Gatorship

Though not everyone is pictured here, we’d like to thank our beautiful staff for all the love and labor they’ve put into retreats this year. We appreciate you and your dedication to Gatorship and it’s participants. This program continues to be as impactful as it is because of you all. To our ADs, our directors and our support staff, thank you for all that you do. 🤍

Due to the large amount of interest in this years retreat season, Gatorship application will be extended until this Friday November 5 at 11:59 PM. The link to the application can be found in our bio! Image description: Black background with a light blue box in the center. In the blue box are the words “Gatorship Apps Extended Through Friday!” In the the upper left hand corner of the blue box is a flame.

Our very last feature is none other than our incredible Assistant Director, Day! 💙

“What ignites me is q***r liberation. Q***r liberation isn’t just a movement, but a fundamental part as to who I am. The way that I interact with people, the way I dress, and the way I love. Seeing my people care for each other unconditionally and constantly motivates me each and every day. Having safe spaces where individuals can uniquely be themselves is so vital to me and is something that Gatorship cultivates.

Gatorship has allowed for me to have deep and intentional conversations with other q***r individuals, validated me throughout the retreat, and has prompted me to think deeper about who I am. Through this retreat I was equipped with the understanding to understand both my marginalized and privileged identities. Check out the link in my bio to sign up for retreat, the application is open now and closes on October 31st.”

[alt text: beige background with an orange surrounding a burning circle. inside the circle is a picture of Dayanna smiling with her left hand above her head. They are wearing a black button up shirt. Behind Dayanna is a colorful gradient of blue, purple, and green and fire sparks throughout. The text at the bottom reads “q***r liberation ignites me.” The Gatorship logo, an alligator with the text “Gatorship” below it, is at the top of the graphic.]

Next up, we have our shining Assistant Director, Caterina!

Empathy is the precursor for compassionate action. Although empathy can be described in many different ways, the focus on 'feeling with' and not 'feeling for' is essential to create a society where all identities are celebrated and valued, where individuals care about issues that do not directly affect them, where collectivism is valued over individualism. The ability to empathize is at the core of human connection and it creates a united front to fight against issues of injustice around the world. Empathy fuels me because it promotes collective care and well-being.

Gatorship provided me with a space to dream of an empathetic society while surrounded by individuals ready to take compassionate action. Gatorship applications open today and are due on October 31st. Apply to Gatorship and experience an empathetic community united towards collective well-being. Apply through the MCDA website or the link in my bio.

[Image description: White background representing a paper and a hole burnt in the middle creating a circle. The edges of the circle are burnt and on fire. Inside of this circle, Caterina is standing with her arms on her side, smiling. Caterina is wearing a teal off-the-shoulders top, black jeans, and long gold earrings. There is a glowing effect where she stands. In the background of this circle, there is a blend of three colors: pink, red, and green. Above the circle, there is a logo that reads 'Gatorship' and below the circle, the text reads "empathy fuels me"]

Graphic creds: Victor Ospina