Climate Readiness
Organization: T4tHandmade
As vendors we are exposed to the extreme heat & UV index. We must develop future-proof solutions to ensure our safety.
About
Our members & artists frequently vend outdoors, and in the Texas heat, this means risking our health due to exposure to the elements, which will likely become increasingly disastrous due to climate change & the insufficient management of both it & the impact it will have on our infrastructure & community. Even now, we are beginning to see these effects nationwide.
Artists have long relied on taking our work out to the public, creating a fun & unique vending experience for our neighbors & community, with decorative booths adorned with wares & themes that spark joy & foster welcome in a increasingly isolated culture.
As queer & trans people are being targeted by political hate campaigns nation-wide, positioning ourselves loudly & proudly in our community is a radical act of praxis & revolution. By showing up, flags, colors, & identities boldly on display, we announce our defiant presence & our refusal to hide or run. We are here, and we are not going anywhere; we are thriving & exploring all that life has to offer; we are building resilient networks full of co-operatives that teach skills, encourage autonomy, & promote a culture of up-cycling, re-use & sustainability.
And most importantly? At least for me - we hold firm the last line that stands between oppression & trans youth. I was once that nervous trans kid, with so many questions & no idea who I was or what to do about the challenges I was facing. I found community with other trans people, I was supported by trans elders who fostered safe spaces for discussing & exploring identity, for healing dysphoria, for accessing resources. I would have been nothing without these elders who showed up for me.
And now, I am that elder. As many trans folks flee for safety - a decision that is fair & without criticism - those of us who are willing & able to stay & fight will become critical now more than ever. Every kid who comes by our booth, who sees our flag waving proudly amongst community, will know that we are here, they are not alone, there are neighbors who will accept & fight for them.
We must, & will, continue to venture out & raise hell. For ourselves, our neighbors, and the next generation of fighters. I hope you will consider supporting our cause. Thank you.
Artists have long relied on taking our work out to the public, creating a fun & unique vending experience for our neighbors & community, with decorative booths adorned with wares & themes that spark joy & foster welcome in a increasingly isolated culture.
As queer & trans people are being targeted by political hate campaigns nation-wide, positioning ourselves loudly & proudly in our community is a radical act of praxis & revolution. By showing up, flags, colors, & identities boldly on display, we announce our defiant presence & our refusal to hide or run. We are here, and we are not going anywhere; we are thriving & exploring all that life has to offer; we are building resilient networks full of co-operatives that teach skills, encourage autonomy, & promote a culture of up-cycling, re-use & sustainability.
And most importantly? At least for me - we hold firm the last line that stands between oppression & trans youth. I was once that nervous trans kid, with so many questions & no idea who I was or what to do about the challenges I was facing. I found community with other trans people, I was supported by trans elders who fostered safe spaces for discussing & exploring identity, for healing dysphoria, for accessing resources. I would have been nothing without these elders who showed up for me.
And now, I am that elder. As many trans folks flee for safety - a decision that is fair & without criticism - those of us who are willing & able to stay & fight will become critical now more than ever. Every kid who comes by our booth, who sees our flag waving proudly amongst community, will know that we are here, they are not alone, there are neighbors who will accept & fight for them.
We must, & will, continue to venture out & raise hell. For ourselves, our neighbors, and the next generation of fighters. I hope you will consider supporting our cause. Thank you.
Our team
Jaye
Admin
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