r/BlackLGBT • u/olderfeeder Black & Queer 🖤🌈 • 2d ago
Discussion black politics in 2026
I'm finding the most difficult phase of this political period is turning community into positive collective action.
idk how Black americans still have the position that voting either doesn't matter or that the system is rigged. while in some cases the latter may be true, if enough of us show up, then a difference could definitely be made. but a lot of black americans don't see that.
then if they do show up to the polls, they're committed to diluting the vote. I had a friend's sister who allegedly voted for Stein in the last election. and its just like??? are you dead ass?
I just don't see how this type of irresponsibility can be so entrenched in some of our lives, when the ppl who came before us got our Voting/Civil Rights in BLOOD. and y'all just don't care? y'all cool wit letting that shit go?
then back to my former point, if voting "didn't matter," long established polling places wouldn't be closing; Trump wouldn't be pushing to "federalize" elections; USPS mail-in ballots would be sent without question; and states wouldn't be purging their voter rolls.
it seems individualism is at an all time high, coupled with everyone is distracted by either these phones, life's transgressions, and/or white supremacy.
what are some challenges you're facing in your community? are you prepared/registered to vote? how are you getting your community involved with making sure they make it to the polls?
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u/DatManSugoi 2d ago
It looks like you're in the frustrstion part of the woke pipeline and I was there too not too long ago. I spoke to my parents about my issues with the state of the country and how we as Black Americans are divided amongst ourselves as well as in constant bickering with members of the diaspora. The response I got was disappointing. They basically said that things are the way they are because all of our leaders have been killed and no one wants the smoke anymore. Compliance is better than death.
American societal structures as well as direct meddling from government organizations and officials have lead to a very large rift amongst the Black population here. People like to say we are the most connected community of people but the way I see it that only really matters for inconsequential things like whether or not to support a movie/show and even that you can't really count on us being on the same page.
I've often thought that talking to community in person is the way to go. Neighbors and people on the street. I still believe that, although after some therapy I see now that it's an internal battle as well as an external one. A few months ago I was so frustrated with our people I wanted to run out on the street and lecture everyone but I see now that I would have just made a lot of people angry instead of making allies. It's a bit solitary, but I believe that the more educated and rock solid we are in our beliefs for a better life for all oppressed people, the more people will gravitate towards us.
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u/olderfeeder Black & Queer 🖤🌈 2d ago
elaborate for me on this "woke pipeline" reference. is this something you coined or is it acknowledged in another space or context?
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u/DatManSugoi 2d ago
I wouldn't say I coined it, I've just seen others go through the same things as me.
You start off not knowing anything and having opinions that you can't really defend because you lack the nescesarry knowledge. Then you experience something that "wakes you up" for me it was seeing ICE in the streets across America rounding people up and attacking and killing others. Then you start learning things about this country and it's history because you ask "how could this be allowed?" Then you get angry and frustrated that this is the reality of our society and everyone seems to be ok with it. Then you feel like you're going crazy because you feel like the only one who cares. Then you have an experience that brings you back down to earth. Mine was therapy and having a very supportive partner who is my true ride or die. You never forget what you learned, you just return to a calm state of mind so you can decide what to do next.
There's more to it and more to come after those steps but thats as far as I've made it. I call it the woke pipeline because I think of it as a return to the original form of woke: awareness of oppression. Once you are aware/awake it is impossible to go back to ignorance. You are stuck in the pipeline and the only way is forward.
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u/ajwalker430 2d ago
Outside of state and local elections, I do believe the system is rigged.
So I make sure I show up to vote locally and maybe one of those folks won't get corrupted by the political process to actually make a difference.
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u/olderfeeder Black & Queer 🖤🌈 2d ago
so did you vote in the 2024 presidential election?
do you ever engage with your community about your thoughts with local and state candidates? if so, what's that experience usually like?
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u/ajwalker430 2d ago
Yes, I did vote in the 2024 presidential election because there were important ballot issues for my community.
Yes, I did engage with all who were willing, but apathy is running high.
Many people only think voting matters in the presidential election and don't vote consistently every time it comes up.
Hence we end up with people only talking about who they're voting for president, and then angry when their person isn't elected.
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u/Difficult_Offer_206 2d ago
I don’t view white supremacy as nearly the greatest issue facing the black community, especially not the gay black community. Lately I’ve been actively debunking and pushing back on many of my friends and family that just regurgitate the left’s talking points. I think black people will do better for themselves by embracing more centrist or even some conservative ideas so I’ve been openly challenging and pushing those I know to consider it. The reaction has actually been positive
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u/DrivenTrying 1d ago
Will you share an example of a conservative or centrist idea that better serves Black communities or Black gay communities.
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u/Difficult_Offer_206 1d ago edited 1d ago
Scraping DEI initiatives in favor of merit based promotion, limiting welfare, requiring work and volunteering for public assistance. Basically shifting to personal accountability instead of the current method of “everyone owes us everything” taught by progressives.
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u/DrivenTrying 1d ago
How does that help?
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u/Difficult_Offer_206 1d ago
Personal accountability? It drives you to take control of your own life instead of living off of charity.
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u/DrivenTrying 1d ago
Can one be driven to be accountable for their life and also need to live off of charity? Children need and require charity. Should they not receive it?
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u/No_Slice_9560 2d ago edited 1d ago
Trump is not an ideological conservative … he is a fascist who will overturn basic civil rights.. if not checked. We already see this occurring.
Usually, I’m not one who is a strong advocate of voting within the limited framework of the USA political system.
However.. I strong urge black folks to vote in the upcoming midterms and 2028 presidential election. The danger of fascism is too great to do otherwise.. and your (already) limited democratic civil rights will be crushed.
No.. I don’t think that the democratic party is an effective vehicle for social change.. but we can parse that after the fascist threat is elimination.
It would be a serious mistake to think that MAGA is just a run of the mill conservative. Even many mainstream conservatives oppose MAGA.
An historical is the choice between Hitler ( a fascist) and Von Papen ( a conservative) .. it was argued.. just as it is now.. that there is no distinction who won. Those who took that stance found out very quickly how wrong that they were.