As the far right tries to divide us, we need community solidarity more than ever

“When hatred shouts loudly, we must shout louder”

BY JENNA, IMAGE BY PEXELS

My hometown was recently attacked by far-right violence. Seeing how many people gathered to support the violence was scary, and my family and I made sure to avoid the city centre. Just knowing these people with extremist views were out there waiting for an opportunity to cause violence is so unsettling.

“Taking back our country” is a phrase that has never been centred in patriotism but racism. If the demonstrations over the last few days are supposed to be a representation of our country, then Britain is anything but a country to be proud of. 

Mindless violence, vandalism without cause and abuse of all kinds aimed at communities with pure racist intent should never be allowed.

As a mixed-race lesbian, I know all too well that what we need right now is solidarity between our communities.

I remember when I was younger hearing the stories of my dad growing up as an Indian immigrant in the 60s-70s. As a young child trying his best in school after his family risked it all coming to this country, he often recounts the name-calling; teasing; bullying; and physical and verbal abuse aimed at him solely based on the fact he was a person of colour.

My dad had four children, with me being the youngest, all while working tirelessly. I remember him telling me once that when he found out he was going to be a father, one of the thoughts he had was that he wished none of his children went through the racist abuse he had to endure as a young boy. Unfortunately, racism runs deep and continues to sprout even now.

The hate marches that continue throughout the UK are just a reflection that racism and hatred still permeate this country. I’ve witnessed this myself; a memory that always sticks with me is when my dad took me to a McDonald’s and as we were waiting to cross the Drive Thru lane, a man drove past with his middle finger raised high, shouting “Go back to your own country!” My dad doesn’t remember this as it was just another drop of racism in the sea he’s already swam in but to me, it was my first realisation that being different isn’t always welcomed here.

This extended to when I attended a Pride event in my city and heard anti-LGBT protestors shout out about how being different is bad; it’s unnatural; it’s a sin. As a lesbian, hearing this didn’t do much to dampen my joy but it still stung. Parts of my identity seem consistently up for debate. 

I was born and raised here my whole life but witnessing other people decide that I and my family aren’t welcome is scary. Watching the people I live among burn down the shops we visit, target people who look like us, and spread messages of hate, it makes me fear being seen.

My father and his family moved here and worked ridiculously hard for a better life for themselves and their children but instead, we are faced with the same hatred and racism decades later. Nobody should be afraid to be seen in fear of being a target; whether it be the colour of their skin, their religious beliefs, their sexuality, or their identity.

Just as we wish allies to the LGBTQIA community to stand up for us in times of hatred and prejudice, we must do the same to other communities at the bleeding edge of this violence. Innocent families that come to our “great country” for a better life – much like my family did – have a right to feel safe, to integrate, and to live here. Many of the people being targeted may be LGBTQIA and will have that added layer of fear of being singled out for this on top of what they are feeling now.

When hatred shouts loudly, we must shout louder. Community is needed now more than ever. Let’s help the businesses that are targets for meaningless looting, protect the families at the receiving end of abuse, and make our neighbours feel welcome and accepted. Unfortunately, the LGBTQIA community knows how it feels to have a target on our backs so we must do our best to show others we are with them and stand for them.

Hatred is learned and can be unlearned. Love and support your communities, please.

Jenna is an ambassador for Just Like Us, the LGBT+ young people’s charity. You can volunteer with the charity or support their work today.

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