Hate and oppression depend on fear to inhibit and deter communities away from taking positive, corrective, or constructive action. But we must bear in mind that being afraid to take positive action does not eliminate the source of the fear. Allowing ourselves to be intimidated only emboldens the agents of fear, resulting in even more fear.
In other words, there is more to be feared by allowing ourselves to be intimidated than from finding our courage in the face of evil.
Love can drive out hate. So can beauty.
Have you ever noticed how hateful people try to destroy all things that are beautiful and uplifting? Hate movements would outlaw pleasant, sunny days if they could.
So, start creating beauty. It can take the form of 1960s Flower Power art, Pride imagery, cheerful, uplifting, energizing movement music, or any other creation that lifts the spirits of those around it.
Not creative? Then buy and gift beauty.
One significant way that I spread beauty around my community and across the nation is to buy books for schools and classrooms here, there, and everywhere. I buy LGBTQ+ books for any teacher who requests them. I buy and gift Black History and Racial and Cultural Representation books, and I have funded LGBTQ+ Dances and Wellness Rooms for schools nationwide.
Not only does this spread beauty in its more conventional guises, but it spreads beauty in a form that enrages hate movements the most:
It spreads the beauty of human diversity far and wide, in a form that will have a lasting impact on the future: the eyes and minds of the next generation of adults who are today growing and learning about the diversity of the people around them in public schools everywhere.
The beauty of human individuality can keep the garden of humanity healthy, well nourished and diversified.
