Oklahoma City DSA by James Welch
Oklahoma City DSA is a small, but mighty chapter, experiencing a resurgence in membership and energy in this post-apocalyptic anti-Trump wave. Among other things, we are organizing around Queer Liberation, because our fair city has a strong LGBTQ+ community, due to many fleeing oppression in rural areas. We have organized the popular Queer Fight Club, where we teach a vulnerable population not only basic self-defense skills, but also how to deescalate confrontation and find support in the community. We have learned how to be protective of our members, and have faced some security concerns, which DSA has helped us navigate. We believe that Queer Fight Club helps promote a socialist future by teaching lessons of solidarity grounded in community awareness and access to vital services.