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Notes from the Field

Queer in Montana: Reflecting on the 2021 Legislative Session

During the event on March 16th, we talked about this issue: How do we take care of each other when it feels like every politician in the state is working to abolish our existence? I’ve thought a lot about this and have struggled to come up with a good list of self-care tips because it does feel a bit hopeless at times. Then I was reminded by a very inspiring individual that queer and trans people are magical. We have always and will always exist. With that, here are a few of my favorite tips to take care of yourself and others:

Notes from the Field What the Helena 2021
Stylized text 'What the Helena' with sub-heading reading 'Forward Montana's Weekly Gudie to the 2021 legislative session'

What the Helena – Week 14

*April 11, 2021* We hope y’all are staying healthy, safe, and taking care of yourselves. If you haven’t already heard, COVID-19 vaccinations are now available to all Montanans over 16 years old. They are free and don’t require insurance, so go get that jab! Save the date: Forward Montana is collecting submissions for a zine…

Notes from the Field What the Helena 2021

What the Helena – Week 13

*April 4, 2021* Events this week: Tuesday, April 6 — Join us and some of our partners for a virtual Public Lands Rally from 12-1pm. We’ll hear short speeches from Conrad Anker (climber, mountaineer, & author), Francine Spang-Willis (board member, Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Foundation), Rachel Schmidt (former director, MT Office of Outdoor Recreation), and Andrew Posewitz (sportsman…

What the Helena 2021

What the Helena – Week 12

*March 28 2021* If you’re anything like us, you’re tired AF and ready for spring. However, now is not the time to disengage! More than ever, we need everyone contacting their representatives and spreading the word on the multitude of bills moving through our legislature. The good news? Our newsletter makes it super easy! And it takes…

Notes from the Field

Stop Asian Hate Statement

Note: Monday night, a gunman shot and killed 10 people in Boulder, CO. Our hearts go out to the Boulder community and families of the victims.   — Hyun Jung Grant. Xiaojie Tan. Yong Ae Yue. Daoyou Feng. Soon Chung Park. Sun Cha Kim.  These are the names of the six Asian women who were…

Notes from the Field What the Helena 2021

What the Helena – Week 11

*March 21, 2021* Events this week: Tuesday, March 23 — Voting Rights Legislative Happy Hour Wednesday, March 24 — Climate Justice & Public Lands Legislative Happy Hour Join us to ask questions on bills and practice crafting testimony! Let’s talk about decorum Decorum: a fancy word for appropriate conduct in the legislature. It’s causing quite a stir. Last week, the House Rules Committee…

What the Helena 2021

What the Helena – Week 10

*March 14, 2021* Hey there! We’re feeling rejuvenated and hope you are too. As we launch into the second half of the legislative session, there are plenty of bills still on the chopping block. If you’ve been itching to get involved, now is the time! Events this week: Monday, March 15 — Rainbow Rally at the Capitol (masks…

What the Helena 2021

What the Helena – Week 9 [Guest Edition!]

*March 7, 2021* It’s transmittal break and damn are we thankful for the chance to take a breath. Our legislative team has been taking some much needed time for R&R and we hope you are too! It’s been a wild few weeks and our legislators will be hitting the ground running again tomorrow. We’re incredibly honored and excited…

What the Helena 2021

What the Helena – Week 7

    *Feb 21, 2021 Storms are a-brewin’ Our thoughts are with our friends in Texas as record-breaking cold temperatures, frozen natural gas pipelines (part of a deregulated, privatized power grid), and inept leadership have left millions of people without power, food, or clean water. BIPOC, the homeless, seniors, and people with disabilities are being…

What the Helena 2021

What the Helena – Week 8

    *Feb 28, 2021* Welcome back There is a major deadline approaching for Montana legislators. The transmittal deadline is the date by which all general bills have to pass from one chamber to the next. If a bill hasn’t passed out of either the House or Senate by this Wednesday it will not pass GO and collect…