Rest is Resistance: Why LGBTQ+ Activists Need Breaks, Too
The Burnout Trap in Activism
When you're out there fighting for justice, showing up for your people, and pushing back against policies and systems that harm LGBTQ+ and BIPOC lives, it can feel like there's never time to stop. But here’s the truth: rest is part of the work. Play is part of the work. And you deserve both.
Many of us in queer and trans communities come into activism because we have to. It’s survival. It’s personal. And when your own rights, safety, and body are on the line, it can feel selfish to step back. But burning out doesn’t serve the movement. In fact, it keeps us stuck in cycles of exhaustion and disconnection.
Reflective Questions:
What does burnout feel like in your body and mind?
How often do you allow yourself to rest without guilt?
Rest is a Strategy, Not a Luxury
Taking time to rest and recharge is not a sign that you’re not committed. It’s a sign that you understand the long game. Movements are marathons, not sprints. If we want to keep showing up—and showing up well—we have to protect our mental, emotional, and physical health. That means prioritizing sleep, joy, connection, and quiet time.
Reflective Questions:
What small practices help you feel restored?
What would it take for you to believe that rest is productive?
The Power of Play
Play, too, is powerful. It reconnects us to creativity and possibility. It reminds us what we’re fighting for. Whether it's dancing at a queer picnic, playing games with your chosen family, making art, or just doing something ridiculous and fun—these moments of joy feed our spirits.
Reflective Questions:
When was the last time you did something just for fun?
How can you invite more play into your life without judgment?
Rest as Resistance
If you grew up being told you had to prove your worth by staying busy, or you learned that you had to constantly be useful to be lovable, then resting might feel uncomfortable. That’s okay. Try it anyway. Start small. Step away from the news cycle. Take a nap. Spend an afternoon offline. Reconnect with your body, your breath, and the people who remind you that you’re not alone.
Reflective Questions:
What beliefs do you hold about rest and productivity?
How can you challenge those beliefs to make space for your wellbeing?
A Final Reminder
Rest and play are not just for after the work is done—they’re part of the work itself. They are acts of resistance against a world that wants to deplete us. So the next time you feel that pressure to keep pushing, pause. Ask yourself: Have I laughed lately? Have I eaten? Have I moved my body in a way that felt good? Have I rested, not just slept, but truly unplugged?
Activism rooted in sustainability means building a life where joy and justice are intertwined. It means honoring your limits as a sacred part of the process. You don’t have to earn rest. You are allowed to take up space in softness and slowness.
Closing Thought:
ou are more than your output. Your joy matters. Your rest matters. And your community needs the version of you who is nourished, connected, and grounded. So take that break—not just for yourself, but for all of us, especially if you're carrying trauma that makes rest feel out of reach.