Pride, Belonging, and Refuge

Belonging and refuge are two solutions that come with a place to call home, and it is a promise that continually unfolds with Habitat for Humanity. We all long for and also belong in safety, familiarity, and hopefulness.

Richard/Anguksuar in the White House, when he was hired by the Obama Administration to educate members of the U.S. Department of the Interior.

LGBTQ people have often been accustomed to simply deferring the dream of a home in the past, although the idea of liberation inherently means being confident in ourselves, our communities, and our world. To create a home, we know here and now that we can partner with people who: A) See and appreciate us, B) buckle a toolbelt alongside us to make visible our best version of ourselves and C) know that whole communities are strengthened in every way when we arrive home, appreciating keenly the work that makes it real.

The prospect of creating a life and goals over periods of time—rather than being bound by the terms of a lease—changes our frame of reference and allows us thoughtful development of plans and new perspectives.

For homeowners and all the people dear to them there can be good problems (or better problems?), instead of just everyday problems. Maybe choose between growing our own food security in a backyard garden or calling the landscapers to manifest an oasis of calm. Good problem. Create an artists’ studio or workshop? Ditto. I can finally think about having a pet? An Alaskan Husky for me please. Play equipment for the kids? There may be avenues to make connections with people in and beyond our neighborhood, and to have a sense in the wellbeing of a community from the ground up through shared interests.  The prospect of creating a life and goals over periods of time—rather than being bound by the terms of a lease—changes our frame of reference and allows us thoughtful development of plans and new perspectives.

We understand deeply the importance of community and unite visibly with people from throughout Minnesota during LGBTQ Pride Month. And when the month is over, it can be easier for us to remember the pride piece well into the following year. With pride comes possibilities and the opportunity to develop greater optimism, including the actual building of dreams. And when there is unfamiliarity in how to approach and embrace it all, Habitat helps make a path to the front door with our allies and loved ones.

Homeownership has been in a state of continuous forward motion for more than one generation of activists and visionaries.

It's a positive change of mind to have good problems, and solutions that include belonging and safety, building up and sharing. As our communities see more of our legacies take root we will be witnesses to a thankful generation following us. We can have Pride and also be proud homeowners, community members, leaders...and families we haven't yet seen or imagined.  Homeownership has been in a state of continuous forward motion for more than one generation of activists and visionaries. . Indigenous People and LGBTQ Two Spirit neighbors have long experienced housing insecurity, discrimination, profiling and too many other indignities to list, even here in our ancient homelands. It's time to rebuild the framework of our communities and see Land Back. 

With the expertise and support of countless hands and minds to guide us, we can be in the fortunate possession of accomplishments and know-how that can benefit many others in the future as well. Happy Pride.

Richard LaFortune (Anguksuar) is a queer Yupik tribal citizen who has advocated for housing and many other issues for Native, Two Spirit, and LGBTQ people in Minnesota. He is a writer and artist living in the Twin Cities.