Announcing the Poison Oak Project

Starting today, we are launching what we are calling the Poison Oak Project. We will be partnering with PLUS1 and Propeller to raise money for local LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations in every city we play for the rest of our US tour, as well as for the LGBT National Help Center nationwide, in hopes of bringing more awareness and funding to their important work. There will also be opportunities to donate to win merch bundles at each stop along the upcoming tour. You can learn more at https://poisonoakproject.com/. 

It is very simple. Our friends, families and neighbors are under attack. The actions of the current administration's sole purpose is to dehumanize and terrorize the most vulnerable populations in our society. Today in America we are witnessing a heartbreaking march towards authoritarianism and what could end up being the most powerful fascist state in human history. 

While many of us are shocked by these developments, it is not without precedent. They are working from a well-trod historical playbook. It is an attempt to scapegoat the defenseless to hide their own misdeeds. To use cruelty to make things incredibly difficult for anyone they deem unworthy of living free as their true selves. And to push the marginalized so far into the shadows that they cease to exist. Though it is tempting to despair or disengage, now is the time to organize and fight back against this wholly un-American and dangerous ideology. 

That is why we are asking you to join us in demanding equality for our transgender citizens and an end to this targeted bigotry. We recognize the basic human dignity of all people on this earth and will not stand by as a small group of billionaire extremists attempt to dismantle and destroy our way of life. Now is the time to lift each other up above this tidal wave of ignorance and hate. We will walk together, unafraid, toward brighter days.

In solidarity and love,
Conor Oberst