Whether you're a private practitioner or a witchy business owner, it is now more important than ever to KNOW YOUR RIGHTS.
Wicca as a religion is officially protected by Freedom of Religion under the First Amendment. This extends somewhat to other less organized pagan religions as well as the general state of Being A Witch, which is also protected by Freedom of Speech.
But we must remember that this only protects you from PROSECUTION, not PERSECUTION.
You have the legal right to present as a pagan or witch in public spaces and technically you cannot be discriminated against in the workplace for such things. However, we all know how that kind of bigotry disguises itself and the way things are going, resources for reporting and resolving such grievances may soon be in short supply.
You also have the right to own and operate a pagan-oriented or witchcraft-related business, provided that you obey all applicable tax codes and consumer protection laws. (This is why we have to mark so many of our goods and services as "For Entertainment Purposes Only," and I strongly suggest updating your disclaimers to include additional language if need be.)
Again, as we've seen, this doesn't always protect business owners from harassment or help them with seeking reparations if there's trouble. But it's important to know, as more and more "proclamations" roll out from the "new management," that executive orders do not immediately or fundamentally change the law.
This is nowhere near a comprehensive explanation of the constitutional rights and laws applicable to witches and pagans currently living in the United States. I urge everyone to familiarize themselves with all applicable laws in their area which deal with public gatherings, small businesses, consumer protection, public transit, loitering, search & seizure / "stop & frisk," and anything related to being detained by law enforcement for any reason.
Familiarize yourself also with social and legal resources in your area, just in case you or someone you know needs them. Talk to the elders in your local LGBTQ organizations as well - we've been there before.
Most importantly, build links and relationships with trusted people around you, whether it's your neighbors or your colleagues or like-minded people in the community. We all need to be looking out for each other and the more we know, the better we can protect ourselves, our homes, our livelihoods, our communities, and our rights.
(If anyone has any applicable links or information, PLEASE add them in comments and reblogs.)
Let me leverage my Department of Labor training to link you guys to the specific resource you'll use for work-related discrimination (or harassment)!
Religious Discrimination
This is the page from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (You know how employers like to add "We are an equal opportunity employer" to their hiring ads? No shit you're equal opportunity, ALL employers within the US must be equal opportunity, because that's literally federal law!)
Anyways: I would recommend arming yourself with this knowledge (of how to file a complaint) BEFORE YOU NEED IT. v
Filing a Charge
Note that there IS a difference between harassment and discrimination. Harassment mean somebody was bad-mouthing you, making fun of you, or creating a hostile work environment. Bullying generally falls under harassment, not discrimination. Discrimination is when they take employment-related action based on your religion, like demoting you or refusing a raise, which incurs steeper penalties but also involves an investigation and burden of proof. You don't exactly need to catch it on camera, but the EEOC does usually at least interview other people. BOTH BEHAVIORS CAN BE FILED AGAINST!
ALSO! There is a requirement that you MUST file within a certain amount of time that the harassment/discrimination occurs! I think it's 30 or 60 days, but I could be wrong. It might depend on what you're filing for. The initial filing process is quick; the in-depth details can be saved for the investigation.
Also, if you're in a safe situation to do so, TELL YOUR SUPERVISOR. Get a report written! Create a paper trail! Talking to HR might also be an option. Consider initiating the conversation in email or some other form that can be stored and referred to later. It'll probably take the EEOC awhile to handle your case, so you want this documented.
HR or your supervisor can also file the complaint FOR you. Personally I'd do it myself to make sure it doesn't fall through the cracks, but I know not everyone knows how to navigate legal paperwork.
I believe there's an option to file anonymously, but that's more for if you witness it happening to someone else. If you want any action taken on it, I'd recommend giving them your contact information.
Also maybe brush up on retaliation laws, because those are the ones that will protect you if your employer retaliates when you bring them to book. (Note "discrimination" being on the list of things you're protected from retaliation against.)
If you're a federal contractor like me, or a direct hire, they have special procedures and most agencies have their own liaison agencies to work with, so these links may or may not apply. In that case, you might want to look into whistleblower laws too!
“Look at the sky. Does its sapphire hue dim when you take a single breath? Are the stars drawn closer when you weep? The sky cannot be diminished so. Thus it is with the spirit: it is a thing without beginning or end.” - Elaine Cunningham
pictures found on weheartit
Never let anybody ridicule your beliefs. It’s human to find divinity in the mundane. It’s human to turn to the divine for answers. It’s not a matter of intelligence, like some would like to think. It’s a matter of human nature and instinct.
So leave some honey out for the fae, find omens in the patterns of the clouds, or hang wind chimes outside like your grandma used to do. Don’t let anybody call you anything other than human.
heyyy so i just read the rooster sfw alphabet and i was wondering if u could do one for mr hangman? if not it’s totally ok! have a great day or night :)))
SFW Alphabet — Jake "Hangman" Seresin
Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x reader
Warnings: mentions of alcohol, jealousy, etc
a/n: A year later, and I'm finally in my Hangman era.
Also If you haven't yet, please check out the general Hangman headcanons I posted a while ago, as it gives a bit more context to my characterization of him!
a- asking (Who's the first person to confess and how does it happen?)
Jake will ask you out (or offer to take you home) first but when it comes to actual confessions of feelings, you'll need to initiate it. I truly believe that once Jake begins to fall for someone, he panics. He has no idea what to do with these feelings and will need you to take the reigns.
B - Butterflies (How they act when they're nervous.)
Do you think Hangman is cocky with a strong streak of narcissism now? A nervous Jake is an infinite amount worse, as he uses his already contentious traits as the ultimate defense mechanism.
c- cuddles (What is their favorite cuddling position? Do they like physical touch?)
Given the correct circumstances, I fully see Hangman as being very cuddly. Particularly when he's sleepy, drunk, or just returning from deployment. Once Jake is in a relationship where he feels safe and secure, he becomes more than a bit clingy as well.
d- domesticity (Are they the type to settle down with you? Are they willing to help with chores? What is your daily routine with them?)
Contrary to popular belief, Jake is 100% the type to settle down. Furthermore, he's the type to have the full American dream. Several kids and a nice white picket fence included.
As far as domestic chores go, he was raised in a very traditional household where the men did none of the housework. Once he settles down though, he wants to help out but doesn't know where to start. Instead, he throws himself into more "masculine" chores, like mowing the lawn and paying the bills. While it'll take a bit of time (and patience on your part) for him to break the habit, soon he'll be cooking, cleaning, and caretaking better than you could've ever dreamed of.
e- encouragement (Do they encourage you to achieve your goals? If so, how do they support you?)
If there's one thing Jake can do, it's hyping someone up. Once you're in a relationship, all bets are off and he instantly becomes your personal hype man. There's even been a few times he nearly got himself kicked out of an event for being too rowdy. Whether it's celebrating a major life goal or completing your weekly shopping, Jake will be by your side cheering you on.
f- favorite thing(s) about you (What are their favorite personality traits/physical features about you?)
He loves how you challenge him and push him to be a better man.
g- goofiness (Do they like to make you laugh? How often do they joke around with you?)
He's the type of man to make a complete fool of himself just to make you crack a smile. Ego be damned.
h- honesty (Would they lie to you? How much do they share with you?)
While I don't think he's a liar, he does have a tendency to spin things in his favor to avoid conflict. This is especially true early on in your relationship before he feels fully comfortable. Once you two start building a life together, this habit disappears completely.
i- i love you (how fast do they say the L-Word?)
I can see this being a pretty big point of contention in your relationship. It's not that Jake doesn't love you (he's actually head or heels boots for you) it's just that those same insecurities keep bubbling up.
His heart all but begs him you say those three words to you, but his head keeps winning out. What If you don't feel the same? What if he scares you off? What if you laugh in his face?
Vulnerability is far from his strong suit, so this can only end up one of two ways.
If you say it first:
He'll give you the biggest, widest smile and pull you into the tightest hug. It's not lost to him how a few tears spill as he echoes those three words.
If it turns into a big blowout fight:
Only to end up spilling his guts while dodging your eyes, silently praying to whatever is out there that he made the right choice.
j- jealousy (Are they the type of person to get jealous? If so, how do they react to being jealous?)
Hangman, for better or worse, is jealous as the day is long. It all stems from several poorly hidden insecurities. A major one is that deep down he's always waiting on the other shoe to drop, as he believes that he doesn't deserve you.
Jealous Jake is explosive, flippant, and often downright mean. This is especially true if he's at the hard deck and has had a drink or two.
On a good day, he'll stomp around the bar and give you the silent treatment. On a bad day, he'll be going toe to toe with whoever gives you more than a passing glance.
k- kissing (Where do they like to kiss you? How frequently do they like to kiss?)
In public, he's an old school, arm around your shoulder, kisses in your hair kinda guy. In private he's a big fan of sneaking up behind you and giving you a few kisses on your neck.
l- love language (What's their love language?)
Words of affirmation. His less-than-stellar childhood paired with his career in the armed forces has left him craving the particular type of love only words of affection can give. Just a mere "Have fun!" Text, when he goes out with Javy, is enough to make his heart pound happily in his chest.
m- marriage (Do they want to marry you eventually? Who proposes to who?)
As mentioned in letter D, he's the all-American type, and marriage is just another aspect of that.
I don't see him doing a big planned proposal though. Instead, he'll end up asking for your hand while you're like, washing the dishes (or something equally as mundane). He's actually been thinking about it for like two years but he's too nervous to say anything, but this time the thought of his wife washing the dishes in his house was too much to bear
n- nicknames (What do they call you? What do you call them?)
He calls you: Sugar, Doll, cupcake, or anything else sickeningly sweet
You call him: Honey, Darling, Jakey, Jay... Cowboy and/or Tex when you want to get on his nerves
o- openness (How much do they tell you about themselves? Do they reveal everything at once or gradually throughout the relationship?)
You wouldn't be a fool to think Jake has told you everything. Lord knows that man loves to talk about himself.
Yet if you look hard enough, you'll see inklings of a deeper, darker story lying beneath.
Despite this, you won't press him about it. It stays in the back of your mind until one day, when the sun shines just right, he'll choose to reveal every part of his backstory to you.
p- PDA (Are they affectionate in public or do they prefer to keep your kisses behind closed doors? Are they the type to brag about their SO?)
One thing that surprises you when you first start going out with him is that he's shockingly shy when it comes to PDA, especially around those that know him best. As your relationship grows he'll be a bit more lenient when it comes to ODA, but he'll still always prefer to keep the larger displays of affection behind closed doors.
q- quality time (how do they like to spend time with you?)
Paintball, hiking, axe throwing...
He likes to try new activities or do something physical. Really, anything that allows him to be a show off.
r- romance (Are they the romantic type? If so, how do they express their feelings?)
Hangman is the most accidentally romantic man you'll ever meet.
On any random Thursday, he'll cook dinner, string up fairy lights in the backyard, and hire a string quartet. Not to be romantic, just because he thinks you'll find it cool.
s- security (How protective are they of you? If they are, how do they show this?)
Hangman would quite literally both kill and die for the people he loves. Luckily, in everyday life, he takes a more chill approach to things and is instead very trustworthy and dependable.
t- turn-offs (What traits do they find unattractive?)
Jake is a son of Texas through and through, and is immediately turned off by anyone who is disrespectful and lacks manners.
Oh, and anyone who supports Aggie football.
u- understanding (Are they good at sympathizing with your problems? Do they listen to you when you need to rant?)
He's decently understanding. If you're prone to more emotional responses, he may struggle a bit with that. Nonetheless, he will always sympathize and/or let you rant to him if need be.
v- value (What do they value most about your relationship?)
Having someone in his corner.
With his choice of career, he understands better than most the importance of having someone you can depend on no matter what.
w- wild card (A random headcanon about your relationship)
Hat. Rule.
If you're going out with Jake, his nice white cowboy hat will inevitably become a staple of your wardrobe.
x- x-ray (How well are they able to read you?)
When it comes to emotional labor, he is more than a bit oblivious. He'll even admit that it is a foreign concept to him. Like other areas of your relationship, give him some grace and a few pointers and he'll figure it out soon enough.
y- yearning (How well do they cope when their SO isn't with them?)
It takes a while for your absence to sink in. After it does, his ego won't let him admit he's in shambles without you. Unfortunately, anyone who has the (dis)pleasure of being in his presence during this time Is well aware. Javy has even taken it upon himself to alert the rest of the squad when you leave town, etc so they can prepare.
z- zappy (Are they fast-paced in a relationship? Or do they like to take things slow?)
A relationship with Jake will start off as an achingly slow burn. But give him time and your unwavering love, and before you know it, you'll have a full-on forest fire.
if i had an italian boyfriend i wouldnt be posting videos like "breaking pasta in front of my italian boyfriend" "telling my italian boyfriend i hate his cooking" "psychologically torturing my italian boyfriend". i would make videos of holding my italian boyfriends hand. watching tv with my italian boyfriend. loving and cherishing my italian boyfriend. taking the ice out of his wine. gluing his pasta back together. having crazy gay sex with my italian boyfriend. rip to those tiktok users but im different
Aliens: Wow you guys sure are completely normal and not at all indescribably horny.
NASA *beating the alien fuckers with a broom*: Yep. Just a completely normal species. no inappropriate lusting for extraterrestrial booty here, no sir.
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