Disasters have a way of magnifying inequalities. They unravel the safety nets we have carefully woven and disrupt the very fabric of queer safe spaces. But in the tapestry of LGBTQ+ history, the threads of resilience and collective care have always been intricately intertwined.

In challenging times, mutual aid networks become sanctuaries of compassion, offering solace, support, and vital resources.

LGBTQ+ individuals have long relied on clandestine networks and covert alliances for support. From ancient Greece’s secret gathering spots to the Harlem Renaissance drag balls, early forms of mutual aid offered emotional support and a sense of belonging. Even during the colonial era, hidden pockets of mutual support emerged to navigate oppressive laws and provide aid in times of crisis.

The Stonewall Riots in 1969 marked a turning point, as LGBTQ+ individuals fought back and mutual aid organizations thrived, providing legal resources, health care, and emotional support. The AIDS crisis of the 1980s and 1990s further emphasized vulnerabilities, leading to mutual aid networks becoming first responders. They provided emergency medical care and assistance. Today, LGBTQ+ communities worldwide still face challenges. And mutual aid remains a vital lifeline, addressing disparities caused by discrimination and providing support during crises.

Here are three ways LGBTQ+ mutual aid networks serve as lifelines during times of disaster:

  1. Mutual aid networks bridge gaps to essential resources and support.
  2. Mutual aid networks address LGBTQ+ isolation.
  3. Mutual aid networks empower LGBTQ+ individuals.

Read the full article about LGBTQ mutual aid by Victoria Méndez at GlobalGiving.