2025 marked my eighth year attending the National LGBTQ Task Force’s Creating Change Conference. Although so much has changed over the past decade, one thing has remained consistent. Our community is not going anywhere.
Resiliency is a word I often hear when talking about the triumphs and tribulations of marginalized people. However, it always left a bittersweet taste in my mouth. Yes, we are strong. Yes, we are powerful. Yes, we are resilient. We are resilient because it is our only option. We are resilient because the alternative is giving up the fight.
When I was in college, I wrote a song about how I felt about hearing that I was “resilient” all the time. “Resiliency is a term used by the people who create these situations. Situations that they never have to be in; so I must learn to navigate them.” It is becoming more and more apparent that the LGBTQ+ community is under attack under this current administration. Each week I find myself feeling an overwhelming sense of dread whenever I scroll on TikTok or tune into the news. It is easy to feel lost or helpless in times like this. But, it is also times like this that I have to remind myself of what I’ve learned over my years of attending Creating Change. When our backs are against the wall, it is time to fight back. So I wanted to share with you all three tips I have for anyone feeling like they’re pouring from an empty cup.
Tip #1: Stay Informed
I know, I know. There is probably nothing that sounds worse than keeping up with everything happening in the world right now. However, staying up-to-date on the changing laws and legislations are necessary to keeping ourselves and others in our community safe. Now this doesn’t have to be something you do every day. My best advice is set aside some dedicated time where you allow yourself to read and feel it all. Once a week, take a few hours to set up a comfy safe space, clear your mind, and review the news coverage. Try not to let yourself spiral or jump to “what if scenarios”. What helps ground my thinking is: “What are the facts of what has happened, and what can I do to best protect myself now that I know them?” Remember, knowledge is power. Make sure you are listening to sources you trust and avoid the ones that thrive on fear mongering. (If you’re looking for a recommendation, check out Queer News every Monday on E3 Radio).
Tip #2: Invest In Community
It is more important now than ever to invest back into community, and I mean invest in all aspects! Take some time to connect with local organizations and community spaces. Volunteer your time (and funds!) to grassroot LGBTQ organizations. While at Creating Change, Anna and I chatted with Nicole of Undead Voice, an organization dedicated to helping trangender and nonbinary folks combat vocal dysphoria. After the election, Undead Voice decided to make their JumpStart program completely free. If finding local community spaces is a barrier, you can also find virtual and online communities. The Qube works to elevate Black & Brown Podcasts, and has something for everyone to feel connected to.
Tip #3: Take Care of Yourself
The most valuable, nonrenewable resource in this world is you. The work cannot happen unless we are all taking the time to listen to our bodies and take care of our needs. Self care is not selfish, and if you don’t want to hear it from me, listen to transgender trailblazer Miss Major. At Creating Change, I had the honor of connecting with Stonewall veteran Miss Major who talked about the importance of outlasting our oppressors. “We’ll survive this, they won’t.” she quotes. I also urge everyone reading this to invest in JOY! Thanks to our friends at Visit Las Vegas, I spent a week surrounded by some of the most amazing queer entertainment I could have ever imagined. I went to my very first drag brunch at Gipsy and got to see RuPaul LIVE! I also shared so many laughs with News Is Out editor Dana Piccoli, who I made a lifelong friendship with. I even got to recreate the “Holding Space” meme with Tracy Gilchrist.
I know that it can feel hopeless sometimes. I know we can feel helpless sometimes. I myself have already felt enough grief and fear to last a lifetime, and it is only the second month of 2025. However, as much disdain as I have for the word, we are now forced to be resilient. Remember to look after each other, stay vigilant, and above anything else: do not give up this fight. I do not know what is in store for us, but I do know that the work cannot be done without each and every one of us.
In solidarity and pride,
Carter Cavazos
Director of Community Partnerships at E3 Radio
