Pride

At the beginning of Pride Month, as you can probably imagine, I have a multitude of thoughts. Most are rehashes, but in this current climate of fear-driven vindictive hate and hypocrisy, I feel like much of it bears repeating.

Here are a few tips:

• Everyone gets to proudly identify and present as their authentic selves.
• All humans deserve unconditional love, respect, encouragement, and support.
• When something about a person isn't a choice or cannot be changed — you don't get to try to judge, shame, or influence them.
  
• Similarly, if someone is doing something you dislike, as long as it is not going to harm another person, don't offer unwanted advice or disrespectful and hurtful comments (or call the "authorities").
  

The following five pointers are tongue-in-cheek - we know these are not choices; however, those who speak and act out against them seem to believe they are. 

1. Don't be trans if you don't believe that being transgender is a thing.
2. Don't be gay if you think homosexuality is a sin.
3. Don't wear a dress, high heels, and make-up if you think drag queens are an abomination.
4. Don't be nonbinary if you don't want to adopt they/them pronouns.
5. If you don't want to, don't change your name to take on a preferred one.

And back to our original list:

• To cover all eventualities, if you are ever unsure about expressing or forcing your "opinion" on someone else, I will invoke Wheaton's Law here and simply say, "Don't be a dick."
• Just remember, an opinion is whether you like pineapple on pizza, prefer summer to winter, or like to wear socks with your sandals. You can't debate whether you think a person or group of people should exist.
• And finally, be curious and open to new ideas - learn more about the things you are afraid of or don't fully understand (from reputable sources).

I will be over here proudly supporting, celebrating, honoring, and learning from any brave human daring to live their authentically beautiful life unapologetically (whether they are doing it loudly or quietly) — this June and every other month of the year.

Happy Pride Month!

DRC News

The Canton Center at 48 Riverside Drive requires some extra love this summer. Most notably, some structural reinforcement of floor joists and several renovations, including moving the bathroom to another room, updating kitchen appliances, installing open shelving for storage, and maybe even a few coats of paint to freshen up some of the rooms.

If you would like to help out with any of these projects either offering your hands-on skills or with a donation towards our capital improvements campaign, please get in touch. 

We are seeking folx who excel at jumping in and getting things done. 

Capital Improvements Campaign

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The Pop-ups Peeps celebrated their last week of this academic year at Nicandri Nature Center and the Massena Public Library with pizza and plenty of connections through games and conversations.

Thank you to all of our regular participants for a wonderful year. We are proud of all of your growth and accomplishments.

And a huge shout of thanks to our Pop-up hosts, Massena Public Library, Norwood Public Library, and Nicandri Nature Center for providing safe, inviting spaces for all of the above.

Gratitude to our mentor, Janine, for facilitating all of the awesomeness that transpired this year.