Finding Strength Together: How Queer Communities Support Each Other During Uncertain Times

For queer communities, uncertainty is nothing new.

From political crackdowns to public health crises, from family rejection to workplace discrimination—LGBTQIA+ people have always had to navigate systems that weren’t built to protect them. 

And yet, time and time again, we’ve seen something extraordinary emerge: collective resilience.

Collective resilience is what happens when a community refuses to be broken, even in the face of fear. It’s the strength found in solidarity, in chosen family, and in the spaces we create to keep each other safe. 

As many people face rising anxiety about political unrest and social instability, it’s worth remembering: we have a long history of surviving, together.

What does queer solidarity look like in everyday life?

Queer solidarity doesn’t always make headlines. Most of the time, it shows up in small, everyday gestures that keep people going when the world feels unsteady.

• Checking in on friends — A simple “How are you holding up?” can mean everything when someone feels isolated.

• Sharing resources — Whether it’s splitting groceries, passing on job leads, or covering someone’s transportation, these acts of care add up.

• Showing up visibly — Wearing affirming symbols, attending rallies, or simply being present with someone at the doctor’s office are ways of saying, “You are not alone.”

• Creating joy — Queer solidarity also looks like celebrating together, finding laughter in the darkness, and making room for joy even when things are hard.

These everyday actions are what build collective resilience. They remind us that solidarity isn’t abstract—it’s lived, daily, and deeply human.

How can LGBTQIA+ communities support each other during stressful or uncertain times?

In times of crisis—whether political unrest, economic instability, or violence—the natural instinct is often to shut down. But queer communities have historically turned toward each other, not away. This is how collective resilience grows stronger.

Ways communities support each other include:

• Mutual aid networks — Sharing food, money, housing, and other essentials when systems fail.

• Mental health support — Offering peer listening circles, free or sliding-scale therapy, and trauma-informed care.

• Organizing safe events — Virtual meetups, neighborhood gatherings, and cultural spaces keep people connected.

• Political advocacy — Coming together to resist harmful policies, amplify marginalized voices, and push for systemic change.

During the HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s and 90s, queer communities became each other’s caregivers, activists, and healers. That same spirit of collective resilience lives on today as LGBTQIA+ people organize against anti-queer legislation, fight for healthcare access, and build networks of support when official systems fall short.

The message is clear: when institutions let us down, we lift each other up.

What role does chosen family play in resilience and healing?

For many LGBTQIA+ people, chosen family is the heart of survival. When biological families reject or fail to understand, chosen families step in. They are the ones who show up in hospital rooms, at court hearings, at kitchen tables after a long day.

Chosen family is about more than friendship—it’s about commitment, accountability, and love that doesn’t depend on bloodlines. It’s about creating structures of care that are flexible, affirming, and built to last.

This is why chosen family is central to collective resilience. In times of uncertainty, chosen family becomes a shield and a sanctuary. They remind us that healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in connection.

When we hold each other through grief, celebrate victories (big or small), and remind one another that survival itself is resistance, we strengthen not just individuals but entire communities.

Where can I find safe spaces and resources for connection and support?

In uncertain times, safe spaces are lifelines. Whether physical or digital, they allow queer people to breathe, connect, and strategize.

Here are some places to look:

• Local LGBTQIA+ centers — Many offer counseling, support groups, and legal resources.

• Online communities — Digital forums, Discord servers, and private social media groups provide connection when in-person spaces feel unsafe.

• Mutual aid collectives — These networks often focus on direct support like housing, groceries, or emergency funds.

• Faith-affirming spaces — For those seeking spiritual grounding, some inclusive faith groups provide both sanctuary and solidarity.

• Therapists and clinics — Trauma-informed, affirming providers can be crucial in navigating stress and fear.

If you’re unsure where to start, national organizations like The Trevor Project, Trans Lifeline, and PFLAG can help connect you with resources in your area.

Creating and sustaining safe spaces is a form of collective resilience. They remind us that even in hostile times, there are still places where we can be fully ourselves.

Final thoughts: Our history is our strength

Queer people have always lived in uncertain times. From Stonewall to the HIV/AIDS crisis to today’s political struggles, we’ve faced moments that threatened to break us. And yet, here we are.

That’s the power of collective resilience. It’s not just about survival—it’s about creating life, love, and joy even when the world tries to deny it. It’s about remembering that we are stronger together than apart.

As communities brace for new challenges, including political unrest and the presence of armed forces in cities like Chicago, fear is real. But so is solidarity. We are not the first generation to be tested, and we will not be the last to rise.

To everyone feeling afraid right now: you are not alone. There are hands reaching out, families being formed, and communities holding space for you.

At Freelife, we believe in the power of queer solidarity and the healing strength of collective care. We’re here to support individuals and communities as they navigate these uncertain times—because resilience is not just personal, it’s collective.

Together, we remember: we have survived before, and we will survive again.