TWF 356: Pride On The Mile Has Grown So Much In Two Years

 Hello, friends,

Back in 2023, Freeporters organized and launched Pride On The Mile, a to-become-yearly Pride event centered around celebrating Freeport's incredible diversity in a whole new way.

I mean, growing up Queer in Freeport in the 90's was certainly challenging, but it was also rewarding.  I was never as alone as I sometimes felt, and I was never unable to find people like me.

Last year, I wasn't able to attend. I was ill, and I just figured it to be a better idea to stay home and rest up than risk getting anyone sick.

With my neck in quite bad shape, I decided I wanted to definitely get down there this year because I felt like things were different.

And they were.

Now, I lack last years' performance to compare this years' to, but I do remember how relatively small the event was in 2023. It had a few dedicated vendors, some events, some businesses on board.

The first thing I noticed about this years' event was that there were a number of cars in the parking lot with Pride stickers, decorations, and the like.

The second thing I noticed this year was that there was a huge stage set up in the parking lot across from the esplanade, a place where performers could really get a great view of the crowd, and vice-versa.

Also, this year? The vendor section (where I spent most of my limited time) was wonderfully large in comparison to the first time through.

Okay, so some of them were relatively 'normie' things like Mount Sinai and Northwell Health having booths.

It's coming up on election season in Nassau, and I noticed a number of Democratic candidates had boots set up. Didn't see any Republicans that I'm aware of. I wonder why? (No, I don't)

If you read this before it's too late to get down there, try getting down there! There are events all night.

TWF 355: ICE Is Active In Freeport - Be Careful

 Greetings, friends,

This is one whereby the headline tells you a lot of what's up, and your knowledge of the history of this publication and my political beliefs gets you the rest of the way there.

About a day or two ago, Freeport resident and activist Carmen Piñeyro posted alerts that ICE (Immigrations and Customs Enforcement) was operating in Freeport, presumably to illegally arrest and disappear undocumented immigrants living in Freeport.

At the time, all I could really do is share the post around and notify people as I found out.  Hopefully, that helped people.

But with the way things are escalating in Los Angeles tonight, it's worth reiterating to Freeporters that, in fact, ICE is active in Freeport and actively looking to interfere with peoples' lives in the worst ways possible.

Now is when I remind you that I no longer live in Freeport, so I can't serve as a rapid response person (not that I'm physically able).  Still, I hope my hometown is taking steps to be safe with these roving bands of brigands in its streets.

ICE, I mean.  They're the ones who exile American children.  Who did you think I meant?  Maybe you need to check that.

Anyway.

I just hope Mayor Kennedy is making sure that Freeport PD will in no way assist ICE in its crimes against Humanity; I really, truly hope he's prepared to have Freeport PD protect its residents against due process violations, even if that means getting between ICE and its victims.

I know how insane that might sound to some, but, such is our life as we resist Fascism.

In the meantime, if you are at all at risk for being targeted, be as safe as you possibly can.  If that means you have to prepare go-bags and be ready to leave on a moments' notice?  I'm so sorry, but please do what you have to to be safe.

Freeport is being targeted for its integrated community, but it's a community like few others.  I firmly believe the Village can resist, provided its government does the right thing early on.