Hello Lavender friends,

Well, that’s one more election season coming to a close. For those who feel abandoned by this country, again, know that you are not alone in this pain. These are hard roads we travel as queer Americans, but they are nevertheless full of other beautiful amazing people who seek to create a community that honors our lives and our journeys. 

Building community is the way that we protect ourselves from fascist regimes. Looking out for each other, making space for each other — all of this should be at the core of a new future we build together.

So what does that actually look like? It’s continuing to live big, queer lives. It’s volunteering with local mutual aid groups to support our community and build each other up. It’s reading up on our history as queer people fighting against western rule, and also learning from other marginalized groups as they speak on their work fighting against racism, patriarchy, white supremacy, and imperialism. 

Here at the Lavender, we aim to tell the stories of queer people in Central IL and how we survive and thrive despite it all. We dream of a better future for queer people and we will tell the stories of how we get there. It feels like a long shot to build something new, but we are torch bearers in a long line of people working to make the world a beautiful and better place. Take heart in that. I know I will.

Yours always,

Jada Fulcher, Editor-in-Chief of The Lavender Newsletter

Lavender Election Statement

A message to our followers <3