Introduction: Witnessing Harm and Feeling Its Impact
Healing from political terror is at the forefront of many Canadians’ minds as we watch the United States swiftly act on a devastating anti-trans movement, and many of us feel the fear creeping across the border. We see the harm, the policies stripping away rights, the increasing violence against Two Spirit, transgender, nonbinary, and intersex people, and we worry—what if this spreads to Canada? With the rising popularity of conservative politics, thoughts, and ideas, many trans, nonbinary, and intersex Canadians, as well as the families who love and support them, are feeling a deep sense of unease.
Recent policies in provinces like Saskatchewan and New Brunswick demonstrate that these concerns are not unfounded. The Saskatchewan government’s so-called “parental rights” policy, for instance, requires parental consent for students to change their pronouns, a move that critics argue puts trans and nonbinary youth in danger (Enoch & Smith, 2023). Policies like these not only disregard the recommendations of child welfare experts but also align with a broader conservative strategy that is gaining traction in Canada (Enoch & Smith, 2023).
If you have been feeling overwhelmed, numb, or lost in a cycle of despair, you are not alone. Political trauma is not just about what is happening elsewhere—it is about how these events reverberate through our communities, our bodies, and our relationships. As political violence escalates, it is crucial to recognize that “terrorism often emerges as a tool used by those in power to suppress marginalized communities” (Schmid & Jongman, 2005, p. 37).
Political Terror and the Neurobiological Impact of Oppression
Political trauma is more than an abstract concept—it is a physiological and emotional response to systemic harm. The human nervous system is designed to detect threats, but when systemic oppression is chronic and inescapable, the body adapts in ways that impact trans mental health, social engagement, and overall well-being (Porges & Porges, 2023). Our bodies hold onto distress, often in ways we may not immediately recognize. Some may find themselves hypervigilant, scrolling through news cycles, unable to look away. Others may dissociate, retreating from the world to protect themselves. For many, the pain becomes so overwhelming that joy feels impossible. These are all valid responses to a world that has made survival a radical act.
Understanding trauma responses can help us find ways to regulate our nervous systems. Instead of blaming ourselves for how we react, we can cultivate strategies that honour our needs and bring us back to a place of self-connection. Political repression and violence against marginalized groups have historically been tools to reinforce systemic control, leading to widespread psychological distress (Schmid & Jongman, 2005). The ADHD neurotype, which already includes variations in emotional regulation and sensory processing, may intensify these responses, making trauma recovery uniquely complex for neurodivergent individuals (Hallowell & Ratey, 2021).
Herman (1997) emphasizes that “trauma isolates; the more extensive the trauma, the more extreme the isolation” (p. 133). This is particularly relevant when considering the impact of state-sponsored anti-trans policies, which disrupt social belonging and foster an environment of hypervigilance and fear. These experiences are not just psychological; they deeply affect the body’s ability to regulate emotions, process information, and feel safe in everyday spaces(Van der Kolk, 2014).
From a physiological standpoint, Our Polyvagal World (Porges & Porges, 2023) discusses how our nervous system detects and responds to threats before we are consciously aware of them, a concept known as neuroception. This explains why many trans and nonbinary individuals feel chronic stress and vigilance when exposed to political hostility, as their bodies perceive these threats as immediate dangers, triggering fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses (Porges & Porges, 2023). For neurodivergent individuals, including those with an ADHD neurotype, these stress responses can be heightened, leading to difficulty focusing, emotional dysregulation, or a sense of constant overwhelm (Hallowell & Ratey, 2021).
Understanding these responses is essential in reclaiming control over our well-being. Healing from political terror as trans, nonbinary, and intersex Canadians should include self-regulation tools, community support, and body-centred approaches to counteract the nervous system’s learned patterns of hyperarousal or shutdown. As Van der Kolk (2014) highlights, “the body keeps the score” (p. 53), meaning that trauma lives in the body long after the immediate threat is gone. Healing, therefore, must include practices that restore a sense of safety, empowerment, and connection to the self.
By recognizing political trauma as a neurobiological response rather than a personal failing, we create space for compassionate self-care, advocacy, and resilience-building strategies. In the face of systemic harm, restoring nervous system balance is not only essential—it is a radical act of self-preservation.
Reimagining Healing: Beyond Coping to Thriving
Healing from political terror as trans, nonbinary, and intersex North Americans is not just about coping—it is about reclaiming ourselves, our joy, and our futures. It means refusing to let oppression define the scope of our lives. Healing from political terror is both a personal and collective act, occurring in movement, in stillness, in grief, and in joy. It is about tending to the wounds inflicted by political harm while also nurturing the spaces where resilience, community, and self-affirmation can thrive.
Healing from political terror is particularly vital for trans+, nonbinary, and intersex people navigating the compounded effects of political trauma, systemic erasure, and neurodivergence. As Porges and Porges (2023) explain, our nervous systems are attuned to safety and danger, often reacting to oppressive policies and societal hostility as existential threats. For many neurodivergent individuals, including those with an ADHD neurotype, self-regulation can be an ongoing challenge, making intentional political terror healing practices even more critical (Porges & Porges, 2023).
Below are intentional, research-backed approaches to healing in the wake of political terror against trans+ and nonbinary lives.
1. Somatic Practices for Nervous System Regulation
Political trauma often manifests in heightened nervous system responses—hypervigilance, dissociation, or emotional numbing (Herman, 1997). Somatic approaches focus on engaging the body to create safety and self-regulation.
- Grounding Techniques: Press your feet into the floor. Notice the weight of your body and the solid ground beneath you. Engage your senses—what do you hear, see, or feel that brings a sense of stability?
- Orienting to Safety: Look around your environment. Name objects that provide comfort. Remind yourself: I am here. I am safe.
- Gentle Movement: Trauma lives in the body, and movement can help release stored tension (Van der Kolk, 2014). Stretch, sway, or lightly shake your hands to reset your nervous system.
These techniques are especially helpful for trans+ and neurodivergent individuals who may experience sensory overwhelm or difficulty regulating emotions in politically charged environments (Porges & Porges, 2023).
2. Art and Creative Expression as a Path to Healing
Creativity has long been recognized as a tool for processing trauma and restoring agency. Expressing emotions through art, music, or writing can create a sense of meaning and self-ownership (Herman, 1997).
- Expressive Journaling: Write freely without judgment. Externalizing emotions onto paper can provide clarity and release.
- Visual Art Practices: Use colour, texture, and abstract forms to process complex emotions beyond words.
- Music and Dance: Movement and sound engage the body in ways that restore connection, embodiment, and joy(Van der Kolk, 2014).
For those with an ADHD neurotype, creativity can serve as a powerful tool for emotional regulation and focus, providing an adaptive outlet in moments of distress (Hallowell & Ratey, 2021).
3. Community, Connection, and Collective Care
Healing from political terror as trans, nonbinary, and Intersex Canadians is not meant to be done alone. Oppression thrives in isolation; resilience is built in connection. As Callaghan (2018) notes, systemic discrimination fosters exclusion, making queer and trans+ kinship essential for survival and healing.
- Queer and Trans+ Kinship: Reach out to trusted friends, chosen family, or online communities. Being seen and understood by those who share your experiences is life-affirming.
- Rituals of Care: Create small, meaningful rituals—light a candle, make a favourite meal, or share a moment of stillness with a loved one. Rituals anchor us in safety and connection.
- Advocacy and Collective Action: If capacity allows, engaging in activism can be a powerful way to transform pain into purpose. But remember: rest is also resistance.
4. Imagining Futures Beyond Survival
Political trauma can make it feel impossible to imagine a future beyond crisis. But dreaming—even in small ways—is an act of defiance. As Herman (1997) states, “Recovery can take place only within the context of relationships; it cannot occur in isolation” (p. 134). This includes our relationship to hope, possibility, and joy.
- Visualize Future Joys: What does thriving look like for you? Imagine small moments of ease, connection, or laughter.
- Reignite Old Loves: Return to hobbies that once brought comfort—reading, baking, painting, playing an instrument. These are not just distractions; they are reminders of who you are beyond survival.
- Cultivate Small Acts of Hope: Plant a garden, start a creative project, or set an intention for the week. These acts remind us that we are still building something, still becoming.
By embracing rest, creativity, and community, we push back against oppression’s attempts to diminish us. Our joy is resistance. Our healing from political terror is revolutionary. We deserve more than survival—we deserve lives filled with love, creativity, and belonging.
The Importance of Rest, Reconnection, and Reclaiming Joy
Oppression wants us to be weary, to steal our laughter, softness, and moments of delight. Reclaiming joy is an act of defiance. It does not mean ignoring the reality of what is happening; it means remembering that we are more than our suffering. Herman (1997) states that “recovery can take place only within the context of relationships; it cannot occur in isolation” (p. 134). This is why reconnecting with community, chosen family, and joy-centered experiences is crucial.
Joy is not a frivolous indulgence—it is a necessary part of healing. When we make space for joy, we remind ourselves that our existence is not solely about resisting oppression but about living fully, feeling deeply, and connecting meaningfully. It is about reclaiming the ability to dream, create, and love without fear.
Find Small Moments of Joy
- Engage your senses: Sip a favourite drink slowly, feeling its warmth. Listen to a piece of music that soothes or energizes you. Smell the crisp air of the changing seasons.
- Be present in your surroundings: Watch the way light moves through your window. Walk in a space that makes you feel at ease, whether it is a quiet forest path or a bustling café where you feel a sense of belonging.
- Delight in the mundane: Find beauty in the ordinary—a conversation with a friend, the feel of fresh sheets, the way a pet curls up beside you.
Reignite Old Loves
- Return to past passions: Reconnect with hobbies that once brought comfort, such as painting, baking, playing an instrument, or gardening. These activities are not just distractions; they remind you of who you are beyond survival.
- Create without expectation: Not everything we make needs to have a purpose or be shared. Engage in art, writing, or movement purely for the joy of expression.
- Explore new interests: If old hobbies feel distant, allow yourself to be curious. Try something new—a craft, a sport, a language. Joy can be rediscovered in unexpected places.
Dream Beyond Survival
- Envision a future where you thrive: Even in the darkest times, our ability to dream is a form of resistance. Imagine a future where you are safe, seen, and surrounded by love.
- Practice small acts of hope: Hope does not have to be grand—it can be as simple as planting seeds for a future garden, saving for a trip, or writing down affirmations about who you are becoming.
- Reclaim your narrative: You are not defined by oppression. You are a person with dreams, desires, and a story that deserves to unfold on your own terms.
By prioritizing joy, connection, and dreaming beyond survival, we resist the systems that seek to diminish us. Our joy is powerful, our rest is necessary, and our existence is a testament to resilience. We deserve more than survival—we deserve a life filled with love, creativity, and belonging.
Conclusion & Invitation to Connect
Healing from political terror as trans, nonbinary, and intersex Canadians is not linear, and it is not something you have to do alone. Your pain is real, but so is your resilience. Honour what you need—whether that is rest, movement, connection, or solitude. Healing does not mean forgetting the harm you have endured; it means creating space for joy, community, and self-reclamation despite it.
Herman (1997) reminds us that “trauma robs the victim of a sense of power and control” (p. 133). Reclaiming that power happens in many ways—through small acts of self-care, through resistance, and through connection with those who see you fully. Healing is not about returning to who you were before trauma—it is about growing into the person you are becoming despite it.
If you need support, I invite you to reach out. Whether through therapy, art, or simply being witnessed, your healing matters. You do not have to navigate this alone.
Visit Clayre Sessoms Psychotherapy to book a session or explore more resources.
References
Callaghan, T. D. (2018). Homophobia in the hallways: Heterosexism and transphobia in Canadian Catholic schools.University of Toronto Press.
Enoch, S., & Smith, C. (2023). Saskatchewan’s attacks on trans students are cynical scapegoating. Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. Retrieved from https://www.policyalternatives.ca/news-research/saskatchewans-attacks-on-trans-students-are-cynical-scapegoating/
Herman, J. L. (1997). Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence—from domestic abuse to political terror. Basic Books.
Porges, S. W., & Porges, S. (2023). Our polyvagal world: How safety and trauma change us. W. W. Norton & Company.
Schmid, A. P., & Jongman, A. J. (2005). Political terrorism: A new guide to actors, authors, concepts, data bases, theories, & literature. Routledge.
Disclaimer: This blog offers general educational information and does not constitute professional advice or establish a therapist-client relationship. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance. Any decisions based on the content are the reader’s responsibility, and Clayre Sessoms Psychotherapy assumes no liability. All case studies are hypothetical with fictional names and do not reflect actual people. We prioritize your privacy and the confidentiality of all of our clients. We are committed to maintaining a safe, supportive space for 2SLGBTQIA+ community care.