Thread by @SabahChoudrey

IF YOU'RE NOT SURE WHETHER TO ATTEND A PROTEST OR WHAT TO DO READ THIS QUICK THREAD it might help
#BlackLivesMatter #BlackTransLivesMatter

I've heard a lot of folks unsure about what to do +I just want to highlight some different ways we can protest, and remind us that activism can often be ableist + focus on a single visible physical event. I think this makes it easy for us to ask if (doubt) we're doing enough.

(I wrote this about pace, rest and movement cycles by #MovementNetLab you might find it a helpful tool with understanding what movements really look like)

sabahchoudrey.com/2020/06/20/ane…

I decided weeks ago I wouldn't attend any physical large gatherings to limit spread of coronavirus especially if they were inaccessible by foot or car. I would be travelling hours on public transport plus I don't want to take up space on a bus/tube for an essential worker.

Instead,I flyered against anti-blackness in my local area w/pals (print ur own: link in bio). If you're safe, arrange a mini solidarity protest w/pals in a park/on a bridge/outside ur house. Live stream it. Join others online. How many creative ways can we start the conversation?

Join or set up an online protest. Remind yourself and others that you are not alone in this, especially if you are living alone or in an unsupportive environment, you are not alone.
Please look after yourselves online too:

https://twitter.com/SabahChoudrey/status/1269578664536084480

Remember why you protest. When no one is looking, without a hash tag, what drives you going out there online/on the street?
Remember how you protest. Often we protest everyday without even realising it. What parts of your identity are a protest, a proud challenge to the state?

Find spaces that you can be seen, heard + celebrated in your true trans, non-binary, genderfluid, Black and brown self.
Come to our @Genderintell trans youth group online this Saturday - we aren't doing a protest but our existence is resistance ✊🏾 our spaces are still powerful.

If you're organising a protest or direct action:
It's not important to know the names behind it (be safe!) but it is important for people to know who is leading a movement. Be transparent. If the movement is not led by those it is intending to liberate then who is it for?

If you're preparing for a protest:
Think about the phrases, hash tags + quotes on signs. Words aren't just words, they tell stories/expose histories. So don't co-opt movements pls. There are many ways to be heard. You are not being left out. Movements are rarely about one person.

If you're going to a protest please look after yourselves and others by:
- following coronavirus guidelines (simply take extra caution if you're unsure)
- thinking about the space you are taking up (simply take extra caution if you're unsure)

There are lots of resources out there but I rate @GBCLegal - they offer legal support and digestible info on your rights at a protest - read in advance, download a bustcard, print/share with anyone and everyone. Knowledge is power.

MY POINT IS.
There is no hierarchy to activism. There are many ways to do the right thing. So make sure it is the right thing for you.