UPDATE: Rainbow for Paleontology Auction Cancellation, Digital Sales Instead

Dear earth scientists,

Due to the cancelling of SVP2020’s in-person meetings this year as a precautionary measure against COVID-19’s spread, we are going to be cancelling our first Rainbow in Paleontology Auction that was planned for Friday, October 16^th, 2020 in Cincinnati, OH. Do not fear, though! We will be providing the same materials that would have been at the auction in our online store at www.rainbowqtz.org/store until supplies run out!

We will also be compiling a list of vendors that line up with The Rainbow Quartz Network’s goals to buy supplies from, as well as a list of LGBTQ+ artists and writers who could use your patronage. This list will be sent out in an email in the next week and will also be available as a link at our store.

During this time, many students and scientists are feeling isolated and powerless due to cancelled field work, restricted access to their workplaces and campuses, and missing on meetings with peers. This is felt especially strongly by LGBTQ+ earth scientists, many of whom are not in supportive environments and are isolated from their local LGBTQ+ communities. The Rainbow Quartz Network is expanding its mentorship programs to host weekly virtual hangouts through our Discord server for both mentors and volunteers to connect through during this crisis. We are also still providing educational workshops through virtual meetings during this time. if you are interested in volunteering to host or help a workshop, or in participating in our weekly virtual hangouts you can reach us at info@rainbowqtz.org.

Finally, if you have any recommendations on what would be most helpful for you, our LGBTQ+ earth sciences community, during this time, don’t hesitate to reach out through our email address, or our Contact Us form at www.rainbowqtz.org/contact. We will be sending out weekly emails on updates from the wider earth sciences community, advice and recipes from our community Discord, and expanding our digital presence during this time.

Stay safe, wash your hands, and know that you are loved in our community,

Blaire Voss
Founder, The Rainbow Quartz Network