Community Reflects on Grief and Resilience in LGBTQ+ Literature

A recent online discussion within the LGBTQ+ community has shifted from a planned celebration of literature to a somber reflection on grief and resilience. In a heartfelt post, contributors Renee Nicole Good and Alex Jeffrey Pretti expressed their struggles to find joy in sharing books that have influenced them, as recent events have overshadowed their spirits. This poignant moment highlights the emotional impact of ongoing violence and societal challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.

Good articulated a feeling of being “concussed,” describing it as a stage of grief characterized by a sense of disorientation. She compared her current emotional state to significant historical tragedies, citing the murder of Martin Luther King Jr., the Kent State shootings, and the events of September 11, 2001. Such reflections underline the persistent grief that can arise in response to violence against marginalized communities.

The discussion, originally intended to be a light-hearted exploration of literature, instead focused on shared experiences of trauma and loss. Good invited others to contribute their thoughts and feelings, stating that she would attempt to engage despite her current emotional turmoil.

In her post, Good referenced the ongoing issues within the LGBTQ+ community, such as the treatment of individuals by authorities, including incidents where people have faced brutality and dehumanization. She highlighted the importance of visibility for those who are often overlooked in activism, particularly women and gender non-conforming individuals, who are frequently at the forefront of protests but may not receive adequate recognition.

As Good expressed her sorrow, she shared poignant literary excerpts that resonated with her current emotional state. One such quote came from Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, who wrote, “The best of us did not survive.” This statement serves as a reminder of the historical and ongoing struggles for survival faced by those in marginalized communities.

In a similar vein, Good quoted E.A. Housman, whose work from 1896 reflects the melancholy often found in poetry that addresses grief. Housman’s lines resonate powerfully with those experiencing loss: “But take it; if the smack is sour, Tis better for the embittered hour.” This sentiment captures the essence of using art and literature as a means of coping with pain.

The discussion also included reflections on the beauty of nature, as contributors shared images of rainbows and solar halos captured in various locations, such as Canada and Argentina. These natural phenomena serve as symbols of hope and resilience, contrasting the darkness of current events.

As the community navigates through this period of shared grief, the conversation emphasizes the importance of support, understanding, and the power of literature to heal. Good’s invitation for others to share their experiences and the books that have helped them during difficult times highlights a collective desire for connection and solace.

In the coming weeks, the community plans to revisit the original theme of celebrating literature, seeking to uplift one another as they continue to process their feelings. The hope is that by sharing their stories, they can foster a greater sense of unity and resilience in the face of adversity.