I started the mutual aid fund during the pandemic because people found themselves in the midst of the crisis without access to mental health services. As we all remember, that time was also fraught with grief in relation to the many, many deaths of loved ones in our communities, job loss, fear and uncertainty of what the future might hold;  fear of getting sick; getting sick with little resources. Then add the death of George Floyd, and the extremely divided political situation going into the presidential election - many people were on the brink.  LBT reached out to a few generous individual donors who were able to support the fund - and we were able to provide support to people who were in deep need. 

Even though the pandemic has subsided, the importance of creating and sustaining mental health funds cannot be overstated as there is continued need.  From the young black teen whose parents refuse to pay for their co-payments because he’s queer, to the young mom who has to choose between daycare or therapy sessions or the newly emigrated teen who is struggling to adjust to life in the U.S. or the trans artist who lost their health insurance…these are just a few types of situations that we’ve encountered. We have supported people by giving them bridge services, payment plans or short term crisis care. And it’s through this mutual aid effort, that we’ve been able to do this. Therapists need to be compensated for the difficult work that they do; for their skill, care and compassion.  

Now that the fund is depleted, The LBT Mental Health Fund - Support Us Store is a very small way of throwing some creative activism into our mutual aid effort. 

I say  "Liberation Is Work" a lot. It has been a way of reminding myself and others that the process of liberation encompasses all aspects of being. Our hearts, minds, bodies, souls AND community. 

And let’s reclaim the word 'work' from the capitalist monster, shall we? Work in physics is basically the ENERGY that gets moved into or out of something by pushing it or pulling it along a distance. Work in art is the creative process.The concept of "work" in art making, is fluid and subjective, varying greatly depending on the artist's style, medium, and intentions. It's about dedication, experimentation, and emotional investment. “Work” in love refers to the effort, commitment, and dedication required to maintain and nurture a healthy and fulfilling relationship which is ongoing and dynamic. And yes, rest is an integral part of any of these ‘work’ journeys.

True liberation for all encompasses both action and rejuvenation, self-care and community care. Liberation is Work we can do collectively.  So, support us if you can and stay tuned for more to come—because together, we can create a world where mental health is a priority, and liberation knows no bounds.