Boots On The Ground Demonstrates How Midwest Activists Can Organize Effectively

By Whitney Young

Since the 2024 election results came in, we’ve been living in a grave, new political reality for the past 14 months. Instead of grieving the loss, we activated, and our activations took different forms. Some of us started gathering resource lists for our community, while others, like Boots on the Ground, began organizing. 

Boots on the Ground started with the nonprofits that needed the most assistance after the new administration took office in 2025. From there, it grew into a multifaceted community action plan: sharing information and current events over Substack and social media; community-building programs such as Workshop Wednesdays; and engaging the Midwest to show up at local and statewide protests and rallies—a little something for everyone to get involved at their own pace. 

We reached out to Boots on the Ground co-founders, Nancy Mays and Martha Lawrence, to learn more about their mission and to gather a few pieces of advice regarding the political environment we find ourselves in for the foreseeable future.

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From Good Vibes to Fantasy Rides, Try These Inclusive Sex Toys

By Kelcie McKenney
Art by Maddy Best

Tuck your favorite toy away for now, we’re mixing things up with some unique and silly sex toys that’ll spice things up in your solo and partnered play. Pleasure is universal—and some of the best sex, in our opinion, is when you have unfiltered fun with it. So bring some creativity to the bedroom… or wherever you see fit. As always, we’ve included brands from LGBTQ+ inclusive, diverse, and women-owned businesses so you can get off and support ethical stores that embrace inclusive sexuality. Now go get your freak on:

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Kansas City’s Queer-Inclusive Coffee Shops

By Shelby Faulkner
Photos by Whitney Young and Travis Young

When you’re LGBTQ+ or part of another marginalized community in the Midwest, it can be hard to feel truly safe in public spaces—especially now. After coming out as a trans woman, one of the first places I began to feel safe was my local coffee shop. Soon, I became a regular, and grabbing my daily caffeine fix was my sacred ritual. What’s gayer than iced coffee after all?

As the self-proclaimed coffee queen of Catcall (re: I tried every Chappell Roan-themed drink when she played KC in October), I’m rounding up some of my favorite inclusive coffee shops in the hopes it’ll help folks feel a little safer choosing their next spot. Whether you’re looking for great coffee, a sense of community, or just want somewhere new to chill, one of these places is sure to be your vibe—plus you’ll be supporting some pretty awesome local businesses.

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Female Rage Books for Fall

By Spencer Margaret 

Ah, fall. The leaves are changing, the morning air has a crisp bite to it, and so do those apples you happily paid $35 for at the orchard with your friends/partner. Your sweaters are fully in rotation, boots are ready for walking, and pine-scented candles have been lit.

Right around now, you’re probably also digging around to find your Halloween decorations. Ghosts and pumpkins, skeletons, and my favorite of all—witches. This is the time of year that we’re able to lean into our fascination with witches in a way the public (*cough*, patriarchy) deems seasonal and appropriate. It’s the perfect time to cozy up with an atmospheric, spooky read, or my favorite new genre: female rage books.

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Lesbian, sapphic, and dyke culture on The Lesbian Peep Show with Erin Brown

By Sophia-Joelle McDowell

Erin Brown is a lesbian influencer and advocate for queer culture. Her podcast The Lesbian Peep Show covers all things lesbian, sapphic, and dyke culture—from queer history and identity development to body politics, relationships, and more. Along with her podcast, she also created The Sapphic Syllabus archive to preserve and promote lesbian narratives and histories. We spoke about the pod, authentic expression, activism, and everything in between.  

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