By Harvey Wasserman, Reader Supported News

10 June 19

 huge proposed bailout of two Chernobyl-in-progress Ohio nukes (plus two old coal burners) would put $20 million directly into the pockets of seven utility executives. Their bankrupt company last year spent $3 million “lobbying” the legislature.

Akron’s bankrupt FirstEnergy (FE) owns the Perry nuke, east of Cleveland, which in 1986 became the first US reactor damaged by an earthquake. Critical pipes and concrete were cracked, as were nearby roads and bridges. A top-level state study showed soon thereafter that evacuation amidst a major accident would be impossible.

Queer and trans people of color showcased their artistic, poetic and musical talents by performing at the “Community Pride: Decades of Resistance” kickoff event on June 4th at The Vanderelli Room. The theme of this grassroots festival references the origins of Pride as a revolt against state violence to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots that trans women of color like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera had leading roles in. The first event was titled “Speak Up: Columbus Community Pride Spoken Word” to celebrate the radical nature of queer existence.

Dkéama Alexis and Charlie H.A. Stewart are co-directors of this year’s grassroots pride and are leading the Consciousness team of Community Pride. Alexis explained what decades of resistance means in their kickoff speech in the beginning of the show to highlight the need to stand up for the most marginalized members of queer communities.

Monday, June 10, 2019, 6:30 – 8:30 PM 
Please join us on Monday, June 10th, at 6:30 p.m. as we continue the conversation on how we can best support Miriam Vargas and her family.  Facebook.  

Lily Kunning (Columbus, Ohio’s community herbalist) has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund work on a comprehensive online course for girls and young women to learn about their bodies, sexuality, gender, relationships, and more. “It’s the course we all wish we had growing up,” says Kunning.

“As a girl child, I was not taught the name of all my body parts. I had to learn about sex and relationships through (sometimes bad) experiences. In short, I am not prepared for life as an adult.” continues Kunning. “Given the current state of affairs politically- with women losing civil liberties and autonomy over their own bodies under the law- I knew I had to do something! Given my skillset, creating Maiden Voyage was something I was born to do.”

There are ways for straight and cis people to be supportive to the LGBTQ+ community that are more impactful than attending a Pride parade as an onlooker or marcher:

1. Volunteer with organizations that are putting on Pride events doing the work that is least fun – do trash pick up, help out in the parking lots, do clean up after the event. These roles are often filled by LGBTQ+ people who are missing out on the fun while allies are enjoying the festivities.

2. Offer to watch the children of LGBTQ+ people so they can attend parades and other events without children, if they want a kid-free day. Also, offer to do this for the evening events.

3. Give money to LGBTQ+ organizations, especially those that center trans folks and people of color.

4. Spend your money at LGBTQ+ owned businesses on days Pride isn’t happening.

5. Buy tickets to Pride events and offer them up to LGBTQ+ people. Some events are pricey and not all LGBTQ+ people can afford to go.

6. Drop LGBTQ+ people off and/or pick them up from the Parade. The traffic is wild and rides would be appreciated.