#frigge

We cannot let ourselves contentedly assume this fight is over for good, or forget the monumental amount of work still to be done for all our queer and trans siblings—but for now, I hope we in the (US) lgbtqia+ community and our hard-working allies can allow ourselves a moment of relief.

I offer my gratitude to Frigge for helping defend her queer children who are wed/engaged to someone they love.

I offer my gratitude to Lofn for helping preserve the legality of the oaths taken by queer lovers.

May it be that the weight in my heart is lightened By the grace and strength of Midgard’s defender: Thor, be with me now. If it pleases you, grant me aid.

May it be that the love in my heart never withers By the grace and passion of the Mother-Warrior: Frigge, be with me now. If it pleases you, grant me resilience.

May it be that the sorrow in my heart does not destroy me By the grace and calm of Helheim’s hostess: Hel, be with me now. If it pleases you, grant me relief.

May it be that the rage in my heart finds purpose By the grace and fervor of the hanged God: Odin, be with me now. If it pleases you, grant me strength.

I can’t pretend today’s SCOTUS ruling shocked me. I also can’t pretend it didn’t discourage, anger, and hurt me. But something reminded me that we do not suffer alone:

This morning I saw our neighborhood hawk, who I’ve only ever seen flying alone in the years I’ve lived here, flying with two other hawks. They were clearly part of a “unit,” and two seemed to be playing on the wind with each other while the other kept close but looked around. To me, the message seems clear:

Frigge is with us. She is with us as we care for our loved ones and ourselves, and she is with us as we fight with unrelenting fury and hope.

Stay safe and know that you are ALWAYS more loved than you realize.

I won't lie, wishing a trans person a "happy" TDOV this year feels inappropriate. While it is such an inspirational display of resolve to declare that this year's politics won't steal one's joy, I believe it is equally important to acknowledge and hold space for the other emotions we may be feeling today. Anger, betrayal, fear, isolation--these are all valid emotions, and you have every right to feel and process them.

So instead of wishing you a happy TDOV, I wish you this:

May your TDOV fill you with pride. You have so much to be proud of, even if all you did today was survive. You are beautiful, unbreakable, resilient, strong, and you are loved by the gods and by so many people. You are the very best thing you can be: yourself.

Tyr, may your justice strike the hearts of the cruel and warm the souls of those who refuse bigotry’s call.

Thor, may your might break the resolve of the hateful and empower those simply hoping to work and provide.

Frigge, may your passion burn away the cowardice of bystanders and rekindle any fury and hope that has been lost.

Odin, may your will overpower that of our oppressors and usher in a better future for all of Midgard’s children.

May the gods guide us, may our deeds free us, may our oaths keep us, may our ancestors aid us always. May the gods’ blessings be upon our heads.

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Amber Lady, be welcome at my altar and in my heart. I ask your passion to reverberate in me. May the kindness you feel for your children Remind me to love myself truly, fully, and deeply. May it remind me I am worthy of my own affection. In Freyja’s name, with confidence and esteem, I will honor my health.

Lady of Mist, be welcome at my altar and in my mind. I ask your wisdom to course through me. May the tender care you offer your guests Remind me to show myself understanding. May it remind me I am worthy of my own grace. In Hel’s name, with patience and calm, I will embrace my progress.

Lord Defender, be welcome at my altar and in my core. I ask your strength to empower me. May the courage you show in the face of Giants Remind me to be brave against any obstacle. May it remind me I am worthy of my own protection. In Thor’s name, with might and determination, I will conquer my trials.

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