NO BYSTANDERS!
By Carol Speser
Get smart on being an advocate. How we explain our values and beliefs is everything.
Not all our opponents hate us. Some just see things sort of differently. Beliefs are always on a spectrum. We can absolutely influence some folks. We can! How do you think our Queer Liberation Movement went from homosexuality being a mental illness, and an abomination to God, to marriage equality? A key part of changing cultural values is listening to our opponents and then thoughtfully responding in a way that respects where they are coming from.
It is not by responding with righteous anger and trying to win an argument! Your goal is to open minds and hearts.
While there are diverse strategies we can use to respond to the escalating discrimination facing queer people today, opening minds and hearts is something everyone can do.
All of us need to be ready to step up and speak up to our friends, our family members, our co-workers, our neighbors and colleagues. All of the people in our lives.
This is especially true when we find ourselves needing to advocate for our transgender family, friends and neighbors. Sadly, there is a great deal of ignorance, misguided information, outright lies and screwy ideas out there. It’s toxic.
We cannot be silent. Put together your talking points. You can even write and rehearse your own short, poignant elevator speeches.
Be ready to step up and speak up.
One by one, we change the world.
Do your part.