You Belong Here

I hope all of you have been keeping safe and continuing to show up for one another in what can feel like impossible times. The past few weeks have been particularly brutal towards our community members that identify as autistic, part of the trans community, and immigrants - both documented and undocumented. It would be an understatement to say it feels like a terrifying time for many people that we know, love, and care for.

When you’re being flooded with so much information of people being harmed, we can sometimes freeze in the face of this chaos. Remember, this particular brand of chaos is by design and intended to make you feel powerless.

When systems of power target our trans family, immigrant neighbors, and communities of color, many potential allies feel helpless. But here's the truth - you have more power than you realize. But we can turn that feeling of powerlessness into practical action that actually makes a difference. Let’s explore a few ways to move out of freeze and into action

Supporting Our Trans Family

For those wanting to be better allies to transgender individuals:

• Your voice matters in everyday spaces. When someone makes a transphobic comment at work or family dinner, a simple "I don't agree with that" can shift the entire conversation. You don't need a perfect argument - just the courage to speak up.

• Become a resource connector. Learn which organizations provide gender-affirming care, legal support, or emergency housing in your area. Being able to quickly share this information when someone needs it is invaluable.

• Use your voting power strategically. Research candidates' positions on trans rights before elections at every level - school boards and city councils often make decisions that directly impact trans lives in your community.

• Make your business or organization a haven. If you have influence over hiring practices, bathroom policies, or health benefits, use it to create trans-inclusive environments.

For Immigrant Communities

Your allyship can provide crucial support to these community members that are being aggressively targeted:

• Learn the warning signs of ICE activity. Community alert networks save lives - join one or help start one in your area.

• Volunteer your professional skills. Whether you're a lawyer, translator, teacher, healthcare worker, or simply someone with a reliable vehicle, your skills can directly support immigrant families.

• Create "know your rights" awareness. Host workshops or distribute materials so immigrant neighbors understand their legal protections regardless of status.

• Normalize asking "how can I help?" when you hear about a detention or deportation in your community. Often people need help with childcare, bill payment, or simply emotional support during separation.

Standing With Communities of Color

Your position as an ally carries unique power:

• Use your privilege as access. If you can enter spaces or conversations that exclude people of color, bring their concerns and perspectives with you.

• Redirect resources. If you're invited to speak on a panel or participate in an opportunity, consider recommending a qualified person of color instead.

• Practice being uncomfortable. Meaningful allyship sometimes means sitting with discomfort when receiving feedback or witnessing experiences different from your own.

• Look at your own spaces. Who makes decisions in your workplace, school board, or community organizations? Work toward leadership that reflects your community's actual demographics.

Cross-Community Allyship

The reality is that many people who identify as part of one of the communities we’ve focused on have intersectional identities, often holding more than one of these identities at the same time. Some of the most powerful allyship work happens at intersections:

• Connect your networks. Introduce people across different advocacy groups working on related issues - authoritarian tactics often target multiple communities using similar playbooks.

• Share your platform. If you have a newsletter, social media following, or community position, regularly highlight voices from marginalized communities.

• Practice showing up without taking over. Attend community events as a supportive presence without needing to lead or be centered.

• Fund intersectional work directly. Organizations led by people with multiple marginalized identities often struggle for funding despite doing some of the most innovative community support work.

Small Actions With Big Impact

Remember that meaningful allyship happens in everyday moments:

• Correct name and pronoun usage even when no trans people are present

• Keep extra groceries on hand for neighbors experiencing food insecurity

• Accompany people to appointments or meetings where they might face discrimination

• Donate directly to individuals in crisis through mutual aid networks

• Teach your children about diversity and justice from their earliest years

You might not feel powerful in the face of authoritarian policies, but your consistent presence and concrete actions create a web of protection around vulnerable communities. The small choices you make daily - who you hire, what you teach your children, how you spend your money, whose stories you amplify - these accumulate into real change.

In my community, everyone belongs. And if you're committed to showing up as an ally, you're part of creating that community - even when the work feels overwhelming. Your efforts matter more than you know.

When we stand together, using whatever privilege and power we each hold, we don't just resist harmful systems - we build something better in their place.

Now Enrolling: Rising Leaders Program

In a time when many organizations are withdrawing financial support for underrepresented talent programs, we’re doubling down over here. If you are an underrepresented woman seeking solidarity, community, support, and leadership development, then check out the Rising Leaders Program.

In addition to being a six-week cohort program focused on leadership and career development, we also offer an online community to connect underrepresented women to each other. Once the cohort program is finished, you don’t lose access to the online community. Ever.

We’re building our own table.

Ready to join our Community Leaders?