{"id":19236,"date":"2020-04-15T09:30:03","date_gmt":"2020-04-15T04:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tarshi.net\/inplainspeak?p=19236"},"modified":"2020-04-15T00:16:40","modified_gmt":"2020-04-14T18:46:40","slug":"locked-down-in-the-time-of-covid-19-safety-and-self-care-for-queer-and-trans-persons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tarshi.net\/inplainspeak\/locked-down-in-the-time-of-covid-19-safety-and-self-care-for-queer-and-trans-persons\/","title":{"rendered":"Locked Down in the Time of COVID-19: Safety and Self-Care for Queer and Trans Persons"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Orinam<\/a><\/span> Apr 13 2020<\/span> Post comment<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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To the reader: we recognize that the English-language content below may not be accessible to a large section of\u00a0 the queer and trans communities. We are in the process of getting it translated in multiple languages. Please let us know<\/a> if you are able\/willing to translate. We are also keenly aware that many of these points are of limited use to persons whose very survival and livelihood are under threat, and whose mental health is already severely affected due to multiple marginalisations (caste, class, disability, for example) that pre-date and will outlast the lockdown. We welcome suggestions and critiques to help make this more accessible and useful. These may be posted below as replies to the article or directly sent to the authors.<\/em><\/p>\n

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[Download PDF version<\/a>]<\/p>\n

LOCKED DOWN IN THE TIME OF COVID-19: <\/b>
\n<\/b>SAFETY AND SELF-CARE FOR QUEER AND TRANS PERSONS<\/b><\/p>\n

\"\"The lockdown induced by COVID-19 has caused many of us to be stuck in abusive households with our natal families, or feel otherwise isolated.\u00a0 We have compiled some tips for safety and self care during these difficult times. These are not intended to be exhaustive.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

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  1. We may feel even more isolated and vulnerable now than before the lockdown. Being in close contact with our friends and support systems, if at all possible, can help us.<\/li>\n
  2. In case there are other (less hostile) family members in the area we can explore the option of going and staying with them.<\/li>\n
  3. Some of us may be at home and have no option to leave. In that case it may be good to try and avoid escalation of issues, such as those around gender\/sexuality or marriage.
    \nIf topics of marriage do come up, we can reassure ourselves that the lockdown will prevent\u00a0 parents from taking us to meet potential partners or inviting prospective grooms or brides at this point in time.<\/li>\n
  4. In case of risk of physical threats, we should try to stay as close to the exit door and far away from objects that can be used to assault\/harm as possible.<\/li>\n
  5. If we\u00a0 have a smartphone,\u00a0 we can send our location to people we rely on, via WhatsApp™ or other means. It will help others to reach us in case of emergency.<\/li>\n
  6. It\u2019s a good idea to keep some cash and our important\u00a0 official documents handy with us (examples include Aadhaar, PAN, Voter identity card, passport, copy of ration card, Trans Welfare Board identity card, workplace-issued ID, bank passbook, academic certificates, etc.).<\/li>\n
  7. For those of us who experience gender dysphoria, this can be particularly severe if family members force us to dress in ways conforming to assigned gender. Avoiding looking in the mirror may help a little in reducing our distress. If we have photos of ourselves in our gender presentation and preferred clothing, we may consider looking at these. It also helps to have a presence on online platforms where we can be ourselves, such as Second Life and peer WhatsApp groups.\u00a0 More options for gender dysphoria- related support and interventions will become available after the lockdown.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n


    \n<\/b>SELF-CARE TECHNIQUES<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n

    This section is based on our experiences as community members, peer counselors and\/or therapists.<\/b><\/p>\n

    Anxiety and fear during the pandemic can be accompanied by restlessness, agitation and reactiveness, all of which may be temporary or may add to more long-term anxieties. In times of crisis it is immensely important to be aware of our energies, notice our restlessness, anxiety, fear, etc.\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

    These feelings and emotions are valid and yet, are quite likely to be difficult to deal with. They will come and go multiple times a day. To manage these, so that we experience their full range but prevent ourselves from reacting, here are some suggestions:<\/p>\n

    DURING A DIFFICULT INTERACTION<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n