Summer Diversity Weekend 2023, Eureka Springs
The front window @ the Heart Division boutique on the Saturday morning of Diversity Weekend.
Hello, fellow human beings.
I'm so thrilled that this is my first post, and even more excited about the subject I'm discussing today.
Did you know that Eureka Springs is the only municipality in the entire country that offers THREE distinctly unique Diversity Weekends to celebrate Pride and offer support and visibility for the LGBTQIA+ community? One is held in the spring around April, another in the summer (August), and the last one in the fall in November. That's pride all year round, and I for one, am here for it! (If you want to join us for one, check the internet for specific future dates, as they may be subject to change.)
This year being our first full year having the Heart Division open for business, we wanted to create an opportunity to interact with our guests who were visiting our amazing little town for the weekend even if they did not step foot in our store. We also wanted to participate, celebrate and support our gay, lesbian, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual, and non-binary friends...so we had a fun idea.
During the Summer Diversity Weekend (August 4-6th) we encouraged our guests of all ages that were passing by the shop to leave loving thoughtful messages for everyone's enjoyment, and oh my gosh, it did not disappoint! Our entire window was filled to the brim with messages of love and encouragement, artistic doodles by future Piccasos, and notes of gratitude and support for the LGBTQIA+ community for all they bring to this world. You all are amazing and we cannot express how overwhelmed with joy we were reading all of your heartfelt messages!
Passersby adding notes to the window.
The bulletin board was such a success that we have decided to make it a staple going forward for future Diversity Weekends. So if you are in town visiting for the next Diversity Weekend celebration or you live in the community during that time, please stop by the Heart Division shop at 36 Spring Street and add your words of love and wisdom, or a doodle of a frog eating a hamburger on our window. We would be so grateful.
In addition to our interactive bulletin board being a HUGE hit, we created a limited-edition small-batch candle for purchase only for the Summer Diversity 2023 weekend event, and it sold like wildfire! A combination of sweet and floral notes sprinkled liberally with disco balls from heaven - this candle was a raving success. It paired well with our Disco Caftan Realness Shop and Sip event we held at the store over the weekend.
Friday night's Disco "Caftan Realness" Shop & Sip event.
With that said a HUGE thank you to everyone who purchased one of our limited-edition candles. Because of your generous support, we are taking a large portion of those proceeds and will make a generous donation to trans youth support groups designed to help our young trans brothers and sisters who are at risk in our community and across the country and in need of support. While they are actively being attacked for no reason by lawmakers trying to control their bodily autonomy and access to healthcare simply by being who they are, here at the Heart Division - we see you and we support you!
I am so very proud to be a part of my local community here in Eureka Springs, as well as a part of the LGBTQIA+ community at large...because when we show up, we always lead with LOVE. You all are the best for sticking with me on my first blog post, and I'm so happy to be on this floating rock hurdling aimlessly through space with each and every one of you.
If you have yet to visit, come by and say hello when you get some time. We would love to meet you!
Peace & Love,
Corbin @ The Heart Division
P.S. The Heart Division is a safe space for all, and I will staunchly defend it.
P.S.S. You are loved, and you are worthy. That is not up for debate. Ever.
