Hi Jen,
I know that you don't have all of the answers, but I'm feeling very helpless at the moment. I live in Sioux Falls, and the culture here has shifted rapidly in the last two years. I don't feel safe anymore. I see the buck stop with me when it comes to harassment and escalation. It's part of my character to stand strong and help, but I don't even know where to start anymore. I don't quite know what I'm asking but even if you just read this that means a lot. It's feeling very lonely out here.
It is hard for me to compare the weird shift that has happened to when I was coming out in the early 90's. It felt politically dangerous and it was definitely common for lesbians and gays to get booted from their homes or verbally/physically abused for even being perceived as "not straight". It seems less hopeful and more ominous on this go around in the United States but I do know we have weathered this storm before.
I have seen some of my older friends partner with younger lesbians to create "zines" and hard copy newsletters. I have witnessed younger lesbians create on-line spaces with safety and privacy in mind and in turn teach their elders how to be safe on the internet.
See if there is an OWLS (older wiser lesbians) or an OLOC (older lesbians organizing for change) in your area. See if they are open to occasionally having open meetings where youngers can join to share and trade and teach skills unique to each generation.
Find your local Democrats and join. PUSH your agenda. Help write the local (county and state) platform. Run for office, even very local offices. Become active in the party. Find or start a local Stone Wall Democratic chapter and revive them or help them grow/become more active.
Find local groups like Gay Pride committees, PFLAG etc and join. You can do a lot of good with in existing structures.
Start a lesbian or LGBT book club at a local library. Many have funds to help you or at least free rooms. Start a monthly social club to share food, ideas, ask local politicians or speakers to come. Create a group that travels to see political speakers, women's archives, local museums etc. We don't have to older and retired to create an active women's social circle.
Find volunteer opportunities that help elderly women with their pets, yard, house cleaning and form a group of local lesbians willing to pitch in some time. Doing good together can form trust and bonds and lead to friendships.
Check out women's film and camping festivals that are in your region.
We need each other to overcome isolation and loneliness.
