claire

The Birmingham Free Store needs help!

The Free Store is an absolutely incredible anarchist mutual aid project in my town. It’s just what it sounds like - a store where everything is free - but it’s also so much more. It’s a much needed queer-affirming space, a host for many radical events, a hub for mutual aid distribution, a safe place for all marginalized people, and a source of vital support and safety for a primarily poor and Black neighborhood in Alabama. They’ve been providing lifesaving supplies such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap, bleach, and more throughout the pandemic, among a slew of other resources

Recently, they have lost the support of some major donors that were helping to keep the store running. Without that consistent support, it’ll be increasingly difficult to provide those resources to the over 300 people who depend on them. That’s why they need help from all you wonderful allies and accomplices across the world

Here’s a few things you can do:

Subscribe to the Free Store’s patreon to provide stable, recurring support that can be relied on for continued operation

Make a one-time monetary donation to their venmo (@bhamfreestore) or cashapp ($bhamfreestore)

Donate hygiene supplies, household items, seed packets, communist propaganda, or whatever else they can give away in bulk. If you live in Birmingham, bring it to 2030 Bessemer Rd during operating hours (see their social media for more info). If you don’t, you can now mail donations to P.O. Box 110429, Birmingham, AL, 35211-0429

Help get them connected to big donors, sponsors, grants, suppliers, distros, and co-conspirators - especially those that align with their values. Something like an anarchist mask-sewing or sanitizer-brewing collective that’s willing to give us a discount in solidarity would be kickass. Other, less kickass connections would also be very appreciated. Email [email protected] if you have any info that might help

Local Bham/Alabama businesses, organizations, nonprofits - let’s collab. There are several ways you might be able to help, such as allowing the Free Store to put up a donation box in your building which they will come by to empty every week (or as often as needed). Again, email [email protected] if you’re interested in supporting

Spread the word!

‘Against Capital, Direct Action’

Like I know some Anime Kids in school were invariably dicks but you still can’t ultimately use odd or “cringy” behavior to justify the cruel choices of other people to mock and torment others. So many of these kids have tons of trauma from being mocked just for having a particular interest or sense of style. Was a kid wearing a raccoon tail to school because they thought it was fun and cute really worth mocking them to the point of self-hatred? If kids were getting bullied to the point of tears in this year because they liked to do Fornite Dances in the lunchroom would you think it’s funny and that the kids deserve bullying for being weird? 

great, you still shouldn’t have bullied these kids. the magical mystical reason behind it doesn’t change the fact there was bullying.

also making peculiar noises, movements or over-imitating special niche interest behaviors are all characteristics that could be symptoms of neurodiversity.