Everyone has a role to play
There has been a lot of discourse online regarding whether certain actions is “doing enough” as an activist. Let's be honest, not all of us have the body that allows them to be on the front lines in a protest. Individuals with medical and mental illnesses are often limited in their abilities to contribute safely to in person protesting. The LBGTQIA+ community has an obligation to recognize our disabled members’ activism is also valid. For everyone has a role to play in a resistance. Like any team, everyone isn’t doing the same job.
So while our fabulous comrades are holding their signs and marching down the street to fight for our rights and freedom, here are some ways that can support a protest beyond being in the streets.
The Quiet Subversive. This person is not on social media, because having an online presence is not safe for this kind of work. This is the role of a person running underground networks to assist those in need. For example, they may mail birth control to states that can't get it, drive people to clinics, or hide people from ICE/the police. If this is your calling, make sure you are being extra cautious and observant. An example of a Quiet Subversive would be Harriet Tubman with the underground railroad in which she freed slaves. Her ability to remain undetected is what made her work so successful.
The Distributor is someone who is sharing things online, through printed work or both. This can look like sharing news that is not being reported on mainstream networks, such as the ICE shootings. Maybe you enjoy making and distributing zines, in which case this is a really great fit for you. Or maybe you're really unable to leave your home, but you can participate online, amplifying the voices of organizations and activists. Especially sharing content from BIPOC, transgendered, and disabled creators. Even if all you can do is simply repost and/or draw attention to the voices of activists on the front lines, you are still fulfilling a necessary role.
The Educator comes in many forms. Education is one of the most important roles of a movement. This role is meant for experts in their fields to serve the community through offering their knowledge. An example would be the ACLU providing legal information, providing education on the legal rights of protestors. However this could also come in the form of medical experts and scientist speaking to Congress to fight trans bans in sports. The Educator is the role of debate and changing perspectives through knowledge. Anything that can help the other roles be even more effective in achieving their goals.
The Volunteer is the role we most commonly think of when talking about assisting the vulnerable. These roles are often done at shelters, soup kitchens, free medical/psych clinics and churches. Anywhere you might see a human or animal in need, they are there, because resistance is making sure we are all taken care of. This role is often the most demanding because it requires labor without compensation. When we are already being spread thin under oppressive systems, these individuals somehow still show up. They are also the support system that allows protests to keep standing their ground.
During the Section 504 sit-ins during 1977, there was a group of 150 disabled activists who occupied federal buildings demanding accessibility for all disabled people. It took 25 days of holding their ground to get change. Their access to power and water was cut off by government officials, which meant for 25 days, volunteers would provide everything needed for the protestors to continue. Providing food, water, heat, medications, and assistance to anyone needing it. Without the volunteers, we would have never won, but instead we now have Section 504 and ADA regulations to provide accessibility to all disabled bodies.
The Marcher is a very, very important piece of the puzzle and the role that comes with the highest risk to your safety. The Marcher is the ones in the streets chanting and holding signs. They are the face of the protest, and the ones who often receive the harshest backlash, such as arrests. This role is for those who are not afraid of confrontation and can remain cool-headed when attacked. If you're unable to be a Marcher, consider assisting through either donations or providing aid kits.
The Church-Goer is also a valuable member because historically, religious organizations have been a relatively safe place to gather in large groups and organize. Many faiths began as a resistance, and are often the targets of radicals. For example, Black churches have been repeatedly attacked by white supremacist groups. The Church-Goer is someone who can offer space for others to congregate for meetings, or offer protection to those at risk, such as hiding BIPOC individuals during an ICE raid.
Rest is resistance. Although not a role, this is another incredibly important aspect of protest work. Make sure you take time for yourself, and give yourself time to rest. Create, sing, paint, design, enjoy the sunshine, or whatever will bring you some joy. But more than anything, rest. A tired, overworked body is not functional for the movement. The point of a resistance is to be able to live freely, so we must be sure to hold onto our whys for doing this work. Our relationships, family and hobbies still need to be a part of it.
Another important thing to keep in mind when beginning your activist journey, start small. If you try to bite off more than you can chew, you will choke. Focus on what you CAN do, not on what you CAN'T. Don't force yourself to be a Marcher if you're going to be terrified the entire time. If you're truly a Volunteer, embrace it! Everyone has a role to play in a resistance, and all roles have a part to play in order for us to succeed.
