I don't expect anyone (outside of myself, my editor, and my wife) to read our over 200 articles about queer history. But I spent so much time and energy writing these articles, and I remember being sure that I needed to write more or else I wasn't providing enough value to patrons. This year, when I took a step back and started polishing the articles I had already written I realized that four articles a month (our original model), was too much for anyone to keep track of. Slowing down this project has become a deeply rewarding lesson in degrowth.
I have been reading books about some of the first people I wrote about to deepen my knowledge. Not only to improve the older articles, but also so I can continue to convey these stories from my place within the queer community with greater understanding.
In the past years, more and more opportunities have cropped up to share these stories in real life. A documentary interview, voice notes to queer youth, and even business consultations. None of these were paid, and I wouldn't have accepted payment if it was offered. Because a part of what Patrons for this project do, is pay for my continuing education, and it would be silly to hoard that knowledge.
In response to this shifting of gears, we have gotten more support and patrons than we ever have before. As a creator, it makes me think there is an almost growth fatigue. If everything is about constant and reckless expansion, when is there time for deepening? Meditating on issues? Learning not just an endless string of fun facts, but a new dimension of thinking?
Hopefully here, with Making Queer History.
