Current Curiosities

[Reading] Create Dangerously by Albert Camus

[Listening] Star Wars: Old Canon Book Club

[Watching] The Sopranos 


Rebellions Are Built on 'Ope

[Please note, this post has been radically updated (1/25/26) since its original upload (1/15/26). With the peaceful protests and brutal federal violence in Minnesota, now did not seem the time to focus on how fascism is creeping into Human Resources. I plan to repost "Words Matter: Divergent Opinions," with a tighter focus on words and their meanings and real-world impacts, at a later date.]

I'm angry and anxious and heartbroken about what's happening in Minnesota. 

I'm Minnesotan by choice. And I could not be prouder of my fellow Minnesotans as we protect our neighbors and protest the horrific brutality of ICE and Border Patrol agents enacting Trump's retribution (his word) on our state for not electing him three times. (Indeed, Bondi demanded Minnesota voter rolls as the quid for the quo of stopping ICE and CBP violence in Minnesota.)

As Governor Tim Walz said in his address, Attorney General Kieth Ellison's office has set up the Federal Action Reporting Form to document ICE atrocities throughout the state.

Additionally, Attorney General Ellison published this press release alerting Minnesotans that the Department of Homeland Security is digitally surveilling peaceful protestors. Protect yourselves. Use encrypted messaging apps like Signal, but be cautious of Meta's WhatsApp. (See also, the Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act.) 

If you document an incidence of ICE or CBP brutality, send the videos and photos immediately to a friend or family member not present at the protest in case ICE or CBP (illegally) seizes your phone. Then immediately delete the sent message. This ensures your evidence reaches others — including the media — and protects you from the initial (illegal) search of your phone. 

To my fellow Minnesotans — be vigilant, be vocal, be safe. And document everything.

Thank you very much for your time. If you have recommendations or curiosities, please fill out this nifty contact form.

Sending y’all supportive, well-caffeinated vibes,

Creighton 

Today’s Pen(cil): Silver Fox Tools Mini Caddy [Sharpie]

The title and subtitle of this post come from signs seen at local protests and on r/Minnesota.

Tomorrow marks the official start of Pride season. And honestly, this year I am more concerned than ever about the safety of my fellow LGBTQ+ community members.

We now live in a post-Trump conviction era — and as a country, we have witnessed again and again what his aggrieved followers do when Trump and his ideology lose. And Trump lost bigly yesterday. The threat of danger to queer and trans folks this Pride is incredibly real.

Allies, your role at Pride must evolve past simply showing up in support and celebrating. As allies, you may be called upon to upstand, to intervene when queer or trans people are being threatened, harassed, or harmed.


Upstanding for Allies

If you witness harassment or violence targeting queer or trans Pride attendees, it’s your job as an ally to upstand.

• Follow the 4 Ds
  • DISTRACT — pull the perpetrator’s attention away from their target
  • DELEGATE​ — ask for help from other bystanders
  • DELAY​ — check in with the target
  • DIRECT​ — interact bluntly with the perpetrator and their target

​

• Bonus D (yep)
  • ​DOCUMENT​ — record the harassment or violence on your phone​

For more on upstanding, check out this Bystander Intervention Tip Sheet from the American Psychological Association.


Safety Reminders for LGBTQ+ Folks

• Hydrate. Over the summer, Pride events are often hot and overcrowded. Be sure to drink water, especially if you are celebrating with alcohol or other substances.
• Know Your Exits. In the event of MAGA violence, identify the quickest route to a safe location.
• Share Your Location. Again, in the event of MAGA violence, the ability to locate and know the safety of LGBTQ+ friends and fam will be important.
• Charge Your Phone. Be sure your phone is fully charged in case of an emergency — and to take hella cute photos and videos.
• Have Fun! That's it — that's the bullet point.

An Additional Consideration
​
Cops do not belong at Pride. Every queer and trans person, regardless of citizenship status, race or ethnicity, deserves to feel safe celebrating Pride. As Roxane Gay wrote in her thoughtful 2021 New York Times opinion piece, police harassment of LGBTQ+ communities did not start with the Stonewall Riots and did not end afterward. And BIPOC queer and trans communities bear the brunt of contemporary police harassment.

Fellow queer and trans folks, I wish y'all happiness and love this Pride season. Be safe, be proud, be you.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration. If you have questions, curiosities, or are interested in learning more about inclusion and leadership possibilities for yourself or your organization, please fill out this nifty contact form.

Sending y’all supportive, well-caffeinated vibes,

Creighton

Today’s Pen(cil): Musgrave Pencil Company Tennessee Red [Wood Pencil]