Hello, dear friends. I hope you are all finding health and happiness these days, and are in touch with all the ways that you stay grounded and empowered in the world. There are a lot of people who are feeling deeply challenged by these modern times, but today I’d like to specifically address the LGBTQIA+ community and the people who love and support us. Really, I’m addressing anyone struggling with issues of civil rights and self-determination, but the language I’ll use today will be specifically focused on the LGBTQIA+ population. In this political climate, I find myself feeling curious about finding grounding and footing in informed watchfulness, so I’d like to talk about that today.

Why informed watchfulness? Because it’s really hard to know how to move forward when no one seems to know what’s going to specifically happen. I say “specifically” because we have a blueprint in Project 2025, but how will it play out in different states? In our individual lives? Will it be blocked or thwarted by the courts? Or not? What do you do when the path forward is shrouded in shadow?

three assorted-color monkey plastic toys holding each other during daytimeI bring this up because I wish I could say this is a unique time in human history, but it isn’t. Queer and gender persecution has been around as long as patriarchy, with the main variations being how organized, sanctioned and aggressively the persecution presents itself. We are, undeniably, in a time of organized, sanctioned, and aggressive persecution. We will be told that the target of this LGBTQIA+ persecution is only gender expansive folks, but I invite you to be aware of the thinness of that argument. We are all vulnerable in some way, and many folks are vulnerable in a lot of ways (where Intersectionality is a play). This is a powerful time to come together in community and solidarity, not only to stand tall for the people near you, but for your own empowerment as well. Unfortunately, part of the current political strategy is to flood the public with confusion and fear, which is an effective way to seed panic and separation. I believe, more than any other time in my life, that now is the time to come together.

So what does this have to do with informed watchfulness? We can stay informed and watchful on our own, and if that’s what feels best for you, that’s great. For me, what I have found (even as an introvert) is that both the “informed” and “watchfulness” aspects of informed watchfulness are more effective and less painful when I engage with community.

Staying informed is much easier when you’re in touch with smart, connected people who work in the social justice field.  They are really paying attention, and in my experience, they do not trade in gossip and random speculation. The trick is to surround yourself, whenever you can, with people who do not speak from a place of fear or hyperbole. This is the difference between grounded conversation and online ranting. When you listen to anyone, I invite you to ask a few important questions:

  • What is this person’s expertise, and how can that be verified?
  • Are they citing sources that can be checked?
  • What is their personal investment in this conversation?
  • Are they posing hypothetical scenarios (“what if…”) or are they referring to actual events and facts?
  • Do I feel more informed after listening to this person or more emotionally agitated? Not that both feelings can’t be present at the same time, but make sure you’re agitated for actual reasons!

And as far as the “watchfulness” aspect goes, I find this to also benefit from engaging with community. Everyone is susceptible to falling into rabbit holes, and this is especially true for the solitary mind. With the vast universe of the internet at our fingertips, we all know how common it is for hours to disappear as we chase information to soothe (or confirm) our fears. The great thing about learning in a community is that it provides some topical guardrails. In conversation, you stay present with conversation. When we’re alone on the internet, we have to be in charge of our own guardrails. This is tricky for anyone!

To assist with informed watchfulness, here are a few sources that I find myself relying on heavily for LGBTQIA+ information these days. Yes, these are just websites, but my hope is that they offer an opportunity that leads to community building. For example, I list Basic Rights Oregon as a resource, and perhaps that will lead you to their events page, which will lead you to interactions with real, live people. For me, taking classes is a fantastic way to get to know people better, as are symposiums and support groups. See what looks interesting to you on any of these sights!

We can’t know exactly what’s going to happen in the future, and I know how scary that can feel right now. But we can make smart(er) choices when we’re paying attention in a way that is supportive, informed, and manageable. Even if reaching out to others can feel intimidating, it might provide the sanity we need in a shifting world. Informed watchfulness allows us to take things one step at a time, and doing it together can make it feel a whole lot better.

And I am here to help, however I can. Whether it’s navigating the current political terrain or the nuances of your own life, it’s always my goal to help you feel strong, grounded and proud of yourself as you move forward in the world. We all have strengths and challenges. I’m here to shine a light on your best you and help you achieve all that you can dream. Please don’t hesitate to book a complimentary, 20 minute consultation to see if coaching with me would be the right choice for you. And if you’re needing to support a gender-expansive person in your life, check me out at coachbekooy.com. Whatever your needs, we can find the best way forward.

Step by step, let’s move forward together!