How to Support Shelli, Vanessa, and Ro

They bled, and they bruised, and their superpowers were as simple as listening, or loving.

May 24, 2023

“Heroes didn't leap tall buildings or stop bullets with an outstretched hand; they didn't wear boots and capes. They bled, and they bruised, and their superpowers were as simple as listening, or loving. Heroes were ordinary people who knew that even if their own lives were impossibly knotted, they could untangle someone else's. And maybe that one act could lead someone to rescue you right back.” ― Jodi Picoult, Second Glance

You may have heard by now — or maybe not! — that Autostraddle’s Subject Editors Shelli Nicole, Vanessa Friedman, and Ro White have had their positions terminated. They’ve all shared their stories in their own words, which I will link to below. I also want to use my newsletter, which I think reaches people who aren’t on Twitter and Instagram, to invite you to support them as they step into a frankly terrifying and hostile media landscape to look for new work.

It has been an honor and a joy to serve the LGBTQ+ community alongside these three over the years. They have made me a better writer and a better human being. All three of them have stood by me, without flinching in their love or support, during my battle with Long Covid. And all three of them have taught me things I will never forget about courage and grace. Shelli, Vanessa, and Ro are all brilliant, compassionate, deeply informed, truly beloved writers and editors. If you’re in a position to help them with job leads, encouraging words, or financial support, I would be so very grateful.

I know a lot of people have a lot of questions. I will speak plainly and tell you I don’t have any answers. I found out about the decision to eliminate their positions the day before it happened and advocated for them to the best of my ability, and will continue to do so.