#LGBTQ+ friendly Austin

[keayexplores]

Central Machine Works: Where Community, Craft, and Good Times Meet

[everyonesfavoritebard]

Can you tell I’m upset yet?

HEY PLEASE READ !!

if you guys AT ALL enjoy using the internet whether it's for news, entertainment, or communication purposes there is a bill floating around right now that has a good possibility of being passed that will influence the way we ALL use the internet. this bill is called KOSA and it presents itself as "kids online safety act" but in reality it is and will try to sensor SO much important information out there about LGBTQ+, POC communities, feminism and women's rights, and so much more. the bill targets mainly people under 17 but this bill will affect adults too. your favorite social media and websites will become highly cleansed from anything the government deems as "dangerous" to children online. one of the ways they are trying to ensure kids aren't accessing content that is "dangerous" enforces EVERYONE to upload private information or a photo of your ID to access social media apps and websites. IF YOU CARE AT ALL ABOUT PROTECTING FREE SPEACH ON THE INTERNET AND THE WAY WE USE IT TO COMMUNICATE PLEASE HELP ENSURE THAT THIS BILL DOES NOT PASS.

CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATORS TO SHOE THAT YOU DO NOT SUPPORT THE KOSA BILL.

PLEASE REBLOG AND SHARE !!!!

HERE IS A FREE PETITION YOU CAN SIGN TO HELP:

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Lil Kalish at HuffPost:

When Heather Crawford walked into a Minnesota public school to enroll her teenager in August 2022, she was ready for a fight. More than anything, she wanted her then-15-year-old, Cass, who is nonbinary and trans, to be safe at school, to have their name and pronouns respected, and to be able to use the restroom without fear. The school registrar told Crawford not to worry and handed her a form where she could note Cass’ pronouns for the school’s records. “I was ready for a fistfight, and it was just as simple as a piece of paper,” Crawford said, recalling that she felt such a wave of relief that she broke down crying in the office. “It’s so fantastic knowing that the state is not only not actively trying to harm my child but is actively trying to protect them,” she added. “It’s comforting on a level I can’t really fully articulate.” The Crawfords had uprooted their entire lives to move from Austin, Texas, to St. Paul, Minnesota, after years of watching Texas Republicans enact increasingly hostile policies targeting trans kids. They worried their family might be next.

The final straw for Crawford came in February 2022, when Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) directed Texas’ child protective services to perform “child abuse” investigations against parents who helped their children get gender-affirming care. Until then, Cass and their parents had been working with a pediatric gender care doctor in Austin who prescribed medication to suppress Cass’ menstrual cycle. Cass, who uses both they and he pronouns, dreamed about getting top surgery. They also wanted to start testosterone but had to wait to make sure they weren’t at risk for a genetic cancer that was triggered by changes in hormones. Crawford was frightened that her support of this care could put Cass and their family at risk from Texas officials. She set her eyes on Minnesota in part because of dozens of progressive and trans-inclusive policies championed by Gov. Tim Walz (D), who took the national stage last week when Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris announced him as her running mate.

Crawford’s friends had gushed to her about Walz, a former teacher and veteran with a track record of supporting LGBTQ+ rights dating back to at least 1999 when he became the first faculty adviser for a high school’s gay-straight alliance. Minnesota had long been praised as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly places in the Midwest. In 1993, it became the first state in the country to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation. In 2021, as anti-LGBTQ+ legislation reached a record high in state legislatures across the country, Walz, who was finishing up his first term as governor, signed an executive order banning conversion therapy. “Our kids deserve to grow up in a state that values them for who they are — not one that tries to change them,” he said in a statement at the time.

Last year, Walz helped enact further protections for transgender youth who were traveling to Minnesota for their health care. He signed an executive order to protect access to gender-affirming care for out-of-state patients, their families and medical providers. Walz also signed a trio of bills that further safeguarded access to abortion, banned conversion therapy and made Minnesota into a “trans refuge.” The state currently boasts the largest number of openly LGBTQ+ legislators in state history, and they make up the “queer caucus” that advocated heavily for policies that Walz later signed. Crawford, who is now a vocal advocate for trans youth, admits she hasn’t always been supportive. When Cass first came out in 2019, she reacted “as badly as you can.” But after Cass attempted suicide that year, she saw how wrong she was and worked to help Cass socially transition, legally change their name and receive bathroom accommodations at school.

This HuffPost article on how Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) turned his state into a bulwark of trans safe refuge in the Midwest hits the jackpot, including a story on a Texas couple moving to the Land of 10,000 Lakes to protect the safety of their trans child.

[josephseedismyfather]

Ship Traits!

THANK YOU @inafieldofdaisies, @g0dspeeed, @noodlecupcakes, @cassietrn, @la-grosse-patate

@scorpiosleeps, @3llisarts, and @omen-speaker for tagging me!!! 🥰 So sorry for the delay!

Gonna post for all 3 ships, so it'll be a long one. Will cut it after Harley & Jacob.

Rules: bold/color the themes that apply to your ship, and italicize the theme if it’s one-sided, within your story.

Harley x Jacob

height difference (5'3" vs 6'3") / mutual pining (eventually) / first kiss / wedding / in-jokes / lgbtq+ (Harley is bi) / family disapproves (it's John, he disapproves, poor baby) / would die for each other / would kill for each other / fake relationship / arranged wedding / cuddlers (eventually) / pda friendly / and they were roommates / holding hands / secret relationship / opposing worldviews / getting a pet (Harley gets Boomer!) / have kids / want kids / grow old together / relationship failures / rests head on shoulder/ share a bed / relationship doubts (SO MANY) / they have a song / first date / sharing a blanket / mutual interests / study buddies / bathing together / crash into hello / accidental nudity / laundry / same hobbies / cooking for each other / big fancy gala / forehead touches (rare) / hair stroking / sitting on each other’s laps / sexual tension (like...all of it) / can’t be together / battle couple / Friends (kinda) to Lovers / Enemies to Lovers / Lovers to Enemies / KEEPING SECRETS / love after loss / exes / declaration of love / flirting / love triangle / destructive romance (the most!) / envy / “I Don’t Want to Ruin Our Friendship” / shared values (eventually) / slow burn / does not end well (which time?) / happily ever after (ish) / love letters

Goodness. I got emotional filling this out for them!

height difference (5'9" vs 6'1") / mutual pining / first kiss / wedding (a true event, thanks Joseph 🙄) / in-jokes / lgbtq+ (Evangeline is bi) / family disapproves (Oh look, it's John again. Always disapproving.) / would die for each other / would kill for each other / fake relationship / arranged wedding / cuddlers / pda friendly / and they were roommates / holding hands / secret relationship / opposing worldviews / getting a pet (Evangeline eventually cares for Peaches) / have kids / want kids / grow old together / relationship failures / rests head on shoulder (Joseph more than Evangeline) / share a bed / relationship doubts (never Joseph) / they have a song / first date / sharing a blanket / mutual interests / study buddies / bathing together (he always insists) / crash into hello / accidental nudity (oops!) / laundry / same hobbies / cooking for each other / big fancy gala / forehead touches / hair stroking / sitting on each other’s laps / sexual tension / can’t be together / battle couple / Friends to Lovers / Enemies to Lovers / Lovers to Enemies / keeping secrets / love after loss / exes / declaration of love / flirting / love triangle / destructive romance / envy / “I Don’t Want to Ruin Our Friendship” / shared values / slow burn (the slowest) / does not end well / happily ever after (ish) / love letters

Evangeline x Joseph

Austin x Johnny

height difference (I mean, how much of a difference counts as a difference? 5'10" vs 6'1" [guess who is shorter?]) / mutual pining / first kiss / wedding / in-jokes / lgbtq+ / family disapproves (I mean, come on. Dep is trying to fuck everything up. let's be honest.) / would die for each other (John isn't dying for anyone, sorry.) / would kill for each other (been there done that?) / fake relationship / arranged wedding / cuddlers / pda friendly / and they were roommates (a looong time ago) / holding hands (only when they're all old and shit) / secret relationship / opposing worldviews / getting a pet (Cheeseburger never leaves Austin's side once he finds him) (John *hates* it) / have kids / want kids / grow old together (more like...grow old adjacently) / relationship failures / rests head on shoulder/ share a bed / relationship doubts / they have a song / first date / sharing a blanket / mutual interests / study buddies / bathing together / crash into hello / accidental nudity / laundry / same hobbies / cooking for each other / big fancy gala / forehead touches/ hair stroking (old man shit) / sitting on each other’s laps / sexual tension / can’t be together / battle couple (eventually) / Friends to Lovers / Enemies to Lovers / Lovers to Enemies (listen. they know each other in every stage of life!) / keeping secrets / love after loss / exes / declaration of love / flirting / love triangle / destructive "romance" / envy / “I Don’t Want to Ruin Our Friendship” / shared values / slow burn / does not end well / happily ever after / love letters

Well. Just reminded myself how screwed up all my ships are. Should probably get to writing a little quicker. 🤔

Opt-in/out of tag list here.

Apologies for doubles, I'm kinda late, and no pressure! @wrathfulrook, @socially-awkward-skeleton, @trench-rot, @ladyoriza, @redreart

@hotmessteaparty, @voidbuggg, @insanityofvaas, @simplegenius042, @malefiquinn

@strangefable, @chazz-anova, @aristomal, @ocdemon-747, @evilvvithin

@carlosoliveiraa, @grimmylover7, and anybody else who wants to play. Tag me! 😘

[lovesick-blue]

I’M BACK IN THE FUCKING BUILDING AGAIN

—————

hey gamers, your local dumbass rabbit @frosty-chiion is back with lovesick blues from 2019-

Welcome to Lovesick Blues. This is a Kindergarten AU that will mostly only involve the kids, you can probably try asking about the adults but they’re most likely not here

Like most blogs, this IS a plot driven blog, so the characters here may not act exactly like canon, but i will try and keep every kid at least 80% in character. Every post will be linked here chronologically

I’m kind of a detail fanatic so if you look closely enough, you can see some small details i added in that should add up to the lore

Everything here that i did not do will be credited accordingly

—————

RULES:

1. Your typical racist, incest, pedophillia and anything controversial is not allowed

2. This blog is LGBTQ+ friendly, i will NOT tolerate homophobic/transphobic comments.

3. DO NOT make very explicit sex related jokes (they’re 16) and NO NSFW (jokes that are from the Kindergarten series themselves are fine)

4. I know the characters are purely fictional, but please don’t actually push their limits on purpose

5. M!As (magic anons) are NOT ALLOWED

6. Only mutuals are allowed to have AU to AU interaction with this blog [might change]

7. Mod Frosty (me) is open for asks anytime

8. Feel free to submit fan art, i will be more than happy to post them here, but please do not submit anything unrelated

9. Characters that are from newly announced games will not be appearing for now until the game is out

10. Asks that do not follow the rules will be deleted without hesitation. If asks that violate the rules keep appearing, the askbox will be closed for an undisclosed amount of time.

11. NOTE THAT CERTAIN ASKS CAN TRIGGER THE NEXT EVENTS OF THE STORY

12. To see which character is currently available to ask, check the banner for updates

—————

ASKBOX: OPEN

WILL NOT APPEAR UNTIL GAME RELEASE: Austin, Emmy, Davey and Alice

—————

STORY IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER [LEFT TO RIGHT] :

INTRODUCTION

Beginning | Part 1.1 | Part 1.2 | Part 1.3 | Part 1.4 | Part 1.5 | Part 1.6 | Part 1.7 |

[crossroadsathenaeum]

NEW SERVER | LAUNCHED JUNE 27, 2025

Crossroads of the Athenaeum is a dynamic multi-setting roleplay server on Discord. Explore immersive, original worlds—called Codexes—each with its own lore, tone, and characters.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐱 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 Each Codex includes: ✧ Unique setting, lore, and themes ✧ Real Face Claims (19+ only) ✧ Independent rules and vibes ✧ Member-voted future additions

𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐱𝐞𝐬 ✧ Beneath the Northern Lights – 🧊 Frostfall, Alaska A hidden supernatural community faces exposure as tourism surges. ✧ Deep in the Heart of Austin – ⭐ Austin, Texas City lights, music, and organized crime collide in this gritty slice-of-life RP. ✧ Bayou Bloodlines – 🐊 New Orleans, Louisiana Vampires, witches, and more hide in plain sight, fighting for power in the shadows. ✧ Between the Pines – 🌲 Fairview, Oregon A cozy, slow-paced town full of nature, neighbors, and nostalgic charm.

𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘞𝘦 𝘖𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳 ✧ LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent community ✧ Interactive and expansive storylines ✧ Friendly and inclusive staff members ✧ Safe and welcoming environment ✧ Flexibility to play in multiple codexes or just one

Whether you're craving supernatural drama, city grit, or quiet small-town vibes, Crossroads of the Athenaeum is your next storytelling home.

JOIN US

[dwjr98]

🏡 ISO: A Chill Deaf Roomie in South Austin!

Hey y’all! I’m looking for a Deaf male roommate (bonus points if you’re gay 🌈 — but straight + LGBTQ+ friendly = welcome too!) to share my cozy 2 bed / 2 bath at The Mont Apartment Complex starting Sept 12, 2025.

🐾 Must love dogs — my dog Kallie is the real queen of the house

🚿 You get your own bathroom (no awkward share!)

📅 12-month lease (required by the office, sorry I don’t make the rules)

💰 Rent: $830 + Utilities: ~$193 = About $1,023/month

I’m looking for someone who’s:

✨ Deaf or fluent in ASL

🧼 Clean + chill

🚫 No drama

💼 Has a steady job

🚗 Has reliable transportation

DM me if you’re seriously interested. Let’s make a peaceful (and fun!) Deaf-friendly home together!

#RoomieSearch #DeafHousing #AustinLiving #GayRoommateWanted #DogFriendlyHome #ASLWelcome

[qnewsau]

ChillOut celebrates all ages under the rainbow with their Youth Muster

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/chillout-celebrates-all-ages-under-the-rainbow-with-youth-muster/

ChillOut celebrates all ages under the rainbow with their Youth Muster

Get ready to celebrate with the LGBTQ+ community in the Hepburn Shire, as ChillOut brings space for all ages to celebrate their pride.

ChillOut is Australia’s largest and longest-running regional pride festival.

Celebrated on the Labour Day long weekend spa country turns into pride country, amplifying regional pride through the Hepburn Shire.

With a host of events, Daylesford is once again transformed into a beacon of pride where everyone has a space to celebrate their authentic selves.

The Youth Muster in the Park is one such event where youth, their allies, friends and families can come together in a safe and inclusive space.

“The Youth Muster is an extremely important feature on the ChillOut events calendar,” ChillOut President Matt Clarke said,

“The committee works hard to ensure that it’s an event that remains there.”

“Generally, regional youth are isolated from many activities and experiences purely because of location.

“Travelling to any event in a capital city is costly.

“Event ticket costs, transport, and accommodation all become quite stressful and are often the final factor in whether they attend.”

“Being a young queer person in regional Victoria adds further layers of complexities.

“As often being out or proud of who they are can come with bullying and violence.”

Photo by Michelle Donnelly

Discussions, Drag Storytime & more.

This year the free event returns to Victoria Park with live music, drag artists, a rainbow family picnic and more.

Hosted by Nate Byrne and Frock Hudson, a panel discussion will include former AFL player and coach Danielle Laidley.

As well as Victorian Commissioner for LGBTQIA+ Communities Joe Ball and Minus18.

Plus former country kid, trans activist and sports fan Austin Fabry-Jenkins.

Keeping the family-friendly fun going, the Youth Muster is followed by Drag Storytime hosted by Frock Hudson and Gabriella Labucci.

They understand the importance of regional pride.

“Drag story time gives children some entertainment through story and costume,” Labucci said,

“With the amount of bigoted opinions surrounding it, it’s important that we continue to be present,

“And show the youth that there is nothing wrong with being exactly who they are.

“Drag has been around children for years!

“Take Mrs Doubtfire for example, the last scene of the movie sees Mrs Doubtfire hosting a TV show for children!”

Creating affordable and accessible events is important, but comes with a different set of challenges in regional areas.

That’s why the ChillOut committee feel that events such as the Youth Muster are so important.

“ChillOut is so proud of its regional roots and is well known across the queer events calendar, but it is also a majority ticketed event.”

“There are costs to attend events over the weekend.

“So once again, young queer people living regionally are faced with financial challenges.”

Photo by Michelle Donnelly

Young people deserve affirming & welcoming spaces.

“The creation of the Youth Muster is all about providing an event directly focused on youth, their friends, allies and families,

“By creating a free day during ChillOut that is welcoming, safe and supportive.

“We want to make sure that young people can experience the joy of ChillOut without financial burden.

“We also know that there are young people who are not out, who are on their journey of finding themselves and their tribe.

“So to have the Youth Muster in an outdoor space allows those who are feeling a little unsure, a little unsafe, to view the space and the event from their comfortable zone.

“And then decide if they want to walk through and join in.

“It’s important that our young future leaders and advocates can have a positive and enjoyable experience at ChillOut,

“Setting foundations for hopefully a brighter life.”

With the Parade and Carnival, the following Day, there’s plenty of pride to be celebrated for everyone at ChillOut,

So come join us in Daylesford as we celebrate every age under the rainbow.

Join the ChillOut Festival in Daylesford from the 6th to the 10th of March.

The Youth Muster takes place from 11 am-3 pm, followed by Drag Storytime.

Find out about all the event details and book your tickets here.

Photo by Michelle Donnelly

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.

[evolvecolving]

Must-See Digital Nomad Hotspots in North America

Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

This bustling resort town is located on the Yucatan Peninsula and attracts tourists because of its white sand beaches and clear blue waters.

The temperature is pleasant year-round, with the mercury going as high as 28C in December and a lower end of 21C.

If you are intent on escaping the winter, this is a fantastic destination with beach-worthy weather. 

There is a good co-working and cafe scene in Playa, and digital nomads are catered to quite heavily, with gluten-free food being common and high-quality coffees readily available.

It isn’t high on the list for providing an authentic experience of Mexico. However, if you are looking for somewhere with fast and reliable Wi-Fi, friendly people, good facilities to work from, and excellent beach and surf possibilities, you have come to the right place. 

The nightlife is also notable, with several excellent clubs located on the busy tourist strip on Quinta Avenida.

It is known for being a party town, so it may not be perfect for those looking for a quieter, more sedate lifestyle. 

In terms of coworking, there are some excellent options, including Nest, which is fairly centrally located, and Work Zone Coworking, for those who require a quieter space to work.

San Francisco, USA

An iconic destination in its own right, San Francisco is one not to be missed, particularly by the LGBTQ+ community.

Everyone has seen the classic films with car chases on the steeply banked streets leading down to the harbour, and they are truly worth seeing in person.

The whole vibe of San Francisco is fabulous; there is a real buzz in the air, and there is so much to do and see. 

The Golden Gate Bridge is a particular landmark, and any visitors should definitely try out the street trolleys that still trundle up and down its steep streets.

Known for being a technology hub, you are likely to meet many people who work for some of the big internet companies, such as Apple and Google.

San Francisco offers all the amenities provided by a big city. These include extremely fast internet speeds, high-quality cafes to work from and food choices in abundance.

San Francisco caters well for people who are into healthy living and wellness, with a plethora of gluten-free options available and options for even the most restrictive diets.   

The only real downside is the cost compared to many other places, particularly those in Mexico. San Francisco is a premium destination in the USA, and this is definitely reflected in the cost of rentals.

Vancouver, Canada

Our only Canadian entry on the list, Vancouver consistently leads charts for quality of life and for liveability, and it is easy to see why.

Boasting extensive parks within the city, Vancouver is very green and an excellent space for those who enjoy walking in the shade of the trees on a sunny day.

Vancouver is known for being very culturally open and welcoming to newcomers, with friendly locals and diversity in both food and the arts. 

Vancouver is the classic mix of beaches, mountains, parkland, and downtown corporate office spaces.

There is something for everyone, all of the time. If you have always wanted to go to a nudist beach, you can do so easily here. 

If you would prefer to mountain bike or surf, you can do that too. z

The activities change with the seasons, so those more inclined to winter sports can schedule their stay accordingly and take advantage of the snowboarding and skiing opportunities nearby. 

There is a range of different accommodation options and some of the best are the coliving spaces, as these can minimise the cost in what would otherwise be quite an expensive city.

Austin, Texas, USA

Despite being the Capital of one of the most Conservative states in the USA, Austin leans very heavily Liberal and is safe and welcoming for LGBTQ+ people who might be thinking of visiting. It is also considered to be very female-friendly and racially tolerant.

The live music capital of the USA, Austin has always something going on, and it has a really great vibe that many people seem to enjoy.

The internet is fast and stable here, and Austin is considered a bit of a tech hub. Because of this, there are a large number of places to work from.

Epoch and Industrious Austin are two of the best coworking places. Each has its pros and cons, so it depends on what you are looking for in your workspace. 

Austin is one of the more expensive places on the list to spend some time because it is located in the USA. However, the cultural richness of the experience and the natural beauty of the surroundings make it worthwhile.

It may be best to avoid the summers when the temperature reaches an unbearable 38C, but other times of the year are more temperate.

Tulum, Mexico

The second on the list in Mexico, Tulum has a radically different vibe from Playa del Carmen, one that is more attuned to spirituality and wellness rather than partying hard.

It’s a lot quieter and more suitable for those seeking a chilled, laid-back vibe. Tulum is situated on the Caribbean coast and has gorgeous white sands.

It was built upon the ruins of an ancient Mayan settlement, which can still be seen today. 

Tulum is particularly well-served by coworking spaces, some of the best of which are Coworking Tulum, which provides access to over 20 locations throughout the town, and Los Amigos Cowork. 

When it comes to coliving, there is also an excellent range of options from independents like Ko’Muna Tulum.

This company bills itself as “Community Living in Paradise” and is situated right between the beach and the jungle in gorgeous, well-kept accommodation.

Other players in the coliving space include the larger chains like Selina and Outsite.

There is a wide range of accommodation options for those who would rather not stay at a coliving, everything from entire apartments to bunk beds in hostels.

It is possible to find somewhere to stay for a few hundred dollars per month, making Tulum a very attractive option, even for those on a tight budget.

Original Source: https://evolvecoliving.io/blog/must-visit-digital-nomad-hotspots-in-north-america/

[youneedtolookatthis]

SOUNDERS FC THEMED HOME MATCHES – 2024 SEASON

HOME OPENER (March 2 vs. Austin FC): Sounders FC kicks off its 50th Anniversary celebrations in the first home match of the season.

POD NIGHT (April 20 vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC): The Rave Green celebrate Earth Day and the club's work to Protect Our Planet, with an emphasis on stewardship of the Salish Sea and its orca residents.

YOUTH MATCH (May 5 vs. LA Galaxy): Sounders FC hosts a family-friendly afternoon at the pitch with special activations for younger fans.

HERITAGE MATCH (May 18 vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC): Sounders FC celebrates the 50th Anniversary of its first match on May 12, 1974 against its oldest rival.

BRUCE LEE MATCH (May 29 vs. Real Salt Lake): The club celebrates the life and legacy of Bruce Lee in the final year of wearing its iconic Bruce Lee Kit.

50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION (June 15 vs. Minnesota United FC): In the marquee themed match of the season, the Rave Green celebrate 50 years of Seattle Sounders Football Club and all those who came before.

PRIDE MATCH (June 22 vs. FC Dallas): Sounders FC honors Seattle Pride leading into the week of celebrations in the city, highlighting the club’s advocacy, allyship and commitment to stand for LGBTQ+ equality.

YOUTH MATCH (September 15 vs. Sporting Kansas City): Sounders FC hosts a family-friendly afternoon at the pitch with special activations for younger fans.

FAN APPRECIATION (September 28 vs. Houston Dynamo FC): The club’s annual Fan Appreciation Match celebrating the best fans in MLS, offering unique giveaways and opportunities to engage with the First Team in a post-match carnation gifting.

DECISION DAY (October 19 vs. Portland Timbers): The final home match of the season is being played against Cascadia rival Portland Timbers, as positions for the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs fall into place across MLS.

[norirosewrites]

Indie Bookstore Adventures: Austin Edition

Yesterday was my birthday (I have officially upgraded to version 3.1!). When my partner asked me how I wanted to celebrate my new revolution around the sun, I told him that I wanted to spend the day going to my favorite independent bookstores in town, as well as some newer ones that I hadn’t yet had the chance to visit!

If you know anything at all about the indie bookstore scene in Austin, you have probably at least heard of BookPeople – as you should! Not only is BookPeople the largest independent bookstore in the state of Texas, it’s also a cornerstone of the literary community in Austin. (They also make very yummy tea lattes and Italian sodas in their coffee shop, FYI.) And don’t get me wrong, it’s definitely one of my favorite places in town. But for my birthday, I wanted to venture into some new(ish) territory with some of my city’s more hidden gems for book lovers. I was not disappointed.

Titan Moon Comics (Cedar Park) I had visited Titan Moon Comics once before and loved it so much that I definitely wanted to return for my birthday! This little treasure of a comic shop is tucked away in a shopping center in the suburb of Cedar Park. They have an amazing collection of classic and contemporary comics and graphic novels, as well as a decently-sized manga collection. It’s an all-ages comic shop that carries comics that are appropriate for kids and teens alongside no shortage of selections for adult readers. Something that I really appreciate about them is that they carry a lot of selections from women and LGBTQ creators. They also host RPG and CCG events for both kids and adults. They have plenty of D&D supplies, a store membership program, and a comic book club, as well as incredibly friendly and knowledgeable staff. It may require a bit of a trek, but it is absolutely worth it if you’re a comic book lover.

Snags: Labyrinth: Beyond the Goblin City. This is a collection of side stories based off of the classic Jim Henson film told in graphic novel form, with contributions from a variety of artists and writers. As an avowed Henson and Labyrinth fan, there was no way I was going home without it.

Saga: Volume 2: Brian K. Vaughn’s Saga is one of my favorite series. I read the first two volumes in college for a class on graphic novels and promptly proceeded to devour as many volumes as I could get from the public library. Now that I’m older and have (slightly) more disposable income, I’ve decided to start adding them to my home collection. I picked up Volume 1 on my first visit to Titan Moon, and naturally had to acquire the second on this trip.

Black Pearl Books

Black Pearl Books is a Black owned, family-run bookshop, and you absolutely must give it a visit if you’re in the area (or take a look at their online store if you’re not!). They carry titles in every genre and for every age level, as well as some really cool crafts from local artists. They also have a community book exchange where you can take a book for free and leave one in its place! The staff was so sweet and welcoming, and they even gave us a tour around the shop since it was our first time visiting.

Snags: Delicious Monsters by Liselle Sambury: This is a thriller told from the perspective of two young Black women in alternating timelines who both have a mysterious – and haunting – connection to the “Miracle Mansion” and a host of horrors that lurk within. But it’s not simply a tale of a haunted house: it’s a story about facing the monsters that hide in plain sight, which – unfortunately – are often the people closest to us. I know that it’s going to be a heavy read, but as a survivor myself, sometimes it’s cathartic to read about the darker parts of the human condition; while everyone processes their experiences differently, I know that I personally enjoy reframing survivorship in an artistic way because it’s a way to take control of the narrative of your experiences, which is sometimes the only thing we can do to heal and move on. I’m looking forward to seeing the approach Sambury takes in this book.

First Light Books

This is a new indie bookshop that opened up this year in the Hyde Park neighborhood. The building it occupies was formerly a post office that was an important staple of the neighborhood, and the owners of First Light wanted to ensure that the new bookshop remained a community-centered space. It’s an incredibly cozy shop complete with a book nook and a tiny coffee shop and cafe area, as well as patio seating outside (there’s also a walk-up coffee window that’s open to the public). For being a small bookshop, they have a pretty good selection of titles and some cool gift items as well. They’re also very receptive to community feedback: I signed up for the membership program (because of course I did) and within a day was sent a welcome email with a survey for what sort of books and events I’d like to see at the shop. I especially recommend stopping by if you happen to be around the UT campus, as it’s not too far of a trek north of the Forty Acres – though far enough away for some peace and quiet. Snags: We Have Always Lived in the Castle and Dark Tales by Shirley Jackson: I’ve always enjoyed Shirley Jackson’s short stories, and We Have Always Lived in the Castle has been on my TBR list for ages, so no time like my birthday to get my own copy. I also got my partner a copy of A Clockwork Orange because he’s a fan of the film but has never read the novel.

Kinokuniya

Okay, I’m cheating a little with this one: Kinokuniya isn’t technically an independent bookstore. But it is one of my favorite bookstores in the world, and since my partner had never been, I insisted that we visit for my birthday.

Kinokuniya is a magical wonderland for manga lovers, with a huge selection of notable series as well as more obscure ones, in every genre and age category. (Don’t worry, all of the, um…mature manga are sealed to keep the young’uns at bay.) They also carry manga in both English and Japanese. But it’s not just a manga shop – they have a huge selection of English language books, ranging from literary classics to cookbooks to graphic novels to contemporary YA, and everything in between. If, like me, you are of the witchy inclination, they even have a sizable collection of books on witchcraft and Paganism, as well as a nice selection of Tarot cards. They also have plenty of anime collectibles and a fabulous selection of pretty stationary. Oh, and a sizable section of Studio Ghibli merch complete with a lovable huggable life-sized Totoro plushie, naturally.

Snags:

The Secret History of Christmas Baking: Recipes and Stories From Tomb Offerings to Gingerbread Boys by Linda Raedisch: I.Love.Baking. I detest cooking large meals, but I will happily bake enough cookies to feed an army. And I’m always incredibly busy baking around this time of year to celebrate Yule (the winter solstice). Moreover, I’m a history nerd and I love learning about the obscure or overlooked origins of even the most mundane things. And man, has this book delivered on that so far. The history of so many beloved Yuletide dishes we enjoy in the western world is fascinatingly complex – and sometimes disturbingly dark – interweaving cultures across thousands of years, from ancient Egyption bakers to the medieval confectioners of Baghdad to the pagan Samnites of southern Italy who were cooking up a rudimentary form of nougat in their sacred walnut groves in the time of the Caesars to the interior European Celts to – naturally – the peoples of Germany who gave the English (and, later, us Americans) the modern tradition of the Christmas tree. The book also includes plenty of tasty recipes and fun table crafts to enjoy on the tour, of course.

I also got a special dual-language edition of Winnie-the-Pooh that has the original British English text on one page side-by-side with the Japanese hiragana translation on the other. I have adored Winnie-the-Pooh since childhood (I have an omnibus collection of the original books) and languages are one of my special interests. I already own a Greek copy of Pride & Prejudice, so I figured that this would be another great collectible to add to my tiny multilingual book collection.

Vintage Bookstore & Wine Bar

Yes, you read that right. Vintage is both a bookstore and a wine bar, and it is undoubtedly one of the most gorgeous bookshops I’ve ever been to. This family-owned shop is housed in a beautiful old building downtown with the bookstore and wine bar on the first floor and seating on the first and second floors, along with a small yard outside. They carry fiction and non-fiction YA and adult books (they even have a separate room devoted entirely to fantasy and sci-fi) and the wine bar carries a variety of wines, beer, and mocktails along with some bakery treats. They also have a small market-style refrigerator where you can purchase charcuterie supplies to create your own spread. We definitely hung out here and enjoyed ourselves here for a while (and I recommend that you stop by and do the same).

Snags:

In the Shadow of Perseus by Claire Heywood: Let’s be real: most if not all of the classical Greek “heroes” were no heroes at all. Nevertheless, I have always loved Greek mythology and I never can pass up a retelling of the myths, especially when it includes a feminist reframing. (Case in point, Lore Olympus is my favorite comic. Ever.) This is the story of Perseus as seen through the eyes of the three most prominent women in his myth: his mother Danae, his victim Medusa, and his wife Andromeda. Their stories all intersect to create a very different narrative than the one you’ll find in the classical texts.

The Dressmakers of Auschwitz by Lucy Adlington: I don’t often purchase non-fiction books – if I’m in the mood for non-fiction, I usually prefer to check titles out from the library or borrow from a friend. But this one really caught my eye. It’s a little-known history of the Holocaust centering on a group of 25 female prisoners in Auschwitz who were chosen to sew beautiful garments for the elite wives of the SS guards and officers and used their sewing talents and bonds of found family and friendship to resist the Nazi regime and survive the horrors of the death camp. It even includes an interview with the last surviving seamstress. When we learn about the Holocaust in school or discuss it in conversation, we usually only focus on the fact that Hitler and the Nazis lulled millions of Germans into either supporting their cruel agenda or at least turning a blind eye to the evils of the Third Reich. It’s less common that we hear about the widespread resistance movements from people across Germany (and beyond) – both from targeted groups, and from Germans who did choose to fight back and protect their neighbors. And it’s critically important that these stories get told as well, especially in this day and age when so many of the horrors of the past are reemerging; they remind us that we can fight back against injustice, even in the smallest ways, and we can win.

Honorable Mentions

While they didn’t make my birthday bookstore-hopping list this year, these are some other fabulous local book and comic shops that I recommend: Bookwoman. This is Austin’s home-grown feminist bookstore, celebrating the work of women and queer authors. They carry books in all genres, and they even have a small children’s book section!

Malvern Books. Located near the UT campus just off Guadalupe Street, this is one of my favorite little bookstores in town that primarily carries work from local and regional authors.

Austin Books & Comics. Called “the library of Alexandria of comics” by the Austin Chronicle (and inducted into their “Best Of” Hall of Fame), ABC has been serving the fandom needs of nerds across Central Texas since 1977.

Dragon’s Lair Comics & Fantasy. This local staple has been in business for 35 years, and has since opened four locations outside of Austin (including one all the way in Columbus, Ohio!). It’s a one-stop shop for all things D&D, CCG, RPGs, board games, comics, miniatures, collectibles, and more!

I hope you’ll check some of these bookshops out if you’re in the Austin area. I plan to do more posts like these whenever I have the opportunity to visit new independent bookshops (though they might be a bit scattered since I don’t travel much). Until next time!

[allen-inwonderland]

If you’re a fan of the movie “Kill Your Darlings” you’ve come to the right place.

My name is Rowan (he/him) and on this blog you may find~

Edits

Gifs

Quotes

Movie analysis

Writing

And more!

My asks are always open if you have questions about this blog or if you just want to talk about the movie.

Disclaimers: The movie is rated R and I will be posting some of the explicit stuff from the movie here so please do not interact if you are a minor!

This blog is also not promoting drug use, toxic relationships, or anything of the sort. My intent is never to romanticize any of the mental health or drug abuse problems present in the movie, so please don’t take it that way.

Though the movie is based on real people, my posts will focus on the universe established by the movie unless stated otherwise. It’s important to remember that some events were dramatized for the screen and I am not commenting on the lives or livelihood of the real life Allen Ginsberg, Lucien Carr, or any of the other real people portrayed in the movie.

I hope you’ll consider sticking around. Break the pattern, make the world wider.

[berniesrevolution]

IN THESE TIMES

COLUMBUS, OHIO —The event was billed as ​“Holi-drag Storytime” and the electronic flyer asked would-be audience members if they were ​“ready for a family-friendly, LGBTQ+ holiday tradition?” It was going to be held at the First Unitarian Universalist Church and tickets were $10, which included hot chocolate, a goody bag and a candy cane. The school sponsoring and hosting sold about 1,000 tickets and raised thousands of dollars for a local LGBTQ charity. The event was canceled mere hours before it was set to begin.

That Saturday morning, more than 50 people, including members of the Proud Boys and the Patriot Front, stood along the road leading to the church in tactical gear, holding guns and wearing face masks. They chanted ​“life, liberty, victory” and ​“reclaim America.” Some gave the Nazi salute.

“They showed up with army weapons for an event that was for kids from kindergarten through fifth grade,” recalls Mikayla Denise, one of the drag queens scheduled to perform. ​“They were trying to induce fear into our hearts by coming around wearing that army gear, making us feel unsafe, making us feel like they want to hurt or kill us.

(Drag Queen Story Time Reading Held In Austin, Texas on March 11.  Texas Republicans have introduced several bills that seek to deem any affiliation with drag shows as sexually oriented businesses.)

“These people are coming to spew hate when we are creating a positive, beautiful space for kids with the support of their parents and teachers. I always wanted to be an educator. When I perform in the schools, I can use my art form to connect with young people. I didn’t grow up seeing folks that look like me living truthfully and honestly, and that’s why I do the story hour.”

Cheryl Ryan, manager of Red Oak Community School, the elementary school hosting the event, blamed Columbus police for forcing organizers to cancel the show. ​“I spent a week calling our police department and leaving voicemails about the reports we had seen,” Ryan told The Nation.

According to Ryan, the police presence was minimal, while police Sgt. Steven Dyer was recorded high-fiving a member of the Proud Boys and saying, ​“I’m here to support their right to protest.”

“In the end, our performers felt unsafe without a police presence, while our [community] safety team felt unsafe with a police presence,” Ryan said. This situation has played out more and more in cities across the nation this past year. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, in the first six months of 2022, the Proud Boys showed up to 28 separate LGBTQ and reproductive justice events. In June 2022 — celebrated as Pride Month — the activity increased.

(Continue Reading)

[crossroadsathenaeum]

NEW SERVER | LAUNCHED JUNE 27, 2025

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[zeppelinandjosieadventures]

Adventures with your best friend. Especially when it’s your fur baby. Are the best kinds of adventures.

Follow us to hear about our 8 days across the US from Ohio to San Diego and then back!

[beardedmrbean]

The Idaho chapter of The Satanic Temple (TST) withdrew from a Pride Month event for families and children after other sponsors dropped out following local news reports on the temple's intention to offer renunciations of Christian baptisms.

"We are so excited to announce that we will have a booth and be participating Coeur D'Alene's ‘Pride in the Park’ event next Saturday, June 11th from 10am-3pm!," Idaho TST wrote in now-deleted Facebook post reported on by NBC affiliate KOBI. "We will have merchandise for sale, be offering support to our community and performing unbaptisms for those interested! Just know, Satan loves you for you! Hail Satan!"

The "family-friendly" celebration, called "Pride in the Park," was hosted by the North Idaho Pride Alliance (NIPA) in Coeur d'Alene on Saturday. Dozens of masked men, suspected of being tied to a White nationalist group, were arrested near the event after they were found packed in the back of a U-Haul truck.

The Satanic Temple Idaho initially joined the ACLU of Idaho, Everytown for Gun Safety, Citizens' Climate Lobby, Ecumenical Catholic Communion Church, Idaho State Police District 1 and a local public library in sponsoring the event.

SATANIC TEMPLE TO SEND ‘HAIL SATAN’ DECALS TO KANSAS TOWN THAT REVERSED BAN ON ‘GOD’ FROM POLICE CARS

A spokesperson for NIPA told Fox News Digital that the Idaho Satanic Temple "dropped out of the event on their own accord and will not be present at Pride in the Park."

NIPA did not immediately respond to a follow-up query asking if their organization received backlash for TST's involvement in their event.

TST spokesperson Lucien Greaves told Fox News that TST's Idaho congregation pulled out of the event after receiving "a high volume of threats and harassing messages regarding their involvement," but said he heard they ultimately decided to withdraw in response to other sponsors pulling out in protest against TST being a part of it.

SATANIC TEMPLE REQUESTS BOSTON CITY HALL FLY FLAG CELEBRATING ‘SATANIC APPRECIATION WEEK’

"Apparently these sponsors are not willing to support the LGBTQ community if The Satanic Temple supports them too," said Greaves. "Having sought to assist with Pride, rather than cause conflict within it, our congregation opted to pull out so as not force organizers to accept that their real dedication to inclusion would deprive them of sponsorship from spineless, opportunistic corporations that seek to purchase an unjustified image of inclusivity, so long as it appears relatively uncontroversial to the mainstream consumer."

TEXAS LEGISLATOR TO INTRODUCE BILL BANNING CHILDREN FROM DRAG SHOWS AFTER ‘DRAG THE KIDS TO PRIDE’ EVENT

One of the events at "Pride in the Park" specifically promoted by TST included an offering of "unbaptisms." According to an explanation from TST of Austin, the ritual of unbaptism aligns with the Third Tenet of The Satanic Temple, which says: "One's body is inviolable, subject to one's own will alone."

Unbaptism is "an opportunity for those in the community who feel they were baptized without their consent to revoke their baptisms," according to TST Austin. "This ritual is intended to provide bodily liberation and catharsis to those who have been subjected to unwanted religious indoctrination."

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says baptism "is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments."

Baptism for a Christian symbolizes "burial into Christ's death, from which he rises up by resurrection with him, as ‘a new creature,’" according to the catechism, which says Christians through baptism "are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission."