We’re off to a hot start (literally and figuratively, as it was 81 degrees Fahrenheit with 70% humidity today!) of summer!
Every queer person will say they celebrate the richness of their queer identity all year-long. I am one of these people. But, I can’t deny the joy and excitement I feel during this month: a month purely dedicated to us, our successes, our community, and the work ahead of us. To me, being queer is intrinsically tied with being anti-capitalist, anti-patriarchy, anti-imperialist, anti-police state, and anti-white supremacy. The aforementioned all contribute to the diminishing of the LGBTQIA+1 community with a singular goal to silence and erase us.
One of the first questions that comes to mind is: how do I put in the work this month? Earlier this year, I tried to join a local, grassroots organization (shoutout Anakbayan San José!) My values aligned with theirs, and I diligently took notes during the weekly PCR hosted over Discord. However, it wasn’t within my capacity to fight for change this way. Amid my other familial and personal responsibilities, I didn’t have the time nor the energy. I resigned, but was in dismay.
Recently, I discovered that there is more than one way to work towards liberation. Climate justice and human rights activist, Céline Semaan, recently shared on their social media a chart created by The Slow Factory composed of roles each of us can fill in to make strides toward our collective liberation. Even though I wasn’t at the forefront as an Advocate, I could do the work as a Writer, Artist, and Communicator. Not only is this where I do my best work, but it’s where I can give back, whether it through workshops, this newsletter, or in dispersing knowledge through conversation (and social media). I highly encourage you to read through each of the roles and find which works best for you and your lifestyle.
My urging you to be connected with your community and stay educated (please read works by Angela Davis, bell hooks, James Baldwin, among others) is in full recognition of Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, Stormé DeLarverie, and Miss Major Griffin-Gracy and their work in starting the Stonewall Riots, the events of which being the exact reason why June is Pride Month. More can be read here.
The truth is, we have to do this together. Each of us are unique in our experience, talents, and potential. Pride Month is not only a way for me to celebrate myself, but to celebrate each of you.
This is not to say you are only valuable because of what you bring to the table. You are always good as you are. Because you being here is enough to me.
Here’s to us! Happy Hot Queer Summer!
Salamat ug amping kanunay,
Keana
P.S. If you’re a bookstagrammer like me, your “hot girl summer”2 reading lists better include Black gendernonconforming/genderqueer/nonbinary, fem, and women authors! Explanation here!
Updates
If you have creative work to submit around the theme of nostalgia, please consider submitting to Sampaguita Press’ BuliLit Zine vol. 2, The Art of Nostalgia is in the Heart. Submissions are open through July 31. More details can be found here.
Sampaguita Press’ sister publication, Marías at Sampaguitas, is also open for submissions for the Fall Issue, Rituals. Guidelines are here and details regarding the Rituals theme are here.
LGBTQIA+ is an acronym including lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual. The + denotes the multitude of queer identities not listed in this acronym
The term “hot girl summer” was coined by Houston rapper, Megan Thee Stallion, and used in her album “Fever”