Lily Lulonut

Hello you, I hope you are doing well in these trying times.

For those unaware, these have been difficult times in America for the trans and LGBTQIA+ community. Recently, he who must not be named was voted in as president of the United States. It’s not just that he was voted in, but he will win the popular vote, something not done by a Republican in decades. As well, the Senate and likely House will also fall to his control. So, dark times indeed for those they hate. If you want to know more, just look at his policies and upcoming plans for trans folk—it’s not good for us.

So, in these uncertain times, what can we do? How can we move forward? There are lots of things to consider. I, myself, am looking at pushing up my timetable to change my name and gender legally, to hopefully protect myself from future policies. But more than that, I find myself reaching out to my community. I have been wanting to get involved more with the community for a while now, especially as I get further along in my transition from male to female. The last few days, however, have pushed me to act—something that has always been difficult for me.

There is a local organization in Colorado Springs called PRISM Community Collective. They are fairly new, having only opened earlier this year. They are a local resource and location for those in the LGBTQIA+ community. They have been hosting events such as game nights, resource events, and many others. I have not had a chance to visit their location yet, but hope to soon. They are a great addition to a town that has been missing such an organization, and a town that went through a tragedy not that long ago.

PRISM was closed today due to the heavy snowfall we have been getting the last couple of days. However, they have been going strong with events, making some of them virtual. That’s what I did today. They had a community Zoom session just a couple of hours ago, hosted by Candace Woods. There were only a handful of us, including the host, though that did not diminish the experience at all. We talked a bit about the recent events of the world and went through some exercises. It was nice, setting our various intentions using tools and such. One such thing was using something soft and warm to set an intention. I used Ernie, a stuffed Ernie doll from Sesame Street. I’ve had him since I was 3 years old, and he was the first thing I thought of when asked to grab an object.

Overall, it was a wonderful little event, and my first time in this town trying to reach out and join a community. I did try another virtual event about a year ago, when I was still in the early stages of breaking out of my eggshell. It was for an organization in Denver hosting a trans support meeting. That had a very different feeling, and I think I was not ready for it. I remember feeling out of place, very much not trans enough. I don’t regret trying back then, but I never did do another one. This last meeting, though, was very different. I felt more like myself, and I felt like I belonged. It was a welcome experience.

All that said, I do have a point to make. These are dark times for many of us, and things look bleak for sure. But know that there are people and places out there that can help. People who will support you and people you can vent to. Shared experiences and all that. I am going to list the ones for Colorado Springs below and include some links. I will also include some info for national organizations. Even if it is just virtual, or even camera off and voice/text only, it can help. You are not alone, and there are always people who will listen. This includes me. I know this blog is new and I get very few views right now, but I am here. Feel free to reach out.

Stay safe out there!

Resources for the Trans and LGBTQIA+ Community:

1. PRISM Community Collective: A local resource and location for those in the LGBTQIA+ community, offering events, support, and resources. Visit PRISM Community Collective
2. Transgender Center of the Rockies: Provides social-emotional support, substance use treatment, and community events for the trans community. Visit Transgender Center of the Rockies
3. The Center on Colfax: The largest LGBTQIA+ community center in the Rocky Mountain region, offering support groups, educational programs, and events. Visit The Center on Colfax
4. LGBT National Help Center: Provides confidential peer support, information, and local & national resources for the LGBTQIA+ community. Visit LGBT National Help Center