a letter to the nw{p} family regarding meta’s anti-trans/gay policies
beautiful new words {press} family,
in light of the new anti-trans/anti-gay policies implemented by meta (facebook & instagram), its $1M contribution to the (t)rump inauguration, and its continued censoring of lgbtqia2s+, i can no longer support these platforms. therefore, we will be moving away from facebook & instagram over the next 6 months and reestablishing on more open platforms such as bluesky. i would ask that you continue to support us on instagram if you stay there. this was a hard decision, but one i’ve been considering for a long time, long before the latest developments. i’ve resisted the urge to do this simply because i don’t know that nw{p} can survive without instagram. it is by far our most visible platform, making up 90+% of our engagement. however, activism was the primary motivation in starting the press. i want to create a platform that ingrains trans* lives and experience into the actual press itself, moving beyond a one-dimensional form of activism and demonstrating identifiable incorporation of spectrum in everyday workings. that puts principles above all. this means embracing anti-capitalist practices, reducing gatekeeping, being collective rather than competitive, reverberating the meaning in our community, and not accepting the status quo just because.
new words {press} is now on bluesky. if you have an account, please follow us there. if you don’t, consider signing up if you’re comfortable with that. tell others that we’re moving platforms. sign up on the website to receive our emails. let me know about other platforms you think may be useful. and please stick with us.
as i’ve said before, and i don’t mean this in a guilt-laden way but rather a reality, nw{p} is nearly 100% funded by me. i took on that responsibility and am not at all resentful about it. in fact, i’m joyful about it; it’s a way to use my privilege in a real way. however, as the press has grown, we need financial help more than ever. if you can support us through readership, please get a copy of one of our amazing books or chapbooks at our website. subscribe to the journal if you can. donate (link on website) if possible– anything helps. tell others!
thank you for all your support. and thank you to all those who’ve volunteered. this has been a humbling, life-changing journey. i’m honored that you share yourselves with the world through this press; that you trust nw{p} with your work. as one of my mentors, Donnelle McGee, would say, onward and upward.
in loving service,
brooklyn