In this Night Lights, we spotlight events from the past couple months that have been put on by organizations that are protecting and standing up for the most vulnerable populations among us.
The first, the May Day Festival of Resistance hosted by Baltimore 2 Palestine at the Compound, brought together local vendors, activists, artists, performers, and DJs to raise money for Palestinian people and local immigrant families. At Parkway Theatre, Charm City Kitty Club, a queer cabaret, put on a circus-themed variety show called the CUNTstitutional Crisis that included live theater skits, musical performances, local vendors, and a series of circus-themed games. Returning to Metro Gallery this July was Queer Rodeo, which included country and bluegrass-inspired performers from various cities as well as a local DJ and dancers from TWUK, a Baltimore collective supporting and empowering sex workers, with proceeds benefiting Trans Maryland.
As the federal government and law enforcement everywhere continue to attack basic rights, creative responses that bring people together and remind us of our own humanity are integral to building strong communities. These supportive environments remind us that we can fight back against the propaganda from those trying to divide us. (Valerie Paulsgrove)
