21 Comments
User's avatar
Wendy Parker's avatar

My grandfather owned a private charter service at the Macon, GA, airstrip. He flew the Carters often during the campaign. They were extraordinary people. This is an extraordinary piece. I appreciate it so much.

Expand full comment
Lady Libertea's avatar

Wendy! Thank you for reading and following along. I have always admired his convictions and service, and I wanted to pay them homage especially in this year of his passing. Please know that while I forgot to mention you because my brain is a big post it board trapped in a wind tunnel, you are very much an ally and kin to me. You are appreciated as is the powerful personal connection you shared, how cool!

Expand full comment
Wendy Parker's avatar

You're a sweetheart. Now let's go kick some ass. 😉

Expand full comment
Lady Libertea's avatar

Don’t you worry Wendy, come Friday we send the firebirds soaring into battle, following behind in a chariot of fire pulled by hippos armored for war.

Expand full comment
Betina Cunado's avatar

Thank you!! I am so honoured with your mention!!

Expand full comment
Lady Libertea's avatar

Absolutely! Thank you for reading my words this pride and for posting and responding. The finale piece is now posted feel free to check it out, it wouldn’t be complete without the community that helped mold it.

https://llibertea.substack.com/p/firebirds-on-the-fourth-a-pride-manifesto?r=5gyxv6

Expand full comment
Kris Winters's avatar

🏳️‍🌈💜🏳️‍⚧️🕊

Expand full comment
Lady Libertea's avatar

Thank you Kris for reading and for responding this Pride and for writing such moving words that will stay with me in the days ahead. I am so thankful this prompt brought you to the tea table, my dear friend.

Expand full comment
Rogue Art Historian's avatar

Thank you for the mention and for a wonderful Pride. You did a fabulous job with every post.

Expand full comment
Lady Libertea's avatar

Thank you Rogue, for your kind words and for all you have done this Pride for me. Your writing of art history, of using it to ground and tell necessary moving stories that tie straight into the movements of today whether artistic or political truly provided so much inspiration for me this Pride. Your pieces on queer artists were absolutely stunning. In fact, one of the people I had considered covering Keith Haring, I wound up taking out at least in this series, because you had already covered his life and his art so beautifully, I felt I had no more words to add. I feel blessed to have found your words and teachings.

Expand full comment
Rogue Art Historian's avatar

I’m so moved by your comment...thank you! It means the world to know that my writing resonated with you this Pride (we need way more than a month!). Your decision to step aside on Keith Haring’s story humbles me; his life and work deserve every word, but it’s truly an honor that you felt my perspective captured something meaningful 🖤

I’m constantly inspired by the boldness and creativity of LGBTQ+ artists, past and present, and it’s been a joy to bring their stories to light alongside the ongoing movements that shape our world today. Knowing that my pieces fueled your own exploration reminds me why I do this. Thank you 🖤.

Please keep sharing your voice; there are always new angles to explore, new connections to make, and your perspective is invaluable. I feel blessed, too, to have you as part of this community, and I can’t wait to see where your own journey takes you next 🖤

Expand full comment
Lady Libertea's avatar

Thank you, dear friend. I am excited for this continued journey and you can bet that now that our voice has risen, we will never be silenced again.

Expand full comment
Carolyn Faggioni's avatar

Thank you for a wonderful month of stories to share and be proud of.

Expand full comment
Craig Nixon's avatar

Hey, speaking of Robin Williams, I have to share this with you. The first time I heard the song it straight up 𝑤𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑘𝑒𝑑 me, and it still does, after probably a hundred hearings. It's only 3 minutes long, so hit it and pay attention to the lyric. Really, if you're reading this, you need to do this,

Noah Gundersen - 𝑅𝑜𝑏𝑖𝑛 𝑊𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑠

https://youtu.be/jcs6MeJfY3o?si=NwnGSBAGvYP6sFl-

Expand full comment
Lady Libertea's avatar

That was amazing. Thank you so much not only for reading but for sharing this amazing musical reflection about one of my heroes. It moved me to tears.

Expand full comment
Craig Nixon's avatar

It blew me away first time around, and still hits hard.

Noah is an incredible, under-rated songwriter & an interesting dude. His parents were fundie xtian zealots, and had moved the family out to a super-rural farm - no secular music or culture allowed. Noah escaped out his bedroom window on his 18th birthday. Def. advise checking out some more of his stuff.

Expand full comment
Lady Libertea's avatar

I absolutely will. There is nothing we love better than a story! Feeling grateful I can listen to my own music at work.

Expand full comment
Elaine the Mean Old Feminist's avatar

Jimmy Carter sent me a letter when my dad died four years ago. He's my favorite president ever.

Expand full comment
Lady Libertea's avatar

His heart and service are what I admire most. May I always stand so sure of my conviction in right and wrong as President Carter.

Expand full comment
Lisa's avatar

Jimmy Carter was one of my favorite presidents. I believe he genuinely cared for people (and that Reagan had some things going on in the background to be sure Carter would never be reelected). His example of service after his presidency has never been matched.

Expand full comment
Lady Libertea's avatar

Whole heartedly agree. The man was building habitat for humanity homes into his 90's, with his wife right alongside him. I genuinely care for people and let me tell you, I will not be building homes at 90. His life reflects service, true service to others so clearly.

Expand full comment