Hi my little cheddar cheese honey bunny va va voom turtle time skibididooda squirrelfriends!! (Ok I got all my pent up unhingedness out in one sentence- that’s a new record!)
I lead off with a lighthearted bout of mental instability because, my fucking god, this week has just been jam packed with more fucking bullshit. From the constantly increasing volume and brazenness of ICE abductions to the Supreme Court ruling in United States v Skrmetti to us fucking bombing Iran, shit is bleak. I feel worn out. My panty liner feels worn out. Its hard not to feel like a big ol’ sad deflated balloon at the end of the birthday party. I add humor to these statements because shit, without it I just don’t know what’s left. Anger? That’s still there, trust. Depression? Yup, that’s there too (but thank you SSRIs for helping with that- hopefully the HHS doesn’t see this hehehe). Burnout? Oh she is absolutely there. Hope? In some ways, sure. I feel close to many of my friends now in a way that’s more real, and vulnerable, and (maybe genuine?) in a way that I didn’t necessarily feel in my 20’s. Maybe its because I’m in my 30s now, and facing this fucking bleak reality of 2025 makes the stakes feel so much higher. Maybe its because I don’t really drink or (often) smoke weed anymore? My head definitely feels the clearest its felt in a long time. I think with that clarity, my strengthened bonds with friends and family, and motivation to keep bettering myself I feel hope in myself in a way I never have. I spent so many years doubting myself. Questioning why I deserve to be on this planet. Beating myself up in every way possible. But like, bitch, we just don’t have TIME for that now. IDK if that’s a symptom of me internalizing bullshit US grind culture, or actually getting to a place or internal acceptance and peace (maybe both) but I gotta say- it’s been such a weight off these linebacker shoulders.
I apologize for this rambling ass intro but I think to sum it up I just want to say that things are fucking weird right now. Who knows what the future holds (most likely more insanity). What we can do is check in with each other, make space for each other, love each other, help each other, support each other, and fight alongside each other. With that note, check out this week’s slices of hickory nut muenster cheese (doesn’t that shit look bomb?)
Sunday Slice- 6/22/2025
Donate and Educate: LGBTQ Freedom Fund
I’m sure y’all understand the concept of intersectionality. If not- I highly recommend reading this interview with Kimberlé Crenshaw- a civil rights advocate and pioneering scholar who coined the term. It’s super insightful.
One such intersection is that of incarcerated queer folks (especially queer black, indigenous, and/or immigrant folks). LGBTQ+ folks are three times more likely to be jailed. 4 in 10 transgender prisoners are secually abused. 1 in 2 homeless children are LGBTQ and half of homeless people experience incarceration. With ICE abductions and arrests of peaceful protestors- incarcerated folks need our help more than ever. I highly recommend checking out the LGBTQ Freedom Fund: an organization which pays bail to secure the safety and liberty of individuals in jail and immigration detention. In addition, they work in advocacy, education, and grantmaking to mobilize the public and policymakers to address the disproportionate impact of incarcerations of LGBTQ individuals. This is especially critical for LGBTQ migrants- many of whom immigrate to the US to escape widespread violence and legal discrimination (or even penalization). The LGBTQ Freedom Fund also pays bond across the US to secure the freedom of migrants in ICE detention. Please consider donating to this amazing organization here. Want to consider volunteering? Feel free to sign up for a role here. If anything- I suggest signing up for their newsletter for updates and information on the work they do. You can subscribe at the bottom of their website.
Aid Request: Support Joanna Taylor’s Transition Journey
Like I mentioned the last few weeks, I’ll be continuing to highlight some folks’ aid requests linked on the Trans-Wa Community Aid Directory. With this week’s Supreme Court ruling, it is more critical than ever before that we step up to help trans folks’ receive the gender affirming care they need. Here’s an easy way to do so! From Joanna’s GoFundMe:
Hi friends! Thank you for taking the time to look at this page. My name is Joanna Taylor, I’m 24 years old and I’m a trans woman living in Washington. I’m raising money to help me further along my transition. The money raised will be applied to different gender affirming surgeries in the coming future. I’ve been saying money for gender affirming surgeries, but could use all the help I can get.
I enjoy spending time with my friends, doing drag, playing dnd, and going to shows! I’m looking forward to becoming the woman I am, and I’m so excited to see where takes me.
You can contribute to Joanna’s care fund here. If you have the means, please strongly consider doing so.
Get Involved! Mutual Aid Mondays (Reno)
Mutual Aid Mondays is a weekly get together at Our Center every Monday from 6-7 PM. Each week- they meet to discuss local mutual aid groups as well as sharing weekly upcoming events. They also post weekly event highlights to their Instagram every Monday- check out this post for last week’s highlights. If you are looking to get involved – I highly recommend either showing up in person (which would be ideal- meeting folks face to face and building those relationships is best) or checking out their social media to see where and how you can show up! There is also a Google Meet link for their weekly meeting in case you are not able to attend in person. Remember: mutual aid is centered around relationship building- getting to KNOW the folks around you is key. Reno friends and family I’m lookin’ at you: let’s show up and show out to help our neighbors.
Thanks all for sticking around. Like I said above, we gotta keep pushing forward, day by day. That in of itself is resistance. But also- if you see a fascist, POINT IT OUT. Call those bitch ass cowards out for exactly what they are. Public shamings really need to come back en vogue, and I think pointing out Nazis is the best way to do so. Also, please enjoy this video (ok there was a bit more unhinged still left in me!) Have a great week!
Un beso de queso,
Vel 🧡🌈🐓🤷♀️
La Vida Veeta 
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