In the Midst of Tumult There is Strength

We are committed to creating a future where we are all elders to many 2SLGBTQIA+ generations.

This week brought news that is still bending and breaking our hearts and brains; we are working to integrate and embody, to grieve and rage, to walk from our deepest knowing, to find each other, and to be the change that future generations need and deserve. We are exactly who is needed in this moment. Each and every person.

The work of the country and each community post-election would have been the same; but now it is overshadowed by the likelihood of more rapid and increased violence to those most vulnerable - in our communities and across the country.

How do we find our way through this?

Through the resilience we have earned by living in a world that would rather erase us . . . through courageous hope and unwavering authenticity. We continue our work. We continue to love. We continue to turn towards each other. We continue to remember the ancestors who have fought for us.

No matter what, our work to preserve these voices and stories will continue. We are committed to creating a future where we are all elders to many 2SLGBTQIA+ generations.

At this tenuous moment in our shared histories, we are sharing a reflection from one of our community members about what they’re hoping future generations might take from narratives that are captured through our archive and multimedia project.

“One of the big things I’m hoping is that in hearing these stories, folks who are feeling shaky in their own sense of self, their own sense of identity, under the 2SLGBTQIA+ umbrella might be able to identify and locate themselves in hearing some stories that really speak to them. When folks are really struggling to find where they are in terms of identity, it’s so important to identify with somebody else. Sometimes there are murky or vague impressions swirling around inside of the person - this was my experience and I didn’t necessarily have language for what I was feeling and knowing about myself - it was a very strong felt sense but I didn’t have language. I think this podcast really has a chance to provide some language and some naming for folks who may need that."

I think it also might draw some encouragement and a sense of ancestry or lineage with queer elders of all kinds. I think I’m also really hoping that people will feel some sense of inspiration after hearing how people who came before them shared some of their struggles and also modeled some success at overcoming and thriving. I think there is so much potential for all of that. I’m really grateful that you’re trying to birth this beautiful thing into the world. Thank you for doing what you’re doing. I can’t wait to listen to it and I just feel really encouraged that you’re putting it out there. Thank you very much for all that you’re doing.” - K, 2SLGBTQIA+ Community Member

Speaking of Unwavering Authenticity . . .

One of the most beautiful and poignant parts of our work is engaging with the creatives we share space and conversations with - whether for a few moments or a couple of hours. Their backgrounds and worldviews are so deeply varied and their work so dynamic. While we aren’t ready to release the names of the 2025 Creatives we have the honor to interview just yet, we thought we would give you a little teaser about some of the ways they identify.

Let this work and each of us be an anchor, a light as we find our way through 2024 and 2025, and beyond. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️❤️