I’ve been keeping a number of things in mind since the election was called, and first of all is the determination to hold on.
My community networks here, both queer and jewish, do have some people choosing to flee for safety in other countries already. But most of us are Angry and preparing to dig our heels in and fight, for ourselves, for others who need it, and for everyone that comes after us.
We are queer, we are here, and we will not disappear, not back into the closet or into hiding. And for the jewish side, well. Nothing new in people wanting us dead or driven out, we will find ways to survive them again even if it’s hard and dangerous and terrifying.
We’re staying as long as we can, because our home is our home and those who threaten it will find our tongues sharp and our bonds strong. Even if we are forced to leave for a time we won’t give up on returning so long as there is breath in our lungs and spite in our blood. Exile and refuge is a last resort but not a shameful one. But in all hopes, we can prevent that necessity by working together.
We will persevere. We will embrace our love, find our joy and celebration even when the world seems dark and hopeless. We will outlast the bastards. We will dance and sing and celebrate again, because we will not let them steal our future and our hope.
