Narwhal Magic Kindness traveled to Denver, Colorado, for the Human Rights Campaign's Time to Thrive Mountain States conference on April 15, 2023. The conference brought together people from six states: Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Our Founder, Jan Moore and several Board of Directors members attended.
Families are Fleeing Oppressive States
Jan Moore reports that the community created during the event is priceless. "The best part of the meeting was the connections created amongst organizations. But more importantly, the one-on-one with parents supporting their children." She notes that she met three families from Texas who fled their homes and relocated to Colorado because of oppressive laws. She met another from Montana that were on the fence about relocating. "We have friends who are fleeing Florida and know another family from Ohio who is relocating to Maryland; this is reality. The legislation being passed is having a real impact; Here at NMK, we worry about those who cannot leave, who are forced to detransition, or who cannot begin to transition because trans healthcare is suicide prevention.
Creating Community Through Connection
"We were thrilled to be part of such an important event," reported Moore. The American Federation of Teachers Union handed out hundreds of LGBTQIA2S+ books to attendees as part of their Reading Opens the World Campaign. The National Education Association provided stellar programming for teachers and shared information and curriculum suggestions for immediate implementation. We want to give a big shout-out to the HRC's Welcoming Schools for educating teachers in all fifty states on how to provide inclusive education environments for students.
Our Youth Are Our Future
In his address to attendees, Mr. Shephard (he/him) from the Matthew Shephard Foundation noted that our most valuable resource is our children. They are our future. He reiterated this to Ms. Moore and her daughter, Luna, when he visited Narwhal Magic Kindness. In short, it is incumbent upon all of us to protect our children. And that includes our precious transgender, non-binary, gender diverse, and two-spirit children.
