Solidarity and saviorism are two concepts that have been used within the context of LGBT activism to describe different approaches towards advocating for the rights of marginalized groups. Solidarity refers to working together with others in order to achieve collective goals, while saviorism involves acting on behalf of another without their consent or input. In this essay, I will explore how these two concepts can differ in terms of effectiveness and impact when it comes to promoting equality for the LGBT community.
The term solidarity has been used within the LGBT community to refer to an approach whereby individuals work together to promote social change and ensure that all members of society are treated equally regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This is often done through grassroots organizing, community building, and political action. Solidarity requires that all participants actively engage in the process and work towards achieving shared objectives, rather than simply waiting for someone else to take charge. It also emphasizes respecting the autonomy and agency of those who may be marginalized or oppressed. By taking an active role in promoting social justice, solidarity seeks to create a more equitable world where everyone's voice is heard and valued.
Saviorism involves taking actions on behalf of others without consultation or consideration of their needs or wishes. Saviors often assume a paternalistic attitude, believing that they know what is best for the people they seek to help and ignoring their own interests or opinions. Saviorism can lead to tokenization, as well as dependency and resentment among those being "saved".
Saviors may inadvertently perpetuate stereotypes about marginalized groups by reinforcing negative perceptions about them.
Saviorism can reinforce the idea that gay men are more vulnerable than straight men, which can further entrench homophobia and prejudice.
Solidarity and saviorism have different implications for the LGBT community. Solidarity encourages collaboration and collective responsibility, while saviorism creates power imbalances between individuals. Those who practice solidarity recognize that equality cannot be achieved unless everyone is involved, and that each person has something unique to offer the cause. This approach recognizes that no one individual or group is better than another, and instead focuses on creating a unified front against discrimination. In contrast, saviorism assumes that some individuals are superior to others and need to act on their behalf.
Solidarity also leads to more sustainable change over time, as it promotes long-term engagement with issues and solutions rather than quick fixes. By empowering individuals to take an active role in advocating for themselves, solidarity helps create lasting changes within society that benefit all members of the community. In contrast, saviors often focus on short-term gains, such as winning court cases or passing legislation without addressing underlying social problems. These victories may feel good in the moment but ultimately do little to challenge societal norms or attitudes towards sexual orientation or gender identity.
Both solidarity and saviorism can play important roles in advocating for LGBT rights, but they differ significantly in terms of effectiveness and impact. While saviors may appear to achieve immediate successes, solidarity is essential for creating meaningful and sustainable change by ensuring that marginalized groups are heard and respected throughout the process. As we continue to fight for equal rights for all members of society, it is crucial that we prioritize collaboration and collective action over paternalistic approaches.
What distinguishes solidarity from saviorism in the context of LGBT activism?
Solidarity is an approach to social justice that emphasizes collective action rather than individual rescue. In other words, it requires recognizing one's own privilege as a straight, cisgender person and working alongside others to achieve equality for all members of the community. Saviorism, on the other hand, involves assuming a "savior" role where one takes control over the oppressed group and makes decisions for them without their input.