Finding Hope in the Chaos: An Old Dyke's Reflection

Honestly, sometimes I feel overwhelmed. Sitting in my quiet corner, watching the news lately has been like watching a storm roll in—chaotic, loud, and a little frightening. I’ve seen so much over the years—our fights for equality, the heartbreak of losing friends to hate, and the slow, sometimes painful progress we’ve made. And yet, despite all that, I can’t help but feel a twinge of discouragement now and then.

There are days when I wonder if all those decades of standing up, loving openly, and fighting for our community were worth it. When I see the headlines filled with hatred, division, and chaos, it’s easy to feel like we’re losing ground. Sometimes, I want to hide under the covers and pretend it isn’t happening.

But then I remember something. Hope isn’t about pretending everything’s perfect or ignoring the bad. It’s about those little sparks—those moments when I see young folks marching for trans rights, or when I hear someone speak out against injustice with fierce honesty. It’s in the small acts of kindness and the brave voices refusing to be silenced.

What keeps me going is knowing that change isn’t a straight line. It’s messy, slow, and often frustrating. But every time someone stands up, every time someone loves openly, it’s like planting a seed. And those seeds grow, even if we can’t see it right away.

So, if you’re feeling tired or defeated right now—believe me, I get it. But hold on. Our stories, our love, and our courage matter. We’re part of a long history of people who refused to give up, even when it looked like everything was falling apart. The chaos around us is real, but so is our strength.

There’s still hope. Maybe it’s small and fragile right now, but it’s there. And I truly believe that even in the darkest times, our love and resilience can light a way forward.

We’ve come so far, and I believe in a future where we continue to push through the chaos, together. Because hope isn’t about ignoring the storm—it’s about finding the courage to stand in it, loving and fighting for what’s right.

With love and hope,
Lilly