ABSTRACT
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, two-spirit, intersex, asexual, and aromantic (LGBTQ2IA) people are often targets of direct oppression at both the systemic and interpersonal level. While many non-LGBTQ2IA individuals may not engage in direct acts of aggression toward LGBTQ2IA people, they often benefit systemically from their place in an oppression hierarchy, and thus may not engage in anti-oppressive behaviors, even if they hold anti-oppressive values. We posit that to build compassion for LGBTQ2IA people involves direct, active behavior on the part of non-LGBTQ2IA people. However, anti-oppressive appearing behaviors may be engaged in which do not actually result in consequent liberation or movement in the direction of liberation. We posit that anti-oppressive action of non-LGBTQ2IA people must be LGBTQ2IA led, grounded in mutual aid, and moving in the direction of interlocking liberation for all oppressed peoples and classes.
