Dragons, hobbits, and the business of freedom

ID: photo of a hobbit door with text “No admittance except on queer business”

“It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him.”

― Gandalf, in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, or There and Back Again

By all accounts, we’re writing you from the dragon’s den, folks. We already know the outcomes of most people’s election day and policy fears, because we’ve been living in the aftermath for years now. The despair weighs heavy across community as the dragons in power hoard wealth alongside the tally of harms they have caused us to keep themselves in power, to keep the systems moving. But yet, we stay focused on the business of freedom. 

In the words of a tiny hobbit who once took on a great dragon, “I hope you are all enjoying yourselves as much as I am. I shall not keep you long. I have called you all together for a Purpose.” And today’s purpose is to ask you to continue to invest in the work of Freedom Oklahoma. We know that everyone’s feeling the financial strain of trying to survive in these times. And, those with the most resources have locked them away, too afraid to share with those of us on the front lines of the fights to get us closer to collective liberation. 

We’re able to continue to build community, make extended references to The Hobbit, and fight for the future where all 2SLGBTQ+ folks have the safety, resources, and community to thrive, everywhere we call home, because of the investment of folks like you. 

Can we count on you to join us on this adventure towards crafting the world we imagine, and know is possible? 

The road goes ever on and on and so does our work, because of your support and solidarity. 

In fellowship,

Cole McAfee