Boston Uncommon vol. 2 / no. 5
Zad Gravebone, Identity Affirmation Project, Gay For Good, and a call for submissions
Boston Uncommon has returned for its second volume to continue covering Boston-based drag, queer nightlife, and LGBTQ+ current events. Featuring original writing and reporting by Emerson College student and drag artist Joni 66, Boston Uncommon engages authentically with those who work and play within the city’s queer spaces and reports on issues that directly impact local and greater New England LGBTQ+ communities.
In this week’s edition of Boston Uncommon I:
Cover a BIG STORY: Identity Affirmation Project assists with free, legal name and gender marker changes
Shine a SERVICE SPOTLIGHT: Gay For Good galvanizes local volunteers for inclusive service projects
Stop to think— WHAT IS BOSTON DRAG?: Zad Gravebone’s love letter to his community
And put out a CALL FOR WRITERS: Contribute to Boston Uncommon!
BIG STORY: Identity Affirmation Project assists with free, legal name and gender marker changes
Launched by two students at New England Law’s Center for Law and Social Responsibility, the Identity Affirmation Project assists transgender, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming people in Massachusetts through the process of legally changing their name or gender marker and probate court filings.
The program, advised by the Director of the Center for Law and Social Responsibility David Siegel, connects participants with student volunteers who help guide them through the documentation process as well as with probate court filings.
In order to benefit from the Project’s pro bono services, participants must be U.S. citizens, Massachusetts residents, and at least 18 years old. Those interested can learn more here.
The Identity Affirmation Project offers services similar to the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, covered in Boston Uncommon vol 2. / no 2.
SERVICE SPOTLIGHT: Gay For Good galvanizes local volunteers for inclusive service projects
In 18 cities, over 1,402 service projects, non-profit Gay for Good has unified and mobilized LGBT+ volunteers to provide aid and support to underserved people in their communities.
Facilitating inclusive service projects throughout the city, Gay for Good’s Boston chapter has partnered with a variety of local non-profits including Trans Resistance MA, Aids Action, Bay Cove Human Services, Boston Can, and more, galvanizing local volunteers.
Gay for Good Boston is hosting two upcoming events:
National Braille Press - Dec. 6 @ 5:30 p.m.: National Braille Press— the US’ premier braille publisher— is dedicated to promoting literacy for blind children providing age-appropriate support, resources, and materials for students, caregivers, and educators. This year, Gay for Good is assisting in a book assembly project for the Children’s Braille Book Club. More information can be found here.
Toys for Joys - Dec. 14 @ Arlington Street Church - 6 p.m.: Toys for Joys collects and donates new toys and gifts for underprivileged children and teens throughout Massachusetts, donating over $800,000 worth of toys in 2020. Every year, Gay 4 Good assists Toys 4 Joys, putting together 30 red wagons for kids throughout the state. More information can be found here.
WHAT IS BOSTON DRAG?: Zad Gravebone’s love letter to his community
Through my reporting on Boston queer nightlife, I have noticed a general lack of coverage on local drag scenes and the performers that define queer New England. “What is Boston Drag?” is a space for local performers and community members to explore their regional culture and local talent.
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If you were at all plugged into Boston’s digital drag scene through the city’s various COVID lockdowns, you have heard the name Zad Gravebone. Cartoonist, animator, and voice actor with a background in improvisational comedy, Zad decided to add drag to his expanding list of talents after attending a class in late 2019 taught by Jayden Jamison called “King for a Day,” a space where Zad could both start openly using his chosen name and pronouns and also explore his love for drag. After COVID forced the shutdown of live venues, the self-proclaimed Undead Cartoon King entered the Serve Network’s first digital drag competition— Now Serving— winning four of five challenges, taking home the crown, and undoubtedly leaving his mark on the Boston drag scene. As live drag re-emerges, Zad discusses how his city’s drag community has supported him through both his most challenging and triumphant moments.
CALL FOR WRITERS: Contribute to Boston Uncommon!
I’ve covered Boston Nightlife for about 25 weeks; I know there are so many more stories to tell but I can’t tell them all. If you have a story you think needs to be told— an artist to feature, a local issue to highlight, an upcoming event to tease, or a small business to promote— I’d love to hear it.
Fill out this form if you are INTERESTED IN WRITING stories, features, or short profiles for Boston Uncommon in any capacity.
Fill out this form if want to SUBMIT A STORY IDEA that I can report on and cover for an upcoming issue!