[OPINION] 'Holding space' as a form of LGBTQ+ activism

'[W]e can hold space by recognizing that power and privilege exist even within queer movements, and these consequently affect one’s access to participating within the activist space.' Opinion Pride PrideMonth

is increasingly being used in activist conversations. I first heard about this concept during a meeting between LGBTQ+ activists and one donor organization. One activist boldly suggested that perhaps donors need toInitially, I thought that the suggestion was strange considering the role of donors in providing resources to fuel our initiatives.

June, being Pride Month, is an opportune time to hold space as a way to support queer activism. This may sound strange and may be perceived as going against the ongoing narratives of “pride as protest.” Do not get me wrong: pride is and will always be equated to activism. It is a site for collective actions in transforming unjust structures and systems that breed inequalities. How we operationalize pride, though, may need some nuance.

First, we can hold space by recognizing that all advocacy issues experienced within LGBTQ+ communities, and all advocacy actions, matter. This runs parallel with the call for diversity. It is important to recognize that queer struggles are diverse and oftentimes operate along segmented actions. The penchant to identify “the priority issue” or to work along a “main strategy,” which consequently excludes, needs to be set aside.

Third, we can hold space by expressing solidarity with LGBTQ+ persons in the margins. We listen to each other. We amplify each other’s advocacy messages. When needed, we respond to calls for material and non-material support.

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