El informe de resistencia: descanso y autocuidado

Blog de Ricardo Martínez (él/él), Director Ejecutivo

In a political climate designed to keep us in a state of emotional dysregulation, it is grace, rest, celebrating the small wins, and building support systems that will help in our spirits’ renewal and give us sustenance for the fight for justice. 

The last two weeks have been a doozy. The Trump Administration’s embrace of a nation-state ruled by fear, disinformation, polarizing discord, and the suppression of dissent have continued to help erode democratic norms and institutions. We watched in horror as Brown University, an institution that has long welcomed, celebrated, and protected LGBTQ+ people on campus, so quickly caved into the administration’s cruel and coercive agenda. We were outraged as New Hampshire became the first New England state to pass a healthcare ban. We were infuriated to learn the military is compounding its betrayal of transgender servicemembers by rescinding promised early retirements. 

We were then heartened to see Massachusetts pass a law strengthening reproductive and transgender health care protections in the Commonwealth. And Texas lawmakers broke quorum to show that there are still levers to pull to protect democracy and the votes of Black and Brown Texans.  

This is a lot for anyone to handle. 

Over the years, my body has gained the uncanny ability to sustain the physical, emotional, and mental strain resulting from the excessive stress of fighting for justice across several issues. I’m not bragging. Exceeding emotional threshold for extended periods of time is not something I recommend. It’s not a skill I sought to gain. It’s a delicate balance to not burn out. 

As an advocate I’ve exceeded my threshold a few times. Each time, I learned more about the warning signs of exhaustion. I imagine many folks committed to justice and equality can relate. Compassion fatigue, trauma bonding, emotional attrition and isolation can have compounding effects on our morale and physical and mental health. 

And while I know my body well, I can sometimes overlook the warning signs of pushing beyond what is physically possible. Most recently, after a taxing week full of travel and emotional conflict, I experienced a sense of overwhelm while out at dinner a day before a speaking commitment. The sense was a warning – that I had probably driven too far on an empty tank and needed to check-in on my body – my engine. 

Leaving dinner with colleagues I admire and enjoy was a hard decision but the right one for me. I had to decide to put me first. Finding a quiet space, comfy clothes, and air conditioning helped me regulate my body. Once stationary on the couch, I imperfectly reached out for advice. A trusted friend helped me decide that for at least 24 hours, I would recuse myself from stressful responsibilities and prioritize rest. I chose not to speak at one event I was committed to. Setting this boundary was incredibly difficult but necessary. 

After acknowledging and honoring my own needs, I found it easier to shift my attention to gratitude. Focusing on the good that occurred that day energized me enough to go on a walk with a friend. Once I was up and active, I was able to receive, process, and celebrate news that we had gotten earlier that week: that GLAD Law would be the 2025 Provincetown Carnival Parade Grand Marshal for the work we are doing to challenge the Trump administration’s cruel transgender military ban. 

I know this story is personal. I’m sharing it because I think many fierce advocates, supporters, and frankly any empathetic person living through this moment may also be feeling overwhelmed – and I want to help. It’s hard not to flirt with burnout but I promise (as someone who has long been doing this work) that tapping out, resting, and tapping back in is the best thing you can do for you and the movement. Holding yourself gently and practicing grace for those also contending with the weight of this moment is a gift. 

What other methods can help prevent burnout? I know some of these sound obvious, but committing fully to some or all will be key to successfully recharging: 

Acknowledge your limits and identify triggers – be honest and gentle with yourself. If you are able, move your body to release endorphins and help manage stress. 

Manage news and social media consumption – it’s possible to stay up to date while also taking breaks from your phone and enjoying a book instead. Truly prioritize sleep. And finally, and maybe most importantly, build community. Being around like-minded people can be a stabilizing anchor. For me, spending time with advocates, peers, friends, support networks, or accessing LGBTQ+ centers or community groups has always helped inspire and renew me. 

Resilience and fortitude cannot come at the expense of your rest and renewal. We have a long fight ahead and we need your talent, your light, and your spirit shining as brightly as possible. Self-care is not a figurative expression – it is a necessary practice in our current reality. 

Qué saber, qué hacer: 

  • Read the powerful words of an 18-year-old transgender woman in Connecticut who is at risk of losing the health care that has helped her thrive.
  • We’ve filed a lawsuit challenging a New Hampshire state law banning programs supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in public schools and beyond.
  • Join us in Provincetown as GLAD Law serves as Grand Marshal of Carnival! Catch us in the parade on 8/21 and come to an important conversation on 8/22 about LGBTQ+ rights and our challenge to the transgender military ban, featuring Talbott contra Estados Unidos servicemember plaintiffs.
  • You are not alone. If you or someone you know is in crisis, find support through these mental health and LGBTQ+ resources.
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