We got married!

With a front yard packed with queer folks huddled around custom welded fire pits, Cedar and Evelyn were well celebrated and received into a thriving, intergenerational community. The wedding was a surprise to partygoers, many of whom contributed their art, care, and support to the gathering... but not all knew that Cedar and Evelyn planned to tie the knot during their Christmas Eve party. Previously introduced on a mutual connection's farm, it was quite fitting for them to land together on another in Middle Tennessee. Their alarm clocks, now set to sunrises, allow them to enjoy early mornings watching their humble flock of ducks forage in the yard and the social lives of a nearby cattle herd. Cedar spends many daylight hours prepping, planting, and weeding the garden, as well as many hours of the night researching, organizing the garden spreadsheet, and taking note of what is/is not working for next season. He also continues to hold intentional space for queer and trans parents - now with Plume Health, as a peer support group facilitator - and recently completed training as an equity-informed mediator. When Evelyn is not helping her husband haul manure, she is supporting five different community elders utilizing her brand new CNA skills and preparing for nursing school this upcoming Fall! These two stay very active and yet still dedicate time to raise and train their two dogs (Weasel & Pig), spend quality porch-time with Petunia the barn cat, participate in their local milkmaid union, horseback ride, attend potlucks, and explore all the local creeks and caves in their slice of heaven. This spring, they both performed in a community theater production of a script written by a local elder; and this summer, they each will fill roles as counselors for different queer youth summer camps. As Cedar and Evelyn settle into this historically gay neighborhood, they've had tremendous support from the house's previous tenant of 14 years, Matilda, who has provided many introductions and much context for their new home. This old farmhouse has housed dozens of queer and trans folks and acted as a community hub for out of town travelers and a safe haven for neighbors in need. Many local friends live off-grid and have often depended on this house's (somewhat) reliable electricity, water, as well hot meals made by the house's residents. As Matilda continues her transition out of this space, Cedar and Evelyn aim to refurnish/refurbish the home and keep these mutual aid traditions alive. Queer and trans folks historically have, and currently face extraordinary waves of violence, discrimination, and social rejection. Despite harsh possibilities, Cedar and Evelyn have discovered hope, belonging, and freedom in their love for each other and their community. They dream of softer futures for queer children and elders alike, an abundance of time together, and certainly more animals!