In Fairest, Meredith Talusan reveals the nuances in the decisions we all make to meet our needs for belonging to ourselves and others.

Ultimately a plea for a more compassionate world, Joynt’s efforts acknowledge the way the technology of a  racialized power structure grinds up objectified individuals in its machinery, but also reveals the complexity in how even those who so-called benefit from that automation are also harmed.

Historic depictions like Queer (and the movie Capote I rewatched two weeks ago)  can be useful in recognizing how far we’ve come toward liberation.

As I watch my body reach for my phone over and over before I remember I’m not doing that anymore, and like a gift basket from The Universe, Dean Spade’s Love in a F*cked Up World arrives in my hands. 

The change I want to see in the world must happen inside of myself first.

What I really needed was a break. A break from trying to get it right, a break from striving, a break from the ridiculousness of the 21st century, a bestie to not brightside my shitty fucking day. 

For those among us gasping for air these past few weeks, Undrowned, Black Feminist Lessons from Marine Mammals by Alexis Pauline Gumbs  is a perfect companion to this moment. If you have not yet heard of it, please add to cart. Preferably from an indie bookstore.

I’m adding “NECESSARY” to the badges this paperback wears on its cover. 

Between Queers, this book is a necessary cathartic cry with a friend who gets it. Comforting. Loving. A cool drink of water or a cup of hot tea. Being seen.