Dear friends, As we close out 2025, I’m holding on to hope — and fire — for the year ahead. People often ask how I’m doing (I appreciate it!). Living in occupied DC is hard on the nervous system. I’m often on edge because I know what’s happening around me. Just one example: 84 people have been abducted within a mile or so of where I live — and the real number is probably higher, that’s just what activists have been able to document. And there’s the cognitive dissonance. I have privilege that...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Navigating New Chapters with Confidence Summer is a season of transitions—whether you're preparing for a new school year, starting a job, moving to a new place, or simply embracing the longer days and new experiences that come with the season. Change can feel both exciting and overwhelming. And with our rights under attack, resistance skills of all kinds are more important than ever (sorry about the cliche!). For those stepping into something brand new or facing familiar situations with fresh...
7 months ago • 3 min read
Defend Yourself trainers and students take up space and practice empowerment self-defense in the shadow of where policy is made — on the U.S. Capitol lawn. (2018) A Message of Strength and Safety for June and Beyond Even as world events make this June especially challenging for LGBTQIA+ people, they ignite an even deeper need for us to celebrate, honor, and affirm our communities. As we express our Pride as a queer-led organization, it’s also a time to acknowledge the challenges we face with...
9 months ago • 3 min read