I’ve been working on a writing project lately, which I’m describing as an act of Queer Resistance. It’s rooted in stories. Stories of families and love and care and queerness. We live in crazy times, folks. And I’ve been seeking solace in the words of people like Ellen Hinsey and adrienne marie brown. They have me thinking about action and resistance against the rise of totalitarianism, fascism, oligarchy, autocracy, and authoritariansim.
In case you missed it: lots is happening at the intersection of queerness and authoritarianism. The term “gender identity” was revoked from the protected classes in the Iowa Civil Right’s Act, which prohibits the discriminatory practices in realms such as housing, employment, public accommodations, wages, etc. Meanwhile, the U.S. government is purging queer records from its archives. Oh, and the government also created a form where citizens can report instances “divisive ideologies and indoctrination” in schools. Because goodness knows education is all about acquiescence **eyeroll**.
I don’t say this to frighten you, but to showcase a need for action. In their podcast, adrienne and her sister Autumn talk about moving beyond the pause and not getting stuck in the freeze. And, as I wrote about in another newsletter, Ellen Hinsey said that “fear is a luxury amidst autocracy.” It is not enough to simply talk of the panic. It is not enough to fear the threat.
In an attempt to avoid the freeze, to not submit to fear, I’m doing what I know best: writing. Over the course of the next few months, I’m committing to uplifting queer stories. My own and others. I’m concerned by the manners in which folks across the LBGTQ+ community are being portrayed (by our country’s leaders) as wholly predatory and dangerous, when we are simply seeking out community support, health care, and civil rights. When we just want to see ourselves represented in classrooms and the workplace (and on bookshelves for goodness’s sake!).
Okay, so here’s the situation: Public health data is being removed from government websites. Terms like “gender” are being replaced with “sex.” References to transgender people were eradicated from the Stonewall monument, despite the fact that they served as the foundation of the movement.
Queer stories are being erased from our nation’s history. So it’s time to raise these stories up ourselves.
The scope of my project specifically surrounds the experiences of gender-nonconforming parents, a population doing beautiful work (aka raising sweet little kiddos) and a population for which there is such little representation. I want to elevate their stories, to show their radiant and beautiful existences. And personally (a skosh selfishly) I want to learn from them. The project is young, so those are really all the details I’m ready to share at the moment. But I’d really love your support. Here are some ways you can help this project:
Become a paid subscriber and put some money in this writer’s pocket. More money = more time I can dedicate to this project.
Already paying? Bump up your commitment to a year-long sub or become a founding subscriber.
Share this post with someone who needs some Queer Resistance! Email it to your bestie. Post it on social media. Print it out and mail it to your cool aunt. Let them know the stories are being told!
Consider sharing your story. If you’re a queer parent (or thinking of becoming one), I’d love to uplift your story. We can talk details of anonymity, triggers to avoid, and all that important business over DMs. <3
In February I got to see the ocean.
Love to you all,
Shanley