Hey Finn, for what its worth this has been one of your best deep dives of late. Far greater than the recent album-by-album overviews (eg Korn). imo you do much better when analysing the brand/ethos of artists than when focussing on the music. So more of that please. ❣
Sorry Finn your wrong juggalos aren't mostly white people I'm black and I'm a juggalo I know alot of native American juggalos and Latino juggalos Asian juggalos and black juggalos I'd say white people are only half of the juggalos community
I’ve taken my wife to see tons of bands including ICP, and she always says their fans are by far the nicest and most polite. ICP was the only show we’ve ever been to where a guy turned and saw her behind him and moved so she could see. It’s truly a misunderstood subculture.
When I was in a band the juggalos were my favorite group to play in front of, they have a ton of energy and if they like you they will show it. We opened up for Tech n9ne a bunch and they love him.
Juggalos are basically like the Brony fandom... Extremely dedicated, extremely open minded and kind and ultimately misunderstood by the mass media and people outside the Fandom
from a Juggalo, thanks for not using our subculture as clickbait like most tend to. mad respect homie. So many people have a preconceived notion about who and what we are.. almost ends up being our best defense. The only people who come to the carnival are those invited from the inside or they found their way somehow because they needed it. balance your Karma and The carnival will provide. whoop whoop
their song "terrible" has to me been absolutely timeless. you can put it on today and its still just as impact as when i heard it back in the early 2000's
Yo, The Amazing Jeckel Brothers album was, in my opinion, their best overall album.. every song on the album was great, even the post intro intro songs Jack and Jake Jeckel.. the content, beats, raps, message.. for me this album eas the pinnacle of ICP albums, true classic legendary album.. the albums before and after we’re great but not in the same fashion, for instance they may have had a handful of songs that hit all around and the rest were average or below average.. this was record was amazing
I'm one of those people ICP saved. I've been through just about every music scene one can think of and there have been times where I just didn't get along with anyone from the hardcore, punk, emo, or goth communities and just had a really hard time, especially in high school when I was getting bullied. I never admitted to people that I listened to ICP, that would have lead to more bullying, but there have been multiple times in my life since then where I'll turn on ICP and when I'm really depressed they actually help me out a ton. I've never been to any of their live shows, and I only like probably 20% of their material, but thats enough. Even having just a few songs that you can relate to can be a small light in the darkest of times. I'm 35 now and when I have really bad days I still turn them on and they help me get by which is all I could ever ask from any musician to be honest.
i know all that too. i became a juggalo because it felt ok to not necessarily belong, and thats ok cause shit, at the carnival we got the 3 rings and we can fuckin boogie woogie woo no matter your shape size, or taste in puddings.when life gets you down- let icps cartoon nightmares do all your killing for you. thats how i feel. they got a song about basically anything worth making a rhyme about too. the association through the non association socially is neat. ever met a juggalo you didnt at least get along with? not likely-your a juggalo. the meaning of that has changed and muddied now that icp is more visible, and the era of the first six cards has played out , the mystery and intrigue of the storyline and mythos of the carnival and the crumbling of time itself happened at some point lol i remember whenever it was near impossible to get any info on them or their music unless you were super dedicated. i just so happened to catch the great milenko in 97 cause i heard boogie woogie wu, and was intrigued, and listened to the rest of it, and have not liked any other bands music as much otherwise since. im 33. did you catch any interviews that were being had, or freshly aired, or see their cameo on mad tv or any of that stuff and freak out like i did back then cause it was so rare?
As a Juggalo, obviously--I just want to say thanks for taking the time to give us an honest look and sincere review. Conceptually ICP is one of the rarest groups you will come across, there are so many layers that I've been a Juggalo for 20 years and still find crumbs of something new, or a new point of view that I've only been able to realize as I've gotten older. Its a shame that they're written off so quickly but its being a hidden gem that has made them so special. Thanks for giving Juggalos a chance, we're tolerant to a fault--and thats often taken advantage of.
@@DOOMJESUS you act like talking to the "lowest elements of society" is a bad thing. Would you prefer nobody talks to them and completely ostracize them?
Juggalos are the last of the punks, the only remaining true subculture. I have huge respect for everything they have done, even though I don't listen to their music or anything like that. It's true, genuine outsider art.
I think those are gutter punks dude. also theres huge communes in the midwest that celebrate punk, its not in the cities. So youre misinformed. Radioactive Chickenheads have been ripping up the west coast for decades, who had members at one of those communes.
Great Milenko got me through some tough times! It makes me feel so many different emotions listening to it. It's therapeutic because it makes me laugh, cry, & even feel anger. I can tap into & release all the anger towards my alcoholic father when I hear Halls Of Illusions. Especially when I hear it live.
Through a weird chain of connections, particularly in Detroit where my family is from, I hung out with ICP in the 90’s a couple times when I was a teenager. They’re extremely nice guys from my experience. I also concur with all of the other commenters who speak of how wonderful overall the Juggalo community is. Even if you can’t stand their music, I don’t know how someone could have a bad time at one of their shows.
This is one of the best pieces of media on Juggalos and ICP ever. Well done Finn. Mad respect for an unbiased, even handed view of the Dark Carnival alternate universe
As someone who grew up angry, poor, and white, you hit the nail right on the head. It was a family that invited me in when my other alternative was an angry, abusive dad, and a scared, complicit mom. Thank you for the video. Always happy to hear when people see ICP and Juggalos for what they truly are.
This is by far the most beautifully thorough and honest take on ICP. Thank you for being respectful and digging deeper. Juggalos as a whole are the most amazing group of people I’ve ever had the honor of meeting.
As someone who grew up to this because their parents were Juggalos…This video passed the vibe check..and the comments passed the vibe check. I eventually grew out of the music..but I come back to it every now then because they are a loving community, you feel safe. Everyone is their most authentic self and don’t give two f*cks what you think. I appreciate you speaking your own thoughts but giving us the respect and recognition we deserve. Thank you. 😌
These guys are THE de facto story about the American Dream! Pretty much started out in a basement and ended up a massive, multi-million dollar empire with pretty much zero radio play, zero help from the music industry, etc. Absolute business geniuses! The thing too is that they are absolutely nice as can be and they work HARD as hell. Their work ethic is second to none. Been a listener of them since Carnival of Carnage (Yeah, I know...OLD) and you have to take them for what they are. Jokers and comedians with a message underneath it all and musical beats that are experimental. They're Detroit staples and still have a massive following in the city. Also, not to be a stickler..but it's E-SHA-MM...another crazy weirdo that could only be from a place like Detroit. The Godfather of acid rap and a living legend in the underground music industry....I can tell you for sure, "Pass Me By", is a hard hitter of theirs for not fearing death and the afterlife. One last thing (those who know will know!), I want to give a shout out to Cactus Sack!
I love Finn’s positivity and willingness to see the good in people. He’s done this numerous times on artists who have been shot down in the media or sneered at by elitists. It’s something pretty rare on RU-vid as most just want to glorify someone’s shortcomings for the sake of views. You do make a difference Finn as I suffer like fuck with mental health but your channels’ attitude and approach always helps me. You’re a gem 💎
As someone who doesn't understand, how does his method of presentation help with your mental illness? I think of schizophrenia & bipolar when I think of mental illness.
I have three types of mental illness and suffer with a great deal of unwanted thoughts. Finn offers a very positive outlook on life for me. He offers escapism. He makes me laugh. He looks past a person’s vices and finds the good. I get so negative towards humanity, and Finn offers me a ray of hope that there are nice people in the world snd things aren’t all bad. These are just some immediate reasons I can think of as to why Finn helps me, but there are more. I don’t know how much of Finn’s content you have seen, but if you suffer with problems and want an enjoyable distraction then watch his shows 💎
I was introduced to icp when I was 17 in 1997. Immediately hooked. Wacky lyrics, catchy beats and a community all its own. The music and genre grew to the point of several artist on the label all representing those of us without a voice. I'm still a hardcore fan to this day, even with the split of twiztid and icp kinda just going back to their own thing. I'll be down till I'm dead in the ground! Whoop whoop
I’ve always known there’s more to ICP than people give them credit for. I read Violent J’s book and it made me really emotional. That dude has been through some shit. I love ICP’s music too. I think it doesn’t get enough credit for being as good as it really is
@@corriedebeer799 Most of what the public school system has to offer - especially when it comes to English and grammar - gets pretty redundant after 14 years old. Maybe he just “gets” things faster than you. 🤷♂️ Except magnets, obviously.
@@willrunriot eh also most musician/entertainer autobiographies are written with ghost writers anyway. Basically an actual writer does a huge long series of interviews and uses those recordings to create a narrative for the artist's life and then writes from the artist's perspective. I'm a huge fan of that genre of books and easily over 95% of them are written that way. So can't really knock J for doing it too.
Behind the paint is one of the best books I've ever read. J has a great story telling style. You hear his voice reading it like he is just telling you the story in person.
Thank you for covering this with so much positivity. ICP has saved my life multiple times and has given me an amazing family I could have never imagined. The gathering is the most magical and loving place on earth. WHOOP WHOOP!!
The Juggalos are fascinating as a subculture. Some how, ICP turned into pop-cultures collective punching bag. They were the one "safe target" for everyone to make fun of. When you see that, it's usually a sign that the rest of the world is missing something. Really interesting take, Finn.
break the bones, the body will heal. break the spirit ,and the body will die. we dont give a damn if you dont like us cause we dont like you cause your not like us.
I helped a friend run a small venue for local music acts. We had a group of local juggalo artists play. People told us over and over not to have the show for a variety of reasons mostly reduced down to the white trash thing (even though most of the acts were black.) We had the show anyway and they were amazing people. They were the only group of fans that showed up to a Local show in iowa and STAYED for every single act. We didnt have a liquor license so if anyone wanted to drink it had to be on the down low and they did. They did an amazing job at keeping each other in check with it. There was no problem at all with the fans or act. The only arrest that night was our own security guard. The fans even stayed afterwards and helped us clean up. It was an amazing night! RESPECT TO THE JUGGALOS!
This is awesome. Been a Juggalo since the late 90s Im a 40yo father of 5 from Indiana lots of my brothers are OG Juggalos. This warms my heart to hear this, cause i've seen it myself and weve all grown up be Great fathers mentors and Gentlemen. We'll chase one another down the road if we forget to tell em we love em before they leave. I cant speak for all, but thats the fam i know and love. WOOP! WOOOP!!
To Juggalos it's no secret that they are being judged day in and day out. When a venue gives them the chance they go out of their way to self-police. They marched on Washington DC in protest of being labeled a gang and after they left the locals were amazed out how clean the area was afterwards, they picked up after themselves and left the place better than it was when they got there unlike most protest groups who leave garbage behind. The venue I worked for booked Juggalo shows on a whim and we wound up not even putting security on staff for those nights because they would do it themselves. They have class, it just doesn't fit in the same spectrum as everyone else.
I used to get 6 month expired faygo from the dollar store around the corner when I was in my late teens. icp always popped in my mind when purchasing those 3 liter bottles for 50 cents. That moon mist aged like fine wine lmoa.
I have never been a ICP fan, except for that lyric “Dunk my nuts in your soup…bloop”. Thanks for opening my eyes to their purpose beyond enhancing broths.
Wow, I never knew or understood much about ICP or the Juggalo scene, but it makes so much sense after watching this. I'm really glad those dudes found success and that so many people found artists to connect with on such a level
Thanks, Finn. I was never a fan of ICP, but now I understand why they are so popular. I really like that you present a different perspective on things and you help to remove the elitism and barriers.
ICP has helped me thru alot of hard times. I've never once, not even as a kid, felt like their music influenced violent behavior. I felt like they let alot of angry feelings out, and expressed true emotion rather than hiding their pain and wearing a smile 24/7. When they speak of violence, it's how they feel about a situation, and usually it's a very deep subject. Like domestic abuse, pedophilia, rape, senseless murder, theft, pride, selfishness, and so on. People that don't get it just fail to take the time to truly listen and comprehend the lyrics. I'm glad you have. 🤘
“I’m back like a vertebrae;” and “he eats monopoly and shits out connect four” always cracked me up. I was into punk at the time but the first 3 or 4 jokers cards were so good. I even saw them live. And listening to the Great Melinko recently, I knew all the words you all the songs. Love it when that happens with stuff i haven’t heard since the 1990s. But my whole life any time I’m at a hotel or wherever it’s appropriate my mind goes “let’s take a walk down the hallway/it’s a long way/it takes all day.” I remember it cracking my family up in 97 when they took me us to Vegas(who takes a(16 and 13 year old to vegas?) and we stayed at the MGM Grand.
As a Juggalo for the last 23 years, these guys are amazing and genius. There has been so many instances that I've needed to feel like I belong. These people have saved me in so many things.... my love for ICP will NEVER die. I legit thank God I found them. And i thank God they exist. Keep it real. 🤘🤘🤘
This is probably the greatest video you've made so far, the way you explained the religious connection of shang-ri-la and the dark carnival was likely the best explanation of that i've heard and FUCK YEAH on your comment about the classist nature of a lot of ICP/Juggalo hate. I know you don't like ICP but you can come to the gathering anytime, you're an honorary lo for this video lol.
Been waiting for this one! No matter what anyone thinks of ICP on a musical level, on a business level they are up there with Kiss, Ozzy, Alice Cooper etc. in regards to business and marketing in the music industry, they have a generational following that will be there for decades, even beyond them. That's legendary shit.
Well done sir, you get it. ICP and psychopathic records in general have saved my life... I was one that anticipated every new single, EP, and LP's just to find out what the next message was... I was a angry, lost and pissed off at the world... they allowed me to put things into context, and know I wasn't alone. M🤡❤️ fam.
Fun fact: These guys are self trained wrestlers who have also wrestled for both WCW and WWE. JCW was also the first wrestling company that AEW star Ruby Soho signed with and she's VERY popular
Dang man excellent video, my mind is actually blown. “ICP has a positive message encouraging people to find God” LOL I NEVER THOUGHT IN A MILLION YEARS. Congrats on 400K btw
As a Juggalo (Been one for 9 years.) that just randomly found your video on my recommended page, thank you for making this. This was the most respectful and well made piece of media surrounding ICP and Juggalos in a long ass time. Whoop Whoop!!
First time I hear about ICP was in a movie Solaris, based on Stanislaw Lem science fiction novel. The riddle box track passed so well to the meeting Snaut scene.
I've worked with these guys on a show before and I can confirm ICP are the sweetest, kindest most humble down to earth people I've ever met in the music business.
I was super into them in the height of their popularity, studied their lyrics, listened to all of their associated acts and loved it all. They get a ton of unwarranted hate and despite the dark tones of their act, they had some of the most positive messages I’ve ever heard in music. I’ll forever love these guys for what they’ve done
That's the best thing about this channel. It doesn't matter what kind of music it is you will talk about it. I went a few years where ICP was the only thing I would listen to. Thank you for doing this video.
Milenko was definitely their set off record, 99-2005 ICP was probably their best years. I was expecting you to mention their side projects. Their 1st Dark Lotus CD with Marz is one of the most unique albums i ever heard and it is really good.
As long time Juggalo (down since late 94') I've seen icp 17 times, in 5 different states. They have over 30 albums, 3 movies, games and yearly concerts. I can testify that juggalos are mostly polite, and kind, just misunderstood. I've seen the kindness of icp and their peeps first hand and I have nothing but love and respect for them. I'll always be down 4 life, Whoop Whoop! MCL!
Thanks for that well thought out segment. I was also intrigued by their conceptual continuity. I don't know if they, ICP, are Zappa fans but Violent J's concept with producer Mike E. Clark, and 2Dope weave a very original and entertaining mix (In a horror movie sort of way). Not only is there an intricate concept but the humor and styles of rap are definitely some of the most original. The raps are delivered as stories, skits, tales, myths and parables all mixed in most importantly with a lot of introspection and self-redemption. I dismissed them when they first came out, then I had to re-evaluate after hearing "Riddle Box".
This is the best video you’ve ever done Finn. I live in Cleveland & went to high school with a bunch of juggalos in 99’. Their gimmick was never appealing & Ive never liked the subject matter of horrorcore but I see the appeal through their intentions. Thank you for covering them, digging deep on their purpose/mission & once again showing people that you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover.
I'm 37, I drive for a beer company, I have a good looking wife, a dog and a nice house. I'm a juggalo for life. The fun and dark music and the inspirational messages in-between. I'll go a couple years without listening to ICP, but when I put it on it's a month of nonstop carnival chaos, and it puts me in such a good mood that I almost forgot about my problems for a stretch. Come see the show, big top show....
Well, I'm going to have to take a deep dive back into it all after watching this. There really isn't a...."cohesive"... way to describe what ICP means to people, but you did a very good job. I was a 12 year old weird fat kid from Mississippi when I discovered them. My stepbrother was from Kansas and lent me his copy of "The Ringmaster". It scared me at first, but quickly latched on to the concept of bashing in the face of my abuser...but throughout the years they let me know that I wasn't alone in this weird life. I have a lot to say about some of this stuff, but have learned not to waste too much time in the comment section.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this video, im 36 iv been a juggalo since 1999. They literally helped me through the harder time in my life, broken family, addiction and depression. I met juggalos from my state at the gathering a few years ago and they're always there for me no matter what and I live a way better happier life . Thank you so much for this , im truly grateful! Woop woop !
Finn, you are the hero we need, but not the one we deserve. Thank you for always shining a light on things that most might not, and for always taking new perspectives and challenging your audience to keep an open mind and not be so dismissive of anyone
As an early 80's baby I did most of my growing up in the 90's. I remember when The Great Milenko came out. Friends would compare the CD covers because it was the same album but different colors and other stuff. There was a partial message in the sleeve. I remember at the time thinking their music was cool because of how unique it was and it gave me something to relate to. I grew up in a house decimated by domestic violence and Halls of Illusions was a bit of a respite for a teen like me in the 90's. There were other signs back then what they were doing (meaning behind their music) but man you have to give those guys credit they played that shit well. Damn you just sent me down a rabbit hole of old music I haven't listened to in years
Very well done on a controversial band that really doesn't deserve the hate they get IMO. I was never a huge fan, but I do remember getting "The Great Malenko" when it released when I was in high school and I swear I could still sing along with half the lyrics almost 30 years later lol. So, I did/do like that one for whatever reason, and both guys seem genuinely nice who as the video said, just worked hard and hustled and made their own way by their own rules. Which anyone of any background should be able to respect. Again, nicely done!
They basically have had a 30 plus year career almost exclusively independent! What they have done is incredibly hard and they should be respected for it.
I've been a Juggalo since 93, I've seen many come and go throughout the years, but the network of ninjas this music has given me has saved my life more than once, whether you respect them or their music doesn't matter it could never change what they have done and continue to do...I've been to countless shows, in-store tours, gatherings, comic-cons, wrestling events, haunted house events, hallowicked, big ballaz Xmas party's, birthday shows ect... nothing comes close to the energy and love of a Juggalo event, I've been to over 1000 concerts in my life from local to international artists and nothing comes close to comparing to the clowns love and energy...MFL Ls Up
I listened to icp in 98-2003. I've seen icp,and jcw during that era numerous times when they came through. It was peak ICP to me. They did get me through rough times as a teen. Still listen to those albums from my youth.
As I was getting to know these guys when Milenko dropped, and going to their shows, NEVER have I seen so much camaraderie. Namely within the mosh pit. A dude’ll knock you down but you’ll likely be up by one or more set hands before you know what’s going on. Much respect to these dudes and behind-the-scenes maestro Mike E Clark
Sadly Mike E Clark was only on the first 5 joker cards and then on The Tempest and other non joker card LPs. He does a set here and there but he's nowhere near as predominant as he was in their early career.
I’m slowly working my way through their discography, taking notes on songs I actually like. When I’m done, I’m gonna make a playlist called “Unironically Enjoy Insane Clown Posse”, of just those songs.
@@eightfootmanchild also interested in your fave songs. Theres so many good ones. Youll find yourself liking songs you probably hated at first too lmao
Much respect Finn. I'm so glad you did this. I'm a rocker for sure, but I also grew up listening to icp and psychopathic records. Thanks for the respect, and much respect to you for bringing this to the masses. Keep rocking 🤘
The fact they make songs about murdering child predators and evil people make them wholesome in their own right. They are legit one of my favorites because they are just so raw and fun
I have nothing but love and respect for people who help others lead lives with benevolence. Glad to have this kinda video show me more reasons to have adoration for ICP, even if it ain't my kinda music, though they have good tunes for sure, especially Halls of Illusions.
Thank you very much for digging in to understanding why us fans enjoy this group and helping explain to the world why they are special and deserve to be recognized as true artists. Whoop whoop!
Glad you did this video! Too many people are ignorant to what ICP is. I met them in 2003 (I think it was) and they were so genuinely kind to every juggalo there.
Best part of the song riddlebox is in BETWEEN the "u could go to hell" as the whisper "what shall it be?" The only jokers card tattoo i have is the riddebox, it is my mainstay and my choice for only album if stuck on a desert island
I'm glad you made this video. Unbiased, well researched and overall a very great overview. I'm not a fan these days as I'm 37 now but this was my word when I was a teen. Being from a poor city in Ohio, the Dark Carnival universe was the best place my friends and I could go to escape and belong.
"It's always just kind of made me want to see juggalos win just to spite those snooty hipsters." As someone who found a family in the hardcore community like yourself (first show was Fury of Five 1996 lol) this statement resonated with me big time. Stuck up liberal arts majors are some of the most insufferable C U Next Tuesdays I've ever come across in my entire life.
MMFCL! You condense what Juggalos have known all along, into a concise message, from a fair perspective, in a manner that everyone can appreciate. Good job.
I grew up near a Native Reservation in New York and they have a huge following among the Native population. I don't know why exactly but to this day you can regularly see people walking around in Hatchet Man merch and blaring their music in their cars.
This was so incredibly interesting man! Hearing the story behind it all really does created this sense of belonging and a mission. The fact that they are not a ‘Christian band’ is not dissimilar to what Thrice does. I love that they do prove that sincerity and keeping it real can create something wild and amazing. May not be a fan of their music - but huge respect for what they’ve created. Your final words really also make me want to see ICP continue to succeed.
Years ago I saw this really cool comment on a video about them where the commenter said that they were bullied really badly going in to high school where in the first days they wore their ICP shirt for the first time and they were getting attacked out of nowhere until some guy comes flying in and stops the fight. When the bullies scattered from the big senior as more arrived, the commenter said thank you and the guy first bumped him and said juggalos help each other. For the rest of high school he was left alone and when time came where he was the older student, they took in the freshman who needed them the same way.
I will say when I was a teenager and I didn't fit in , It became depressing . I then discovered their music and it helped me. I felt like I fit in also gave me alot of self confidence that I did not have before.
Hell's Pit was a decent album with a much darker production that sounded distinctly different from their more cartoonish stuff, along with some of the other Psychopathic artists it has some proto-elements of what would become trap metal.
I was introduced to ICP by my husband, who’s a nerdy, straight-laced engineer. This music is for EVERYONE and I admire ICP for making such positive, moral, powerful and goddamn fun music! 🧡
I had subscribed to your channel after I saw a video you had made on BMTH. I liked that video, but never watched your other videos. Until this one. This, my friend, is something I really needed to watch. I'm happy that you made this video, despite not liking their music, and praised the good things this band achieved. Its easy to just shit on anybody or any group when everyone is shitting on them, I see loads of such garbage articles, and yes, they do leave a very bad taste in the mouth. My respect for you has gone way up man, and now, I will go and check out ICP. Keep making such videos. You the OG
Damn, i didnt expect such a cool story behind their brand, and them being such smart entrepreneurs. Changed my view of them quite a bit. Thanks for the cool videos, Finn!
Flat out best music channel on RU-vid. Several videos in I realized this dude straight up loves what he does and cares about people. That is what makes a good RU-vid channel. Also hello from Seattle as well.
There’s a non sanctioned practice track I used to go ride my dirt bike at. I showed up one weekend to practice and noticed them setting up a massive stage (made from telephone poles and plywood no less). Eventually I was loading up to leave and I started seeing cars, trucks and campers slowly pulling in and parking. As I’m pulling off the gravel road onto the actual road to leave I see a “gathering of the jugalos” sign is now in the place of the small “race track” sign usually on the side of the road.
Awesome video. I knew a lot of this stuff but certainly learned quite a bit from it. Been listening to icp since great milenko. Their record label definitely got me through a hard time in my life. I know exactly what you mean when you mention the community, the people who are forgotten and how it is about being a better person
This is an amazing video as I spent most my highschool and early adult years as a juggalo I didn't learn anything but the respect that you gave them in this video is long over due and while I can personally give a long list about what sucks about the juggalo community (and it's not just the typical shit you here from average haters) it really is a breath of fresh air to be in a time where people can truly see things closer to the truth then they did in the 90s' and early 00s'
Juggalos are some of the kindest and most accepting people I’ve ever met. I went to the gathering for the first time ever this year and as a trans person, I was scared. I saw nothing but love, family and people that genuinely care about one another. I felt more accepted there than anywhere ever before. Going to GOTJ 22 is probably my favorite thing I’ve ever done in my entire life
