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Reposted by Josh is Queer For Cities

Dr. Cara Berg Powers @clbergpowers.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

Got to start today with my first book talk for Uncovering Possible and shared a poster of this beautiful rendering of our model by @joshuacroke.bsky.social. Notably the bottom part of the collage features a photo of the AIDS quilt. It felt important to bring that work into our conversation.

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 07/05/2025

Join me in donating to @npr.org today to give them a boost as they face fed threats. An attack on public media is an attack on democracy. The dial is turning toward authoritarianism & we must fight back. Being informed is critical to how we mobilize.. they know that. www.npr.org/donations/su...

npr.org

Donate : NPR

Power independent journalism in your community. Donate to your NPR station.

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 03/05/2025

Texas storms aren’t playin. Thought I was a goner today but made it from #HTX to #ATX okay. Excited to check out queer+ Austin while I’m here.

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

Carol Naughton from #PurposeBuiltCommunities kicking off the #ProsperityStartsWithPlace Conference in #HoustonTX! We’re a room of “neighborhoodists,” people who believe neighborhoods are engines of change for creating prosperity and opportunity for all. #StrongNeighborhoods

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

At #ProsperityStartsWithPlace repping Mason Square TDI w/ MassDev! Let’s connect on transformative dev & building joyful communities! Excited to explore the Neighborhoods Network & more! 🏘️✨ Let’s grab coffee? ☕️

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

It was great to be on @wgbh.org The Culture Show w Jared Bowen to talk about Love Your Labels upcoming show at JMAC & the importance of cultivating spaces for queer & trans 🏳️‍⚧️ youth and community as we navigate the darkness we are facing as a nation. If you missed it, take a listen here! #lgbtq

wgbh.org

March 19, 2025 - Love Your Labels' Threads Youth Fashion Showcase, Cakeswagg, and WINTERACTIVE

Joshua Croke, the President and Founder of the organization Love Your Labels joins The Culture Show to preview their “Threads Youth Fashion Showcase,” which features the artistry of youth designers, a...

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 03/03/2025

Manifesting a business partner who loves the biz & ops side of things who is similarly passionate about place-based, transformative development in communities rooted in equity & joy & the power of art and design. #manifestmonday

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 03/03/2025

GM #WorcesterMA! Local politics is more important now than ever. Are you looking to get involved? Over the last 3 local elections, an avg of 18% of voters decided our elections. That needs to change. I’m recruiting folks for #VoteWorcester, a campaign to increase voter turnout. www.voteworcester.com

voteworcester.com

Vote Worcester

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 03/03/2025

There is just so much magic here. To me, it taps into the spiritual power of music. Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande really manifest a power with their voices. #Oscars youtu.be/In-GXkhzFNM

youtu.be

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo 'Wicked' Performance at 97th Oscars (2025)

YouTube video by Oscars

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

Call to queer & trans folks/orgs around #WorcesterMA. With our historic passing of the Trans+ Sanctuary City Res., people are reaching out to move to the Woo! I want to partner with folks to create pathways for these folks — job opps at inclusive cos, housing resources, & more. Reach out!! 🩷🩵🤍

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Reposted by Josh is Queer For Cities

Martha Rich Art Projects @martharichart.bsky.social · 27/02/2025

I made this the other night while procrastinating, mainly because I thought all the posts about the blackout were boring. It feels like there is momentum bringing people together!

A poster for the economic blackout on February 28. It is a big red Jack rabbit on an aqua blue back ground. It says economic blackout in hand done black type. There are two black speech bubbles. One says “don’t buy stuff Friday February 28th. The other says we have power. Below it says No Amazon, Walmart, target, gas food, gas. Below that it says OK small business, use cash. Designed by Martha Rich.

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

Listening to @totcshow.bsky.social & caller says we’ve lost the ability to argue politics at the fam bbq. My hot take: If you’re the trans person at the family bbq & the argument is about whether or not I should be able to use the bathroom, that's wildly different than disagreeing on foreign policy.

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 27/02/2025

Tonight at #WorcesterMA School Committee, @suemailman.bsky.social asks for reconsideration of the LGBTQ+ Safe Schools Resolution. The vote takes place before public comment, so everyone should contact members asking them to reconsider & then pass the #LGBTQ+ Safe Schools Resolution.

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 24/02/2025

Small biz are struggling across the country. Here in #WorcesterMA the loss of Redemption Rock hit really hard for many of us. A true exemplar of a third space, I felt at home there—built relationships with the team & the regulars & hosted Drag Story Time since the start. Thank you for 6 great years.

wbjournal.com

Q&A: What happened to Redemption Rock?

Redemption Rock Brewing opened in an industrial area off Worcester’s Shrewsbury Street in January 2019, later becoming the first certified B Corp. craft brewery in the state in the process.

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 22/02/2025

Slow everything down in order to feel it more.

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Reposted by Josh is Queer For Cities

YIMBYLAND @yimbyland.com · 01/02/2025

Living in walking distance to your friends massively transforms your quality of life. Ultimate life hack.

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Reposted by Josh is Queer For Cities

Etel Haxhiaj (ha-jee-eye) @etelhaxhiaj.bsky.social · 16/02/2025

Let's be clear that most chose to clearly state that two members' deep concerns were not worthy of their time, concern, or empathy.

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 16/02/2025

Working on a new website and being reminded how I’ll never forgive @bostonglobe.com for this pic in their article “A post-pandemic LGBTQ+ ‘renaissance’ in Worcester, driven by young people” and how it’s the main photo when you google my name now 😂😂😂

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 16/02/2025

Joshua Croke, an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and the founder of the nonprofit org Love Your Labels, told @masslive.bsky.social, “I am embarrassed that they voted against holding our elected officials accountable through a transparent accountability process,” Croke said.

masslive.com

‘Toxic culture’ complaints among Worcester councilors will go uninvestigated — for now

The Worcester City Council and the city administration are not investigating the complaints of two councilors who say there is a toxic environment in the council.

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 15/02/2025

This is your friendly reminder to take some space for yourself. Joy, rest, & laughter are critical elements of sustained advocacy. To our trans and migrant folks especially right now, you’ve got people fighting for you. 🩷🩵🤍 📸 @alph4d0g.bsky.social

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 14/02/2025

“When the president of the United States, in his inauguration speech says that you do not exist, it should matter at our local level,” said Joshua Croke, co-founder of a Worcester LGBTQ non-profit for kids. — @nypost.com nypost.com/2025/02/12/u...

nypost.com

Massachusetts city Worcester votes to become ‘transgender sanctuary city’ in rebuke of Trump gender policies

The vote came in direct response to President Trump’s sweeping executive orders to change federal gender policy.

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 13/02/2025

“Our cities need to be organizing to say, ‘Absolutely not,’ and, ‘We will fight, we don’t care what legal battles we have to push for, what funding might be compromised, we are going to stand firm in support of our trans folks,’” Joshua Croke said. @cristelaguerra.bsky.social @wbur.org

wbur.org

Worcester passes sanctuary city resolution for transgender community

On Tuesday night the city council voted in favor of becoming a sanctuary city for transgender and gender-diverse people.

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 13/02/2025

“When the president of the United States, in his inauguration speech says that you do not exist, it should matter at our local level,” they said. “It demands a response from our elected officials to say we recognize that you are under attack and in Worcester, we are going to protect you.” — me ;)

boston.com

It's official: Worcester is a 'sanctuary city' for transgender community

The Worcester City Council passed a resolution that gave the city the label of “sanctuary” for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

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Reposted by Josh is Queer For Cities

Mark Henderson @hendersonma.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

👀 VoteWorcester.com has entered the chat...

voteworcester.com

Vote Worcester

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 13/02/2025

Heading into November, in solidarity and support of @etelhaxhiaj.bsky.social! District 5 City Council!!

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

“You shouldn’t have to be doing this,” Worcester resident Josh Croke said to the crowd at the Queer Ball. “We should have been able to resolve this at city council four weeks ago, but we are still here.” www.masslive.com/worcester/20...

masslive.com

LBGTQ+ community, allies hold Queer Ball at Worcester City Hall

Drag performers along with members and allies of Worcester's LGBTQ+ community packed city hall on Tuesday to rally in support of LGBTQ+ rights and call on the city council for action.

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

“Co-location does not mean collaboration” — Carol Naughton from PBC. As a facilitator, convener, & designer, this resonates strongly with me. Collaboration takes intentional commitments from community to work together. Centering equity, it means we need to make space for addressing harm & healing.

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

20% of students time K-12 are in school. That means that 80% of their lives are out in community. Our neighborhoods, cities need to cultivate places that nurture learning & opportunity everywhere. That planning work can be intentional through School Centered Neighborhood Development.

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

Are you a “Neighborhoodist”? Purpose Built Communities’ Carol Naughton is talking about the power of place for building prosperity for families and how neighborhoods are a critical engine of change. I love this framing, and I’m fortunate to be in this work through MassDev #GatewayCitiesTDI.

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

Schools are critical resources in every community, and we should be building our planning strategies around them, with students and families. I’m at MassInc’s event School Centered Neighborhood Dev From Theory to Action. How would design your neighborhood to better support students & families?

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

“How many of us have to come forward tonight to ask that you simply make us feel a little safer?” resident Olivia Scanlon said.. You don’t have to change your personal beliefs. You don’t have to be gender diverse.. You just have to exercise an iota of empathy.”

theworcesterguardian.org

Worcester declares sanctuary status for transgender community

City Council passes resolution by 9-2 vote despite concerns over risk of losing federal funding.

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

Our lives are not negotiable! #translivesmatter “Many residents who spoke during the public comment period took umbrage with Colorio’s question, asking the council if money is worth more than the lives of transgender and queer individuals.” www.masslive.com/worcester/20...

masslive.com

Worcester City Council votes to declare city as sanctuary for transgender people

The council voted 9-2 on the resolution, with Councilors-at-Large Morris Bergman and Donna Colorio voting against it.

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Reposted by Josh is Queer For Cities

TOTC Show @totcshow.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

We've got a big show this morning! Here's what's coming up ⬇️ 7:05 - Mayor Joe Petty 7:34 - @joshuacroke.bsky.social 8:05 - #TheRundown with @hendersonma.bsky.social and @masspolwatch.bsky.social ⏰ 6-10 📻 AM-830, WCRN 💻 radioworcester.com 📞 774-364-8255 (Call/Text)

radioworcester.com

HOME

Listen to the latest news and talk on Radio Worcester. Get local, state, and national news as well as talk radio shows.

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

Oh! Also! Launching a voter activation campaign 👀 check it out at VoteWorcester.com #VOTEWORCESTER

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

This is #WorcesterMA, and we’re pretty fkn queer. Our Queer Ball at City Hall was a powerful outpouring of community, joy, and action. We’re still here giving public comment. Let’s see where this goes.

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Dr. Cara Berg Powers @clbergpowers.bsky.social · 11/02/2025

Also if you're lucky, you'll work with organizers like @joshuacroke.bsky.social and the stuff will involve drag

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 11/02/2025

“When people seek to observe their first amendment right “to petition the Government for a redress of grievances,” and the federal government is unresponsive, or the source of said grievance, it is natural that those individuals would look toward their local government.” @thisweekinwoo.bsky.social

thisweekinworcester.com

Worcester School Committee's Weaponization of Inclusivity

In the name of inclusivity, the political pandering of the Worcester School Committee showed only some are worthy of exclusive acknowledgement.

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 09/02/2025

“When a transphobe in your community gets their public life destroyed by the fact of that coming to the surface, it sends a loud message to the other transphobes. Fuck with our trans neighbors at your own fuckin’ risk.” @billshaner.bsky.social open.substack.com/pub/billshan...

open.substack.com

"Thank you for helping to erase my child"

City hall shows how much it doesn't care, actually, about our queer neighbors

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 09/02/2025

Who’s ready to shed rainbows at City Hall on Tuesday? RVSP here to join us as we demand better from elected officials right after we officially do some hype dancing beforehand because ✨queer joy is power.✨ #WorcesterMA PLEASE SHARE: partiful.com/e/rxwI1vIf6p...

partiful.com

RSVP to Queer Ball at City Hall | Partiful

Last week, Councilor Colorio pushed our petition to vote on declaring Worcester a sanctuary city for trans and gender diverse people out a week, and the Mayor has not responded to our requests for the...

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 08/02/2025

If you make someone believe something is true, the more likely it is to become true. Don’t believe him. Don’t believe the orange self proclaimed “king”.

open.spotify.com

Don't Believe Him

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Renée Graham 🏳️‍🌈 @rygraham.bsky.social · 08/02/2025

Stalin attacked the arts. Hitler attacked the arts. Castro attacked the arts. There’s a map for where this is heading.

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Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez @aoc.bsky.social · 07/02/2025

Hell yeah. Hold the line. This is what we need people to do. Slow things down, don’t comply in advance so the courts have time to stop them. It’s starting to work.

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 07/02/2025

Shame on most of our elected officials here in Worcester right now. “McCullough’s document, which she said was written after consulting with the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC), removed much of the LGBTQ+-specific language in favor of broader text..”

theworcesterguardian.org

Committee passes broad resolution, disappointing LGBTQ+ advocates

Molly McCullough's amended resolution was approved. She says the district needs to address the treatment of all marginalized communities noting the concerns of the immigrant community.

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Josh is Queer For Cities @joshuacroke.bsky.social · 07/02/2025

Shame on our former Governor for bending the knee to a transphobic administration.

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Dr. Cara Berg Powers @clbergpowers.bsky.social · 07/02/2025

I want to thank @suemailman.bsky.social and the two other members that listened to the outpouring from community on this item. Shame on the rest of the committee for pushing through a watered down "all students matter" BS resolution.

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Dr. Cara Berg Powers @clbergpowers.bsky.social · 07/02/2025

For Worcester School Committee folks who don't understand why a special resolution just for LGBTQIA students was needed, this is why. FOH with your "all students matter" nonsense.

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