This is a call to action for protection, visibility, and justice.

The day grew from the mourning of trans women like Rita Hester, whose death in 1998 sparked a movement to name and remember.

When was the last time you saw a Black teen love story that didn’t end in trauma? When did we stop believing our kids deserved romance, joy, and emotional education?

Let’s bring it back, for them and for us, and for the generations still learning how to hold each other softly.

Netflix’s Forever gave us an increasingly rare, soft look at Black teen love in the modern world. It was awkward, affirming, and quietly profound. Where have our stories gone? Young people are growing up with endless content, but no space to actually feel it out for themselves.

So the next time we talk about reproductive justice, contraception, or medical equity, remember:
Our ancestors were messy, but also masterful.

Huge shoutout to @ourancestorsweremessy for an amazing podcast! Y'all tune in for a mix of history, mess, and comedy.

What I want to focus on is how connected our movements should be to our lives. There should be no single issue orgs seeing as we don't live single issue lives.

Now more than ever our movements need to be collaborating to meet the needs of our communities because our struggles are connected.

References:
-Carmen Jones (1954); scene just before the cards tell her that her fate is sealed and death is coming
-American Horror Story: Coven; with Angela Bassett playing Marie Laveau
-Chilling Adventures of Sabrina; featuring Prudence and Ambrose who later explore Hoodoo and their cultural roots

*Like Monaleo said, "all the nonBlacks to BACK"! I'm not in the business of having hoodoo conversations with folks who don't have ancestral and lived cultural ties to the practice. Don't piss me off.

This verse reminds me of my great grandma calling me saying, she had a fish dream and me telling her to call someone else because the way my tubes are tied that ain't got nothing to do with me! So I'd love to hear about what hoodoo practices y'all have witness in your communities and families.

These bitches my kids, I been dreamin' 'bout fish (huh)
Black bitch, but the purse Murakami (Murakami)
These black-ass roots go beyond me (go beyond me)
You never supposed to put your purse on the ground
But I'm slammin' this coin purse on the concrete

Whatever your choice, do what brings you joy. As for me, it’s getting cold, and like my nana always asks, “why that baby ain’t got no coat on?” Lol I kid I kid, it truly depends on the time of year. For instance, I love a personal petting after a fresh wax and a shower.

The natural punani mirrors a lot of the language from the natural hair movement. While some simply don't want to be bothered with keeping up a clean shaven look others may be making a stance of self acceptance one strand at a time.

The only president Bush I recognize is me in the winter time 🫡. However, that’s not to say that pubic pruning isn’t political; because I’d be looking you in your face and lying.