In communities that prioritize gender diversity and nontraditional relationships, there are many ways that people can express themselves through their bodies, identities, and desires. One way is through communal practices of caring for each other during times of need. These practices are often called "ritual" because they follow certain patterns and have clear meanings within the community. By taking part in these rituals, individuals may find that they build resilience to difficult situations and foster greater interdependence between themselves and others.
Rituals of care include activities such as holding vigils for those who pass away, organizing fundraisers for sick members, sharing food and supplies among those who cannot afford them, creating art together, providing emotional support during trauma, and more. Many queer networks engage in these practices regularly, sometimes on an informal basis and sometimes as formal events.
During the COVID pandemic, some groups organized Zoom gatherings where they discussed how to stay safe and healthy while also continuing important social connections. Others created online cooking clubs where everyone contributed recipes and shared food virtually. There were also mutual aid funds set up specifically for transgender people of color, whose needs had been especially overlooked during previous crises.
These rituals serve several purposes at once. First, they allow individuals to feel supported by a larger network when things get tough. In a world that often rejects or marginalizes them, it can be empowering to see that there are others who understand and share similar experiences. Second, they provide practical assistance when needed. A person going through a medical crisis may not be able to prepare their own meals but could benefit from having a friend drop off ready-made food. Third, they strengthen bonds between people who might otherwise never interact with each other.
This can lead to stronger relationships within the community and even wider participation in political action for change.
They help build trust and solidarity so that people know they have someone to count on if needed.
By taking part in such rituals, individuals can build resilience against external pressures and internalize a sense of belonging and security. They come to believe that no matter what happens, they have people who will stand by them. This can help reduce anxiety and depression, which are common problems among LGBTQIA+ people due to discrimination and trauma. It can also increase self-esteem, making people more likely to take risks and pursue goals without fear of rejection. As a result, communities that engage in these practices tend to grow stronger overall, with members feeling more connected and less isolated.
Rituals of care are an important part of many queer networks because they demonstrate values of compassion, empathy, and social justice. These values are especially important given how queer people are often treated as outsiders or "othered" by mainstream society. By coming together to support one another in times of need, they show the world that they are valuable members of the larger community who deserve respect and recognition.
How do rituals of community care within queer networks foster resilience and interdependence?
Research on communities with marginalized identities has shown that people with shared experiences often form strong bonds due to their unique struggles and experiences (Miller et al. , 2016). In this regard, research on LGBTQ+ populations has highlighted how community care through rituals can contribute to creating a support system for individuals who face discrimination and stigmatization (Buchanan & McDowell, 2019).