Despite election turmoil, the Rainbow Wave exists (and it’s everything you’d hoped it would be).

Happening in the World:  Poland’s right-wing government has delayed implementing a court ruling that would impose a near-total ban on abortions after weeks of large-scale protests. The constitutional court had ruled on the tightening of Polish abortion law, which would only allow abortions in cases of risk to the woman’s life or crime, meaning rape or incest. Without full implementation, the ruling has no legal effect. A Polish government official stated on Tuesday that government leaders are taking time to debate the contentious ruling and find a solution (Washington Post). 

Happening in the US: Ritchie Torres and Mondaire Jones made history on Tuesday night, becoming the first openly gay Black men elected to Congress. Jones was elected as the representative to New York’s 17th Congressional District, which includes the largely white and affluent Rockland and Westchester Counties. Torres was elected to represent New York’s 15th District, which includes portions of the West and South Bronx. Both candidates are part of what’s been described as a “Rainbow Wave” of LGBTQ officials elected to office (NY Times).

Happening in NYC: With subway ridership down to just 30% of normal levels, underground and transit-linked businesses are suffering. From newsstands to florists, tighter regulations meant to make the subway system cleaner and less-populated have led to the shut down of 77 of the 321 retail businesses in the system, according to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). In an effort to prevent more closings, the MTA announced a long-term rent relief plan, adjusting rents to reflect current sales until business returns to normal (CBS New York).

Happening in Our Community: Barnard’s Well-Woman is hosting a virtual crafting session on November 6th, at 5 pm EST. Join peer educator Magno in exploring the world of DIY stamps and printing or working on your own craft project! Use this Zoom link to join!

Cover Song of the Week: Jeff Buckley: “Hallelujah” (originally by Leonard Cohen)

the election, but make it the mascots

because they’re so much cuter via Pixabay