Announcement - update... a coming reboot and exciting expansion of this 'stack....
November brings a refocus for this blog on up close and personal conversations and profiles of lesbian and gender rights activists and creatives--here and globally -- and even more.
Coming soon….
October 21, 2022
Dear Subscribers and newer arrivals to my ‘stack,
Welcome again. I wanted to write and say thank you to everyone who subscribed to this weekly Substack. It’s been two months and I’ve taken this time to stretch my literary muscles a bit and think about what I really want to write about and what deserves attention, especially.
The answer to both calls for a tweak – starting today -- of my original goals with this blog—both a narrowing and an expansion of content. As you know, if you’ve read this page from its first days in August, I wanted a space to write about my return to NY after years away, but also, to have a personal online platform to speak to, and write about, friends and colleagues in my activist and creative social circles and what they’re doing today — what they’re thinking about or making work about in this moment of our larger politics. So many of them continue to engage and inspire us politically and culturally, to do incredible things, and make important work, artistic and otherwise. I want to hear from them and think others would, too.
I’m also curious, and want to give a greater spotlight, to such activists and activism around the world – and to the collectives and causes they engage in. The political and daily reality and dangers and obstacles they face doing this work demand our greater attention.
Saudi Arabian gender right activists Nassima al-Sadah (left) and Samar Badawi.
Photo: Al Jazeera
So, as of November 1st, I’m planning an official relaunch of this weekly ‘stack. The title will remain the same, as will the current personal conversational / essay format. But I plan to go deeper in my conversations and reporting and refocus it on intimate conversations and profiles of lesbian and gender rights activists and creatives here and globally. I’ll expand the blog with additional content and perks. This will include any of the following: an expanded print conversation, audio narration or a podcast, and a Zoom or vodcast. I won’t have this all at once because I’m an OG luddite, but I’m catching up. Soon, it will have more bells and whistles. And lots of links and resources with each ‘stack.
Les Degommeuses, a French lesbian footballer and activist group.
Photo credit: Les Degommeuses.
Up to now, I haven’t wanted to ask for paid subscriptions for two reasons. One, I remain committed to free access to this work, and that won’t change. And two, I wanted to be sure I could deliver on consistent content worthy of asking for a greater commitment. There are so many causes that seek our precious dollars and I take your support seriously. Your reading this blog is already an investment of your time and attention, and I really appreciate it. (Thank you!).
With the coming reboot, I’d like to ask those of you who can afford it to become paid subscribers. In exchange you’ll access more content—fuller conversations, audio and video formats, and possibly other perks. It takes time and resources to report for this blog and I’ll be doing more of it. I’m also inviting all of you to share with me -- and us -- your ideas for people and groups who deserve the spotlight, and our advocacy support. Your feedback is so welcome.
Zahra Sedighi-Hamadani, an Iranian lesbian and gender-nonconforming activist, was sentenced to death on September 21, 2022, by Iranian authorities.
Dr. Beverley Palesa Ditsie, a veteran South African lesbian activist, founder of the first Johannesburg Pride March, and a documentary filmmaker. Photo: IOL media.
Looking ahead, in these hard political times, we can all use sources of creative and personal inspiration and hope and strategy and lessons from others. That’s the extra special sauce on the menu I’m offering here—from veteran activists, smarties, thinkers and makers. So that’s my reboot and pitch. I am 100% behind it. I hope you will be, too.
In solidarity, gratitude, and enthusiasm,
Anne-christine
