Don Martin

That starts at creating connection with the people on your street.

So I'm going to steal that and I'm going to say that.

In fact, so I interviewed her last year.

We bought a house this year and I am not kidding you.

That was a factor.

That was a factor when I was deciding which neighborhood I wanted to live in.

That was a factor when I was deciding which house I wanted to buy that the garage is behind the house.

And I'm trying to make it an effort of going in and out my front door, of sitting on my front porch, of getting to know my neighbors, waving at folks across the street.

And just living here the last couple of months, I've already felt a little bit safer, which is a big deal to say right now.

As a queer person married to a queer Mexican immigrant just outside Chicago, where the president is sending ICE all the time.

Just the idea that I am in a community that

at least knows who I am and at least on the surface seems to care and check in and wave every now and then.

It just creates a sense of safety.

It creates a sense of belonging.

And it's that sticky stuff that connects you to community.

Yeah, I did the same thing.

I bought my house with that in mind.

Yeah, people know my dog's name.

People ask about him.

It's a much different experience.