope Queer people who are unsafe around the world can, if they want, find a home that allows them to live the life they want. If not, I hope they can at least find peace and safety within their existing community.

As a community:

1. I hope we center and give space to those in our community who need the most support - particularly Black, brown, Indigenous, pan-Asian, trans, and gender non-conforming folks. We need to look out for each other, build bridges, and realize that a rising tide lifts all boats. Our liberation is all connected and we need every part of our community to succeed.

2. I hope we regain our fighting spirit. We are under attack and in those circumstances, our community tends to turn inward. We need to be out in the world, speaking up, building coalitions, and fighting back. We are fighting just to exist, fighting to be equal, and fighting for the freedom that we all cherish here in the US.

3. I hope we build solidarity across nations. The Queer community is strong around the world, despite limited rights and acceptance. Our power is as good as the ties between us - let's realize that our fights are interconnected and we can support each other's liberation. We are 1 Queer community and together, we truly are powerful.

For Learning and With Love,

Chris