JUNE NEWSLETTER | Queer Activism is our Money Story
Hi friends,
As a queer person, I know we all hold the power to craft infinite definitions for family, connection, gender, home, community. I also know that queer creativity is sustained through beauty, joy, and radical activism.
As the queer founder of Modernist, I know that just as we craft our families and our genders, we can also radically (re)define business to nourish all areas of life and our collective well-being (like our manifesto says).
The news is scary right now, with new attacks on the basic rights of queer, trans, Black and brown people, plus the Supreme Court theft of our reproductive rights. I’m staying inspired by centering the radical LGBTQ+ activist heroes who fought for the justice we do have.
So, how could we all be a bit more just, more fabulous, more expansive, as we move into our collective future?
Georgia + Team Modernist
investment insights
Yes folks, we are officially in a bear market. As we’ve been telling our clients: down markets are a natural part of investing.
On the blog, we share our data-backed response to these changes, along with a reminder to sail with the tide (you know we love a good Yacht Rock reference). This look back at 2022 from our Investment Committee looks at factors that have impacted stock markets in 2022, with an eye towards what’s ahead.
So what to do? We recommend taking a break from the news to focus on things you can control, like time with the folks you love, basking in the warmer, longer days, or volunteering with an org fighting for justice.
⚡️StructurING Your Wealth Around Your Value⚡️
As a leader, Georgia regularly celebrates and uplifts queer activism that is rooted in joy and beauty and difference. The No On 9 Remembered Project looks back on Oregon activists’ historic fight against homophobia and hatred, from the 70s to the present day. These stories are a timely reminder of what’s possible when we come together to use our collective voice. A must read for anyone committed to justice!
As Pride Month wraps up, this is a great time to support intersectional, Black and LGBTQ+ led organizations fighting for equal rights:
🏳️🌈 Basic Rights Oregon works towards legislative change with a focus on trans rights and racial justice. Or the Human Rights Campaign pushes federal change.
🏳️🌈 Black & Beyond the Binary Collective develops leadership skills in queer Black-African Oregonians.
🏳️🌈 SAGE is a nationwide network that supports elders in the LGBTQ+ community, check out the Portland hub or find your local affiliate.
MODERNIST TAKES IT OUTSIDE
Portland Business Journal named Modernist 10th on their list of LGBTQ+ owned businesses! 🏳️🌈🏆⚡️ We celebrated by sharing some of our favorite queens —we are deeply inspired by drag culture's ongoing exploration of the myriad ways we could ALL perform our genders. (Don't you wish all wealth management firms said the same?!)
Also well-timed with Pride month was Georgia’s recent contribution to PBJ’s article on how Oregon is a sanctuary for LGBTQIA+ employees (click here for an excerpt, no paywall!).
We’re grateful to have Modernist featured in Oregon Community Foundation’s Annual Report! It’s a great overview of their philanthropic work across the state, filled with orgs and initiatives to inspire. Their report’s theme puts it best: “Kindness Inspires Kindness”.
FUND YOUR HEROES: food insecurity
Inflation is impacting everyone in different ways, and we’re reminded that folks who are food insecure are having an especially hard time feeding their families. We appreciated this look at how food banks are dealing with inflation, from Oregon Public Broadcasting.
If you are able to help redistribute resources of money or time, here are some orgs to support:
🍎 Urban Gleaners
🍎 Equitable Giving Circle’s CSA Program
🍎 Oregon Food Bank
ART BREAK: sto len
Sto Len is the NYC Sanitation Department’s Artist in Residence (NYT article with a paywall), as part of a program inspired by Modernist founding hero Mierle Laderman Ukeles (here is a great primer on Ukeles’ work and her Maintenance Art Manifesto).
Sto Len makes art to bring visibility to the city’s sanitation workers, and motivate New Yorkers to reconsider their own role in trash.
A Song That is REALLY About hope
With all of this horrendous news, America feels intent on returning to a time when women, queer folks, trans folks, feared for the safety of our people, our bodies, AND lacked the civil rights to protect ourselves.
So, what do we do? Look to our heroes (hey Billy Porter!), remind ourselves of all we’ve accomplished, put on our best outfits, and get out there and fight!
See I know times are hard (you'll get through it, baby) / I mean it from the heart / You're not losing the fight / Love will make it alright 'cause I've / Been there, done that, worn that dress / So you know mama knows it best…
Some people criticize the way you live / But don't you apologize or dare submit / Baby, the children's where the future is / See a change starts today, better wipe those tears away / Gotta let these children know what time it is