Honestly, just existing is a part of the fight. If people know a queer person personally and see that they're human too just like them then they're a lot less likely to dehumanize them and are more likely to help protect and fight for them. It's easy to dehumanize and be cruel to a group that you've never interacted with. But if it's your neighbor, friend, or colleague then it's no longer just some abstract concept.
It's a 1 min clip worth hearing her say it, but for those who can't watch:
Everybody wants to make an impression, some mark upon the world. And then you think, you left a mark on the world if you just get through it and a few people remember your name. You don't have to bend the whole world. I think it's better just to enjoy it. Pay your dues, and just enjoy it. If you shoot an arrow and it goes real high, hooray for you.
What does fighting like hell consist of?
Honestly, just existing is a part of the fight. If people know a queer person personally and see that they're human too just like them then they're a lot less likely to dehumanize them and are more likely to help protect and fight for them. It's easy to dehumanize and be cruel to a group that you've never interacted with. But if it's your neighbor, friend, or colleague then it's no longer just some abstract concept.
I love and live by this quote at the end of Paris is Burning. by Dorian Corey, one of the founding Mothers of ballroom.
It's a 1 min clip worth hearing her say it, but for those who can't watch: