Hello Reader,

As we have now passed through the summer solstice here in the north, the sun is high in sky, shining light deep in to the crevices.

This is an invitation to see and be seen.

It’s time to open our eyes, have a good look and take in what has been revealed. And it’s time to step into the spotlight and show the world who we are, inside and out.

rom Nick:
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As June is Pride month, I discovered this image revisioning the original Pride flag as designed by Gilbert Baker and Lynn Segerblom in 1978. (note: the true original had 8 colors and did not feature the pale pink "diversity," as that was implied by the colors.)

As a child of the 80's I was drawn to rainbows and unicorns, and I was often teased for that. Now I wear rainbows and bright colors as an act of joy and resistance - to not let the bullies grind me down. Plus I just like them still - they make me happy!

To me, the Pride flag and the rainbow is a symbol of declaration. Declaring identity, space, safety, acceptance. Declaring, "This is me - here I am." Revealing your true colors to be seen (Thank you Cyndi Lauper).

I get that this ability to be seen in these ways are not safe for all queer people. Until then, I will keep wearing rainbows for you.

From TanyaMarck:​
​I am officially 28 days away from GAC surgery. Being seen is one of many growth edges that I’m leaning into as I prep for this life changing procedure.

For the last year I have been exploring what it means to see and honor my authentic self. My participation in Leah Garza’s year long programs (Living Systems and Akashic Record Mentorship) have provided me with opportunities to explore deeply what it means to be seen. Thank you Leah.

Both of these programs and the community members within have supported my deep dive into understanding what it means to be seen. These programs, as well as my detox surgery prep, have invited me to examine all aspects of being seen: physically, mentally emotionally, spiritually and energetically.

The last 6 years of my decolonization journey have provided me with many opportunities to heal being seen past present and future. (read more below)

Gratitude to my teachers, mentors, ancestors, and those on this journey who have come before me.

Queer Spirit:​
As a nonprofit, we have continued to explore and evolve our goals, our mission, and how we want to show up and be seen. The keystone of our values is to offer accessible care to our queer and allied communities. As we continue to navigate our personal circles, we continue to pivot and transform our community offerings.

This solstice season we have made the decision to close 4th Sunday Care Circles and the QS Community on the Mighty Networks platform. We are grateful for what both of these offerings have provided our community, and we are ready to redirect that energy to our other offerings.

We invite to explore Queer Spirit Community in these ways: Patreon, QS Podcast, Care Menu offerings, and monthly virtual Care Circles.
We offer internships/mentorships, private Care Circles to organizations, and a youth care/mentorship coming soon!

With care + in solidarity,
TanyaMarck + Nick

~ TanyaMarck Oviedo (they/them) is an educator, care practitioner, multimedia artist, Behavioral Support Specialist and mentor. They mindfully sit with + swim in the cosmic frequencies of astrology, tarot, akashic records, divination, and curanderismo. TanyaMarck is available for 1:1 and group work sessions virtually and in person. Reach out at toviedo856@gmail.com​

~ Nick Venegoni (he>they) is a holistic psychotherapist, coach, guide, artist and sound alchemist. He uses integrative tools to support folks to find more ease and joy. Check out his free e-course, The Self-Confident Queer​

Gender Affirming Care (GAC) + TanyaMarck's Top Surgery Journey

As I write this, I am 28 days away from gender affirming care surgery and feeling excited, nervous, and curious. The last few months I have been swimming in grief, and I can feel yet another death (deep transformation) slowly heading my way.

This week on the QS podcast, Nick and I share about the medicine of being seen. Keeping it real: it has taken me a very very long time to understand that to truly be seen by others, I must be able to SEE myself.

For the last 5-1/2 years I have embarked on some of the deepest, most intense healing where I have shed and continue to shed a lot of old wounds and ways of thinking. Each time I shed, I feel a bit more clearer about who I am. When I become more clear with who I am, it opens the road for others to truly see and honor me.

Being seen in all of my iterations over the years has lead me to exactly right here. I am so grateful for the love, support, acceptance, grace and understanding that continues to find and flow through me.

Being seen is a form potent loving care. When we makes space for care, care makes space for us.

Thank you to all the people who have come before me and modeled how to see themselves resulting in being seen by others.

Thank you for all of the support along my journey. Being seen by all of you, has healed me in ways that I will spend my next chapter happily unfolding and experiencing.

I appreciate y'all so so much!

With care + hope,
TanyaMarck Oviedo (they/them)

Please consider making a donation to the QS Fill Our Mug of Care Program. Your contributions will support my out of pocket expenses for my upcoming top surgery and recovery.

Thank you to all those who have donated and to those who are showing up in such magical ways.

Care Chats on the QS podcast

This week we explore the medicine of Being Seen. TanyaMarck shares more of their journey towards Gender Affirming Care (GAC) and how they navigated self visibility. We also talk about sharing our Super Powers on the QS Care Menu.

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Listen on YouTube (above) or find it on your favorite podcast streamer here.

Service + Collaboration

Being of service is a beautiful and powerful way to respond to the challenges and chaos of what is happening in our collective

Do you have a skill, trade or resource you are interested in offering through collaborative energy exchange with us?

QS is seeking help with:

• photo/video-graphy
• grant research + applications
• graphic designer
• space holding/circle facilitation
• accounting/bookkeeping

If you are available to volunteer or you are interested in a collaborative trade, please reach out to us.

​Schedule some time chat with us HERE + learn more.

~ How are you exploring reciprocity + service + volunteerism?

Community Artist Spotpight

We are excited to announce our new monthly community artist spotlight. This month we are featuring Theresa Sterner,

Theresa Sterner (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist based in Los Angeles. She works in a wide range of media, including sculpture, installation, photography, video, ceramics, weaving and other traditional craft practices. For her most recent project, FRL Studio, she makes beeswax candles cast from natural objects, such as stones, shells and pinecones, to offer as ritual objects of devotion to the more-than-human world.

Find Theresa at https://frlstudio.com​

Check out our Care Chat with her on the QS podcast, episode 4.

Explore more Resources and Practitioners we collaborate with on the QS website.

QS Cares ~ Let us continue to take care of ourselves + each other ~ Asé

With Care + In Solidarity,
TanyaMarck Oviedo (they/them)
+ Nick Venegoni (he>they)