I think we have all seen the videos about “Prepping”, and if you are like me they seem a bit paranoid, but I remember hearing from some who lived in Texas during that ice storm that knocked out power and had people freezing in their livingrooms. Now, as a Michigan kid, you have to understand that I find that incredible to consider that someone in Texas would be so cold as to have to deal with frozen pipes. And that perhaps underscores the biggest thing: we each are different; different lives, different climates, different environments, and what seems obvious for one is completely irrelevant for another. So, when you consider being prepared, there are no hard fast rules.
In short, I would recommend highly that you look into ways to have necessities, like air temp requirements, energy, entertainment, food and water. My considerations for this include a small room in my house that I can insulate with extra blankets, solar lights from the garden, a solar charger for my phone and pad, and simple easily managed food and water. I’m going to try to keep my car gas tank full, have a couple of gallons on hand extra in a gas can, and most importantly I’m doing my best to not be afraid but to be able to meet my needs if things get difficult.
I know there are readers that dealt with the really abusive and difficult times of being gay – like it’s all unicorns and rainbows now (sorry, that was too easy). This is something that I really don’t have the knowledge to speak on, don’t really have the experience, but definitely have concerns. Will we be hounded? I don’t think so, but I can’t help but to be concerned that those who want us rounded up and euthanized all seem to have cabinet positions under this particular reich. So, if I am prepping for needing to cover a couple meals during hard times, what about preparing for my safety when the gay police (and why did I suddenly get a vision out of the Village People?) come knocking on my door? Do I have a safe place to go to? Do I have a safe place to find socialization? As Scottie can tell you, this is a worry for me because I have a tendency to withdraw when I am stressed. I will be relying on social media, friends, and I don’t know what?
Are you making preparations? What are your concerns?
Hugs All;
Randy
Scottie's Playtime 
Well, I’ve had a “bug out bag” for weather emergencies since I was pregnant with the kid who is now 26 yo. It has varied in size and contents over the years, but yes, it contains food and other items that would be necessary in the event of a tornado in town. Or other misfortunes that don’t usually happen but could. Regarding the upcoming administration, I’ve changed my profile pics online to other graphics, hoping to avoid the deep fake crap that will no doubt become even more common than it is now.
As to people knocking on the door to take me away, well, I don’t know how one prepares for that, really, and I have taken time to think it over now and then since the election! I might be fortunate as to that because of being a white cis het old person, but I am all that and a woman not a man, so I suppose we’ll have to see how things shake out. To me, it’ll be a matter of paying attention, and if/when people start getting rounded up, know at least one direction that can be taken if need be. I don’t know what else to say about it. Everyone just has to do what they need to to remain safe.
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The parts of dealing with gay harassment (during the late 70s and the 80s) in which I was involved mostly included bearding for friends in various situations when they were in danger of bodily injury including death. Those friends also kept us young women safe walking to cars at night in dark parking lots. Sort of the same thing, really!
Aside from that, I called, and wrote advocacy letters to those in positions in government who could make things easier on people. I paid attention to legislation (we used to get that info in these things called newspapers, once upon a time) in order to better advocate and lobby. These days that stuff is so much easier and less time-consuming to do. Doing that taught me things that happened to people because of who they were attracted to (sorry about that sentence ending in “to.”)
I would suggest, from those experiences, that people make sure they have an ally in the areas that are necessary for sustaining day to day life. Having someone inside, say, your bank, can be a lifeline if this admin really starts working against people. It’s late for me here, and I think I’m getting too wordy and maybe reaching farther than you were asking, so I’ll stop now. I’m certain I’ve used enough words, at least, to make a point of what I recall from my younger days.
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