#finding safety in people through pride flags

[penny00dreadful]

So does anyone remember that post that was like "Robin and Eddie meet when she does that thing that's like 'hello, please pretend you know me so I can get away from this person' then Steddie happens?" Because I do. I cannot for the life of me find it. If anyone knows the post I'm talking about please let me know so I can link it, this is very much not my idea, it's that persons idea but the brain worms got me so here we are. 🤷‍♀️

We found it! It's this post by @wynnyfryd Thank you Anon! Obviously I went in a different direction with it but this post was 100% my inspiration so thank you for helping me find it!

AO3 link for those asking! 🖤

Robin should be royally pissed off with herself right now. She would be if she wasn’t so damn scared.

That guy was still trailing behind her, no matter the twists and turns she’d taken down different streets trying to lose him and the only thing she’d gained from it was to get totally and completely lost. It could be something completely innocent, the guy might be coincidentally going in the same direction as her but she wasn’t willing to give him the benefit of the doubt if it meant keeping herself alive.

The distance between the two of them was slowly closing as she was followed through the dark and empty streets of the city, hoping, praying for some kind of shop or restaurant or something to make an appearance so she could hide inside but apparently Robin was able to find the one street in this city where everything was either closed for the night or boarded up.

Her heart was pounding in her ears and the beginnings of tears were starting to sting her eyes and all she could think of was how sick with worry Steve was going to be in the morning when he woke up to no missed calls, no missed texts and no Robin. She’d scoffed at him hours earlier when he’d offered to go to the ‘work thing’ with her but she'd told him she was a big girl and she could look after herself and not to be such a worrywart mom.

And now she had no idea where her phone had gone, if she'd left it behind or dropped it somewhere, no idea where she was and no idea of what she was going to do.

If she’d been a bit more present in her head she probably would have noticed the loud, braying, male laughter coming from just ahead of her and crossed the street to avoid them before it was obvious she was avoiding them. But as it was she could barely see straight through her tears and panicked tunnel vision while simultaneously trying to keep an eye on the slowly encroaching guy behind her. She was practically already in the group’s space and one of them had definitely already seen her though he didn’t pay her any attention.

But even through her blurred vision and panic, she finally registered what exactly she was looking at. Four men standing around the entrance to what looked like the diviest of empty dive bars, chain smoking and being as loud as humanly possible, but that’s not what caught her eye.

Long hair, chains, leather, denim, tartan, rings, tattoos, subculture. If Robin had to choose a group of men to approach, any kind of subculture would be the best option. They knew what it was like to be other. There was no guarantee these guys were safe, but they were probably safer than a group of frat boys.

The next thing that caught her eye that nearly made her cry in relief as she got closer were the patches and pins.

A rainbow ‘A’ against a black and white striped background pinned on one guys collar, a yellow-white-purple-black patch on another's arm, a pink-yellow-blue patch over the third guys heart and a progress pride flag pinned to the largest guys pocket.

Her people.

Without a second's hesitation she made a bee-line for them, planting herself firmly next to yellow-white-purple-black patch person who had a mess of thick light brown curls that reminded her of Steve’s hair. They fell painfully silent at her arrival.

The four of them blinked down at her, with her tearfilled eyes and wild aura of panic around her they were probably, understandably freaked out.

“Hi guys!” She called out to them, probably a little too loud, hoping her voice carried back to the fucker following her, tensing as she could actually hear his footsteps approaching now.

The guy with the longest hair and the pink-yellow-blue patch standing directly in front of her glanced quickly over her shoulder before returning his gaze to her. His face split into a wide warm grin, tapping her shoulder lightly.

“Hey girlie. We thought you weren’t coming, we’ve been waiting.”

The footsteps behind her audibly slowed down. Robin laughed, a little maniacally, keeping her frantic gaze on him, not daring to turn around. “Yeah, I uh- g- got sidetracked.”

“Eddie, what-”

Pink-yellow-blue patch guy, Eddie she supposed, slapped ‘A’ patch guy lightly on the stomach with the back of his hand, shutting him up as her pursuer passed them by, giving the group a wide berth.

“Hey, no worries. You’re here now, right?”

Pride patch guy kept his eyes on the guy who’d been following her the whole time, only looking away when he eventually turned the corner, disappearing into the night.

Robin immediately felt her posture slacken now that he was finally gone, the full weight of everything coming down on her. Her tears began to spill over and her whole body shook as hysterical sobs started to pour out of her body.

“I’m sorry. I’m- I’m sorry. I didn’t know what else to do. I think I left my phone behind and I don’t know where I am. We only moved here a couple of weeks ago and I got lost trying to get away and- and-”

“Hey, hey. It’s okay.” Yellow-white-purple-black patch person squeezed her shoulder lightly, keeping their distance. “You’re okay. Don’t worry about it.”

“We can call someone for you, if you want?” Eddie asked, crossing his arms tight like he was trying not to reach out to her, probably worried it would freak her out more. “Boyfriend or girlfriend-”

“Or romantic partner.” The person with their hand on her shoulder interjected lightly.

“Alright Baron from the Baronies.” Eddie snorted. “But fair point, Gareth. Romantic partner or friend or whatever?”

“Um,” Robin’s voice was still shaking. “I don’t… I’ve never been good at memorising numbers…”

“Me too, terrible at them.” Eddie smiled again, pulling his phone from his pocket. Robin’s fear and panic was almost entirely gone now even though she was still hiccuping and sniffling underneath their concerned gazes. They were all firmly keeping their distance, keeping any touches short and fleeting, not moving too suddenly, trying their best to make sure she knew they weren’t a threat and it was really helping her to start feeling safe again. “But we could try to find them online? Instagram or something?”

“Yeah. Yeah we could try that.” She wiped her eyes roughly against her sleeve as she shuffled over to Eddie’s side. “My best friend, Steve, he uh- he’s probably asleep and I don’t think you can call him if you don’t have him added…”

“You can send him a message.” Eddie replied easily, handing his phone over. “And if he doesn’t wake up, we’ll try something else.” 

“Don’t worry we’ll get you home.” ‘A’ patch guy smiled down at her while pride patch guy nodded along.

Robin sniffed again. “Thanks.” She was able to conjure up a small watery smile as she opened the app and found Steve’s profile, shooting off a quick message begging him not to freak out and explaining the situation as concisely as she could.

“Here.” She handed Eddie back his phone who glanced down at it for just a second before his eyes widened slightly as he scrolled through Steve’s profile.

“Oh shit. This is your friend?”

Robin nodded. “Mm-hmm.”

“He’s… he’s really pretty.”

That managed to pull a startled laugh from her. “Oh god, don’t tell him that, you’ll give him a big head.”

“Let me see?” Gareth asked, whistling low when Eddie turned his phone around showing a photo of Steve and Robin at their last pride parade cheering with the crowd, Steve with the pink-purple-blue of the bi flag smeared across each cheek and Robin with the pinks, oranges and white of the lesbian flag draped around her shoulders. “He is really pretty.”

Eddie snatched the phone back, cradling it to his chest. “Fuck off, Gare. I saw him first.”

Robin smiled again. “Any response from him?”

“Hm?” Eddie asked distractedly, scrolling through Steve’s photos before pride flag guy punched him in the shoulder. “Ow! Wh- oh, sorry!” Eddie frantically scrolled back up before clicking into his messages again and shaking his head. “Nothing yet.” He held the phone out to show her.

“Okay.”

“What’s your address? If he doesn’t respond, we'll find a way to get you there.”

“Uh…” Robin was drawing a complete blank, only able to remember her parents home address hundreds of miles away.

“Or tell us something nearby.” Eddie added, not missing a beat, clearly picking up on Robin’s lack of an answer. “What’s on your street?”

“Um,” she closed her eyes, trying to picture it in her head, “there’s a couple of Chinese take outs, Asian food store, paint store… there’s… I think it’s a tattoo parlour? There’s designs painted on the window, a tower on either side. I think they’re from Lord of the Rings?”

“Inklings? Is that the place?”

Robin opened her eyes. Eddie was grinning at her conspiratorially. “That’s it. You know it?”

“Would you believe me if I told you I work there?”

“No way.”

“Way.”

Hope was starting to grow feathers inside Robin’s chest. She could go home, she didn’t have to stay out all night waiting for Steve to wake up and never let her out of his sight again, she could hug her best friend and drink coffee out of her favourite mug and curse at their finicky fridge and steal his hair products again. She could go home.

“Is it far?”

“Nah, only a few streets away. Ten minute walk, tops.”

“D’you- I mean… do you think you could-” Could she really ask them to walk her home after they’d already done so much for her? Would she be asking too much? Could she be putting herself in more danger?

“I can take you there if you want? Let you get back to your… Steve.” There was a slight blush dusting over Eddie’s cheeks. Maybe he did have an ulterior motive, but it wasn’t an ulterior motive involving her. If she wasn’t so wrung out and aching to crawl into her own bed she’d be thinking up teasing material to lambaste Steve with. But as it was, she was desperate to get home.

“Would that be okay?”

“Yeah.” Eddie replied, bright and easy. “It would just be me and you though,” he held his hands up in surrender, “and you can totally say no, like if you're uncomfortable or whatever. Gareth is Grant and Jeff’s ride home and you’re still on the clock, right?” He turned to Gareth towards the end of his sentence.

“Yeah, but I get off shift in about an hour so could come in if you wanted, wait around in the back room until then if you wanna go as a group?” They answered. 

“I think… I think I just want to get home.”

“Okay, cool. No worries I’ll get you there safe and sound. Here,” Eddie pulled his phone out again, “I’m gonna message Steve to let him know we’re on the way in case he wakes up,” he showed her the short message only sending it off when she gave a nod, “and I’ll get you to navigate just so we don’t get lost.” 

He handed his phone to her with the maps app open, directing them towards Inklings tattoo parlour. He was playing it off like an easy joke, instead of another way to assure her she was safe. He was making sure she knew exactly where he was taking her at all times, he was making sure she had the ability to call the police or whatever if he turned on her, he was making sure she knew he didn’t need or want her address if she didn’t want to give it. 

This fucking guy.

He definitely wouldn’t be the worst choice Steve had ever made if it did go that way.

“I don’t know how to thank all of you, seriously. I don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t run into you.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Grant smiled at her before hesitating. “Uh, I just realised we don’t have your name.”

“Oh!” She laughed at herself, feeling lighter. “I’m Robin.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Robin.” Grant held his hand out, shaking hers once she took it.

“Likewise.”

“And don’t worry about thanking us, just pay it forward, yeah?” Jeff said.

“Plus.” Gareth took on a nonchalant tone even though they had a smirk plastered over their face. “We’ll see you again at Steve and Eddie’s wedding.”

“Shut up!” Eddie scowled but didn’t hold onto it for long in the wake of Robin’s giggles.

She sighed once the giggles subsided, a weight lifted off her shoulders. “I look forward to it.” She raised her hand in salute as the three of them headed back inside, turning to Eddie as he held his elbow out.

“Shall we?”

Robin tried to suppress her smile but took Eddie’s arm anyway. They only made it down one street and around one corner, Robin clutching tight to Eddie’s phone before he finally asked.

"So."

"So."

"Best friend Steve." Eddie twirled his rings around his fingers. "Is he…"

“He’s single.” She answered lightly. “But you might be arriving into his life at the wrong time. He’s recently sworn off men.”

“Well we’ve all sworn off men once or twice. Men are terrible.”

“Agreed.”

“Is it because of a bad ex?”

Robin threw her head back with a groan remembering the giant breakdown that had finally finally ended it. “Tommy was the worst. He’s the reason we even moved out here, there’s nowhere to get away from an ex in a small town, you know? They’re everywhere. I’m not going to go into what happened, it’s not my business to say but it was bad.”

Eddie nodded, his eyes down on the ground, running through everything in his head.

Robin could see the tattoo parlour up ahead, the glorious sight of their apartment building just a few buildings away.

“Do you think… with time… he could open himself up to men again?”

Eddie had such a tentative hope in his eyes, it was adorable really. Looking over him, she thought about the type of people Steve would constantly thirst over, blip in the matrix Tommy Hagan notwithstanding.

Lithe bodies with full lips and giant eyes, hair he could run his fingers through and something unusual about them. Something odd.

He’d never explicitly gone for someone so heavily into a subculture before but he’d never turned them down either. And based on Eddie’s job at the tattoo parlour and the way he was dressed, he almost definitely had some ink on him. That alone would be enough to make Steve swoon.

“I think he might. Will you walk me up?” Robin asked, holding the door to the building open, offering Eddie the same kindness under the guise of doing a favour that he had offered her so many times tonight.

“Yeah, sure.”

They’d managed to make it up to the third floor, walking down her hallway before Eddie’s phone started to ping incessantly.

She turned the phone over in her hand, looking at the screen. “He’s awake.”

Robin, where are you?

Are you okay?

I’m on the way.

Please be okay.

Their apartment door was flung open just as they reached it. Steve was standing there panting and terrified, his hair a mess, his glasses askew, his jacket and shoes thrown haphazardly over his pyjamas.

“Robbie.”

Steve slammed into her, holding her tight before immediately letting go to inspect her face and running his hands over her body, checking to see if anything was wrong.

“Are you okay? Are you hurt? What happened? What do you need?”

“Steve.” Robin caught his fluttering hands in hers and squeezed, nearly crying out in relief just to have him with her again. “I’m okay. Eddie and his friends helped me.”

“Eddie-” Steve looked to the side, noticing her saviour for the first time. “You’re Eddie.”

“I’m Eddie.” Eddie gave him a short little wave and a dazzling smile that quickly dropped in shock as Steve pulled him into a crushing hug, his blush returning with full force.

“Thank you, thank you so much. I don’t know what I would’ve-” Steve took a big breath in and loosened his arms from around Eddie’s shoulders. Robin saw his eyes slowly trail over his face before very briefly flicking down to the pink-yellow-blue patch then back up. “Come inside, the two of you. Can I get you anything? Tea? Decaf coffee? A glass of water? Like, literally anything to say thank you.” He asked, ushering the two of them into the apartment.

Steve caught Robin’s eye behind Eddie’s back and mouthed ‘oh my god he’s fucking gorgeous!’

Robin snorted and thought to herself ‘sworn off men, my ass.’

[thydungeongal]

Anyway this is relatively minor in the greater context of transmisogyny but sort of a demonstration of the fact that having good and inclusive policies only means so much when put up against all the rest of society being nakedly transmisogynistic.

I have been working out at a gym lately because it helps with my physical and mental health both. At this point in my transition I pretty much exclusively boymode in public and thus far the whole dressing room issue has not been an issue for me. But I recognize that at some point it is going to be both a comfort and a safety issue for me, so I've been looking for information about you know. What the policies of various service providers here in the metropolitan region of Finland are.

And the thing is, that information just isn't anywhere to be found. Like, that information does exist, but it simply isn't posted anywhere publicly. I know that the city of Helsinki has extremely inclusive and affirming policies when it comes to the use of gendered spaces in their sports and recreation services. Because I asked them through private channels (thus technically also outing myself to the person who answered my email, which just adds another layer of messed-up-ness to it). But because that information isn't posted anywhere it just doesn't actually do anything, right?

Like, I've been reading lots of literature about how trans folks, especially trans women, often don't feel comfortable in sports and recreation services for various reasons, and like I can't help but think of the fact that so much public discourse circles around how we're seen as invaders in gendered spaces, how other customers will target us with abuse and how service providers will often do very little to help us in the face of that abuse (and will often actively side with the person who finds out existence to be a threat). That is the ambient background noise we constantly live under, so we're inclined to believe that most service providers would, if a conflict should arise, take the side of a cis person who found our presence objectionable. This has actual measurable effects on trans people's health outcomes and we know a lot of the obstacles are not due to direct discrimination but due to structural and cultural obstacles.

So when some place actually does have an extremely inclusive and accommodating policy and their internal policies make it clear that their support for trans people is unequivocal and uncompromising and you know that their actual policy has got your back. It still doesn't help when that policy is nowhere to be seen.

It's always good to be critical of performative allyship. If a gym says that they welcome everyone and puts up pride flags for one month every year and then still asks a trans woman to leave the women's dressing room because a cis woman got scared, that's performative allyship. This is the opposite. These people have a clearly articulated policy that confirms that they will have your back if you're caught Exercising While Trans, but that information is nowhere to be found. I do think part of it is caution: they can't advertise that trannies are not shot on sight at their gyms because that would draw the ire of the right wing hate mob.

Anyway I'm glad the city of Helsinki is Woke and I have also relayed this information to some of the other dolls in the area, and apparently it's found its way to other queer groups here. But I have also told the lovely city employee I was in contact with that they should really have this information available somewhere, because not having it out there does represent an obstacle.

[fuckyeahdindjarin]

Seams drabble: Patch

{ Part IV: Notch | Series Masterlist | Main Masterlist }

Rating: None

Summary: Ellie finds a Pride-themed sew on patch that leads to revelations.

Warnings: Pure fluff and love for this girl, some angst, coming out, total disregard of canon because I don't know how it goes in the game.

Word count: 1.3k

Notes: This idea struck me out of the blue many months ago, and I was waiting for 'the right place' in the series, until I mentioned it to a dear friend in passing conversation and then I just started writing it. Very lightly edited. Set at unspecified time frame after Part IV.

Ellie hums to herself from her spot in a cosy corner of the Outfitters, one watchful eye on the door. It’s an uncharacteristically slow Saturday, but she’s not complaining - she has her hands full.

A big canvas sack lies empty on the floor, its contents strewn haphazardly all over the wooden floor. The mess drives you up the wall, but you know better than to question her (very questionable) methods, so you’re ensconced in the safety of your studio while she sorts through the clothes and odds and ends that the patrollers brought back from their most recent outing.

Though infrequent - most settlements around Jackson have been painstakingly pilfered for anything useful over the years - it’s her favourite duty at the shop. Lucy is looser with the rules, but sometimes, you let Ellie keep little knick knacks that won’t sell.

The teenager goes through the pile thoroughly. Shirts go in one stack, jeans in another, followed by shoes, hats and scarves. Turning to the heap of smaller loose trinkets, she separates mismatched buttons, safety pins, shoelaces and zippers (as Maria always says, every little help), when something colourful piques her attention.

Plucking the piece of fabric out of the jumble, Ellie recognises it as a decorative patch that she’s seen sewn onto bags and shirts. It’s the size of her palm, cut in the shape of a rainbow, the colours still bright. Over the arches, bold white text outlined in black spells out NYC PRIDE 2003.

Tucking it into her pocket for now, she quickly finishes the rest of the sorting. Clothes go into the bin to be collected by the laundry, shoes for the cobbler’s, and accessories into a box to be priced and shelved.

Ambling into the back of the shop where you’re busy hemming a pair of jeans, Ellie plops into one of the rolling chairs, straddling the back of it, and the wheels screech as she careens across the floor to your sewing station.

Your lips quirk as you look up briefly at her. ‘Find anything interesting?’

‘Just this,’ she replies, flashing you the patch and reading aloud, ‘NYC Pride 2003. What does that mean?’

‘There used to be a big pride parade for the LGBT community every year in New York City,’ you explain. ‘They used to close down the streets and everything for it, it was a huge event.’

Ellie blinks, your answer taking her by surprise. She clears her throat, a distant buzzing at the back of her head as she turns the patch over pensively in her hand. ‘What - do you know what it was like?’

‘I’ve never been to one, but it always looked incredible. People used to line the streets in support, and everyone dressed up. There’d be rainbow flags everywhere, floats, dancing, music, and of course, it was an important way for the community to highlight and push for LGBT rights.’

‘You mean -’ she pauses, the unfamiliar feeling of stumbling over her words making her hands sweat. ‘You mean, people would just be out in public, like, being themselves?’

‘More than that - they were celebrating themselves.’

Ellie doesn’t realise she’s fallen quiet until you speak, ‘You can keep it if you want.’

Her head snaps up, disoriented. ‘Keep what?’

‘That.’ You nod towards the patch she’s clinging onto so tightly that her knuckles have gone white.

Panic prickles the back of her neck, an embarrassed heat suddenly making her want to pull at the collar of her flannel. But then you shrug and say, almost flippantly, ‘It’s pretty.’

‘Yes,’ she blurts out in hasty agreement, letting out a breath she’s been unconsciously holding. ‘It’s very pretty.’

Ellie is relieved when you turn back to the sewing machine, leaving her to retrace her steps to the front of the shop. The patch sits on the counter, where she leaves it, as she goes about her business for the rest of her shift.

Her eyes travel to the rainbow, and she thinks of how she wasn’t like the other girls at school, who fawned over dogeared photos of singers and actors long dead. She thinks of how she’s always known she’s different, but didn’t have the vocabulary to express it.

She thinks of Riley.

Riley.

For Riley.

When half three rolls around, you spot the teenager lingering by the studio doorway out of the corner of your eye, her backpack dangling from her fingers. Any other Saturday, you’d be lucky to catch the blurry shape of her shadow when she gallops out of the shop, throwing a see ya over her shoulder.

Thrown by her silence, you prompt, ‘Yes, Ellie?’

Scruffing the tips of her well-worn sneakers on the floorboards, she bites her lip in an atypical display of hesitance. ‘Pin, could you help me sew the patch onto my backpack? Please?’

You smile, eyes soft. ‘I’d love to. C’mon.’

‘You don’t have to do it now,’ she protests, feigning nonchalance, but her twitchy hands give her away. ‘Like, whatever, it’s no big deal.’

Wanting to put her at ease, you shrug. ‘No time like the present. Where do you want it?’

Putting her bag on your work surface, she points. ‘Guess right here under the wings.’

‘Perfect. Can you unzip the bag for me?’

You have Ellie hold the rainbow exactly where she wants it while you thread the needle, and you start sewing it in by hand, stitch by tidy stitch. It barely takes a couple of minutes, but time is of the essence - you haven’t heard the girl take a single breath of air since the anchor stitch.

Snipping off the thread with a flourish and giving it a once over, you grin. ‘There, all done.’

Ellie ducks her head, quiet as she takes the bag from your hands, running a thumb over the arches of the rainbow. Without a word, she suddenly throws her arms around you, hugging you tight.

‘Thanks, Pin,’ she mumbles into your hair.

Your heart swells, and you squeeze her back even tighter. ‘Anything for you, kiddo.’

On Monday morning, Ellie hovers in the hallway outside the kitchen, observing.

Joel is at the table, oblivious with his back to the door, her breakfast of two fried eggs over and easy and toast waiting at her usual spot at the table. Taking a deep breath, she bites the bullet and walks in, backpack in her hand.

‘Mornin’,’ grunts Joel, almost done with his own eggs, sunny side up.

‘Morning,’ she parrots back as she makes herself comfortable.

She usually just dumps her bag on the floor, but today, she pulls out the chair next to her and drops it into the seat. The unusual movement catches Joel’s eye, and he takes a good long look at the backpack.

Eventually, he points vaguely in what she assumes is the direction of the rainbow patch, and says, ‘That looks new.’

‘Yup, Pin helped me sew it on.’

He purses his lips, asking around a mouthful of egg. ‘You know what Pride is?’

She swallows thickly, and it takes a beat to unstick her tongue from the roof of her mouth. ‘Yeah, Pin told me.’

He nods, then turns his attention back to his plate with no fanfare.

Not entirely sure if he caught the nuance but her mind too in knots to care, Ellie picks up her fork and doesn’t think twice when he gets up to put his dish in the sink.

She nearly chokes on eggs when strong arms close around her shoulders in a vice-like grip, scratchy beard on her temple, Joel’s voice so thick that it makes her think if she turns around, she’ll see tears in his eyes.

‘Proud of you, baby girl.’

Later that afternoon, Joel finds you alone in the shop, restocking the women’s outerwear rack.

You toss him a smile over your shoulder. ‘Hey, what are you doing here?’

‘Lucy ‘round?’ he asks.

‘When is she ever?’ you quip with no bite.

Three steps and he’s spun you around by the waist, soft lips latching onto yours in a sweet kiss with just a hint of heated aftertaste that has you swaying on your feet when he pulls back.

A breathless laugh bubbles in your throat as you palm his whiskered jawline. ‘Why, thank you for that, Mr. Miller.’

The corners of his eyes crinkle, and he brushes his nose tenderly against your cheek. ‘No, thank you, sweetheart.’

Notes: I hope I wrote Ellie's coming out as sensitively as I hoped to. As I mentioned, I have no idea how or if she comes out in the game, but despite being such a chatty teenager, I think she'd find it difficult to broach the subject with Joel in conversation. For me, this was a fun way of weaving in her part-time job at the Outfitters and Pin into her coming out story that stays true to Ellie's character. I hope you enjoyed this - comments and reblogs appreciated as always!

P.S. I am not 'back' back, so I don't know when I will next update Seams. Thank you for your patience while I try to navigate my way back to some semblence of writing regularly, whenever that may be.

Thank you @firefly-graphics for the dividers ❤️

[wyyrmwood]

Things are hard. Things will be hard for a while, but you are never alone. This blog was just for art, but as an LGBT adult invested in community and support, I wanted to make this for whoever may need it.

Very simple crochet pattern for a 4 color pride flower in the situation which it may not be safe for an individual to wear explicitly pride items.

I sincerely hope that some of you may find this helpful in some manner. You do not have to give up who you are when you are afraid for your safety. This can be passed along as a simple rainbow/colorful/etc flower in times when you wish to still show pride colors but not necessarily be recognized as such by general public.

Continue beneath the break if interested for steps and pictures

Most pride flags can be simplified into 4 colors, and if not just know you can add a number of extra base magic ring stitches to equal the number of petal colors you desire, though be aware they tend to become quite crowded. For this, let's assume the 4 petal / 4 color standard.

You will need any size hook, any color yarn such as white (which can be colored with marker) or the pride colors of your choosing, no stitch markers and assumed extremely basic experience. These can be made singly or in bulk in a very short time. I have tried to describe the steps in as much detail as I can to allow for readers who may not be proficient at crochet, I apologize if I tend to "over explain" the steps. I will include images.

1: with scrap yarn or a color that will not be the same as the petals, create a magic circle (this can be a little difficult at first but Google is a great help in getting a visual guide)

In that, place 4 single crochet stitches. Pull the tail and tighten. You can put a slip stitch in the next (what would have originally been the first of the magic circle stitches before you tightened it) and change the color of your yarn to the first petal color.

You will have a little circle with 4 stitches in it. In each of these 4 you will repeat these steps exactly, changing the color of the yarn if needed:

ALL WORKING IN ONE OF THE 4 MAGIC RING STITCHES

1. Chain 3

2. In the base magic ring stitch, Double crochet

this is essentially a single crochet but you wrap the yarn around the hook before entering the base magic circle stitch. After you pull through, you will have 3 loops on your hook. Pull through 2 at a time (pull through 2 loops, 2 times) until you are left with a single loop on your hook. This creates length, looking like a chain of vertical stitches.

Wrapping the loop around the hook and after pull through, before finishing the stitch:

3. In the base magic ring stitch, Treble stitch

this is essentially the same a s a double crochet but you wrap an extra loop (for a total of 2 wrapped loops plus the loop of the last stitch) around your hook before entering one of the four magic ring loops. Pull through 2 at a time (pull through 2 loops, 3 times) until you are left with a single loop on your hook. This crates length, looking like a slightly longer chain of vertical stitches.

After pulling through and having 4 loops on the hook, before finishing the stitch:

4. Double crochet as in step 2, then chain 2 on the end

5. Bring the yarn back to the base stitch and Slip stitch,

6. In the NEXT of the 4 base magic ring stitches you made, place another slip stitch in which you switch the color of the yarn to the next color, or remain white if you intend to dye, color in the petal using other methods, want to keep the same color, etc.

Repeat this process in all 4 base magic ring stitches. The end product will look something like this:

I sincerely hope that some of you may find this helpful in some manner. You do not have to give up who you are when you are afraid for your safety. This can be passed along as a simple rainbow/colorful/etc flower in times when you wish to signal to other LGBT people but not to those who may be anti lgbt.

[theflintwarlock]

Alternative fashion and Witchcraft

I know it is sometimes brought up that black clothing has protective qualities, but there is a lot more to alt fashion and Witchcraft than just black clothes. What follows is a small guide to how to use alternative fashion in your Witchcraft.

(Also obligatory disclaimer i don't identify as goth but I do listen to some goth music and I like goth fashion, but I also like a lot of other alternative subcultures and music like punk, metal, emo ect.) Don't gatekeep on this post. Anyway:

Leather

Leather is great for protection and connection to spirits of the dead. Since genuine leather was once the part of an animal I find it important to emphasise the spirit of the cow when I wear it, since that is where it came from. I buy second hand to not support fast fashion. leather jackets and clothing are very common in several different alternative subcultures. I was a big metal head when I was younger and the leather jacket was basically glued to me at all times. Leather jackets are great for protection thanks to their thick hide. Leather harnesses can he a great addition to outfits to add some witchy protection in style.

I use leather gloves as a form of veiling, because I use my hands a lot in Witchcraft. Those fingerless battle gloves you see a lot in emo and metal are great if you want something you can still access your phone in.

If steampunk is more your style, brown leather works just as well as black, more linked to the earth than pure protection.

Spikes and studs

If it has spikes or studs, it can be used for defensive protection/baneful protection, essentially GTFO for those negative vibes. If the spikes are made of steel that is a bonus, as it contains iron which is protective against negative spirits. You can buy a leather awl and studs from most craft stores and get to work on it is yourself, charming the spikes or studs as you go. Clothes covered in safety pins in punk style are great as well. You can charm safety pins as you add them onto your battle jacket/leather jacket/belt/whatever it is.

Collars

Collars in alt fashion are quite common, thanks to overlap with the kink community. They are a good symbol of love and sex, especially if you put it on with your partner's help. You obviously don't have to be a sub to wear one, if you're not kinky they can generally be good protection rather than as a form of sex magic, since they cover your neck.

Rips

Ripped clothing can be great for adding intention to a piece if you rip it yourself. If not, you can add a thread or two through the rips to add intention that way. Regular colour magic applies with the thread.

Patches and badges

Patches and badges are pretty common in alternative subcultures, especially punk. If a patch is sew-on, black or red thread can add protection, green for money magic ect. You can also sew sigils onto your piece if so inclined. Badges can be a simple way to charm a piece of clothing, I have a few death-inspired badges (a zombie hand, an anatomical heart with a frankenstein quote on it, a creeper logo) which I charm with death energies for spirit work and protection from my spiritual team. Pride flag badges are great for gender affirming glamours and protection from homophobes.

Stompy boots

I fucking love stompy boots. I wear leather doc martens mostly, and when you polish them it is a great time to add in intention. Charm your boot polish or leather conditioner, charm a spray you use on vegan leather. I add a small amount of protection oil to the insoles as well, if I'm going on a journey I will mix in a little protection oil with my leather conditioner and rub it into my shoes.

I've seen some people add beads and safety pins to the laces of their boots, and again this is a great way to add in some magic.

Makeup

There are loads of different styles of makeup in alternative fashion, but my personal favourite for Witchcraft is traditional goth makeup.

I don't do ghost face when I do goth makeup, but if you do you can add sigils into the foundation as you apply it. Hell, charm your foundation.

For eyeliner- anything spikey and unblended will give a sharper edge to the magic, if you want something softer then blending is your friend. Eyeliner and mascara and eyeshadow are all good for spells involving seeing and perception. Even for scrying they can be useful.

For lipstick, black lipstick is a classic, but dark green, purple, red or ombré are often used too. Lipstick is great for glamours involving speech and spells of communication. The world is your oyster when it comes to makeup magic and alt makeup. I've seen some e-girls use a heart on their cheek, I know a few emo and punk rock bands which opt for a cross on their cheek. Really any symbol is fair game, I've used runes on my cheek as part of my look before and it is great. Sigils of course are also good for whatever spell you want.

Religious symbolism

Religious symbols are quite common in emo and metal styles. The generally 'satanic' look mall goth tends to go for often incorperates upside down crosses, satanic imagery such as demons ect, all of which are great if you're a satanist or demonolator. Pentegrams and moon symbols are generally common as well, a great addition for magical practice and protection. I've seen some goths use a rosary in their styles, which is great if you're a Catholic practitioner, or you can get (or make) custom prayer beads for your particular deities.

Hair

I could go on about all the different alternative hairstyles, but I will try to keep it breif

Liberty spikes can be styled with intention, draw a sigil on your hair gel or hair spray bottle to help with this. Similar to the spike section, Liberty spikes can be used as a form of baneful protection (get the fuck away from me vibes).

Bat's nest hair can be teased with intention as well. Charming the comb you use for this will definitely help. Also good luck to you I have no Idea how you manage it I am awful at Bat's nest styles.

Hair dye generally can be applied with intention or charmed, and you can incorporate colour magic into this working depending on the result you want.

For emo and scene hair, I've seen some people cut their fringe with a razor blade for this. I don't know a lot about it but I'm sure there are some uses for it.

For shorter hair, hair gel can be used to slick back your hair and can easily be charmed. I personally add a bit of product to mine to help protect me when I leave the house.

Notes

As you may have noticed I do a lot of protective magic and that is my main area if expertise, along with spirit work. Much of what I've mentioned here can also be adapted for spells, especially glamours as keeping something on your person or altering your appearance can be used as a glamour. I haven't mentioned a few other things here such as Tattoos as I don't have any myself and am not sure about giving advice on tattoo magic.

Alternative subcultures are lot more than just fashion, and you can embue your alternative looks with the energy of your particular subculture to lend yourself a certain amount of power and connection to others. You also don't need to go all-out for these examples to work their magic, as it were. I mainly do this sort of thing when I go clubbing or to gigs, but adding a collar or leather jacket, a band t-shirt ect to a more everyday look can work just fine. Shopping second hand can be a great way to expand your alternative clothing collection, especially when you're going to be altering or ripping something yourself. Have fun with it, and enjoy.

[hellaverseapocalypse]

Symbol

AN: A side story for me and @eyecandyeoz Hellaverse apocalypse story, And the Whirlwind is in the Tree. Every home needs to have a symbol.

Also, Candy let me use this taglist. Enjoy!

When Hell went to...Hell when the angels attacked, everyone was scrambling to get to safety. 

One of them was Archie. 

He was a street kid, an imp that lived in Greed. He tried to find a place to hide out as quickly as he could. He meets up with other kids like, one of them was an impling named Oliver. 

Oliver was the one who told their group about the Lust ring and how it was the safest one for them. They even heard Fizzaroli was there, the famous jester was actually helping people.

So began their long trek. 

They lost two kids on the way; Darren, a hellhound that died from exhaustion and Ella, a impling that was killed by a stray bullet from a turf war they stumbled onto. 

They were hungry and exhausted when they got to Lust and to their shock and awe, they were rescued from angels by Fizzaroli himself.

He brought them to their camp and fed them a bowl of stew and bread. 

The food has never been so delicious. 

Archie was so happy to see the jester up close, but he was more shocked by Blitz. 

Blitz was foul mouthed and had a snarky attitude but Archie could see he cared about their group and everyone under his watch.

So when he started teaching them to use weapons, he took it with eagerness. He learned that Blitz actually had his own business before the invasion, something he never heard of an imp having.

His admiration for him grew.

As he got older, his admiration grew and so did his skills; so he was allowed into the meetings. Today's topic was how to make sure their territories are reinforced. 

“What if we used a symbol?” Millie said, “A tag that shows that it's our territory.”

Everyone murmured in agreement, trying to think of something.

“Why not just use what you did for IMP?” Archie asked. 

Everyone stared at him in surprise and then looked thoughtful.

“You know ,that actually works.”

“Yeah it does.”

Everyone started agreeing, making Archie puff up his chest in pride.

So now every time they got a new territory, they spray painted the IMP symbol, the horns showing they were in charge and hope for survivors. 

One day, Amelda and Oliver walked in on Archie making a flag, noticing the horns he was stitching on. When they asked him why, he shrugged. 

“I grew up poor on the streets. I seen the shit Imps had to go through and it's even worse now. Everyone is in the gutter like the rest of us.”

He stood up, putting the flag on a pole he had near him and admiring his handiwork.

“Everyone is going to need a symbol of hope, so they can live another day.”

He looks at the pair with a smile.

“And that's important.” he said, shouldering the flagstaff. 

The hell-born will later see a Imp teenager with a cap, holding up a flag with Imp horns and he knew what it meant. 

Hope. 

Taglist: @captxin-rex@gospelofme@fangirl-goes-nova@romanoffs-gf@sstarwarsss@r2d2staser@nahoney22@ashotofspotchka@art-of-the-twistedstitcher@only-a-simp-deals-in-absolutes@justalittletomato@twiggoblin@xsherryberryx@kriffclone@sweetminx@deewithani@tinker-tech@megafrost4@freesia-writes@boontaeveboba@ahoeformando@arctrooper69@taz-107@lizzowinkyface@chad-something@nobody-expects-the-inquisitorius@merkitty49@nonsenseandm3mes@id-rather-be-a-druid@the-chains-are-the-easy-part@succulent-momma@virtualexpertanchor@padawancat97@hurtbywhisperedmuses@misogirl828@seriowan@plushymiku-blog@the-dathomirian-jedi@ladykatakuri@mysticalgalaxysalad@talesfrommedinastation@dukeoftheblackstar@littlecrowtime

[aretemisapollo]

Pride month (short story)

"How many years have we been doing this?" "Mortimer sat his cup down, still half full with tea. He thought for a moment "Let's see." He said, "at least thirty?" Lorx hummed, "that sounds right." Neither of them were sure exactly when these little meet-ups had begun, only that it had been many, many years. The Cafe they sat in had banners hung in the windows with little triangle shaped flags hanging down, each one representing a different pride flag. It was quiet, most people were outside at the parade, but Mortimer and Lorx were perfectly happy right where they were, watching the festivities from the comfort and safety of their booth. Lorx rested her chin in the palm of their hand and gazed out the window. "Do you remember that time we went to a pride parade?" They asked. Mortimer turned his attention out the window, watching as the crowds of people gathered. Out of the corner of her eye Lorx saw him hold back a shudder. "Yes, very clearly." He said, hands cupped around his tea, "I don't know what we were thinking." Lorx laughed, "funny, considering it was your idea." They smiled. Mortimer grimaced, "yes," he said, "and I regretted it deeply and immediately." Lorx hummed, eyes softening as they turned to Mortimer. It was true, neither of them had been made for pride parades. Mortimer had broached the idea a few years after Lorx came out and changed their name. It seemed like a good idea at the time, and had continued to until they were in a sea of people and flags, and, to Mortimer's absolute horror, glitter. They'd both stood out like sore thumbs, with Mortimer in his suit and Lorx in their lab coat. From that point on, they vowed only to watch such festivities, not take part in them. Upon making this decision, they sought out the perfect location, finding this little Cafe by the next year. Now they sat across from each other, sunlight streaming in through the window and warming their skin. They were both in their usual clothing, despite how much it made them stick out, except Lorx had since added two pins to their lab coat; one with 'She/They' written in bold writing, and another with a little rainbow heart that read 'queer cutie' in cursive. Neither of them got much free time, especially away from the reaper realm, but when they did, they usually spent it together. It may not have seemed like much, these little meet-ups, but to them it meant the world.

(This is a short story done with characters from a book series I'm working on, it doesn't appear in the actual book)

@drgstore-jr @necromancers-incorporated

[a-queer-seminarian]

List 5 things that make you happy, then put this in the askbox for the last 10 people who reblogged something from you! get to know your mutuals and followers 💕

Thanks, anon. I'm not going to send this to other folks via askbox but if anyone wants to respond in the replies / @ me in their own post I'd love to see!

It's been a rough month or so — trying out new medication backfired spectacularly (prozac my beloathéd </3) and my depression sunk in with a vengeance. It's been more important than ever to pay attention to the good things in life, to remember that it's not all bad.

My truly wonderful wife, Leah. She has been so kind and patient with me throughout this hard time. Just a few days ago, after I had a bit of a meltdown, she took me outside to soak in some sunshine and pointed out some of the things to keep living for — the birdsong, the breeze, our neighbors with their progress pride flag decked yard. The flowers and vegetables I've been growing, most still young sprouts but some beginning to bear fruit. Her arms around me. ...I couldn't ask for a better helpmate.

2. My garden! I'm not very good at gardening yet, but I'm working on it and I'm proud of the progress! And the bright side to living somewhere so fricking hot is the growing season is long, so my slow-growing plants have plenty of time to flourish.

3. Our sweet kitties and (this is goofy but) my plushies lol.* They bring me a lot of comfort and happiness. (*Yes, a lot of them are squishmallows; I'm aware that the company that makes them gives money to Isra3l — we haven't bought any since finding that out in the fall, and have no plans to. Boycott kellytoy!)

4. Stories and storytelling. Listening to novels and reading various theological books, watching something and discussing it with Leah or another friend, is one of the main ways I make meaning and learn how to navigate the world. A few great books I've read lately:

Safety through Solidarity: A Radical Guide to Fighting Antisemitism

The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride (now there's a storyteller)

The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer

Wholehearted Faith by Rachel Held Evans

Decolonizing Palestine by Mitri Raheb (I know I know, I'm always talking about this book but for goodness' sake every Christian should read it)

5. Saints and other figures from Christian history or scripture. I always find comfort and courage in learning their stories and reaching out to them in prayer and drawing from their wisdom. I'm working on an art project centering Julian of Norwich and Margery Kempe this month...

[penny00dreadful]

I'm wondering if my Safety fic has been shared somewhere because the engagement on AO3 has gone wild in the last 24 hours and like I'm not mad, people are so nice but I'm a slut for validation so I NEED TO KNOW!

I pretty much exist only on tumblr and AO3, do I need to be elsewhere as well?? Somebody help a crotchety old bitch, please!

Edit: I ended up joining twitter 😅

[shrutim12]

Why Jamaica’s Reggae Sumfest Is More Than Just Music

Reggae Sumfest is not just a festival. It’s a cultural moment in Jamaica. Held every July in Montego Bay, this week-long event is one of the biggest reggae festivals in the world. Thousands attend to enjoy live music, dance, food, and the spirit of togetherness.

It’s more than just entertainment. It represents Jamaican pride, storytelling, and connection through rhythm and lyrics.

The Roots of Reggae

The festival pays tribute to reggae music, which originated in Jamaica in the 1960s. If you've ever heard Bob Marley’s “One Love” or Peter Tosh’s “Equal Rights,” you already know the power of reggae. It’s music with a message—often focused on unity, resistance, or peace.

Sumfest honors these roots but also includes dancehall, ska, and even hip-hop influences. It's a blend of past and present, much like how Summer of Soul captured the Harlem music scene of the 70s.

Artists and Atmosphere

Over the years, big names like Beenie Man, Shaggy, and Sean Paul have performed at Sumfest. The crowd sings along, dances without inhibition, and celebrates every beat. It feels like a scene out of Step Up, but with a Caribbean twist.

There’s an energy in the air—raw and happy. Everyone dresses in bright colors, and you’ll see painted faces, flags waving, and food stalls lining the streets. It’s not just for locals. Tourists from all over the world fly in to join the party.

Events Beyond the Stage

Sumfest is not limited to concerts. The week includes beach parties, pre-show dances, and even health and wellness events. Some sessions focus on mental health and self-expression. It’s a celebration of life, not just music.

Imagine the vibe of a big Holi celebration in India, but with reggae beats instead of colors. There’s something for everyone—whether you're a hardcore music fan or just someone who enjoys good company and culture.

Food That Completes the Experience

No Jamaican event is complete without food. Jerk chicken, curry goat, fried plantains, and fresh fruit juices are everywhere. People talk, eat, and share stories while waiting for the next performance. It adds a homely charm to the festival.

If you’ve read Eat, Pray, Love, you’ll understand the joy of eating something made with love while surrounded by people who are living fully. That’s what Sumfest feels like.

Supporting Local Talent

The festival also gives young artists a chance to shine. Local bands and independent singers get slots on smaller stages. Some go on to build careers just from that exposure. It creates a bridge between generations—where new sounds meet timeless rhythms.

This kind of support is rare, and it makes Sumfest more than just a commercial show. It’s a platform.

Safety and Organization

Sumfest is well-organized. Security is tight, volunteers are helpful, and information booths are easy to find. It feels safe for solo travelers too. Many who visit once end up coming back year after year.

The event is family-friendly during the day, and becomes more lively and adult-focused at night. There’s a clear structure, so people can choose what suits them.

A Global Festival with Local Heart

While Sumfest has become global, it still feels deeply Jamaican. You don’t feel lost or like you’re in a tourist trap. Locals participate, vendors sell handmade crafts, and every detail—from the stage setup to the posters—is rooted in community spirit.

It’s a celebration of identity. And like The Alchemist reminds us, sometimes journeys take you far just to bring you home—to your rhythm, your people, your joy.

Conclusion

Reggae Sumfest is more than a music event. It’s a festival of emotion, identity, and human connection. Whether you're a fan of reggae or not, being part of this celebration teaches you something about unity, joy, and living in the moment. If you ever plan to visit Jamaica, make sure your trip includes Sumfest. It’ll stay with you long after the music stops.

[harborcityrecreationcenter]

Harbor City Recreation Center

Exploring Harbor City Recreation Center: A Community-Focused Destination in Harbor City, CA

Nestled in the heart of Harbor City, the Harbor City Recreation Center serves as a vital hub for local residents seeking recreation, wellness, and community engagement. With its broad range of facilities, family-friendly environment, and strong ties to the neighborhood, the center plays a crucial role in promoting health, social connection, and active living in this diverse South Bay community.

From youth sports and after-school programs to open spaces for fitness and leisure, the Harbor City Recreation Center is more than just a public facility—it's a place where people come together to play, learn, and thrive.

A Community Landmark With Deep Roots

The Harbor City Recreation Center has long been a focal point in the area, contributing to the sense of identity and pride that defines Harbor City. Managed by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, the center was created to offer residents access to structured activities and well-maintained open spaces.

Over the years, the center has expanded its offerings to meet the growing and changing needs of the community. Today, it stands as a multi-use facility that blends sports, arts, fitness, and education within a safe and welcoming environment for all age groups.

Recreational Facilities for All Ages

Indoor and Outdoor Amenities

The Harbor City Recreation Center features a wide variety of facilities that support a broad range of activities. Indoors, visitors will find a spacious gymnasium that hosts basketball games, volleyball matches, and seasonal tournaments. The gym also serves as a practice space for youth leagues and adult recreational teams, offering year-round programming for all skill levels.

Outdoors, the center includes multiple sports fields and courts, such as a well-maintained baseball diamond, tennis courts, and basketball courts. These areas are frequently used for both organized leagues and casual neighborhood pick-up games.

There is also a large multi-purpose field that supports soccer, flag football, and other community athletic events, as well as shaded seating areas for spectators.

Playground and Family Spaces

The children’s playground is a highlight for families with young kids. Equipped with modern, safety-tested equipment, the playground offers climbing structures, slides, and swings, all on a soft, impact-absorbing surface. Parents often gather here while kids play freely in a secure environment.

Nearby picnic tables and open lawns make it easy to plan family gatherings or weekend outings. The recreation center’s layout ensures visibility and accessibility, allowing parents to keep an eye on their children while enjoying the space themselves.

Youth and Teen Programs That Make a Difference

One of the cornerstones of the Harbor City Recreation Center is its robust youth development programming. Offering more than just recreational play, the center hosts seasonal sports leagues, after-school programs, and summer camps aimed at keeping kids active, social, and engaged.

Popular programs include:

Youth basketball, baseball, and soccer leagues

Dance and cheerleading workshops

Homework assistance and tutoring sessions

Arts and crafts classes

These programs are designed not only to provide physical activity but also to build leadership, teamwork, and self-confidence. Many local children grow up attending the center’s programs, creating a sense of belonging and continuity.

Teen-specific events and leadership workshops also give older kids a positive outlet, helping to guide them through critical developmental years in a supportive setting.

Adult Activities and Community Wellness

Harbor City Recreation Center isn’t just for kids—it offers a variety of adult programming as well. Community members can take part in exercise classes, co-ed sports leagues, and wellness initiatives that promote a healthy lifestyle. Regular fitness activities include yoga, Zumba, and strength training, all hosted in group settings that encourage participation and camaraderie.

There are also opportunities for adult enrichment through art classes, community meetings, and volunteering. The center often serves as a neutral space where residents can gather for town halls or neighborhood improvement projects.

Cultural Events and Seasonal Celebrations

Throughout the year, the Harbor City Recreation Center becomes a focal point for seasonal events and cultural celebrations. From Halloween carnivals to holiday toy drives and summer movie nights, the center fosters a festive and inclusive spirit that reflects the diversity of Harbor City.

Community fairs and performances bring together local artists, small businesses, and families in a vibrant display of talent and culture. These events strengthen neighborhood ties and encourage participation from residents of all ages and backgrounds.

Accessibility and Visitor Information

The Harbor City Recreation Center is designed with accessibility and convenience in mind. Ample parking is available onsite, along with bike racks for those who cycle to the park. ADA-accessible paths and restrooms ensure that all visitors, regardless of physical ability, can comfortably navigate the grounds and participate in activities.

The center typically operates during regular business hours and may extend operating times for special events or seasonal programs. Registration for classes and leagues is available on-site, and staff members are always available to provide information and assistance.

Safety and Cleanliness

Safety is a top priority at the Harbor City Recreation Center. The grounds are regularly maintained by city staff, and the presence of security and park monitors adds an extra layer of protection. Whether you’re visiting during the day or attending an evening event, the facility is well-lit and designed with clear visibility throughout.

Restrooms, seating areas, and playgrounds are cleaned and inspected on a regular basis, helping ensure a pleasant experience for every visitor.

Why Harbor City Recreation Center Matters

The Harbor City Recreation Center stands out because of its genuine connection to the local community. It’s not just a place to play sports or take a class—it’s a place where neighbors meet, children grow, and memories are made. With its well-rounded programming, safe environment, and commitment to inclusivity, the center embodies the spirit of Harbor City and what makes this part of Los Angeles so unique.

It also plays a critical role in public health, offering a welcoming environment where physical activity and community engagement are woven into daily life. In a busy urban area, having access to such a space helps promote mental wellness, family bonding, and a higher quality of life.

Conclusion

The Harbor City Recreation Center is a cherished institution in Harbor City, CA, offering residents a diverse array of recreational opportunities, educational programs, and community events. From its sports fields and playgrounds to its fitness classes and seasonal festivals, the center serves as a vibrant cornerstone of the neighborhood.

Whether you're a long-time resident or a newcomer exploring the area, a visit to the Harbor City Recreation Center will reveal the heart and soul of this dynamic community. It’s more than just a place to stay active—it’s a place where Harbor City comes to life.

Consider supporting one of our trusted partners.

24901 Frampton Ave, Harbor City, CA 90710, United States

See what's next to visit.

[qnewsau]

Reflections from the US : All of this has happened before

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/reflections-from-the-us-all-of-this-has-happened-before/

Reflections from the US : All of this has happened before

With rights disappearing one executive order at a time, Dean Arcuri reflects on his recent US visit and the power of our queer community.

I spent two weeks in America working on this month’s issue of QNews, which you can find out now in venues and online.

I was there for my friend’s wedding, and the one thing people kept saying to me was to be careful.

It was interesting to head there on the back of three massive weeks of pride for Midsumma.

Which included a massive day of action to Protect Trans Youth and stand in solidarity with the community.

We are living in a scary time right now, especially when you look overseas, but also in our backyard – especially with an election looming.

I spent most of my time in very queer-friendly places in the US, so for those who were willing to talk about it, I asked about how they were doing.

People are scared, trans people, people living with HIV, and people who have moved to the US legally.

Because from one day to the next, anything could happen thanks to an executive order.

But it’s how people stand tall and defiant in the face of this that gives me hope and inspiration.

For some, it is wearing a trans flag pin as they go about their day.

Acknowledging that the trans community fears what could happen next.

I saw more trans flag stickers, flags and pins than I ever have before.

For others, a safety net has been to turn off the news and shut it out.

It is one thing for us to see what is happening online from Australia and another to live it.

The one comment that rang true was that people felt that they had to be capable of anything.

Image: Alexander Grey on Unsplash

We thought we were done fighting.

Last time President Trump was in power many people joked about leaving the country.

This time, people have thought about their exit.

And I am talking about US citizens who don’t legally have to.

Because they could wake up the next morning and anything could happen – people are planning.

Everyone is very heightened that anything could happen to them, so they are very vigilant about how they can stay safe, both mentally and physically.

But the one thing that resonated with me as I flew back to Australia and wrote this piece is the conversations I had with older gay men on the streets and in the bars during my trip.

And the one thing they repeatedly said was that all of this has happened before.

“There are a lot of us in our community that have fought for decades and thought we were done fighting,” Cocoa Butter told me,

“But we realise now that we’re going to have to battle again.

“So we’re using our time at the moment to regenerate our batteries,

“Because like myself, I’ve done this too often and thought at this age I’d be living my golden years.

“But now I’m going golden girl, and we’ll fight when we must make sure that those that follow us will have a safe place to live.”

“And we look for support from around the world to help us do it,

“Because we’ve been supporting communities around the planet for decades, trying to help them from their oppression.

“We’re going to need other communities around the world to help us get through this administration.

Image: YouTube

You can’t erase someone who exists.

“Every time we fought, we win and come out ahead,” Des told me,

“So this is another setback but after this is all over, we’re going to be even further ahead than we were when we started.”

“Trans rights are human rights and we’re not disappearing.

“You can’t erase somebody who exists. It’s impossible.

“And no matter how much they try to hide us, we’re still going to be there,”

“And we’re going to be even louder and more visible and more in their face than they ever wanted in their lifetime.”

Their words echo so much of what I am hearing from the parents of trans children and elders in the community right now.

It is exactly what I needed to hear.

Now I am back home, I am carrying their words with me and their spirit. We aren’t going anywhere.

So, if you need to rest and take space right now, do it, if you need to step up, do it.

And if you feel alone, you are not.

It is okay to make space to talk about what we are going through and afraid of.

That’s how we change it.

These battles are a marathon, not a sprint, and the only way we can do it is together.

A scene from the 2024 San Francisco Pride parade. Photo: ABC7 San Francisco

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

[woodpengu]

So many means of knowing a person is a safe person. So many symbols - safety pins, pride flags/colors, flowers, punk jacket, goth makeup, etc. - that say without words "Your authenticity is safe with my understanding/advocacy".

But the ones that seem guaranteed safe no matter what are every person I've ever met with Ghibli paraphernalia somewhere in their bubble. A sticker on a water bottle. A logo on a shirt. A patch or key chain on their bag. The tattoo on their forearm, shoulder, calf... These people actively seek refuge and beauty in the mundane. Those are the people that get it.

Those are the people that understand escapism and a need for safety and how bad things can get. Ghibli people want respite in the form of whimsy. Ghibli people want their inner children to laugh and play. Ghibli people are soot sprites in the corners and tree spirits on the walk home and wara wara floating through space and time. All of us are a bit of Sophie (it's not easy being old [at 18-30]) and a bit of Chihiro (growing up is annoying but necessary) and a bit of Arriety (there's a whole world out there to explore and I love my family enough to protect them from the scarier bits) and a bit of so many other characters... and we all are getting by as best as we can with it.

Find the Ghibli people and you will find wholesome comfort bubbles that embody more than one dimension of love and acceptance.

(Shout out to the clerk at the DMV with the Calcifer sticker; I do admit to loving Howl's Moving Castle equally Spirited Away, I just happened to be wearing my No Face shirt that day.)

[potentially-a-poser]

Hello, I recently have been trying to express myself more and go against things i disagree with as much as i can as a 14 year old who was kinda sheltered for most of their life (trying to educate myself more!). I learned how to sew recently so i can repair holes in my stuff and ive tried to get better at standing up to my transphobic classmates. I was wondering though if there's anything i should know abt (I already know the thing abt not putting political or pride related things on the backs of a bag, i put some colored safety pins to make pride flags on one of the front parts, im probably going to put stuff related to interests on the back) cuz like i wouldnt want to accidentally put a hate symbol on there or something. Sorry if this is annoying

This is absolutely not annoying, I sent a ss of this to my friend and said something to the effect of “these kinds of asks genuinely make me so happy.”

I’m sure you know this already, but the music is super important. It doesn’t have to be the only thing you listen to, but it’s super important. I have a bunch of music recs if you want lol.

Lace code is dead (kinda). It’s only real if the boots are ladder laced, but I’d still recommend steering clear of white and red laces.

Learning the basics of how to paint is a good idea, you can make your own patches. Painting is a lot easier than embroidery. This isn’t necessary at all, but acrylic fabric medium is like $10 at most craft stores. It’ll basically turn acrylic paints into fabric paints and make it less hazardous to wash.

Please please please don’t give yourself tattoos or piercings. Mainly piercings, I’m not condoning stick and pokes but they’re less likely to end in tragedy from what I’ve seen. I’ve done part of a body piercing apprenticeship and I know too much. Don’t do it. If your parents are strict wait till you’re 18, I promise it’s worth it.

If you want extra homework, things you can read up on are:

1) the roots of the punk rock music genre, especially the black influence.

2) the history and development of labor unions. I had a unit on this in my American History class in high school.

3) anarchist theory. The Dawn of Everything is a really good book on the cultural and biological anthropology of humanity and how lowkey anarchism is rad. I’m an anthropology major tho and the book is quite dense. The Conquest of Bread is old but good. The Anarchist’s cookbook has been so heavily censored it’s basically useless. Unless you can find an original copy don’t bother.

Other things to note: doc martens suck ass. Don’t waste your money. If you can afford to get docs, get a pair of work boots instead. I got mine through my job.

Learn to safely throw a punch. Dont fly off and punch people, but you’ve gotta be able to make good on the “I punch Nazis” promise

I’ll add more to this if I think of anything else. Feel free to dm me or send me another ask if you have any more questions

[little-lucky-angel]

Reason no.73728 why you still need to be vigilant as a queer individual around people who have no particular stance on queer rights: they might not be ineherently queerphobic to you, but they might surround themselves with people who are and let them into your life. 

I went home for the holidays and came back to find out my roommate held a party, which is fine, she cleaned up after it. Except I found my small, decorative pride flag poking out of the trash. This flag means a lot to me because I had it since I was a teen, nearly 7 years now, and got it from a youth support group when I was lost and confused. It holds a lot of sentimental value as it's been with me for so long and has seen me through some very shitty times.

When I asked what the hell happened and why is it there, my roommate, through nonchalant laughter, showed me a video of her (boy)friend stuffing that flag into the trash and being all smug about it. It was funny to her and it really wasn't to me.

I had to take a few hours to ponder on it and I finally settled on anger and confronted her. I told her that next time something like this happens, I'm taking a piece of her makeup and smashing it, to which she responded by saying it's not like she is the one who did it and she was drunk anyway.

As if that somehow excuses the fact she allowed a stranger to go into my personal space and discard my stuff as he pleases, to my knowledge without ever reprimanding him for it. She didn't even have to make it about homophobia, it's a matter of touching other people's belongings without permission and while the owner is away and unable to do anything about it.

I've been through 7 apartments in the last 5 years, plenty of shitty landlords and roommates, this is the cheapest place I can live in as of right now because I can't work enough hours to both afford new housing and keep up with my studies. I don't have time or energy before exams either, so I'm stuck living with a person who can at any moment bring in someone who will jeopardise my safety and peace of mind.

Her aloofness lulled me into a false sense of security while making a decision to move in, and now I can't relax anymore in my own space knowing what happened because next time what will it be? I sure as fuck don't want to find out. I was endangered simply by the proxy of other people carelessness and stupidity.

As much as it is, it's also not about material belongings. I feel betrayed and violated. To me this means my roommate doesn't care about my safety and knowingly and willingly fraternizes with people who hold active resent against queers and are willing to act upon their urge to display their dissatifaction.

Yes you can argue about it being my fault for not setting down boundaries or something, but me setting them down doesn't mean they won't be crossed because the other person thinks nothing bad will happen for doing it once.

Queerphobia is not a matter of opinion, it never was. If it was only a matter of opinion, there wouldn't be a danger of violence. And this is why I aggressively criticise small acts like this. If we let them slide over and over, trashed flags and ripped posters will turn into dead bodies.

[lonelyoctoberhours]

What Pride Means To Me (25/6/24)

it's the smile on the face of a child, so trusting of the moment the colours flying through the air, hands held without reservation.

pushing out the fear from shouts in stairwells, moving on from things forgotten, because it'll all be okay in the end, right? there's life and love at the end, isn't there?

in being seen, being apologised to, "this is why we don't make assumptions," a lesson taught from two words scratched up on a nametag.

or that feeling in your chest, a tell me you love me, tell me you believe me, tell me that you know we're okay.

and if it's a shout into the static, "why aren't you listening to me?" i wish you all the best, because i know how much it hurts.

and seeing them made me look in, sides of me i'd never dared dig up further. looking for a sign, so i didn't have to ask first. finding you made it feel good to be this way.

with time and effort, and a three-day crisis, and your own brand of pink and green love it got to a stage where i could be this, and know i had someone on my side.

it's a stolen flag in a display. either a "fuck you" or a "me too." these things just happens sometimes, it doesn't pass just because the months said so.

and i know i haven't had it bad, and i know people who've struggled more, and i know what they did to escape when home wasn't safe.

they've years on me, only a couple, if nothing else their love for being queer beats out everything they've dealt with. their pride is my role model.

if it starts and ends with jokes, a safety between two people so we're not hushed words in some bar, but reaching out hands

"i just want to check in," "i know just how difficult it is" "it's something else to witness." it's something else to be the target.

intertwining fingers, we've got this, let me look out for you. "there's so much joy," and "i'm here if you want to talk."

if pride is in the little things, sharing the good and the bad, the expected and the surprises, then it's in the connections i cannot live without.