When asked to write a blog post for Pride, I was preparing to travel to Wilton Manors, Florida, a historic LGBTQIA community. I set the intention to keep the topic for the blog post, the importance of Pride Month and the advocacy for all members of the LGBTQIA community, in mind as I was enjoying my “gaycation.” The use of “gaycation” is intentional. I live in a small city, so I try to take vacations that focus on visiting predominately queer areas and areas where I am least likely to run into any current or future therapy clients. As I have returned and settled back into navigating the heteronormative community I live in, here are some of my takeaways:
- Being surrounded by the queer community is powerful. As someone who lives in a smaller city, there is nothing quite like being surrounded by queer-owned shops, restaurants, bars, and lots and lots of pride flags and support of the queer community. To walk around an entire gay neighborhood is something I never could have imagined as a kid growing up in rural Appalachia. To see everyone being their authentic self is adrenaline-charged. It is extremely powerful and essential for these spaces to continue to exist, especially in states that are actively passing laws that negatively impact the LGBTQIA community.
- The power of seeing and listening to queer elders. One of my favorite things that I experienced was seeing so much diversity in queer love and joy, and especially seeing older adult queer individuals and couples. I was reminded of the importance of listening to our LGBTQIA elders and learning from them about what they have fought for. I left reflecting on how I want to continue to age as a queer person and what I hope to accomplish, and what I hope to see our community achieve.
- The Queer Community is resilient and vibrant. The complexity of walking around a queer neighborhood in Florida was evident. As we know, Florida has been a leader when it comes to States passing anti-gay and transgender bills. Yet, there we were. Thriving. Proud. Dancing! We need to remember this when we discuss boycotting similar areas. The LGBTQIA community is there, on the ground, doing the work. Any support provided is helpful.
This trip was vital in reminding me of the importance of advocacy for the LGBTQIA community. Advocacy that will allow us to maintain our space in this world that we have fought hard to have. When I think about advocacy, I think about how broad this term can be and how it can mean something different to everyone. I want to share some advocacy tips to start the conversation and provide guidance:
- Advocacy can be small or big and should be authentic to you. For example, my most extensive form of advocacy is being authentically queer in South Carolina and bringing that identity into the classroom as a program director for a COAMFTE MFT Master’s Program. I hope that I make a positive impact on my students and that this leads them to create change in the multiple systems that they are involved in. I hope it models for them how to be their authentic selves.
- Advocacy requires you to stay informed and build community. Policies and information move fast, requiring energy, time, and focus. I have found that creating a community of support with friends that I can “kiki” (a hangout with friends) about the current state of politics and policies helps with burnout and my mental health. Advocating in isolation can be scary, but working in a community and a support system is energizing.
- Find Your Rhythm. Advocacy can happen in many ways. Find what works for you and be okay with that. Allow others to find what works for them. For example, I plan to attend the 2024 Systemic Conference in Orlando, Florida, this November. My choice to do so is because I feel attending is vital for the Queer and Trans Advocacy Network (QTAN) community, and showing up as a queer person is a core value of mine. With that, I understand other’s hesitations and concerns. Do what is best for you and allow others to do the same. Decide with your community and support systems, and maybe travel with them. I know you will have a community via QTAN leadership in attendance.
Lastly, I cannot talk about advocacy without discussing the Queer and Trans Advocacy Network. As the 2023-2025 Chair, I am proud of the work the leadership team has been doing over the past two years, and I’m thankful to those who have come before us to help build the network. Here are some ways to get involved and advocate via QTAN:
- Join the QTAN 2024 Virtual Conference, July 26th – 28th.
- Please attend one of the many QTAN events!
- Volunteer to help with social media, event planning, or running for an upcoming elected position. Reach out to leadership at [email protected] to see how you can get involved.
- Connect with QTAN Leadership at the 2024 Systemic Conference in Florida. We have sponsored a track of QTAN-focused presentations that will help bring awareness to and advocate for the LGBTQIA community.
Stay Proud,
Evan