No one has to explain to the LGBTQIA+ population that discrimination is real and comes in many forms. Most recently, it seems a new story arises every day related to proposed legislation. As with everything online, it’s not always easy to discern fact from fiction. However, in some ways, the impact is the same. Even when a rumored change turns out to be false, it’s just as painful because it was still so believable.
When you feel justified in believing that no change is impossible, it can become a daily challenge to stay calm and focused. With this in mind, let’s survey the current landscape.
How New Bills Are Causing a Growing Feeling of Insecurity
What a reminder it’s been that 365/24/7 access to information is a very mixed blessing. In recent times, it can feel like bad news is arriving from every angle. Indeed, it can be important to keep up with trends, but this level of inundation is overwhelming. It can induce a state in which it becomes daunting to practice discernment. What’s clickbait, and what’s a genuine threat?
Just when you want and need to be at your sharpest, you’re dealing with signs and symptoms like sleep disturbances, irritability, inability to concentrate, hyper-vigilance, appetite changes, panic attacks, and more. When you try to keep up with everything that causes insecurity, you can slip into some unhealthy thought patterns, for example:
- Black-and-White Thinking: You choose to categorize the people in your life according to their perceived political beliefs.
- Loneliness: No one gets it like you do, or understands what you feel
- Cynicism: A doom-scrolling belief that nothing can stem the tide and it’s only going to get worse
- Frustration: Leading to angry outbursts
- Obsession: You feel like you can’t think or talk about anything else
None of the above invalidates your concern or desire to make a difference. It’s just that the methods by which information is shared in the digital age are rarely conducive to community-building that is founded on positive action and hope.
A Few Steps to Cultivate Balance
Survey the Playing Field
There comes a point when something other than non-stop scrolling and posting must be considered. You see, social media platforms are designed to provide balanced and nuanced analysis. They’re not even aiming for accuracy. They’re run by massive corporations that want you to become so engaged that you keep your eyes on that glowing screen. Part of this strategy involves reinforcing what artificial intelligence perceives as your interests. Thus, you may need to log off and talk with kindred spirits in person to begin making progress.
Set Realistic Goals
The passion provoked by online content can lead us to overestimate the impact of our own posts or opinions. Take some time to assess where your true power lies and then aim your energy in that direction. Most likely, you can’t control which bill gets proposed, and your angry posts will only be seen by a small group of like-minded people. Therefore, your most valuable skill may involve helping others. Think about the kind of world you’d like to live in. Then lead by example in your sphere of influence.
Do Not Neglect Self-Care
Political change typically takes time, patience, and endurance. To become your strongest self, you must take care of yourself. Daily self-care should be a non-negotiable step. Make self-loving choices when it comes to eating, sleeping, physical activity, and stress management. Also, become a role model when it comes to staying positive during negative times.
LGBTQIA+ individuals have their work cut out for them. However, with discernment and diligence, they can eschew insecurity as they rise in sustainable power. Sometimes the best self-care is that of your mental health. Reaching out to a LGBTQIA+ therapist who understands is a great first step. I’d love to talk more about this with you soon.
