Hey APW,
Najva here. First order of business: if you missed our piece this morning, SCOTUS just legalized gay marriage. A-fucking-men. It’s massive. As we’ve said before, it’s also only a first step, but instead of reminding us of the work to be done, I’m thinking its ok to take a day to just celebrate the news. Also, it feels like we should all just go dance and sing and kiss people. I half expect google to close down with a little alert that says “Gay marriage is legal! We can’t run gmail right now, just left the office for a round of margaritas.”
In other news, I’ve been spending June in Tulum (low season makes it affordable) because a perk of “working on the internet” means I have the opportunity to type all this from a dreamy beach town in Mexico. The connection isn’t super fast where I’m staying (or in these parts in general) which means I haven’t watched Orphan Black or OITNB or any viral facebook videos more than 30 seconds long. I have however, seen a ton of iguanas, snorkeled with a sea turtle, held a spider crab, explored underground swimming holes full of bats, and watched a sunset over a protected forest, Ferngully-style. So I’m not too salty about it. I guess what I’m saying is: does anyone here need to plan a honeymoon? Because I’ve found paradise: birds chirping, swimming holes, ocean sounds, 75 cent al pastor tacos, and endless, delicious ceviche.
The bummer about this trip is not getting to enjoy “Gay Christmas” aka all the pride week magic that happens in New York: parties, day drinking, protests, art shows, stores adorned in rainbows. (Not to mention that it should be double-ly wild with the #lovewins decision today!) But honestly, heading up #APWPride has made me feel like I didn’t miss anything. I am super fucking grateful to be part of a digital community that holds so much space for LGBTQ folks. I mean, let’s be real, it’s basically pride at APW every day, but it’s nice to have a hashtag for a week. Speaking of: I started a new hashtag on our Instagram this week, #effyourweddingstandards, inspired by Tess Holiday‘s badass body positive #effyourbeautystandards and you should totally use it, because, duh. Does anyone else consider making hashtags a hobby? Just me? Ok.
Well, now that we’re all caught up: it’s your happy hour. Let’s do this!
Cheers,
Najva
HIGHLIGHTS OF APW THIS WEEK
Pride week isn’t just a party, but some things are looking up.
We don’t use the term magical lightly, but this Atlanta wedding is pure magic.
I don’t want to be “given away.” What else can I do?
The woes of wedding planning as a tomboy.
I am both a romantic and a radical, where does that leave me on weddings?
When bisexuals marry, do they have to pick a team?
Attention wedding vendors: here’s a 101 on making LGBTQ clients feel warm and fuzzy.
What happens when your trans fiance doesn’t want to share his history with your parents?
There’s a puppy in a bowtie, boys in flower crowns, and an artichoke candleholder. What else do you need?
LINK ROUNDUP
First ever LGBTQ shelter for adults just opened up in San Francisco. (Where else?)
Vera Wang opens up about knowing when to quit.
I don’t want to be an excuse for racist violence any more.
Good news: crime’s down. Bad news: private prisons are suing because they aren’t full.
25 Badass women tell us the words of wisdom they live by.
5 things you post-newborn when the questions are too hard to answer.
A reflection on Charleston. And a crowdsourced syllabus for understanding what’s happening.
On being the brown daughter of a white dad.
Bro-dal showers? Yay or nay?
How to have your dog in your wedding.
“Every cute, smart, boyish lesbian in the world –m4w–26” A Craigslist Love Story
Stop telling me you’re excited about my Indian Wedding.
Blogger clothes for men, now from Old Navy.
Welcome to “spanks for your vag“.
