The past week has marked a major shift in the history of our country, as we start a new presidency. With that change has come a swath of executive orders, immigration raids, and a freeze on federal funding, which has now been rescinded that would have impacted almost everyone in the country. When I think about certain marginalized populations, such as the LGBTQ plus community, immigrant populations, women, and non-dominant privileged groups, my heart empathizes with the undercurrent of fear and uncertainty that is permeating the feelings and actions of many. Some feel fearful that their schools or workplaces could get raided, or that their right to marry, or their right to live peacefully and authentically will not exist any more.
Some are taking action around these issues, such as same-sex couples rushing to the alter in fear that they may lost their right to marry, and schools and businesses creating trainings to protect children and families from raids. Many may be re-identifying safe spaces, allies, or even changing their behaviors in order to maximize their own safety. Some are creating a game plan that includes moving, changing jobs, where they choose to shop, or how they spend their time online. Trauma therapy can be a refuge to process difficult feelings of fear or insecurity.
