As a autistic trans person who has little to no ability to mask and the current “administration” we have in America. What is things I can do to survive it knowing that most places for community around me are not disability or autism friendly. At least not towards me.
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(I’m not American so I might not have some knowledge required to assist you here)
Well, first of all, if you are able, get out of there. If not, consider some things like:
- What kind of region do you live in? Could you move to a more progressive area at some point?
- Are you out? If so, who are you out to? Just closest family or friends? How likely do you think it is that someone could find out you’re trans?
Build a community you can trust. Don’t out yourself or anyone else. Find encrypted ways to communicate with others. Maximise your privacy. Plan for emergencies before they happen. Learn basic self defense and survival skills. Build a go-bag you can grab if you have to flee for any reason.
Above all, take care of yourself. In order to survive physically, you also have to survive mentally. Don’t exhaust yourself with a constant flood of bad news. If you have safe people to be around, spend some time with them. Do silly things that give you joy.
Stay safe <3
Arm yourself, and practice your marksmanship.
Only you can keep yourself safe.
Don’t go looking for trouble, but this is the reality of life in America.
I’m not in the US but recently met someone who is, and they made a great point about nurturing and supporting the communities/groups you’re already in. Whether you meet physically or virtually, spend time with and be present for each other.
As for finding a community, one of the things that has really worked for me is finding a local hardcore punk music venue and going to shows there. Even if you’re not into the music, the chances are good that the people in that scene are inclusive of queer, trans, neurodiverse and disabled identities.
Edit: I was in a bit of a hurry in my original reply. I want to add that I hope you’re safe, and that you are able to find support, love and hope through your community. I once saw a tshirt with the slogan “QUEER LOVE DESTROYS FASCISM” and I keep holding onto that thought to get me through dark days.
You need to continue the search for the community you need, or in it’s true absence after searching, build it yourself. I guarantee if you feel there is no community for you now, there are others feeling isolated too.
I’m not trivializing your experience or upcoming challenges, or saying something trite like “just smile bro”. I’m saying community is life, and it is worth fighting for, searching for OR building.
Beyond that, maximize for the personal wellness topics that are possible for your health/life/limitations. Get outdoors. Engage in Positive hobbies like art or music. If possible, exercise. These things will not fix anything, or cure anything, but know that you are up against a wellness marathon, and you have to train to maintain your personal wellness in the face of these external hates/stresses. Whatever that means for you, engage in those positive habits.
I don’t even live in the US and I’m asking myself the same question.
I too am in the US and… yeah it sucks. :( I do agree with what others said about finding a music or arts scene nearby where there are fellow queer folk. Maybe easier for me to say as I’m in a fairly big city with lots of options, but there must be cool people hiding everywhere.
Also… don’t read/watch the news, is what I have been doing. My youtube feed is tailored to my special interests ONLY, and the only way I hear about the $#@!ing president is when my friends talk about it (which is fine, I guess). Or if I accidentally click from “subscribed” to “all” in Lemmy, lol. It helps :-/
I am not in America but, people in more artsy places seem more open minded. Things like painting workshops, theatre clubs, and such. I would also try looking online for autistic or queer advocacy groups in your general area.
If you already live in an area that is neither disability friendly nor autism friendly, then a new federal government won’t help you regardless of who’s in charge.
The current administration doesn’t change what you need to survive, only the means through which survival is available to you. Do not seek permission to live from others; only you can justify your own existence. Humans are just another force of nature. Adapt and evolve as you always have.
Try to leave the US if possible. This isn’t going to be over in 4 years.
