Nice Stuff #9

Welcome to What’s Helping Today, a newsletter about the everyday work of staying alive on earth — written by author and journalist Sandy Ernest Allen.

Hi everyone,

Short post today … Today is Trans Day of Remembrance, as I’m guessing many reading will already be aware.

For any cis folks wanting to be better allies, here again is this evergreen post of mine:

For any trans folks (who are going through it today, or any day), here is this one:

For anyone who’s not yet heard it: Please consider listening to the episode of Proxy about me and cis allies — and my efforts to make more of the latter, the unashamed-and-vocal sort …

To cis allies: Perhaps if you haven’t before, read this one of mine on the role that shame plays in the perpetuation of all this needless ignorance and violence, even the lethal kind. Which disproportionately affects transfemmes and women of color.

Today: We remember those trans people who are victims of hateful violence. Who are targeted just because of who we are.

May all the rest of us join together to end ignorance and hate — to fight for a more compassionate human family — in honor of those we’ve lost.

Again, I will keep this post short today. Otherwise, wanted to send you all some Nice Stuff. It’s been a while …

Here’s to trans resilience in the face of hateful bullshit …

What a spectacular project (attn: fellow media professionals):

Today, or any day: Consider supporting independent, queer/trans-led media and/or journalists (instead of other, behemoth bigoted ones). Here once again is my WHT recommending some NYT alternatives … (Once again: RIP Teen Vogue!!)

Here are some trans and/or queer-owned artists/craftspeople with online shops that my bsky followers kindly recommended … For your Black Friday / holiday shopping consideration …

PSA for fellow authors …

What’s Helping Today: Some internet strangers are very nice … which I always do appreciate, despite whatever else being online brings …

Sending love,
Sandy

p.s. My next WHT will be a Sandy’s Recipe Club focused on colder season larger gatherings, how to cook for and host them. I welcome any questions you might have! ICYMI, here was my latest Recipes Club post on fall/winter gourds, cooking/baking with them …

p.p.s. As I announced last time, I’m now offering one-on-one manuscript consultations, for fellow nonfiction writers. Learn more here. This is in addition to the two-session class on revision I’m teaching next March.

p.s. To those who are donating the suggested $5 a month or more to my Buy Me a Coffee, PLEASE feel free to tell me what sort of perks you’d like?? (A Discord server? Group Zooms?? What would most appeal to you?)

Thanks for reading What’s Helping Today, a newsletter by me — author and journalist Sandy Ernest Allen. If you were forwarded this message, WHT is free; you can subscribe here. If you like my work: Please consider supporting me via my Buy Me a Coffee. My suggested amount of $5 a month (or more!) will get you access to perks (perks TBA!) … Every little bit helps; your support of my work is greatly appreciated!