LGBTQ community
In many ways, we’ve seen significant progress in the LGBTQ community being treated with the equality it has always deserved. However, the last several years have seen a swift rise in the hold the right has over the U.S. legislature. This seemed to reach a peak recently and not just from the perspective of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe vs Wade. In its wake, Justice Clarence Thomas suggested that the court may be looking at rulings related to gay rights coming too.
This, alongside various other shifts in both political and social attitudes, is a significant cause for concern. It can also be an additional burden when you’re looking for a new place to live. Not only must you attend to the practical issues of establishing a place to live, but you also have to look for an area that empowers you to maintain your safety in this turbulent time.
We’re going to take a closer look at how you can find an LGBTQ safe haven amidst the potential threats to your rights.
Recognize What Makes a Safe Haven
The first aspect to establish here is what makes a safe haven for you. Often, it comes down to a range of characteristics to meet your specific needs in terms of comfort, support, and wellness. As such, it’s important to gain an understanding of what components you feel should be in place to address this.
It can be helpful to do a little research here if you’re not entirely certain about what equates to safety for this community. Review the cities considered to be the best places to live for LGBTQ individuals and the aspects that make them so positive. Portland, OR has always been at the forefront of gay rights, with the state introducing pioneering legislation earlier than anywhere else in the country. Boston, MA was the first to legalize same-sex marriage and provides strong legislative protections for LGBTQ parents.
The elements that make some of these cities positive for LGBTQ individuals also raise an important consideration. You need to look at how the local political and legislative elements of an area impact your safety. For instance, if the Supreme Court overturns Obergefell v. Hodges and you move to a state that doesn’t recognize same-sex marriages, there could be significant consequences. Your rights as a married person, your access to your spouse’s health insurance, and other elements may be disrupted. As such, you should consider what the political landscape of your target home needs to be both now and in the future.
Focus on Strong Communities
When you’re seeking out a safe haven, a strong community will always be one of the most valuable and impactful resources at your disposal. The support, care, and guidance you can share with your neighbors and friends can help you to maintain a sense of safety and security. Even if the state and municipal infrastructure doesn’t exactly promote LGBTQ acceptance as much as it should, joining a community with commitment and resources can be a positive force for change.
Do some online research for LGBTQ communities in your target locations. Speak to friends or family members who have some experience with the area and can provide insights. Don’t just look for the presence of communities — explore how active they are, too. There are various steps communities can take to empower one another to stay safe. This includes a propensity for neighbors and wider community members to reach out regularly and get to know more about one another. Regular community gatherings to understand and address challenges or just have fun can also suggest strength. Particular attention to uplifting those in the community struggling the most is a clear sign that the location is a positive source of safety and support.
Remember, too, that you’re not just looking for a community to keep you safe. You’re also looking for one you can help make stronger through your contributions. Identify groups and neighborhoods you feel you can offer something to. This could be utilizing your knowledge to contribute to LGBTQ rights education programs or in helping at-risk youth. A strong community in itself is a good start, but there should always be room for you to help make it safer.
Look for Resources
One of the most important aspects to look for when searching for a safe haven is the presence of sufficient resources. This could be something as simple as identifying spaces in which you can feel at your most comfortable. You may want to look for organizations for LGBTQ+ individuals in your profession or with a focus on your hobbies. It could be amenities such as LGBTQ+ friendly gyms, bars, and theaters.
However, it’s also wise to establish whether a location has the tools you need in periods of concern or crisis. Research the presence of support groups that cater to your requirements, such as addiction recovery specializing in the unique challenges of LGBTQ+ individuals. Look at whether there are doctors or mental health professionals with specific experience treating gay patients. It should be a given that all medical professionals treat every patient equally, but this isn’t always the case. Often it’s vital to simply make a phone call and ask not just if the practice is LGBTQ-friendly, but also how much experience the doctors and nurses have treating LGBTQ patients.
Conclusion
The U.S. is changing and not always for the better. The measures in place to safeguard the rights, privacy, and safety of LGBTQ+ individuals are facing fresh legislative threats. As such, when you’re looking for a home it’s important to establish the location’s suitability as a safe haven. Look at prevalent LGBTQ-friendly cities to gain insights into what characteristics to prioritize. Focus on finding a strong community you can both benefit from and contribute to. Establish the presence of supportive resources that meet your needs. We can hope progress in LGBTQ+ acceptance will continue in a positive direction. However, it’s wise to also be prepared for the alternative.
