LGBTQ+ Liberation beyond Pride

Mount Arlington NJ

Description

Mutual Morris is a mutual aid group that began in February of 2020 to respond to community needs in Morris County during the Covid-19 pandemic but also to build community relationships, provide education and resources, and continue the ongoing struggle for liberation from the systems that cause poverty and oppression. As such, we feel a strong connection to the history of the LGBTQ+ fight for liberation from the state and its violence, from homophobia and transphobia, from racism and ableism, from economic and other injustices. Many of our founding members and volunteers do this work because of our own experiences as queer people. The Stonewall Uprising itself was an act of mutual aid and the people involved were practicing mutual aid as part of their ongoing resistance and community caring. There are so many Pride events and parades nowadays, and it is important to have an opportunity to celebrate ourselves and to be in community with each other. But it is also important to remember that the struggle is not over. In honor of the freedom fighters who sacrificed so much, we are planning a series of events, online and off, to learn about the revolutionary history and the need for a revolutionary future across our communities. It is not enough to be accepted by the status quo, or to become the face of the status quo. We all deserve the right to be fully ourselves without needing permission, tolerance, or acceptance by society or its enforced standards. We all deserve to be free, and to decide for ourselves what that looks like. Because we're grassroots and people-powered, we welcome volunteers who would like to contribute to this month of learning, friendship, and planning for the future. Rather than having a board do all the planning behind closed doors, we invite you to participate regardless of your age, experience, ability. LGBTQ+ people, like many other people, also face an epidemic of loneliness that we can only solve by coming together and forging lasting relationships. Mutual aid is regular people helping each other directly and building communities of abundance and safety. Pride is mutual aid. We really want to get to know you and welcome you to our network. Please reach out to join the discussion and learn more.