29 Comments

"What if politics was the act of paying attention to which of your neighbors were under attack and figuring out how to make them feel less alone? What if it was about identifying the parts of your life where you’re most vulnerable and asking for help?" Keep going, Garrett ... I think many, many of us need constant reminders of this.

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Oof, Garrett. I had to pause a few times because this piece made me cry (in a good way). Thank you for writing this. I have a lot of stories in my head about the mountain west because of my time in Colorado, and it is healing to read things that counter those narratives. Queer people everywhere deserve joy and community, and knowing what queer and trans organizers are doing for each other in Missoula makes it easier to continue facing the ongoing violence against us across the country.

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Thank you, I found this a really moving piece. Moved both by knowing about the coming together in the park, and by your writing about it and highlighting the importance of community.

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Since I left Whitefish to to go college in Missoula I have been torn between Whitefish and Missoula. I I do miss Caras Park, the river and the unconditional acceptance of Missoula. I had to return to the Mountain and the lakes.

Thank you for your writing. And thank your sister for me!

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As a transman and the parent of a transkid, I am so full of gratitude for a) your writing here (wow! great stuff to find this morning), and b) your sister (high five!), but also for c) the residents of Montana who are brave, proud, loving, and ready to celebrate joy. This is how we win.

Oh, and Garrett? Your words are exactly the kind of thing that can heal the divide we are currently facing. More of this, please.

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Jun 11, 2023·edited Jun 11, 2023Liked by Garrett Bucks

Thanks for this, Garrett. I felt this weekend in Missoula an ocean away. I quoted the excerpt Nia mentioned here in my latest. If you have a minute to read it, let me know what you think!

https://blueworld.substack.com/p/musical-verano-pt-3

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Thank you for your work _/\_

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May 2, 2023Liked by Garrett Bucks

this is very beautiful, thank you.

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May 2, 2023Liked by Garrett Bucks

Had to unsubscribe after you included the word communism (meaning believing in the liberation of the working class, it's really easy to read the 50 page Principles of Communism by Engles to learn what it is before you use the word) next to the words groomer, baby killer, and thug. It's not dehumanizing to know theory and be able to use it to change our society into one that values people who collect a paycheck.

If you want to fight for change you NEED to understand historical materialism and dialectics. I thought the bar was on the floor when I expected left leaning folks to understand the word communism but I guess I was wrong. Honestly embarrassing.

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Thank you for this 💖

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I don’t have much faith in Politics because I am not able to be a politician, preferring logic and science, but I really love and work towards helping folks and giving to those close to me. The strength to be in a position to give is not the money your article mentions, it’s the strength to hold a mindset that eventually truly benefits those around you.

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