foundational principles
Hate Free Outagamie stands in solidarity with our queer and trans siblings and is committed to dismantling any system that results in the oppression of people anywhere – workers, immigrants, women or otherwise. We recognize that our liberation is inextricably tied to all liberation struggles and will engage in side by side struggle with anyone we can unite with. We respect having a diversity of tactics among those we do unite with, and expect the same courtesy extended to us. We view these as different battles in the same war.
The following is a foundational declaration of our principles and demands, guiding our actions we take as an organization. We seek not only the destruction of said oppressive systems, but the realization of a caring, diverse, equitable and prosperous world.
I. Affordable and accessible housing for all.
We believe that every human being deserves the right to proper shelter regardless of circumstances. Publicly funded housing for all and easily accessible shelters should be commonplace in our communities, and the criminalization of unhoused people must end. Intersectionally oppressed members of the working class experience homelessness at a disproportionate rate, and fighting for these initiatives are directly in line with our principles. Any attempts to further harm vulnerable or impoverished people should be resisted at all costs.
II. Fully funded, equitable, and historically accurate education for all.
We understand that education is not only an extremely important tool for understanding and dismantling systems of oppression, but a human right. Fully funded and staffed public schools with proper emphasis on mental health and development are integral for the wellbeing of our students and society. Intersectionally oppressed members of the working class are also among the most targeted when it comes to receiving a proper education. Any attacks on the education of our populace should be resisted at all costs.
III. Access to quality, affordable healthcare for all, including gender affirming care.
We believe that healthcare is a right and access to care should not be limited based on income, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, race, immigration status, or marital status. All people deserve competent, quality healthcare based on scientific research and recommendations of qualified professionals and professional organizations, not the opinions of reactionary members of the government.
IV. Employment that is fair, equal, and well-paying for all.
We believe that all people should experience a workplace that is held to high standards of workplace equality. We advocate for stronger legal repercussions for discrimination in hiring and firing, high levels of militant union engagement, and fair wages and benefits for all people no matter their identity.
V. Explicit legal protections for queer and trans individuals.
We believe that the identities and lives of LGBTQ+ individuals should be protected by explicit law, ensuring streamlined processes for name and gender marker changes. Strong anti-discrimination laws should be instituted along with enshrining gender affirming care as necessary healthcare.
VI. Safe and inclusive communities where all can thrive without fear of violence, harassment or discrimination.
We believe that the safety and well-being of all people should be a community’s focus. By redirecting funding from carceral systems to community-based programs that prioritize harm reduction, conflict resolution, and mental health support, we can work to make this a reality. Hate crimes and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals should be enforced with stricter penalties, and resources for members of said community should be commonplace. Mass education on trans and queer issues along with cultural differences will work to challenge stereotypes and promote acceptance of all.
VII. Community control of the police to end the systematic targeting of vulnerable communities, and an end to qualified immunity.
We understand that the over-policing of certain communities does nothing but harm. This must be addressed through reallocating police budgets to community services that address root causes of crime, such as poverty, mental health, and housing insecurity. Strict body camera policies must be enforced, along with ensuring that queer and trans individuals are protected from abuse when in custody. Access to gender affirming healthcare to these individuals while incarcerated is a must. Further, the decriminalization of survival-based activities such as sex work and homelessness, which impact trans and queer communities disproportionately, must take place; all accomplished through community control of the police.
Our organization is committed to fighting all systems of oppression and will take action based primarily on the principles listed above. It is our view that direct, collective action is the route to building an organization and society capable of realizing the principles outlined here.
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