We are all living, breathing, sacrificial creatures. We are born to connect and emote and learn.
Why do we not act like it?
I’m not here to answer that question. I am here to share that no matter how dizzying and ostracizing the current horrid stream of news is, we have to make it through. We are going to live through the dread, the nausea, the outrage and dissociation into something that will feed us into a new mass rewiring of hope. At least, that is my wishful thinking.
I have had the privilege to speak to “elder gays” recently about their experiences living through the HIV/AIDS epidemic. These discussions around HIV/AIDS, whether these individuals are aware of it or not, are allowing me to believe that everything will get better after it is ruined.
As a society, the tangible is missing. Everyone is impacted during this time, and even just sharing stories read from the news is not enough. Even stories of acquaintances, friends, and colleagues can have a sort of fuzzy distance to it that fails to emotionally translate.
As a first principle, it is much easier to recognize the bad after living through the bad. People should not have to live through bad times in general, but mass misery and a focus on ignorance and money can only result in one thing. Hence, the theme of Cabaret trending on multiple social media platforms.
Secondly, if you cannot protect the people around you, you must protect yourself. You are the only person who can wake up and get yourself that morning coffee.
Finally, read books, watch movies and listen to music from marginalized populations. If you don’t learn reliable history from first person experiences, you are missing out on listening to authentic narratives.
There is hope that change will occur. The kind of change which grants all people equitable access to existing as they want to in the world.
Another term I have learned that’s common in the HIV/AIDS community is “networks.”
The creation of networks of people, across multiple organizations, is key in attempting to avoid isolation and loneliness in the community.
People’s right to privacy and safety still needs to be protected. However, the opportunity to connect with people who are living through similar experiences allows for opportunities to grow, learn and listen to one another.
We all have the power to show up for one another. Showing up does not have to be large or loud, and sometimes the quiet signs of appreciation mean the most to people. For example, asking your friend if they are okay, or even a simple act like paying for their coffee, can help. (I utilize coffee as a default reference for any beverage or food item, as it is so normalized).
In such a frequent time of blatant erasure and harm, recognizing your own strength is so important.
Be present and hug your friends. Spread awareness of causes that matter to you and keep digging. Lastly, realistically, take a breath.
