Last Monday, July 8th, we celebrated the anniversary of Alisha coming home and leaving that hellscape of a place, IDOC, behind. Three years ago, our friend danced back into our arms, free from prison. So much has happened since then: growth, change, joy and grief. And yet, every year she’s been home, we celebrate with food and chosen family–grilling with our whole crew in her new home, dinner out at a fancy (for us at least) restaurant, beautiful pastries from a local bakery, and a bbq this year. This year was a little different, Alisha is now a mom, a new parent to 6 month old comrade-baby, K, so there was even more to celebrate!
We can’t stress how important it has been for our extended community to keep showing up for us, for Alisha, even though (especially though) she’s back home, and on this side of the wall now. As another beloved, Moni Cosby, recently remarked, “The prison follows you. Even when you’re free, it still comes for you.” Supporting people while they’re incarcerated is beyond crucial, AND supporting people when they come home cannot be overlooked or overstated.
With that in mind, we want to uplift several fundraising efforts for our currently and formerly incarcerated comrades:
Commissary for Rene! Rene is a political prisoner, journalist and SWer! She hosts reading groups for other women inside and continues her journalism, even in the face of CO retaliation. You can also read more about her case linked in her fundraiser. You can also support her boo here, as well as her co-defendant Cody, here. We’re still waiting to get the most recent method of support for her other co-defendant, MJ.
Respect & Defend Sex Working Parents and Caregivers! We’re supporting a cohort of 14 currently (in Cook County Jail) and formerly incarcerated queer and trans* sex working parents and caregivers. Our goal is to be able to send monthly stipends to all 14 people in the cohort for the next 12 months (at least). Please consider sending contributions via Venmo or CashApp (search SxHxCollective) or snag a shirt to visibly show your support.