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I think like, while Lil Nas X is tearing apart a lot of troll responses he’s getting on twitter for laughs on purpose, I also definitely think we should be careful about how we frame that, how we repost that, and whether that’s the thing we focus on here, because the sheer volume and maliciousness of the harassment (from the likes of Fox News and establishments such as that) he’s receiving isn’t without emotional consequences. he even stated that much:

[ID: tweet by Lil Nas X stating: “i’ll be honest all this backlash is putting an emotional toll on me. i try to cover it with humour but it’s getting hard. my anxiety is higher than ever and stream call me by your name on all platforms now!” /end ID]

like we should def appreciate his creativity & his incredible sense of humour in the face of all this, but I think we shouldn’t forget the extreme severity of the backlash and hatred in response to a bold and groundbreaking piece of black gay art, that showcases black gay sexuality in a way that is almost never seen, certainly by not such a famous musician, and not erase the fact that the amount of hate he’s getting here is both unjust, racially-motivated, and almost definitely tremendously painful and upsetting? or else we risk reducing black performers and artists to mere objects of entertainment and fail to see black performers & artists as people, human beings.

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babies

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🖤💖(part 1)

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10 Ways to Appreciate Romani Culture

1. Attend a Festival

Festivals are a great way to partake in a culture different from your own. Romani people have numerous festivals throughout the year, many of which are open events and welcoming to non-Roma participants. Festivals, such as the Appleby Horse Fair, Khamoro, and the California Herdeljezi Festival, are all great examples of open cultural events that allow you to actively participate in aspects of Romani culture.  For a list of some more Romani festivals, click here!

2. Consume Romani Media

Romani media is completely underrated. There are a plethora of great producers, actors, musicians, and radio personalities who are ethnic Roma. Consuming media is one way we can actively engage with and learn about another culture without being disrespectful. 

For a list of Romani media, click here!

3. Read a Book

Romani authors are plentiful, and with a larger-than-ever presence of Roma on the internet, Romani books and poetry are becoming much more accessible. There are numerous books that have been translated from the Romani language in English, Russian, Hungarian, French, Spanish, and various other languages. A quick internet search can now produce comprehensive lists of ethnic Romani authors. 

4. Buy Real “Gypsy” Fashion

Retailers, such as Romani Design, and the Tzigania Store, have made Romani-inspired clothing and jewelry accessible to and designed for both Roma and non-Roma. If you like traditional Romani motifs, purchasing clothing from a store like Romani Design not only supports ethnic Romani designers, but also allows you to consume Romani fashion in a way that is not appropriative. 

If you’d like to learn more about appropriation versus appreciation, click here!

5. Learn a Language

While Roma have varying opinions on non-Roma learning our language, generally speaking, learning a foreign language is one way to appreciate a different culture.There’s also the added benefit that knowing more than one language has been proven to positively impact brain function. There are several reputable books and websites that can assist in Romani language learning endeavors. 

6. Support Romani Art

Support Romani arts by purchasing Romani art, or going to galleries where Romani art is featured. As Roma, our traditional artwork is often overlooked and comes second to non-Romani depictions of us. Supporting Romani arts and efforts to preserve Romani arts has a profound impact on our communities, and allows you to appreciate Romani culture.  To learn more about Romani arts initiatives, click here!

7. Donate to Romani Causes

One way to appreciate Romani culture and ensure its preservation is to actively support Romani rights causes by donating to NGOs or participating in human rights events centered on Romani rights. There are numerous existing organizations that help Roma around the world. However, some of these organizations struggle to receive proper funding, or are promised funding that becomes tied up and “lost” by incompetent politicians.  For a list of Romani NGOs, click here!

8. Learn Our History

Learning about the history of our people and culture allows you to better appreciate it. Sometimes, history can help put culture into context. Why people continue to practice certain traditions can be as important as the tradition itself. Learning about the history of Romani people can also give non-Roma perspective as to why we keep certain aspects of our culture guarded. Understanding closed versus open cultures, and what that entails, can be a great way to show appreciation for a particular culture.  To learn more about Romani history, click here!

9. Listen to Music

Romani music is both diverse and beautiful. We have a rich musical history and our contributions to modern music genres are often underappreciated. We had a great influence in European classical music, as well as Jazz and Flamenco. Listening to Romani music is a great way to appreciate Romani culture. Some excellent musicians are Ando Drom, Esma Redzepova, Via Romen, and Gipsy Kings, among others. Check out this page for some more Romani musicians by country!

10. Lend an Ear

Sometimes the biggest appreciation we can give is to listen to people speak about their own culture. If we say something misrepresents us, or is offensive, it’s probably because it is. There are many depictions of Roma that are steeped in racism, whether we realize it or not. If members of the Romani community ask you to respect our culture, the biggest appreciation you can give is just listening to us. Listening to ethnic Roma speak about our culture, or reading and sharing articles written by ethnic Roma are both ways of appreciating Romani culture.

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A Korrasami Hercules au commission ❤️

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asami is fully the gay girl who doesn’t know how to flirt but is just like omgggg you’re so strong!! 😳😳💕💖 but idk i don’t think you could pick me up 👀👀🙈 and korra doesn’t even realize asami likes her she’s just like how DARE you insinuate i’m not strong enough have you seen my arms???

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marant00 on Instagram

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Come, wayward souls And wander through the darkness There is a light, for the lost and the meek Sorrow and fear are easily forgotten When you submit to the soil of the earth

Grow, tiny seed You are called to the trees Rise till your leaves fill the sky Until your sighs fill the air in the night Lift your mighty limbs And give praise to the fire

OVER THE GARDEN WALL (2014)

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Kofi request for @found-within-a-forest-dark! 

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crying bc I’ll never be able to buy giant bagels off a kentrosaurus

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Cinderella by Jane Pica

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ELIZABETH RAAB PHOTOGRAPHY Guerriere series www.elizabethraab.com

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A set for each Disney Princess

Cinderella  from “Cinderella” (1950)

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‘When the time is nigh, she will come before you, and you shall know her.’

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if i was a doctor who companion the first thing i’d do is go back to the 19th century and introduce them to hozier

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DINOSAURS OVER THE YEARS

This is a series of posters I made to show how our perception of Dinosaurs and other animals of the mesozoic changed over the years. These and few more are featured in a Youtube video you can watch HERE

this art is available for prints, t-shirts and other goods HERE

http://mariolanzas.tumblr.com/