Throughout history, fear and ignorance of differences between people has led to racism, homophobia, and other types of oppression. On this page, we explore mostly anti-Asian fear and oppression, a major theme in Last Night at the Telegraph Club. We also share resources to understand the "Red Scare" that plagued Asian-Americans and other citizens during that time, as well as the homophobia that Lily and Kath experienced. Today, while homophobia has thankfully lessened somewhat in many parts of the US, trans folks bear the current burden of ignorant, fearful, and dangerous policies and public opinion. Oppression may be used to devalue different groups of people, but the underlying fear-mongering and propaganda used to fuel hatred and difference has been the same throughout the ages.
Racism against AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) people has recently exploded due to misinformation and conspiracy theories around the coronavirus. Here are some AAPI-specific resources for maintaining mental health and fighting against hate.
BAGLY, the Boston Alliance of LGBT+ Youth, promotes community and provides programming for youth and young adults (up to age 22) in the Boston area. For trans-inclusive Simmons organizations, check out Alliance and the Trans and Non-Binary Collective: TaNC.
