Wishing You Wellness
Cities across the country will be on high alert this weekend and through Inauguration Day in anticipation of planned protests and attacks on Capitol buildings in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. At GSA Network, we urge you to take care of yourself and your community first, and to refrain from taking any direct action that would put you in harm’s way.
It is difficult to look away or ignore the reality our country is living through. There is a real threat of danger and violence over the next several days that has many of us feeling frustrated, fearful, unsettled, and uncertain–just to name a few of the many feelings that bubble up inside of us as we bear witness to persistent attacks on our democracy by white supremacists.
Many of us also feel a sense of civic duty to remain informed and engaged in our democratic processes so that we can create the vision for liberation we want to see in our future. However, at this time, precisely because the political environment has deteriorated to political violence, it is extremely important that you find ways to practice self-care and disengage from the full experience of this unfortunate moment in our country’s history.
As we look ahead to a new administration starting on January 20th, we know there will be new opportunities to organize and advocate for police free schools, restorative justice policies, LGBT-inclusive curriculum, and safe school environments for trans and queer youth of color. We hope to count on you to show up in those moments. Right now, we want you to know that we care about your mental and emotional health and hope you will practice self-care.
Check out our Queer and Trans Wellness Resources for ideas on how to practice self-care. Remember to check in with your friends and stay connected to those around when you need support.
With love,
GSA Network
Genders & Sexualities Alliance Network (GSA Network) is a next-generation LGBTQ racial and gender justice organization that empowers and trains trans, queer, and allied youth leaders to advocate, organize, and mobilize an intersectional movement for safer schools and healthier communities. In California, GSA Network connects over 1,000 GSA clubs through regional summits and youth councils. Nationally, GSA Network leads the National Association of GSA Networks which unites 40 statewide networks of GSA clubs, and GSAs Unite, an online campaign and petition platform supporting youth organizers across the country.