Claiming Our Power: Building Community in Times of Change
The days after an election can feel heavy—it often does. We wake up, we scroll through headlines, we absorb disappointment, and we wonder what happens next. For many in our community, these moments can create a sense of powerlessness. But here’s the truth: we are far from powerless. In fact, we are powerful beyond measure when we come together.
One of the greatest lessons we can learn from moments like this is that real change, real support, and real safety start right where we are. It starts with us and it starts with our communities. When we focus on building connections, we don’t just resist—we thrive.
Focusing on What We Can Build
Being part of an amazing community can be a blessing—one that thrives on support, love, and resilience. But I understand that not everyone has that right now. You might be feeling isolated, anxious, or unsure about what steps to take. That’s where the power of local community comes in.
Community is essential because it provides us with a sense of belonging and purpose. It is where we find people who understand our experiences, who will stand by us when times get tough, and who celebrate our victories with us. Being part of a supportive community means that we are never alone, even in challenging moments. It is through community that we find the strength to keep going, the courage to face the unknown, and the love that binds us together. True community building allows us to support each other in practical ways, like mutual aid, ensuring that everyone’s needs are met. The connections we make help us grow, heal, and thrive in ways we simply cannot do alone.
Here are some powerful actions we can take to own our strength:
- Focus on Local Community Building: Building local networks is one of the most effective ways to bring about positive change. Whether that means starting a Folx with Faith group in your area, participating in a mutual aid community, or simply connecting with neighbors, local action is where our power begins.
- Support Mutual Aid Networks: Mutual aid networks are a direct way to help each other in times of need. They provide practical support—food, housing, and emotional care—without the bureaucratic barriers. Mutual aid is people showing up for people. It also helps people learn valuable life skills, such as resource sharing, organizing, and community care. If there’s already a mutual aid network in your area, consider supporting it. If not, maybe it’s time to start one. Two excellent resources to explore are mutualaidhub.org and mutualaiddisasterrelief.org.
- Establish LGBTQIA+ Networks: It’s critical to build strong networks for the LGBTQIA+ community and other minority groups, especially when times feel uncertain. Whether it’s a support group, an advocacy meeting, or a spiritual gathering, having a network of people who understand your experience makes all the difference.
- Take a Bystander Intervention Course: One of the most empowering things we can do is learn how to step in safely when we see injustice. The website righttobe.org offers phenomenal bystander intervention courses that teaches skills for standing up for others in public situations. I especially encourage my friends who are straight, cis men to take this—because allyship is not a passive thing. It’s action.
- Support Minority-Owned Businesses: Supporting our community also means putting our money where our values are. Buy from minority-owned businesses whenever you can. If there’s a local network of minority-owned businesses, join it. If not, consider creating one.
- Join or Support Advocacy Organizations: There are so many advocacy organizations doing the work to protect LGBTQIA+ rights, fight for equality, and support those who are marginalized. Joining or supporting these groups is another way we can proactively stand up for what’s right. Below is a list of advocacy organizations you might consider:
Moving Through Fear and Into Action
In times like this, it’s natural to feel fear. Fear of what the future might hold, fear for our loved ones, fear of the unknown. But fear can often be immobilizing. The way to overcome that immobilization is first through healthy self-care and then through mobilization. Healthy self-care gives us the inner resources to move forward so we can take action to create something better.
In our faith, we are taught that divine love is infinite and unwavering. It is within us and all around us, especially when we gather in community. By embracing our faith—whatever that looks like for you—and leaning into it, we find our strength, and we build a foundation that cannot be shaken by external forces. Faith is the heartbeat of our movement, the pulse that keeps us steady.
We cannot allow fear to separate us from one another. Instead, we must use it to motivate us to connect more deeply. To call a friend and listen, to support a trans sibling who’s struggling, to gather our loved ones in sacred community, and to remind each other that we are not alone. Because when we do, we embody divine love in action.
Resources to Help You Build Community
If you’re looking for inspiration on how to build and strengthen community, I highly recommend the book Belong: Find Your People, Create Community, and Live a More Connected Life. It offers a clear vision of how to create and nurture the kind of community we need now more than ever. Remember, while national advocacy is important, our true safety and strength come from our local networks—from the people who are right here beside us.
Start Where You Are
If you’re reading this, you may be wondering what you can do. Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed by the challenges ahead. I encourage you to start where you are. Start with what you have, who you know, and what you care about. Community building isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being willing to ask, to listen, and to show up.
Here are some simple ways to start:
- Start a Folx with Faith Group: One of the greatest needs within the queer community is safe spaces to express faith—spaces where we can be ourselves without fear of judgment. Consider starting a Folx with Faith group in your area. We can help provide you with the resources and guidance to get started.
- Support Folx with Faith: If you’re able, please consider donating to Folx with Faith. Your support helps us create these safe spaces for spiritual growth and healing. Every dollar goes towards creating communities where queer people of faith can thrive.
- Connect Locally: Reach out to your local community center, mutual aid group, or LGBTQIA+ advocacy organization. Ask what they need, offer what you can, and be part of something bigger than yourself.
Faith, Action, and Community
We find our power by coming together, by embracing our faith, and by turning that faith into action. The election may have left us with questions and fears, but it also reminds us of what is within our control: our ability to create, connect, and uplift.
Let’s take this moment to remind ourselves—we are powerful when we come together. Let’s use this power to build communities that uplift, protect, and celebrate all of us. The world needs our light, and we are more than ready to shine.
Take Action Today
If you want to make a difference, start by building something beautiful. Regardless of your political affiliation, it’s important to recognize that trans individuals were put at the center of this election cycle, and fear of trans people is a modern problem we are facing. Reach out to your trans friends and others within the LGBTQIA+ community so they know that they are not alone. Use the telephone, text, and social media to connect. It’s important to take time to listen to people’s concerns and let them know they are safe with us. If we do not let them know they are safe with us during this challenging time, they may never know it.
Now more than ever, it is important to recognize the mistrust between the LGBTQIA+ community and faith communities. The best way for communities of faith to rebuild trust is to demonstrate their commitment to queer people. This means creating safe, inclusive, and supportive spaces. Right now, many queer people feel that the United States is not a safe place for them, and traditional religious spaces may feel even less safe. However, it is through faith and through community that we overcome challenging times.
We need more queer-centric faith spaces, as they may be the only places where queer people of faith feel like they belong. These groups can help facilitate their personal and spiritual growth. We have the opportunity to create these vital, affirming spaces. Consider starting a Folx with Faith group in your area and help create a space where queer individuals can find safety, support, and community. Together, we can create a world where love, justice, and community thrive.
Additionally, support a local mutual aid network or simply reach out to someone who needs to know they aren’t alone. Use the telephone, text, or social media to connect. It’s important to take time to listen to people’s concerns and let them know they are safe with us. If we do not let them know they are safe with us during this challenging time, they may never know it.
If you’re in a position to do so, please consider donating to Folx with Faith. We are deeply grateful for the individuals and ministries that regularly contribute to our work, helping us create safe, inclusive spaces for queer people of faith. Your support is essential to continue this vital work—especially now, when the LGBTQIA+ community is facing increased challenges. Supporting work like ours is a way to resist the negative messaging that is being directed at queer individuals and instead, build communities of love, justice, and belonging. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us move forward together. Let’s build something beautiful—together.
