Properly, we’ve come to the top of one other one. Delight Month 2023 is over this week, and what a wild trip it’s been. Right here at ToughPigs, we shared a ton of articles with you all. We interviewed and profiled 4 wonderful queer puppeteers: Morgana Ignis, Stoph Scheer, Kira Hall, and Ali J. Eisner. We shared our queer reads on The Darkish Crystal and the Muppets as an entire. And naturally, we implored you to take media bans severely, particularly given the equality-minded nature of Henson’s work.

Nonetheless, crucial factor we’ve been doing this month is elevating cash for charities. As you realize, we’ve been promoting t-shirts, pins, and conducting a contest to boost cash for 2 LGBTQ organizations within the Southern US: Equality Florida and the Marketing campaign for Southern Equality. We completed every little thing off with a fundraising livestream, which featured some foolish Muppet artwork and particular company nonbinary Again to the Rock puppeteer Ali J. Eisner and Muppet duplicate builder Emily Engel. Plus, we had been all stunned by a particular chat look from Rachel Hunt, the sister of queer Muppet icon Richard Hunt.

We additionally introduced the winners of our fundraiser prizes: Becca’s Richard Hunt magnets, Emily’s Janice duplicate, and a shock bonus present: some set-used Doozer sticks graciously donated by Ali J. Eisner.

The total video is presently out there on our YouTube if you wish to see our enjoyable video games and listen to slightly from some cool folks!

So how a lot did we increase? All collectively, out of your donations to our contest plus the satisfaction merch we bought, we raised $2,500, divided between the 2 charities.

Really, we couldn’t be happier with all our assist and contributions. This can be a phenomenal donation we’re in a position to make, and it’s all due to you.

As I’ve written time and time once more, issues are tough proper now for queer folks in the US. Some issues have gotten higher this month. The courts are declaring many bans on gender affirming care unconstitutional. My house state of NY enhanced its protections for trans youth, one thing I’m extremely grateful for. Different states have adopted swimsuit. 

Nonetheless, many issues have stayed the identical, and even gotten worse, particularly within the South.

Nonetheless, one factor that provides me hope is the kindness of all of you. After we work collectively, we really can accomplish nice issues. The cash we raised will assist queer children like me who’re simply attempting to be themselves in an more and more hostile world. It makes me really feel so a lot better in regards to the world to know what number of beneficiant and compassionate folks nonetheless reside in it.

So from the underside of my coronary heart, I actually thanks all for becoming a member of us for this Delight Month.

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by Becca Petunia