My dear lgbt+ kids,
I'm compiling some safety tips here for people in the US here that I found online. Some things you may want to do before January:
Make an appointment with your doctor to talk about a long-term birth control plan, such as an IUD or vasectomy.
Make an appointment with your doctor to make sure your vaccinations are up to date and to get a Covid booster.
Check in, and stay in contact with, your queer friends. There’s strength in numbers. Community is important.
Consider renewing your passport if necessary.
Consider stocking up on fluoride toothpaste, pregnancy tests or other health products you worry about not (safely) having access to in the future.
Rest up. Hydrate. Eat. Take care of yourself. The best act of rebellion is staying alive. You don’t need to feel strong or brave or even optimistic, just be kind to yourself.
With all my love,
Your Tumblr Dad
Some additional information on fluoride, to answer the questions in the comments: as everything in this list, this is a safety measure for potential situations that could arise. I obviously can not predict the future. With that in mind:
Fluoride is an important mineral primarily used to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. It helps rebuild weakened enamel and can reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth that causes decay. In many places, fluoride is added to public water supplies in safe amounts, a measure backed by numerous studies showing it significantly reduces dental issues, especially in children.
Politicians who are right-wing extremists or conspiracy theorists may, however, seek to ban fluoride due to long-standing misinformation that fluoride is a form of government control or even a toxin (similar to the misinformation about vaccines that they also may seek to ban).
Some add-ons I can think of:
As dark as it may sound: if you are a woman (or are read as one) and you’re considering breaking up with or divorcing a man, do it NOW. Who knows if you still can when Project 2025 comes.
There’s a post going around by @lesbiantestsubject on how to stockpile HRT
Maybe keep on extra eye out on signs of suicidal tendencies in your friends. Suicide rates may skyrocket.
Just… hug your trans friends. Seriously, we need it.
Good additions! But obligatory addition on my part to that first point: breaking up or filing for divorce can be dangerous, especially in an unhealthy or abusive relationship. So, if that’s your situation: Reach out for support. Let trusted friends, family, or a support group know about your situation. And plan your exit carefully, even if time is of essence. Choose a safe time and place to leave, ideally when the other person isn't around. Plan how you'll get out and where you'll go. Collect IDs, bank info, and any essentials beforehand so you're prepared to leave without having to go back. Also, create a safety plan. Know your options in case things escalate, like where to hide or who to call. Have emergency contacts ready and consider storing a “go-bag” in a safe place. After leaving, consider limiting what you share publicly and possibly changing passwords. This can prevent tracking or unwanted contact.
If you’re trans, get things like surgery and name changes going PRONTO. Especially if you have already started hormone therapy or have had any other surgeries previously. Make sure you get your birth certificate changed.
You may be able to petition the judge hearing your name change request to waive having to report your name in newspapers.
Another important addition, thankyou!
Also trans folks!
Reminder/psa that your passport is acceptable as a form of ID in place of things like your driver's license!
and, thanks to the Biden administration, you can currently SELF CERTIFY YOUR GENDER MARKER when applying for a passport, EVEN IF it doesn't match the marker on your other docs
if you need a legal ID with an updated gender marker, GET YOUR PASSPORT
even if you're not planning to go anywhere, being able to use it instead of your driver's license if you need to show ID for something could be a really good option to have
keep your options open and watch out for each other 💜
This goes in the pinned post! 📌
