queerness is one of the most natural things in the world. it’s found across species. it exists in every culture. and trans and nonbinary people have been part of indigenous traditions forever — muxes in mexico, hijra in india, fa'afafine in samoa, two-spirit people across turtle island.

as a kid, i felt out of place. ashamed even. but now? now i feel so much pride. pride that i come from people of the land. from ancestors who worked with the earth. who survived, adapted, and thrived. we are adaptable. we are courageous. we are unstoppable.

As the calendar turns towards November, ushering in the holiday season, many of us feel the familiar weight of expectations, responsibilities, and the occasional overwhelm. From preparing festive feasts to adorning our homes, the list seems endless. But in the midst of these demands, let’s pause and reflect on what truly matters during the holidays.