I'm currently between a the end of a conference and celebrating my significant other's birthday. My blog post this week won't be that long. Questions to consider: what is it you would like independence from? How can we celebrate our nation's history and maintain a view that is not divisive (us vs. them)? Do you celebrate holidays with family--why or why not? Let me know if you need some help unpacking your answers to these questions. Celebrate safely! Blessings on your day.
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It was a work weekend and boy were people, both young and old, working their tails off! Here are some of the efforts pictured below. Photo Credit: Heather Oelker (pictured below gardening) And yes, I was riding high (pictured by fire) only to be taken down by an animal's home.
It was a hell of a week this past week: 1) Fighting with care providers who dropped the ball completely to get me into an orthopedist, 2) Getting car fixed (yay!) only to have a tire blow-out the next day occur TEN MINUTES from said orthopedist appointment (weird traffic delay before the blow out, too) (boo!) 3) Ending up back at dealership that replaced bad tire the day before 4) Running errands to appointments the next day and finding whole city blocks without power causing anarchy driving tactics and finding closed roads that were open the previous day. If it wasn't clear that healing needed to occur--this week drove that point home (pun intended). Update: I have been to see an orthopedist who informed me that it is a really bad sprain and that recovery will be at least eight weeks. I am doing my best to figure out a balance between my daily routine and taking care of the injury. I'm still going about life--just in a different way.
I will continue to examine the spiritual issue(s) that led up to such an injury. I definitely don't want the next bitch slap from the Universe.
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say
to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” ~Fred Rogers
And then there’s been isolation for me, too; and at the same time having to be and educator while in the pit of grief. I, like many in the queer community, am tired of having to explain to straight people, “What’s taking so long.” Or, “Did you know someone in Orlando?” Ugh, the exhaustion. Yes, I do know people there personally—and I, like so many, did receive alerts via Facebook safety feature—which was unsettling because it brought it home on a new level. Regardless, it’s called #MissingThePoint for crying out loud! (And I am crying out loud) We didn't have to know anyone there personally for us to have such deep grief. You can read last week's blog to see why each and everyone of us in the queer/trans community identifies with this tragic event. Straight people are back to work wondering why the queer community is such a mess—again. Maybe, just maybe if we had non-discrimination acts in place, the ability to go the the (expletive) bathroom in peace, or not have to fear the local bully--we would be more resilient. So I am asking for your patience on behalf of an entire community in mourning. Maybe just listen. Maybe read other articles, but don't be silent. Don't let it happen again.
And who's talking about queer people of color?
We need you, allies--now more than ever.
I want you to know that you are loved.
FIERCELY! By me and the God I know. If you take nothing from this post other than that...I've done okay. Wherever you are and whenever you read this--soak this in. Here are some resources if you need them:
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I had a different idea for my first official blog post on this website. It was not supposed to be this kind of post. It never is. However, that isn't what happened. The massacre in Orlando is on my mind and heart--along with my whole community. I'm still in shock so the words aren't going to come out smoothly. My emotions are raw and spilling out all over the place. What I realize is that it could've been me in that bar that night. Everyone in the queer community is aware of this. Everyone. |
I felt compelled to be at each venue.
I'm sharing my reflections from each one with a slideshow of lanterns at the bottom.
Not sure what I hope to gain from this--maybe just a place to share my thoughts.
There is also a call to action below the slideshow.
The Lansing Association of Human Rights (LAHR) hosted the candlelight vigil at the State Capitol Building. It was a moving event beginning with the cast of "Rent" (from local theater production) to come sing, "Seasons of Love" which brought everyone to tears if--we weren't already crying. We heard from Mayor Virg Bernero, the director of LAHR, and then Rev. Nicolette Siragusa led the spiritual portion ending in prayer and silence. There was hugging, checking in with each other, and making sure people were getting the care they needed. This is the heart of the community which can't be destroyed--as fragile as it is. |
I headed over to the campus of Michigan State University where folks were gathering at The Rock. It's a place on campus where a whole host of organizations have painted the famous symbol for a wide variety of causes and events. Student leaders from the Academic Orientation Program (AOP), beginning on June 13th, typically paint The Rock the night before orientation begins. This meant that The Rock was already "reserved." However, staff from the LBGT Resource Center worked with these student leaders to create the memorial pictured above. It was a beautiful collaboration of organizations with a common goal: to mark this time in history. I'm sure it looked different from what they imagined they would be painting and they will be different due to this experience. There is beauty in that. |
We all stood silent watching the lights go up in the sky. I stayed a while to watch the drag show as I knew one of the queens personally. When all was said and done--I was wrung out! Maybe there is more to say but I just can't find the words right now. In the mean time, I will be focusing on gathering people together and working on this thing called love--which is a work in progress for me...
What can we do?
Video Introduction to Website from Jenn Tafel on Vimeo.
Jenn says:
This is my story. I write to unearth hidden stories and also to show others the way toward restoration and wholeness.
Grounded Cove Living is LGBTQQIA2S+ affirming
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