
When discrimination and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment are very real threats and constantly on our feeds, hope can sometimes feel like a losing battle. In witnessing and experiencing such persistent grief, fear, and anger, it can be hard to hold onto those limited glimmering moments of hope. The idea that something good is on the horizon, and that you deserve good things to happen to you can be difficult to focus on amongst the clouds of headlines and political discourse. Still, hope is critical for our individual mental wellbeing, as well as the wellbeing and resilience of our community at large.
Hope has always been a revolutionary act throughout queer history. You can see hope in the protest signs of the past, such as those made by the Mattachine Society, and in the yellowed pages of The Ladder by the Daughters of Bilitis. From queer organizations and political campaigns, to rebellions like Compton’s Cafeteria in 1966 and Stonewall in 1969, the embers of hope and a future worth fighting for spread like wildfire for decades to come. In 1978, Harvey Milk famously gave his “Hope Speech” during his political fight in California for equality and social justice before it was cut short by his tragic death, further solidifying hope as a revolutionary and vital act for oppressed communities.
“Hope will never be silent.” Harvey Milk
It gives me comfort and pride as a queer person to reflect on how past generations of queer people persevered with a steady gaze on the horizon, maintaining hope that life would be better for future generations despite any present suffering or barriers to change. As you can see, hope is very much an action. It is a day to day practice of positivity, strength, and self-worth. Although hope may look and feel different for everyone, it radiates amongst us, making us stronger as a community. We do not wait until things get better to feel hopeful, we find hope in the present moment, we build each other up, and are grounded in the act of being hopeful above all else. We embrace hope as an act of revolution.
Here are a few questions to reflect on your relationship with hope:
What does hope look like in your life?
What are your challenges in cultivating hope as an LGBTQ+ person?
How do your multiple identities and lived experiences impact your relationship with hope?
What do you need in order to build more hope into your daily life?
Looking for more resources? Consider reading the following:
Transgender History by Susan Stryker
The Book of Pride by Mason Funk
The Queer and Transgender Resilience Workbook by Anneliese A. Singh
An Archive of Hope by Harvey Milk
Transgender Warriors by Leslie Feinberg
Pageboy by Elliot Page
How to Live Free in a Dangerous World by Shayla Lawson
Gender Outlaws by Kate Bornstein and S. Bear Bergman

Lyrah Wallace, LCAT is licensed in New York State as a creative arts therapist. They have two MS degrees from Emporia State University in art therapy and clinical counseling. They have been practicing art-based psychotherapy since 2018 and currently see clients at Spotted Rabbit’s Pittsford, NY studio.
Lyrah has lived experience and professional training in addressing the needs of LGBTQ clients, particularly those who are trans and/or non-binary.