Here’s your reminder to be more social and initiate conversations because sometimes the person that can help you is right in front of you, and you are just a conversation away from finding that out. So, learn to initiate and engage in a genuine conversation.
Today was one of those days that made me think of the old Japanese proverb, Ichi-go Ichi-e (いちごいちえ) which means one opportunity, one encounter. I am not a highly social person, in fact being social often feels like a decision that also requires some caffeination rather than a natural occurrence for me, but I have come to treasure the opportunity to meet new people, speak to them, and learn about them and from them. I am really glad that instead of staying in my own world, working from my laptop at the coffee shop I chose to socialize with the mom sitting at my table. I had been looking for reliable resources for the LGBTQIA2+ (an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Two-Spirit) community to share on my site for a while and I don’t like to just google resources and share them. I like to share only the resources I have had recommended to me by professionals in the related fields, or they are recommendations based on experiences of trusted colleagues, friends and family.
The person that I chose to speak with turned out to be a Legal and Humanitarian Aid Coordinator for Border Butterflies Project which also works with Transgender Law Center. I could not have found a better person to learn about the resources that are available to support LGBTQIA2+ (not just at a national level but also at a global level). These are moments I think about when I am struggling to be social. If I had chosen to stay in my own little bubble, I would have missed the opportunity to learn from the most resourceful person that could have helped me in this case.
It also reminded me of part of Rumi (the 13th century Persian poet), “You are not a drop in the ocean; you are the entire ocean in a drop” because everyone you come across is a world of unique experiences, abilities, and knowledge. We can learn a lot from each other and help each other. So, instead of keeping our worlds apart we should try to engage with each other and learn to communicate with each other in a way that is respectful, supportive, and enlightening.
Here are some of the resources that were passed on to me. Most of these resources can connect you with different services including mental health resources, housing, local representation for justice, equality and immigration.
Resources | Site | Services Geared Toward |
Bienestar | Latinx and other underserved communities, including LGBTQIA2+ | |
Bienestar Supprot Groups | Parents, Families, Youth, Substance use, LGBGTQIA2+ | |
Relational Center | Counseling, Classes, & Groups for Parents, Families, Youth, Substance use, LGBGTQIA2+ | |
Gender Magic Group | Gender-expansive and non-binary | |
Community Connections | Counseling, Classes, & Groups for Parents, Families, Youth, Substance use, LGBGTQIA2+ | |
Transgender Wellness Center | Transgender community | |
Trans Latina | Transgender and Latinx Community | |
Casa de Zulma | Trans Women | |
Transgender Law Center | International Transgender Community |