That Sucked. Now What?
Last week, Americans voted to reelect Donald Trump, a man who was found legally liable for sexual assault and ran an historically racist campaign — all while threatening a large-scale mass deportation and a whole host of homophobic and anti-trans policies. A New York Times analysis showed the former (and now future) president improved on his 2020 margin in more than 2,000 counties. A lot of us have been feeling despair and nausea, fear and pain. America chose that man again? In this economy? During cuffing season? In the hottest year on record?
This isn’t the time for silver linings — and finger-pointing only takes you so far.
At The Barbed Wire, we’ve come up with a list of free events organized by community members who are not afraid (or are afraid and are bravely doing it anyway) to speak up and show up. Here are ways you can donate to reproductive rights, be part of the conversation around race or LGBTQ+ issues, or simply listen to what others have to say.
Con Cariño
Austin, Texas
Monday 11/11
This community gathering was planned by Austin community leader TK Tunchez. It’s a free post-election meeting that will center BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ communities, according to the event page. The event will feature breathwork from local yoga instructors, a somatic workshop from local therapists of color, and support from the Black Trans Leadership of Austin. “As a Queer, Latina, migrant-owned business, this week has been tough. It’s made me question what the possibilities are for moving forward and left me feeling isolated,” Tunchez wrote in her community newsletter. “It was an easy decision to gather with friends and create some meaningful opportunities for connection.”
Where Do We Go From Here?:
Austin, Texas
Thursday, November 21
“This isn't a conversation for those looking for comfort—it's a call to action for those ready to fight for a new path forward,” according to the event page. Chas Moore, founder of the Austin Justice Coalition, wrote on Instagram that “this was never about just one night or one ballot.” He added, “The real work begins NOW.” The coalition works toward “economic and racial equity for Austin’s people of color by developing, organizing, and providing robust programs and events,” according to its website, noting that the group celebrates Black culture and mobilizes “people to boldly fight racist systems through a Black, queer, feminist, abolitionist lens.”
To that end, “Where Do We Go From Here?” is a community gathering to help people move forward using calls to action.
“This is for those who understand that our hope must be fierce, our resilience unbreakable, and our commitment to each other unwavering,” the event’s page said. “Join us as we chart our way forward—not bound by systems that want to contain us but led by our own vision for freedom, justice, and love.”
Speak Up, Stand Out: Using Your Visibility to Step Into Your Power
Virtual Event
Thursday, Nov 14
Christina Olivarez, founder of Hustle and Socialize, planned this virtual event after the election’s results rolled in. She told The Barbed Wire that “now more than ever, Black and Brown and marginalized community voices need to be amplified.” Olivarez hopes this event will help folks “harness visibility to stand against oppression, amplify our voices, and drive impactful change.” Hustle and Socialize helps women of color break barriers and elevate their voices in the business world.
We’re Not Going Anywhere
Virtual Fundraiser
Ongoing Now
In light of the devastating impacts last week’s election are bound to have on reproductive rights — and the loss of what could have been a federal protection of abortion rights, from either the White House or Congress — there’s never been a better time to support abortion care.
Frontera Fund RGV fosters reproductive rights and helps people access reproductive care in the Rio Grande Valley and border communities. “We know this election has been difficult, but we want y'all to know, we're not going anywhere,” the organization posted on its Instagram. “ 👊Feeling helpless? Help us fund some abortions!” The organization’s goal is to raise $10,000 by the end of the year. So far, it has raised $1,400.
Funding Texas Futures
Virtual Fundraiser
Ongoing Now
Buckle Bunnies is an organization that works as a mutual aid collective to help Texans with abortion resources. They wrote on Instagram, “No matter what, we continue our commitment to Texans seeking reproductive and sexual healthcare. Our organization needs support ALL the time — not just during elections.” They offer monthly donation memberships or accept Venmo donations.
Have an event that we missed? Send Leslie an email at Leslie@TheBarbedWire.com
