Donate Your Nativity Set To Protect Trans Kids

Earlier, I wrote a post about my non-traditional holiday decorations, including my Nativity scene focused on protecting trans kids.

I was asked to create a clarion call to share specifics.

If you have a new or gently used Nativity scenes, complete or partial, please consider donating it to my ongoing outdoor Nativity. My intent is to use the Nativity symbols to protect trans kids, to continue the work of sharing the message.

I grew up Catholic so there is historical meaning for me personally around this project. I also left the Church, but not the Catholic culture if that makes sense. The rituals and traditions are part of my being. I try to reclaim them. On one level the story of the Nativity is about cherishing a child and acknowledging all of the potential their birth brings to us.

Of course, there are other interpretations that fit our contemporary world – the way we welcome (or don’t) migrants and refugees, the devastation of political oppression and unchecked political power, the evolution of a myth into institutional powers, and so much more.

How many of us have inherited these items that we no longer use? We can’t throw them away because of our fondness for the relative or a sense of reverence for Christmas or whatever. My display started with a three-foot high plastic JMJ set from the 70s that a friend wanted to rehome, a semi-amputated lit deer that also needed a home, and a inflatable green Christmas tree.

If you have these items to contribute, you can bring them to me at 1439 W. North Avenue Pittsburgh 15233. There is a patio box in front of the house that you can use. You can also message me to make arrangements.

What can you contribute

Full or partial Nativity scenes, any variety, any type, any condition
Mangers, especially something homemade and large.
Solar powered lights (no electrical outlets nearby)
Other figurines – especially animals, especially cats.
A potted tree
Trans Pride flag items – flags, banners, small knicknacks. If you think it could be incorporated, that’s good enough for me.
Santa, Santa Companions
Other holiday decorations

Maybe this will be a small neighborhood project that speaks to people on the Northside of Pittsburgh. Maybe it will be something else or evolve over time. The point is there are trans kids, queer kids, and LGBTQ adults on the Northside who deserve to know we will protect them. We may not be able to continue the Protect Trans Kids yard signs, but we will not stop working to protect them.

If you’d like to make a financial contribution, it is probably best to use my personal accounts since this is not a Pittsburgh LGBTQ Charities sanctioned effort just yet. It could be.