As I've mentioned, I want this to be a place of discussion and growth for all members. With that in mind, I will be starting a book club right here on this page. My plan is to pick a new book centered around queer history each month, and every week we'll discuss the common themes and topics of what we read. If you are interested, please like this post! The first book we'll be reading is 'Mouths of Rain: An Anthology of Black Lesbian Thought' edited by Briona Simone Jones. Queer history is commonly centered around white queer voices, so I'd like to start with a book that amplifies voices that are often spoken over.

Community alone is special, but queer community is on a level of its own. If you'd like, please take a moment to share a favorite memory/instance that you feel represents queer community. I'll go first: Earlier this year one of my best friends lost her mom pretty suddenly. She called me after finding out (her family lives out of town) and I showed up 15 mins later to pick her up from work. I felt so helpless, I had no idea how to help or what to say. The only thing I knew how to do was be there and make sure she wasn't alone. I texted all of our friends and asked for all hands on deck; it was a Monday morning so I was expecting very few people to show up. I was proven incredibly wrong. Within 2 hours her apartment was filled with friends and familiar faces, all bringing food and warm wishes. They just kept coming, new people kept showing up or calling to see how they could support. For the next 24 hours she had someone by her side at all times. All of our friends are queer, and this story is now one of my most telling examples of how queer people show up for their community. She still talks about how loved and supported she felt in the time that she needed it most. I am proud to be part of a community that shows up for each other.