You have seen memes or statements saying “Do not obey in advance” circulating on social media. This statement has gained renewed salience in our current political climate, and it’s also the start of Timothy Snyder’s book “On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century.” It’s a quick read with reflections and advice on how to respond to political leaders who threaten our rights and livelihoods. In these times of rising political oppression, this is an important reminder of the power of resistance, community and solidarity, particularly as queer identities and relationships, especially for trans people, continue to be scrutinized and attacked.
This bold resolve is a reminder that the fear of what could happen often suppresses behavior more than actual government actions. This fear can be just as powerful and harming as the oppression itself. LGBTQ+ individuals are often subjected to this fear as their very existence, of queer relationships and trans identities are always one of the first to be attacked. LGBTQ+ folks are everywhere – from Sylva to Wilmington – and no law or government will be able to erase us. Queer history is rich with fierce and brave activists, survivors, healers and leaders who have pushed back in times of crisis and injustice.
Perhaps an equally poignant reminder from Snyder’s book is to “make eye contact and small talk.” In a world where division and isolation are weaponized, our social connections are one of our most powerful tools that can develop trust and build coalitions. These small acts, that can often seem as insignificant gestures, can help us build solidarity and grow our collective strength. As Snyder says, “having old friends is the politics of last resort. And making new ones is the first step toward change.” This may seem a simple suggestion, but it is one that is incredibly profound. It highlights the importance of building trust within our communities, of knowing those who are around us, our friends, coworkers and neighbors and how to be connected to each other before a crisis point helps us build immunity to the fearmongering campaigns and divisive propaganda that authoritarian leaders rely on to maintain control.
This is particularly important in times like the one we are living through right now, where the politics of division play such a large role in our everyday lives. These are strategies and policies that target the most marginalized among us, whether it be based on race, nation of origin, economic status or gender identity. We see it in the way that policies are crafted to single out vulnerable communities. It is designed to keep us apart, fragmented and powerless. Economic anxiety is one of their greatest assets, with far too many folks struggling with rising inflation, increased rent and food insecurity, many people are struggling to make ends meet. The more people are struggling to survive, the more difficult it is for them to focus on the larger societal issues that affect everyone. This ongoing economic hardship is designed to create a sense of desperation, which in turn makes people more susceptible to their divisive political messages. Any movement towards liberation must include a commitment to economic justice.
An example of these tactics is unfolding right now in our local and state politics. Our state legislature just enacted HB10 into law, overriding the veto of Governor Cooper. Part of this legislation aligns our local sheriffs with Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) just months before Donald Trump is sworn into office with a pledge for mass deportations. A lot of our migrant neighbors and their families will lose whatever trust they may have had to contact local law enforcement, and it makes palpable the fear their families may be separated from each other. The reality is that families, some who have been living in this country for decades, now face the fear of separation from their loved ones. They are afraid to seek help in times of need or to engage with their communities knowing that contacting the police, or risking someone doing so on their behalf could lead to deportation. For these families the law represents more than a political disagreement, it becomes a matter of survival. This is how fear is weaponized and how division becomes overwhelming, it’s how people’s lives and hopes are torn apart.
It can be easy to separate ourselves, to retreat away from each other. But it is crucial for us to stand together and recognize that our struggles are interconnected. The fight for one community’s rights is the fight for all of our rights. The solution lies in solidarity and uniting to form relationships that go beyond political or cultural differences. It is not enough to simply endure. We must actively resist. We must engage with each other, listen to each other, and take action so that we can create a society where everyone has the chance to thrive.
From supporting legislation that protects trans rights to standing up for the rights of immigrants, our voices, our joint efforts and our collective action are the true forces that will help us weather the storm and build a brighter future. We must continue to resist the policies that seek to divide us, and work towards the inclusive and equitable future that we all deserve. Our strength lies not just in surviving, but in coming together, in holding the line and in fighting for each other – because when we fight for each other, we truly are fighting for all.
