Today we’d like to introduce you to Armed Queers Salt Lake City
Hi Armed Queers Salt Lake City, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
We are a socialist queer organization that emerged in the summer of 2020 when a new consciousness had drawn masses of people into the streets, and to our struggles. During this time, we also witnessed a rise in violence and vigilantism against trans people, particularly black and brown trans women, and recognized the need to protect our community.
For 4 years we have provided defense to community members threatened by right-wing vigilantes and state violence. We have organized, educated, and agitated within LGBTQ, anti-imperialist, and labor movements towards a socialist future. We continue to do so with a love for our community and a commitment to serve it.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing worth fighting for ever is. We’ve faced slander and conflict at nearly every turn. Organizing is by no means easy, yet it’s only when we dare to struggle that we dare to win. No challenge will outweigh our persistence for our struggles.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
While we specialize in security, we recognize the equal importance of political education both within our party and outside it. We publish information on a range of subjects, which has included Utah’s supplying of genocide in Palestine, Utah pride’s corporate sellout, and radical queer history and our place in it. We are proud of the connections and solidarity we’ve been able to build with people across Utah. Actively organizing in different movements, and in cities that perhaps don’t receive as much outreach (we had recently gone to Vernal Utah, and St. George, working with local organizers out there). Our ability to resonate, and build relationships with, people from all different communities makes our work unique, and significantly stronger.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Being able to be an organization committed to defense for oppressed communities will always mean that we to some extent may be putting our own lives at risk. However, our commitment to something much bigger than ourselves, to people’s struggles against racism, transphobia, and capitalism, means much more to us than any risk.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @armedqueersslc
