The New Queer Conscience (Pocket Change Collective)

by Adam Eli

Queer people anywhere are responsible for queer people everywhere.

Queerness only exists in opposition to what’s perceived as “normal.”

Once we recognize our privilege, the next question must be: How do we leverage our privilege and our resources for the benefit of all members of our community—specifically, the most vulnerable? How do we break down the systems that granted us these unearned privileges to begin with?

The freer we are, the more responsibility we have.

Showing up for a marginalized group that you don’t exactly identify with can be daunting. The key to success is listening and learning.

Showing up for other marginalized groups by going to protests, donating money, and sharing resources is not a selfless act or charity. It is the key to our continued survival.

Hatred and intolerance are nothing but the fear of people who are different from you.

It is important to note that a key tool of oppression is turning marginalized groups against one another or against themselves.

It is easier to encourage people to tear themselves apart than to tear them apart yourself.

Showing up, applauding, and supporting queer people is a radical and vital act of self-love in a world that constantly tells us we are not enough.