Purpose

During election season, stress and anxiety can run high—especially for LGBTQIA2S+ individuals and communities involved in harm reduction work. Here’s a set of resources and strategies designed to help us stay grounded, connected, and empowered.

How to Use:

The tabs to the left allow you to navigate to find things like books, coping and care resources, and mutual aid toolkits. If you have something to add, please comment, and we’ll (most likely) accept it!

📚 Books for Inspiration & Practical Guidance

Books for Inspiration & Practical Guidance

1. Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (and the Next) 

Author: Dean Spade
Genre: Nonfiction, Social Justice, Organizing
Themes:  Mutual Aid, Community Support, Activism, Crisis Response
Publication Date: 2020

Blurb: This book offers a comprehensive guide to mutual aid as a political and practical tool for social transformation. Spade explains how communities can foster solidarity and self-determination to address systemic inequalities. From real-life examples of mutual aid networks to hands-on advice for community-based support, Mutual Aid provides essential knowledge for anyone involved in social justice organizing.

Why Read It: Dean Spade is deeply immersed in grassroots activism, and his writing emphasizes the radical power of mutual aid as a tool for both survival and resistance. This book is especially valuable for queer and trans activists as it highlights strategies to care for marginalized communities without reliance on institutions that may perpetuate harm. It’s accessible and practically oriented, making it perfect for activists at any level of experience.

2. Care Work: Dreaming Disability Justice

Author: Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha
Genre: Nonfiction, Disability Justice, Queer Theory
Themes:  Disability Justice, Queer and Trans Community, Mutual Aid, Care Networks
Publication Date: 2018

Blurb: This powerful book brings disability justice to the forefront, blending memoir and manifesto. Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha, a queer disabled femme of color, explores how care work has transformed organizing within queer and trans communities. Care Work presents ideas and practices for supporting one another in transformative and anti-capitalist ways, challenging readers to rethink "care" as a collective, mutual effort.

Why Read It: Piepzna-Samarasinha's work is incredibly relevant for anyone interested in mutual aid, as it addresses how care networks can and should function within oppressed communities. This is a book about resilience and love as much as it is about strategy, offering readers new ways to understand care work as an essential form of social justice.

3. Revolutionary Mothering: Love on the Front Lines

Author: Alexis Pauline Gumbs, China Martens, and Mai’a Williams
Genre: Nonfiction, Feminism, Anthology
Themes:  Radical Parenting, Community Organizing, Queer and Trans Motherhood
Publication Date: 2016

Blurb: This anthology gathers voices of activists, queer and trans parents, and people of color to examine the radical possibilities of mothering as a transformative force in activism. The essays emphasize community-based support, redefining “mothering” as a collective act of nurturing and resilience for all marginalized communities.

Why Read It: With personal stories and practical insights, Revolutionary Mothering challenges traditional notions of family and parenting, instead promoting a vision of care and support that applies to mutual aid and collective resilience. It’s especially valuable for those interested in inclusive, community-centered approaches to organizing.

4. We Do This ‘Til We Free Us: Abolitionist Organizing and Transforming Justice

Author: Mariame Kaba
Genre: Abolition, Social Justice
Themes:  Abolition, Mutual Aid, Transformative Justice, Organizing
Publication Date: 2021

Blurb: Mariame Kaba’s essays on abolition and transformative justice explore how to build a world without prisons, rooted in mutual aid and accountability. This book captures her wisdom on community-building, justice, and the visionary work of creating safer societies through collective efforts rather than punitive systems.

Why Read It: Mariame Kaba’s insights are invaluable for anyone involved in social justice work, especially those passionate about reimagining systems of support and accountability. Her writing is both challenging and hopeful, making it an excellent resource for organizers focused on building sustainable, justice-centered communities.

5. Joyful Militancy: Building Thriving Resistance in Toxic Times

Author: Carla Bergman and Nick Montgomery
Genre: Activism, Social Theory
Themes:  Resilience, Creativity in Activism, Joy in Community
Publication Date: 2017

Blurb:
Joyful Militancy explores how activism can flourish through a mindset of joy and creativity rather than burnout and frustration. Bergman and Montgomery challenge the often grim and combative narratives surrounding activism by focusing on how building thriving, joyful communities can be an act of resistance. Through anecdotes, analysis, and reflection, they highlight the transformative power of relationships, play, and mutual support in activist spaces.

Why Read It:
This book is a refreshing shift from social justice work's intense, often draining nature by embracing a framework that centers joy as a core component of sustainable activism. Joyful Militancy offers an alternative approach for those looking to build resistance without sacrificing their well-being, making it a meaningful resource for activists who want to avoid burnout. Bergman and Montgomery emphasize that joy in activism isn’t frivolous—it’s a vital form of resilience. Their insights encourage readers to see community-building and care as integral to resistance, which can inspire a more inclusive, humane approach to collective action.

6. As We Have Always Done: Indigenous Freedom through Radical Resistance

Author: Leanne Betasamosake Simpson
Genre: Indigenous Studies, Activism
Themes:  Indigenous Resistance, Collective Care, Reciprocity
Publication Date: 2017

Blurb:
Leanne Betasamosake Simpson’s As We Have Always Done offers a powerful perspective on Indigenous activism and self-determination. With eloquence and depth, Simpson delves into the ways Indigenous communities have always practiced mutual aid, resistance, and collective care as a means of survival and cultural preservation. This book is both a celebration of Indigenous knowledge and a call to resist the systems that threaten Indigenous lives and land.

Why Read It:
This book is a profound reminder of the resilience and wisdom embedded in Indigenous ways of life. Simpson’s writing provides a pathway for readers to appreciate Indigenous resistance not just as activism but as a way of living grounded in respect, community, and the interconnectedness of all beings. Her perspective on mutual aid as a centuries-old tradition is enlightening for those interested in sustainable, long-term activism. The book is also a meaningful read for anyone committed to decolonizing their understanding of activism and honoring the knowledge of Indigenous communities.

7. How We Show Up: Reclaiming Family, Friendship, and Community

Author: Mia Birdsong
Genre: Social Theory, Community Building
Themes: Collective Care, Community Connection, Support Networks
Publication Date: 2020

Blurb:
In How We Show Up, Mia Birdsong examines how societal expectations of success and individualism often alienate people from meaningful relationships. This accessible and heartfelt guide encourages readers to break free from isolating norms and actively cultivate family, friendship, and community rooted in collective care. Birdsong presents real-life examples and stories to inspire readers to rebuild connections that empower and sustain.

Why Read It:
Birdsong’s book invites us to rethink how we relate to one another daily. By encouraging readers to prioritize community and support networks, How We Show Up promotes resilience through interconnectedness. This book is especially impactful for those looking to move beyond transactional relationships and foster genuine connections. Birdsong’s writing resonates with readers who feel a need for deeper, more fulfilling relationships in a world that often encourages self-interest. It’s a guide to reclaiming a sense of community and strengthening the bonds that keep us grounded and supported.

8. The Revolution Will Not Be Funded: Beyond the Non-Profit Industrial Complex

Author: INCITE! Women of Color Against Violence
Genre: Political Activism, Social Critique
Themes: Grassroots Organizing, Critique of Nonprofit Structures
Publication Date: 2007

Blurb:
The Revolution Will Not Be Funded is a powerful critique of the nonprofit sector, exposing the ways traditional funding structures can dilute and constrain grassroots activism. Through essays by women of color activists, INCITE! explores how reliance on foundation funding can limit revolutionary work and advocates for community-based organizing that operates outside of these confines. This book challenges readers to consider how real change can happen without dependency on large institutions.

Why Read It:
This book is essential reading for activists and organizers who want to understand the systemic limitations of the nonprofit model. By critiquing how funding dependencies can dilute activism, The Revolution Will Not Be Funded underscores the importance of grassroots organizing and self-reliance. The essays provoke important questions about sustainable activism and invite readers to imagine social justice work driven by the community rather than by external funding. For those interested in mutual aid, this book complements that vision by showing the importance of autonomy and accountability to the people rather than to funders or institutional interests.

9. No Shortcuts: Organizing for Power in the New Gilded Age

Author: Jane F. McAlevey
Genre: Political Science, Social Movements
Themes: Labor Organizing, Unionism, Collective Power
Publication Date: 2016

Blurb: Jane McAlevey's book explores why recent efforts at social reform in the U.S. have struggled to gain traction. With a focus on deep, intentional organizing, McAlevey argues for moving away from surface-level advocacy toward building powerful, rooted movements. Drawing on her experiences in labor organizing, she highlights case studies and analyzes successes and failures to provide a roadmap for organizing that leads to real power shifts.

Why Read It: McAlevey’s approach is both strategic and tactical, focusing on what it takes to build durable social movements that can withstand political setbacks. This book is particularly insightful for anyone involved in activism, labor movements, or social justice work who wants to understand the practical side of grassroots organizing.

10. When All Else Fails: The Ethics of Resistance to State Injustice

Author: Jason Brennan
Genre: Political Philosophy, Ethics
Themes: Civil Disobedience, Ethics of Resistance, Governmental Power
Publication Date: 2018

Blurb: In "When All Else Fails," Brennan dives into the ethics of resisting injustice at the hands of the state. He posits that citizens have moral grounds to resist or even disobey government authority when it perpetuates injustice. Through philosophical arguments and historical examples, he explores the boundaries of civil disobedience and the moral justification behind it.

Why Read It: This book is a thoughtful exploration of the ethical limits of state power and when it's appropriate to stand in opposition to it. Brennan’s writing is clear, posing questions about the line between lawful protest and moral resistance, making it a valuable read for those grappling with issues of justice, autonomy, and civic duty.

11. On the Line: A Story of Class, Solidarity, and Two Women's Epic Fight to Build a Union

Author: Daisy Pitkin
Genre: Nonfiction, Labor History
Themes: Union Organizing, Women in Labor Movements, Class Solidarity
Publication Date: 2022

Blurb: Daisy Pitkin shares the compelling story of two women—one an organizer, the other a rank-and-file worker—as they navigate the high-stakes world of union organizing in an industrial laundry facility. Their partnership and the solidarity they build form the heart of a narrative that celebrates the struggles and triumphs of the labor movement.

Why Read It: This is a powerful account of class struggle, especially poignant as it centers on the voices of women often overlooked in labor history. For readers interested in the intersection of gender, labor rights, and class, Pitkin’s storytelling brings an intimate, human face to the challenges of unionizing in a contemporary workplace.

12. Communities of Resistance: Writings on Black Struggles

Author: Ambalavaner Sivanandan
Genre: Political Theory, Black Liberation Studies
Themes: Black Struggles, Resistance, Global Liberation
Publication Date: Originally published in 1990

Blurb: Sivanandan’s essays reflect a lifelong commitment to examining race, class, and anti-imperialist struggles across the globe. This collection brings together some of his most impactful writings on Black liberation, the importance of community, and the ongoing fight against systemic oppression, resonating across decades and borders.

Why Read It: This collection is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of struggles against oppression and offers profound insights into the legacy and ongoing necessity of Black liberation work. It’s a stirring read for anyone looking to understand the global dynamics of resistance and the power of solidarity across marginalized communities.

13. The Book of Delights

Author: Ross Gay
Genre: Essays, Memoir
Themes: Joy, Mindfulness, Everyday Wonders
Publication Date: 2019

Blurb: Ross Gay embarks on a yearlong project to document daily moments of delight, capturing the beauty and pleasure in everyday life. Each essay is a small celebration of a unique moment, a joyful encounter, or an unexpected source of happiness, challenging readers to seek joy even amidst adversity.

Why Read It: Gay’s reflections are gentle reminders of the power of gratitude and the simple yet profound joys we can find around us. This is a beautifully written book for anyone in need of a bit of inspiration, a slow-down, or a renewed appreciation for the small wonders in daily life.

14. Capitalism & Disability: Selected Writings by Marta Russell

Author: Marta Russell
Genre: Disability Studies, Political Theory
Themes: Disability Rights, Capitalism, Social Justice
Publication Date: 2019 (Posthumous Collection)

Blurb: Marta Russell, a pioneering voice in disability rights, critiques the intersection of capitalism and ableism in this collection. She examines how capitalist frameworks marginalize disabled individuals, treating them as “unprofitable” and therefore expendable. Her essays challenge readers to consider how economic structures impact the disabled community, pushing for a model that values all individuals’ worth beyond their economic contributions.

Why Read It: Russell’s work is essential for anyone interested in disability studies, economic justice, or activism. Her arguments are bold and unapologetic, grounded in a deep understanding of how social systems can perpetuate injustice. This collection is an eye-opener on the interconnectedness of disability and economics, showing how capitalist incentives can perpetuate exclusion.

15. Gay Inc.: The Nonprofitization of Queer Politics

Author: Myrl Beam
Genre: LGBTQ Studies, Political Science
Themes: Nonprofit Industrial Complex, Queer Politics, Activism
Publication Date: 2018

Blurb: Myrl Beam explores the impact of nonprofit structures on queer activism, arguing that reliance on nonprofit funding has sometimes shifted LGBTQ organizations away from radical roots. He examines how the pressure to secure funding and maintain “respectability” has influenced agendas, often dampening the more transformative goals of queer liberation movements.

Why Read It: This book provides a thought-provoking analysis for anyone involved in or studying LGBTQ activism. Beam’s critique challenges readers to rethink the dynamics between social movements and the structures that support (or limit) them. It’s a call to question what’s sacrificed in the pursuit of funding, making it a critical read for activists and nonprofit professionals alike.

16. The Nonprofit Dilemma: Insights & Strategies

Author: DC Armijo
Genre: Nonprofit Management, Social Issues
Themes: Nonprofit Sector Challenges, Strategy, Sustainability
Publication Date: 2024

Blurb: "The Nonprofit Dilemma" examines the challenges faced by modern nonprofits, including funding constraints, mission drift, and staff burnout. It provides practical strategies for maintaining focus and sustainability in the face of these pressures, aiming to support nonprofits in achieving lasting impact without compromising their core missions.

Why Read It: For professionals within the nonprofit sector, this book offers valuable strategies for navigating a landscape where demands often outpace resources. Readers gain insights into common organizational pitfalls and are given tools to strengthen mission alignment, making it a pragmatic guide for anyone in nonprofit management or policy work.

17. Christian Nationalism and the Birth of the War on Drugs

Author: Andrew Monteith
Genre: Political Science, Religious Studies, Social Issues
Themes: Religious Influence in Politics, Drug Policy, American History
Publication Date: July 2023

Blurb: This book explores how Christian nationalism helped shape U.S. drug policy, particularly the War on Drugs. By examining the religious and cultural motivations behind anti-drug sentiment, the author links the rise of Christian conservative power to punitive policies. It provides historical context for the lasting impact of Christian nationalism on law enforcement and public policy.

Why Read It: This book is a deep dive into the intersections of religion, policy, and power, revealing how moral ideology has historically driven social control measures. It’s a significant read for those interested in American history, religious studies, or drug policy, helping readers understand the long-term social consequences of Christian nationalist influence.

18. Saving Our Own Lives: A Liberatory Practice of Harm Reduction

Author: Shira Hassan
Genre: Social Justice, Harm Reduction, Activism
Themes: Harm Reduction, Healing Justice, Community Empowerment
Publication Date: 2022

Blurb: Shira Hassan’s "Saving Our Own Lives" addresses harm reduction through a liberatory lens, focusing on how marginalized communities have historically used harm reduction strategies for survival. Hassan combines personal narratives and activist perspectives, especially highlighting the voices of sex workers, survivors of violence, and those impacted by systemic oppression, to redefine harm reduction as a radical act of self-preservation and resilience.

Why Read It: This book is an inspiring resource for activists, social workers, and anyone interested in alternative approaches to justice and care within marginalized communities. Hassan's approach to harm reduction transcends traditional models, offering a compassionate and community-centered alternative that places power in the hands of those directly impacted. It’s a profound work for understanding harm reduction as part of larger healing justice frameworks, particularly valuable for those working in social justice and community organizing.

19. The Combahee River Collective Statement

Authors: The Combahee River Collective (including Barbara Smith, Demita Frazier, and Beverly Smith)
Genre: Feminist Theory, Black Feminism, LGBTQ Studies
Themes: Intersectionality, Black Feminism, LGBTQ Rights, Social Justice
Publication Date: Originally published in 1977

Blurb: The Combahee River Collective Statement is a foundational document in Black feminist thought, articulating the need for a feminism that addresses the specific oppressions faced by Black women. It emphasizes the importance of an intersectional approach to liberation, advocating for solidarity across movements while challenging racism, sexism, classism, and heterosexism. The statement also highlights the need for autonomous Black feminist organizing.

Why Read It: This statement is considered one of the most significant works in intersectional feminist theory, shaping the discourse on Black feminism and influencing generations of activists and scholars. For readers invested in understanding the roots of intersectional thought and the unique challenges faced by Black women and LGBTQ individuals within broader liberation movements, this work is a must-read. It calls for collective action that acknowledges multiple dimensions of oppression and champions solidarity among marginalized communities.

20. Writings and Speeches of the Black Panther Party

Primary Contributors: Huey P. Newton, Bobby Seale, Eldridge Cleaver, and other Black Panther leaders
Genre: Political Theory, African American Studies
Themes: Black Liberation, Anti-Imperialism, Community Self-Defense
Key Texts:

  • Revolutionary Suicide by Huey P. Newton
  • Seize the Time by Bobby Seale
  • To Die for the People: The Writings of Huey P. Newton

Blurb: The Black Panther Party’s writings span from strategic essays on self-defense and community programs to profound reflections on systemic oppression and Black liberation. Key works by Huey P. Newton, Bobby Seale, and other leaders outline their vision for social justice and liberation, pushing for economic, social, and political reforms. These texts include calls for action, reflections on their struggles, and plans for building autonomous community structures like free health clinics and food programs.

Why Read It: The Black Panther Party’s work remains one of the most influential movements in the history of Black liberation and anti-imperialism. Their writings are vital for understanding the radical approach to community empowerment and resistance against oppression. With a focus on self-determination and community solidarity, these texts provide valuable insight into the power of organized resistance and remain deeply relevant today.

21. Writings and History of the Young Lords

Primary Contributors: Leaders like Felipe Luciano, Juan Gonzalez, and Denise Oliver
Genre: Political History, Latinx Studies
Themes: Puerto Rican Liberation, Anti-Colonialism, Community Organizing, Health Equity
Key Texts:

  • Palante: Young Lords Party edited by Michael Abramson
  • The Young Lords: A Radical History by Johanna Fernández

Blurb: The Young Lords, a Puerto Rican nationalist group founded in the late 1960s, published manifestos, pamphlets, and newsletters advocating for the liberation and empowerment of Puerto Rican communities in the U.S. and abroad. Their writings focused on issues like health justice, community control, and anti-imperialism. "Palante: Young Lords Party" is a comprehensive collection of their published materials and photos, showcasing their community-based actions and ideological growth, while Johanna Fernández’s "The Young Lords: A Radical History" contextualizes the group’s influence within broader movements.

Why Read It: The Young Lords’ contributions to Latinx liberation, health advocacy, and community self-determination were groundbreaking. Their writings provide a passionate call for justice, resonating with activists concerned with health inequity, racism, and the effects of colonialism. For those interested in radical organizing and the ways in which ethnic identity intersects with social justice, this work is essential.

22. Queer (In)Justice: The Criminalization of LGBT People in the United States

Authors: Joey Mogul, Andrea Ritchie, and Kay Whitlock
Genre: LGBTQ Studies, Criminal Justice, Social Justice
Themes: Criminalization of LGBTQIA Individuals, Systemic Injustice, Intersectionality
Publication Date: 2011

Blurb: Queer (In)Justice is a compelling critique of how the criminal justice system targets and marginalizes LGBTQIA individuals, especially those who are Black, Latinx, or from other marginalized backgrounds. The authors analyze how deeply embedded homophobia, transphobia, and racial bias intersect to criminalize queer identities and impose unique and disproportionate punishments. Through historical examples, case studies, and legal analysis, the book exposes the underlying prejudices that lead to policing and prosecuting LGBTQIA people as “deviants,” casting them as threats to social norms.

Why Read It: This book is an eye-opener for readers seeking to understand the intersection of LGBTQIA identity with systemic injustices. It demonstrates how criminal justice processes—from policing to incarceration—are influenced by biases that disproportionately affect queer individuals, especially those who are also marginalized by race, class, or gender. It’s a critical text for advocates, activists, and anyone invested in reforming the criminal justice system to be more inclusive and just. By combining a legal analysis with real-life narratives, Queer (In)Justice provides a powerful argument for rethinking criminal justice policies and offers ways to advocate for a safer, more inclusive society.

23. Stone Butch Blues

Author: Leslie Feinberg
Genre: Memoir, LGBTQ Fiction
Themes: Trans Identity, Labor Rights, Solidarity
Publication Date: 1993

Blurb: This seminal novel by Leslie Feinberg follows the life of Jess Goldberg, a working-class butch navigating the complexities of gender, identity, and survival in the 1960s and 70s. Through Jess’s journey, Feinberg highlights the intersections of queer identity with labor struggles and resilience in the face of systemic discrimination.

Why Read It: Stone Butch Blues offers an intimate perspective on the struggles faced by queer individuals pre-Stonewall and illustrates the necessity of solidarity across class and gender lines. It’s essential reading for understanding the historical experiences of transgender and non-binary individuals and their role in LGBTQIA activism.

24. Sister Outsider

Author: Audre Lorde
Genre: Essay Collection, Black Feminist Thought
Themes: Intersectionality, Queer Identity, Feminism
Publication Date: 1984

Blurb: In Sister Outsider, Audre Lorde explores issues at the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality, challenging norms within both the feminist and Black liberation movements. Her essays cover a range of topics, from the power of self-expression to the importance of coalition-building among oppressed groups.

Why Read It: Lorde’s work is foundational in both feminist and LGBTQIA circles, emphasizing the importance of intersectionality long before the term was widely used. Her voice continues to inspire and empower marginalized individuals seeking justice and representation.

25. The Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions

Author: Larry Mitchell, illustrated by Ned Asta

Genre: LGBTQ+ Fiction, Satire, Political Allegory

Themes: Community, Resistance, Queerness, Revolution, Love and Friendship

Publication Date: Originally published in 1977; republished in 2019

Blurb:

Set in a mythic world ruled by authoritarian men, The Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions is a visionary text that explores the lives of queer individuals as they navigate a society in decay. Through a series of vignettes and reflections, the “faggots,” along with other outcast groups, carve out alternative ways of living, finding joy, love, and camaraderie even amid oppression. The narrative critiques patriarchy and conformity while celebrating the resilience and wisdom of those who defy societal norms. With enchanting illustrations by Ned Asta, this book captures both the radical spirit of its era and the timeless need for communities built on acceptance and love.

Why Read It:

This book is more than just a narrative; it’s a manifesto of liberation and self-acceptance for queer communities and allies. Originally written during the 1970s in response to the struggles and societal pressures faced by the LGBTQ+ community, the text is at once a nostalgic look at queer culture and a prescient reflection on themes of resistance and unity. The style is almost lyrical, blending poetry and prose, which creates an inviting rhythm that pulls you into its alternative world. It offers an unapologetic glimpse into the lives and thoughts of those who choose to live authentically despite the constraints of mainstream society. The sense of solidarity among the “faggots” and other marginalized groups feels deeply impactful and serves as a reminder of the power that lies within marginalized communities coming together.

The 2019 reissue brought the book back into the public eye, reaching new generations eager for a sense of belonging and resistance against oppression. For anyone interested in LGBTQ+ literature, community-centric storytelling, or works that challenge social norms, this book offers a beautifully written, thought-provoking experience.

26. Body Autonomy: Decolonizing Sex Work and Drug Use

  • Editor: Justice Rivera
  • Genre: Genre: Social Justice, Cultural Studies, Public Health, Activism, and Nonfiction Anthology
  • Themes: Bodily autonomy, decolonization, harm reduction, collective healing, social justice
  • Publication Date: May 14, 2024
  • Format: Paperback, eBook

Blurb:

In Body Autonomy: Decolonizing Sex Work and Drug Use, Justice Rivera and a cadre of advocates, scholars, and healers examine the fierce struggles over bodily autonomy that shape modern social and public health policies. This powerful anthology reveals the toll of the United States' ideological wars on bodily autonomy, covering themes from erotic labor and the criminalization of sex work to the broader social impact of the War on Drugs.

The collection presents a healing-centered, decolonial perspective on these issues, promoting unity, compassion, and community care as alternatives to punishment and systemic violence. Through 17 essays, interviews, worksheets, and poems, the contributors—such as Kate D’Adamo, Ismail Ali, and Paula Kahn—explore topics like harm reduction and liberatory frameworks, offering strategies for transformation for those most affected by health inequities, criminalization, and overdose deaths. Together, they propose a world that prioritizes collective survival, healing, and freedom over punishment.

This anthology is a call to reimagine policies and practices around sex work and substance use through a lens of compassion and justice, advocating for the right to autonomy, pleasure, and healing within marginalized communities.

Why Read It:

Body Autonomy: Decolonizing Sex Work and Drug Use provides not only a searing critique of current systems but also offers practical resources for activists, organizers, and readers with a compassionate worldview. Justice Rivera's work is invaluable for understanding how marginalized groups navigate these charged intersections and envisioning a society that honors bodily sovereignty without resorting to punishment. For anyone interested in social justice, harm reduction, or the right to bodily freedom, this anthology serves as both an educational resource and a hopeful vision for a more equitable future.

⚡ Coping & Care Resources

Coping & Care Resources

  • An extensive guide on what community care is, how to design a plan for you and your communities. Contains interactive worksheets and guides.

  • Limit News Consumption
            Consider setting boundaries on news intake. Try setting specific times to check news or social feeds to reduce constant exposure to stressors.

  • Check In With Yourself
                Techniques for grounding:
  • Box Breathing: Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4.
  • Meditation Apps: Try Headspace or Calm, or explore free breathing exercises on YouTube.
  • Get Outside: A brief walk or some fresh air can do wonders.

  • Connect With Community
    Ground yourself by reaching out to friends, support groups, or community spaces to feel connected.

Crisis Lines

  • Trans Lifeline
    A peer-support hotline offering non-judgmental support for trans folks. Doesn’t call the cops!
    📞 1-877-565-8860

  • THRIVE Lifeline
  • 24/7 text-based support for mental health and/or identity, by and for multiply marginalized individuals
  • Text “THRIVE” to +1.313.662.8209 from anywhere in the world

  • BlackLine
  • 24/7 crisis support with a Black, LGBTQ+, and BLack Femme lens, plus a confidential avenue to report negative and inappropriate contact with police and vigilantes.
  • Call or text 1.800.604.5841 in the US

Warmlines/Helplines

  • Fireside Project
  • Support line which provides emotional support during and after psychedelic experiences
  • Can match with a volunteer with shared identity for people who are BIPOC, trans, and/or military veterans
  • Text or call 623.473.7433 in teh US, open 11 am - 11 pm PT daily

  • Wildflower Alliance
  • Peer support line where supporters have lived experience with psychiatric diagnoses, trauma, drug use, etc.
  • Call 888.407.4515, 7pm-9pm ET Mon-Thurs; 7pm-10pm ET Fri-Sun in the US

  • Project LETS
  • Text 401.400.2905 for urgent support with psychiatric incarceration/involuntary hospitalization in the US

52 self-led mental health programs that address specific situations (like the one we’re in)

🛠️ Mutual Aid Toolkits

Mutual Aid Toolkits/Strategy Resources

  • “Our 17-page guide clarifies legal terminology, breaks down major topics, and offers practical advice on changing your name and gender marker, setting up power of attorney, end-of-life planning, changing your name on your credit report, and more.  Addressing these issues may provide some peace of mind and allow you to prepare for the upcoming administration and beyond.”

  • “...to examine the Lessons of Florida and community intersectional strategies that LGBTQIA+ groups and activists used there to successfully fight back against the Ron DeSantis anti-gay and anti-diversity attacks – after the initial shock of the state “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Join special guest Nadine Smith, Executive Director of Equality Florida, and a dynamic activist and former journalist, in conversation with podcast co-hosts Anne-christine d’Adesky and Jay W. Walker. We’ll also talk about what didn’t happen. Tune in to this  important conversation on what Florida can teach us all now about fighting the war on gender and community and NGO preparedness, resistance, and coalition-building with an eye on Project 2025’s unfolding agenda.”

  • A comprehensive guide that covers the basics of mutual aid, how to start mutual aid projects, fundraising, and direct support, with a particular emphasis on harm reduction and accessibility.

  • This toolkit is tailored for disaster preparedness and response, emphasizing community care and resiliency in times of crisis. It’s filled with resources for organizing and mobilizing mutual aid networks.

  • Created as a response to COVID, this toolkit offers templates, best practices, and advice on building sustainable mutual aid networks that can go beyond emergency times. Many of the resources are adaptable to other situations.

  •  This toolkit includes tools for creating, running, and sustaining mutual aid groups, along with advice on equitable resource distribution, outreach, and maintaining volunteer networks.

*Power Shift sunset in July 2024