So I got homework from my therapist for the week, she really wants me to connect with other queer people on a wider level, like going to pride or something like that. She also told me I should ask here, she thinks Hexbear is really cool. As someone who was raised as a christian in a heavy red state, I've never been socialized with other queer people. I have no idea where to go to meet more queer people. I feel like this is my entry stage into organizing. What do y'all do?
Check your local orgs by searching [city name] lgbt organisation and see what pops up. There are usually dedicated locations in bigger cities. I’ve also seen womens centers have an lgbt section. How does this sound for you?
I think that's a good idea. I'm going to do it right now. I live in a deep red state, but live in a city where I have refuge from all the recent bullshit. I've been denied from a lot of women's centers around here and that's made me really dysphoric, but I think it's worth giving more effort again.
Yeah womens centers are really hit or miss. Lesbian/gay bars are also an option if you are comfortable with it, but it is a bit difficult to make connections on the spot there. Also, sometimes orgs post more on Instagram or Facebook, so you might want to check those too.
Sucks to say it but a lot of women's spaces are actually just for people who were AFAB and are sufficiently femme presenting.
If I were in your shoes I'd avoid those spaces unless they are explicitly in support of trans people (e.g. displaying the trans flag on their site, having trans speakers or specific trans events, an organiser tells you that they are etc.)
I really hate that the queer community still hasn't sorted itself out with regards to cishet normativity.