You and I can change the world

Friends, I had a different topic in mind for this week, but my writing is channeling into a different direction. I’m listening to that voice and letting it take me where I need to go. What follows is a version of an email that I shared privately with family and friends yesterday (so some of you have already seen most, but not all, of this). You’ll understand below, but I felt compelled to make this request more broadly. It’s worth being out in the world, speaking up for love and joy.

Thanks for joining me on the journey.

It’s difficult in Montana right now. I could tell you about the threats to LGBTQ people. Or I could go into depth about the horrible and harmful legislation that’s been passed. Maybe you’d like my take on the silencing of Representative Zooey Zephyr in the Montana House. I could go on and on and on.

But that’s focusing on the negative and I don’t want to do that right now.

I’m going to instead tell you about an amazing organization I joined last summer. An organization that I am now the board president of. One that is taking localized action to create a safe space for people who need it.

It’s called Pride House and it’s a safe, communal space for LGBTQ youth in the Bozeman area. Each week, middle and high school students come to Pride House for community, for relaxing, for laughter, for snacks, and for a safe space to be themselves.

When I first heard about Pride House, I knew I wanted to be involved. I wanted to join, to make my political action focused on this, because I know how I feel seeing people being marginalized for no reason other than who they are. And if I feel that way, someone with privilege and self-esteem, imagine how younger people feel about it - kids who are still figuring out who they are.

What does this marginalization of LGBTQ and especially trans people teach kids who are learning about the world and themselves?

It teaches them that they have to conform. That they can’t express themselves. That they can’t be who they are in this world. And sometimes, it teaches them that they aren’t wanted. Aren’t loved.

So, I’m standing up and saying YOU ARE LOVED! I love you and I want you in this world. You belong in this world. You are welcome in this world.

If you believe this too, join me in creating a more inclusive and welcoming world. Join me in supporting Pride House.

We’re participating in Give Big Gallatin Valley, a 24-hour fundraising drive for nonprofits in our community. It starts Thursday, May 4 at 6:00 pm and goes until Friday, May 5 at 6:00 pm.

A donation of $5 or more during this fundraising drive gives us the necessary resources to buy snacks, purchase supplies, fund the Trans Closet’s free gender-affirming clothing, sponsor special events like the LGBTQ Middle School Pizza Party during Bozeman Pride later this month, and yes, pay for mundane things like our $1,500 (!!) annual insurance policy.

Every donation matters and makes a difference.

Will you join me in supporting Pride House?

Your support, by donating or sharing, will make a difference in the lives of kids who need to know they are loved and wanted. That there are people in this world who they don’t know who want them to stay in this world.

That’s what you’re doing by donating or sharing about Pride House.

You're saving lives. You’re giving hope and joy and love a chance to grow. You’re changing the world.

You’re changing the world because love always changes the world.

Think about the first time you felt loved. The first time you felt love for someone else.

Think about joy that you experience in your life.

I guarantee it’s because you love something or someone.

The love and joy we experience is transformational. I’m shaped by the people who love me and the people whom I love. So are you.

It’s why I’m going to keep speaking up for transgender people and why I’m going to keep going to Pride and why I’m going to keep bringing up these issues.

It might feel pollyannaish to be talking about love and joy, but I don’t see how else we dismantle the systems that keep hate and bigotry alive.

Organizers in Missoula this last weekend proved that joy and love are more powerful than anything else and if you don’t believe me, read this essay by Garrett Bucks.

His essay gave words to the feelings I’ve had for a long time about politics. They inspired me and I hope they inspire you too.

Maybe my words will inspire you. Maybe they won’t. But something, someday, will.

Because being inspired to take action, to show up, and spread love — that will change the world. And the kids need a better world than the one we have right now.

And I hope you know, that no matter what, you are enough. And you are loved.

With all the love and gratitude in my heart to you,

Alyson

P.S. If you have any questions about Pride House and what we're doing, reach out! I welcome the chance to talk with you.