Socialism: Rainbows and Red Flags How Socialism Could Be the Safe Space the LGBQTIA+ Community Needs
- I Am Me Inc
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Safe spaces aren’t just glitter-covered rooms with bean bags and therapy dogs. They’re communities where no one has to choose between their identity
and their safety. And guess what economic system tends to value collective care,
equity, and putting people over profit? (Hint: it rhymes with “emotional prism” and
starts with an “S.”)
Let’s be honest - if capitalism were a party, us LGBQTIA+ folk wouldn’t make it past the velvet rope. Between overpriced therapy, rainbow capitalism
during Pride Month, and housing costs that make the Queer communal living feel
more like survival than a choice, it’s fair to say the system could use a little ...
.glittery socialism.
But first, what does socialism actually offer our community besides cool Rainbow attire and Mutual Aid memes?
1. Healthcare…that cares? What a concept….
According to Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE), nearly 33% of Trans people have had at least one bad experience with a healthcare provider.
Now imagine a world where healthcare isn’t a profit driven nightmare, and gender affirming care is not just accessible but normalized. Socialist models (like Sweden or Canada) show us that universal health
care can include mental health support, hormone therapy, and surgery without bankrupting someone. Wild idea right?
2. Housing that doesn’t include internet horror stories
Studies show that 40% of homeless youth in the U.S. identify as
LGBQTIA+.
Why homeless? Rejection, poverty, and lack of support systems. A socialist approach to housing could mean publicly funded shelters, rent
control, and community based solutions. Because everyone deserves a home that isn’t a friend's couch for the 5th week in a row.
3. Education without erasure
A 2023 GLSEN report found that only 20% of students reported being taught positive representations of LGBQTIA+ people in school. Today’s
government would like to make that percentage 0.
Under a socialist system that values inclusivity, education wouldn’t just tolerate Queer existence - it would teach it with Pride (pun fully intended).
4. Workplaces where you can be Queer without HR having a panic attack! Workplace discrimination is very real. The Human Rights Campaign notes
that 45% of LGBQTIA+ workers remain closeted at work. In a worker-controlled system with strong labor protections, you wouldn’t have
to choose between being out and being employed. Imagine that - being fabulous, respected, and unionized!
But wait…..wasn’t the USSR a socialist society but very homophobic? Fair point. Not all socialist societies have been Queer friendly. The Soviet
Union did a fantastic job of proving that authoritarianism and social justice
don’t mix. That’s why we’re talking about Democratic Socialism. Think less of Stalin and more “Jasmine Crockett at Pride”
Bottom Line: Socialism, when done right, isn’t about government control of our lives - it’s about the people controlling the systems that affect our lives. For us
LGBQTIA+ folk, that could mean safety, equity, and visibility…not just in June …
but everyday of the year.
And honestly, isn’t that a party we’d all rather be at?
Enough of my thoughts. Feel free to share your thoughts on Socialism/Safe Spaces as it pertains to the LGBQTIA+ community. Let us know your concerns
and experiences. Every 2nd Monday of the month we will start blogging about Socialism/Safe Space concerns and examples. With the state of the
government, it is very important to be aware of safe spaces ( abroad, local, community, etc..). Let’s watch each other’s backs and share tips. If you have a
place or topic that you would like highlighted in our Socialism Blog or want to create an I Am Me Socialism Blog, please reach out to Angel Brown at
Notes:
Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE) - https://www.transequality.org
GLSEN (2023) - https://wwwl.glsen.org
Human Rights Campaign - https://www.hrc.org
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