Mission
On The Down Lola is a tool to help build bridges of solidarity through honest conversations about the life and experiences of LGBTQQIP2SAA or SOGI people and communities. We may never come up with the answers, but we feel it is more important to keep the conversation going. In a world full of division, be glue.
Everyone Has A Story
“There will not be a magic day when we wake up and it’s now okay to express ourselves publicly. We make that day by doing things publicly until it’s simply the way things are.”
TAMMY BALDWIN, FIRST OPENLY GAY U.S. SENATOR – from her “Never Doubt” speech at the Millennium March for Equality, 2000
We all want that magic wand that creates ultimate peace and love. What we don’t always remember is that we are that magic wand. Through conversation and sharing our stories we have the ability build understanding and solidarity. On The Down Lola is happy to be a part of the process of building bridges of understanding. Our rich histories as queer people are often an unrecognized but integral part of the greater world tapestry. Through our work we want to shine a spotlight on the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Pan-sexual, Twin-Spirit, Asexual, & A-gender people, places, and events that have added to the fabric of the greater community. Everyone has a story.
“Please remember, especially in these times of group-think and the right-on chorus, that no person is your friend (or kin) who demands your silence, or denies your right to grow and be perceived as fully blossomed as you were intended.”
ALICE WALKER, NOVELIST, ESSAYIST, AND ACTIVIST – from In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens: Womanist Prose, 1983
A big part of sharing your story and educating those around you about who you are is being who you are fully. We at OTDL believe that your story deserves to be heard in it’s fullest. The stories you hear are as complete as possible. We do not edit for content or to sugar coat truths. Truths can be ugly, fowl and vulgar; however, we take that to get to the parts that are glorious. Through these stories, listeners can learn to accept, love, and overcome. We are grateful to those who spend their time with us and share. Even and especially when it is uncomfortable.
“Every gay and lesbian person who has been lucky enough to survive the turmoil of growing up is a survivor. Survivors always have an obligation to those who will face the same challenges.”
BOB PARIS, AUTHOR, ACTIVIST, BODYBUILDER, AND FORMER MR. UNIVERSE – from his memoir Straight from the Heart, 1995