we won't go back

There's a recall effort underway for the Louisiana governor. https://www.fox8live.com/video/2026/05/11/supporters-gather-government-plaza-recall-petition-targets-gov-jeff-landry/ 

The bar seems high -- 800, 000 signatures? -- but enthusiasm is running high also, so -- who knows?

A dear friend, born and raised in New Orleans, remembers Jim Crow well. It wasn't that long ago. She remembers being put off the city bus to accommodate white passengers, the long walk from Canal Street in her best dress and gloves, all the way back Uptown. 

Her first communion, when she, a thirsty six-year-old, drank from the Whites Only fountain because it had cold water. She watched her grandmother thrown to the ground and handcuffed for allowing it. Neither  spoke of it for decades, trauma compounded upon trauma.

Three of the New Orleans Four are still alive! They ride in parades; Leona Tate started the TEP Center as a way to remember and continue the work.

We cannot, we will not, go back.  

Laufey + Liu = :)

I'm no winter Olympics fan but watching Alyssa Liu skate felt different. Joyous. Airy. Like an artistic performance. The Laufey soundtrack was icing on the cake.

our hearts are with beautiful Chicago

 

                                                                Chicago, September 2025

when I'm feeling low these icons comfort me

 

 

 

this is courage

Not hyper macho body armored muscle queens laden with weapons.

But.

People. Americans of all sorts. Showing up all day for the mundane and the glorious. 

First, at a non-regulation polling site at 8.30am on a Saturday, to find like minded neighbors already in line. A grumpy blond woman in her jammies. A harried couple with their child, half-costumed for the No Kings march. Millenials en route to brunch. All of us trying to weigh in despite little information and limited ballots.

Then thousands gathering in oppressive Louisianan heat, humidity and a blistering sun, from elderly veterans to pre-gaming gays and parents with sweaty kids, holding handmade signs, some in costume, exercising the right to free speech and having a say.

And later, Pride, onlookers and dancers and performers damp from the passing thunderstorms, decked out in glitter and rainbows to celebrate our beloved gay friends and families. A visitor from Arizona excitedly scooping up beads to take home to her kids. A white-haired woman in a leotard, lip-syncing to George Michael's "Freedom", her krewe dancing in the street around her. Glitter gays diffidently texting from their float. It's chaos and joy and I love it.

 

* 

To those who criticize, I wonder about motivations. It's personal for me. I show up because I want to (have you BEEN to a protest or a parade?! the joy and solidarity and camaraderie are <<chef's kiss>>). I show up to be counted. To feel less alone. For those who can't because of work or mobility or exhaustion or fear. I'm not brave. Just determined.