This month, the world lost a beautiful young person in Oklahoma, at the hands of a discriminatory state government, state and local school system and the hate of three other young people. In response to the death, a state representative responded that he represents a “Christian state..a moral state..who doesn’t want that filth here”. Nex Benedict was a 16 year old, gender fluid person with a whole life ahead of them. While this tragedy is important to continue to talk about and raise awareness of the direct implications of anti-lgbtq legislation, media, and school policies, I wanted to take a moment to address the many more transgender, nonbinary and gender expansive young people who are watching how the country responds to this news..
You matter SO MUCH. Our world is so much better for the color, life, beauty, energy, activism, and light you bring to it. I am always so taken by the power and courage of young people today who are able to be themselves in the face of such resistance. While we’re fighting for you, know we’re in awe of what you bring to our communities and our world. You WILL change the world. While the world may struggle to understand us, while they may actively resist our existence, we’re not going anywhere. We’ll keep showing up, saying the names of those we’ve lost to violence and hate. We’ll keep advocating for change in your schools and doctors offices, we’ll keep encouraging parents to love you unconditionally, and if they can’t, please know you have a community of people who faced bullying, harassment, violence, and who grew up to be adults who are committed to making the world different for you all. Reach out if the weight is too much and you need the reminder that you are capable and wildly resilient. Reach out if you need to cry, if you need to let your guard down and be vulnerable. You can’t be strong and courageous every day, all day. You need safe places to be soft and receive love and compassion and understanding. We’re out there, ready to give a hug, offer encouragement, and again, to fight for you. Don’t give up, don’t back down. Just don’t do it all alone.
As a reminder, our teen group meets monthly and is a great space for local young people to connect and be themselves. For more info, email k3lgbtqnetwork@gmail.com. If you or someone you know is struggle with the thought of hurting themselves, call 988 (the national suicide hotline) or the LGBTQ youth suicide hotline, Trevor Project at 866-488-7386 or text 678-678.
This month we officially launched our website! We’re so excited for all the resources that are already available to YOU already and we’re only developing our site more to provide a place for everyone to seek information about events, support, and resources! Possibly my favorite part of the site is our webstore! We have several awesome items available to buy, like shirts, hats, flags, stickers and more coming! We’ll be posting upcoming events regularly and we’ll have info on Pride events coming soon! Additionally, we have put a space for mutual aid and support under our “support” tab! If you’re looking for any help or support, click there and fill out the form! Please take an opportunity to visit and look around at www.k3lgbtq.org! We’re really thankful for local graphic design business, Abstractionz and their work to launch this website! Thank you Amy!
In honor of Black History Month, and marking our first event with Kankakees chapter of the NAACP, we hosted a screening of the Netflix movie, “Rustin”, which tells the story of Bayard Rustin, the man behind the 1963 March on Washington! Rustin was a gay man and therefore didn’t receive the recognition of his work behind the event, but this film provided an excellent example of why black history and LGBTQ history in education matters so deeply! If you have the chance to watch the film on Netflix, I highly recommend you do! Our event was catered by Brickstone and held at the Kankakee Public Library. The NAACP is celebrating their 115th anniversary this year, says Kankakee Chapter president Theodis Pace. We’re thankful for everyone who had a part in making this event happen and everyone who came out and engaged in discussion following the screening!
February 22 was Chosen Family Day! For many queer people who have distanced or been pushed away from biological family, chosen family become important for emotional and social support. Unfortunately, still too often, family members ostracize LGBTQ individuals. Family of choice often become closer than biological relatives. We celebrate chosen family as an important part of our lives & LGBTQ culture.
The image for Chosen Family Day, was designed and drawn by Jeremy L. (he/him), a college student originally from Manteno who was assigned to select an organization and create a graphic for them. We’re honored he selected us! To see more of Jeremy’s work, follow him on Instagram @jeremyc.leer and @thetruedurgerking.
In February, the Illinois Secretary of State launched documents on their website that allow individuals to update their driver’s license and ID cards to reflect their gender identity with an “X” marker option. This is a huge win for trans and non-binary Illinoisians to have their identifiecation cards more accurately reflect their identity! For more information visit www.ilsos.gov
We would love to feature YOU as part of our monthly newsletter! If you have art, poetry, opinions, educational rid bits, or anything else you’d like us to feature as part of our newsletter, send it to us at k3lgbtqnetwork@gmail.com
For more information, visit our social media or contact us via email at k3lgbtqnetwork@gmail.com
