Moral noncompliance: Let history remember us as a problem for the bigots

This revolution, like many that have come before, will be led by the traumatized and the marginalized.

Those who are all too familiar with having rights trampled upon by those who stand to benefit. Fighting to be heard has become our area of unlucky expertise.

It isn’t what we might have chosen, but circumstances in the U.S. are too alarming to ignore. Pain can freeze us in place, but it can also call us to action. I see no moral option but to actively resist and reject the attacks on our civil rights by the current regime.

Basically what I’m saying is… They’re going to have to come get me. And I know it’s hard and unfair, but that’s the energy you should be gearing up for, too.

Because honestly? There are SO many of us. I know you’ve all seen that clip floating around of Hopper’s speech in A Bug’s Life (if not, get ready to get hyped):

As someone with years of personal and professional experience in disaster response, I sincerely worry we can’t afford to do nothing.

This doesn’t mean you have to be all fight all the time. That’s not sustainable for anyone, and being a member of an oppressed group is already exhausting. Take care of yourself and do what you can within your abilities.

Not a public speaker? Support inclusive businesses where you can. Unable to protest due to chronic illness? Join an email or letter-writing campaign from home.

Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something.

I say this with the utmost concern for the safety of all my fellow marginalized friends out there: If we don’t show our dissent to what’s happening en masse, we may not have any kind of voice or future in this country much longer. We already know we’ll be the first ones affected; we see it happening all. around. us.

It’s such early days in this blog thing, yet it feels like all I’ve endured and learned these past 10+ years has been in preparation for keeping an accurate account of our nation in this moment.

I’ve worked in and extensively researched mental health, law enforcement, and the systemic injustices of our current institutions.

I’ve advocated for communities and managed innumerable public crises.

I’ve experienced for myself the toxicity of our legal system and (with immense help) fought my way free from domestic abuse.

I’ve conducted thorough-as-hell investigations and tipsily shit-posted on Notes.

I’ve done myself proud and made massive mistakes.

All this now feels like it’s been preparation to research, record, and bear witness to what’s certain to go down as a dark point in our country’s history.

I get that magic feeling like maybe this is how I advocate; the best way I can contribute. The idea thrills me, scares me, and fills me with a determined hope.

If it’s your first time in a position where you’re scared for your life because of who you are, that’s ok. What’s something you can do right now, whether benefitting loved ones or your community, that’s within your skill level and bandwidth?

Often that first step is educating yourself, which I know sounds big and daunting. If you aren’t sure how to help, start with some of the resources found across this site. I plan to compile and share more reading recommendations soon.