7 years🖤
I pondered what I wanted to do to celebrate this anniversary. I’ve gone through many variations of my SLCI outfit and was pondering what would be the next outfit that embodies SLCI even more. And then it hit me- to wear my attendees drawings is the perfect reflection and embodiment of what SLCI and my attendees have done to shape me. So thank you to my attendees for creating my next and most important and valuable SLCI outfit: A doodle suit of my attendees art.
7 years, 64 meetups, 78 locations, 1,716 attendees and many versions of my logo and hoodies, is quite an achievement.
I started SLCI as a humble teenager who craved community, art, safety and loved being inspired. And the community met my enthusiasm with open arms and allowed me to become the meetup mother that I always dreamed to be.
7 years, that’s a lot of planning, hosting, coordinating, driving, laughter, jokes, love, friendship and so many more.
To be a host is to be the upholder of boundaries, the voice & advocate for your community, the leader, the listener, the visionary & most importantly the friend. And that is a task I happily, & gladly take on & will continue to do so.
Thank you for not giving up on me, for continuing to see my inspiration throughout all these years.
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And a thank you to my team, who took on the role of my support system, who stepped up to the plate and took on my beliefs and wishes for this industry and continue to uphold the SLCI message. Who hear out my insane ideas and answer with “let’s do it.” Who remind me to take breaks and for the love of god sit down, but never to back down.
And thank you to you, because I could want to host a meetup, but if no one signs up- well it’s not a meetup. So thank you for trusting in me, accepting my ideas and bringing them to life. For supporting this passion project of mine. Whether this is your first meetup, your 64th, or if you haven’t been to one. You are here, and you are a part of making what SLCI is.
A “drag path” is defined as: a lingering, physical marks left behind by people, places, or moments that have shaped a person. SLCI is my drag path and has shaped me in so many ways. And for that I’m forever grateful.
Some bts and the @goodthingsutah article about us! Such an amazing experience 🖤🤍
I wanted to take an additional moment to thank my amazing team once again. @mk_smittyphoto@voguishphoto@pappa_long_legs
They are truly the best support system, friends and team I could dream of. They always hear out my ideas, support and never make me feel silly or stupid. They always meet me with support and never doubt. Not to mention they are just so incredibly talented. Truly I am so spoiled.
Maddy with her incredibly eye for aesthetics. Adam with his amazing tech skills. Trey with his ability to keep us all safe. And all of them with a beautiful priority of inclusivity and community. I’m so incredibly lucky to be able to call them my team, some of my closest friends, peers and family.
I’m so honored to have had the opportunity to talk about SLCI today with @deena_marie on @goodthingsutah
Firstly, what an amazing group. It was wonderful to be surrounded by such a kind and lovely group!
Secondly, thank you to everyone who helped get me here. I had big dreams when I started this journey but I had no idea what was in store for me and I’ve loved every second. I couldn’t of done it without the love and support of the community and my wonderful team @pappa_long_legs@mk_smittyphoto@voguishphoto
Also shout out @orion_visual_@em.chugg.modeling for being on some of the selected photos to be used by the news!
Little Marin dreamed big 🤍
Thank you @goodthingsutah@deena_marie for letting me talk about my passion project today. I felt so safe, seen and loved by everyone there today.
Video coming very soon🤍🖤
