At the LEATHER & LGBTQ Cultural District’s multi-part discussion on Advocacy, Action, and Safety on Thursday, May 29, 2025, Race Bannon presented a list of actions each of us can take to advocate for the safety of ourselves and our community. This is a quick summary of those actions and priorities.
- Set aside time each day to do something. Doing something is what matters.
- Don’t succumb to cynicism. Do not believe the naysayers.
- Realize the reality of the situation. Accept that this is an emergency. This is no time for avoidance. Practice conscious compartmentalization.
- Build and engage in your local community. It is through strong, bonded communities that we will survive and thrive. Now is the time to dive deep into community. Build alliances across different communities.
- Use social media wisely.
- Avoid mainstream media. They are still embracing bothsidesism. Seek out respected alternative media.
- Despite it being difficult, embrace empathy when talking with those who vote or hold opinions counter to yours. This is not easy, but it is effective. This recent post outlines a strategy that is difficult to do but is probably the most effective at strategically pushing back.
- Practice digital safety. Switch to Signal. Check out the Electronic Frontier Foundation for the best digital and surveillance safety advice.
- Call your representatives. Download and use 5 Calls.
- Stay informed but do not overwhelm yourself. Subscribe (paid if you can) to a few trusted news sources. A good national political news summary is What The Fuck Just Happened Today?
- Join Indivisible’s newsletter. Join or form a local group and read their Guide.
- Attend in-person actions. The next big national one is called “No Kings”, and happens on June 14th, 2025.
- Follow groups like 50501, Women’s March, Indivisible, and Tesla Takedown. There will be others emerging. This current resistance is a collection of numerous but aligned separate efforts which we need.
- Visit the ACLU rights page before organizing or attending a protest.
- Donate, if you can. to the ACLU, Democracy Forward, Democracy Docket, the Transgender Law Center, or any national or local organizations or efforts that resonate with you. Also donate to groups organizing actions. Oath is a one-stop shop for effective political giving.
- Support labor unions. Join one if you are able.
- Vote. Always. In every election. Get others to register and do the same. Vote.org is a non-partisan website that you can refer anyone to for help.
Race is committed to maintaining this list, to stay current with the best information and advice possible. Follow his postings on Citizen Power: Turning Advocacy Into Impact.
The Cultural District thanks Race for his leadership on this issue, and for allowing us to share his research and opinions.