Dear Rebels

This week we’re ripping back the curtain and talking shop about the community-powered part of this whole shindig.If you’ve ever wondered how all this sh*t actually works, this episode is for you.Because I know you’re back there, hovering over that “share your work / get published” button like… is an alarm going to go off? Are goblins about to pop out and demand a blood sacrifice?I promise you, it’s not that serious. It’s weirdly chill.In this episode: 👉How submissions work behind the scenes 👉What kinds of work we’re looking for 👉What happens after you hit submit 👉Why community is the whole pointSubmit your work: https://bit.ly/getpublishedfrnJoin the community: https://www.patreon.com/c/fashionrebelnation This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fashionrebelnation.substack.com

Some weeks we plan. Some weeks we overthink.This week, we let it be messy.In this episode, Deedre gets real about perfectionism, creative burnout, and what it actually looks like to build something before it’s polished, funded, or “ready.”We’re talking messy progress, the “if you build it, they will come” mindset, and why creative freedom matters more than getting everything right.We also get into the roots of FRN’s aesthetic. 90s zines, riot grrrl culture, Delia’s catalogs, and how nostalgia, DIY publishing, and slow fashion are shaping the magazine today.Plus current stats, Issue launch countdown, a second office space 🥳, and small wins that prove this thing is growing even when it feels chaotic.This isn’t perfect. It’s not supposed to be.It’s real, it’s scrappy, and it’s being built in real time.This is FRN. Built for community. Powered by rebels.Join the rebellion at https://www.fashionrebelnation.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fashionrebelnation.substack.com

Some weeks we’re surviving. Some weeks we’re dreaming bigger. This week on Dear Rebels, we’re doing both.Fashion Rebel Nation is a community-powered queer fashion and activism magazine built for the margins, by the margins. In this episode, Deedre answers a big question: what does FRN look like 20 years from now if everything goes right?We’re talking print magazines you can actually hold, building real-life community beyond the scroll, and the dream of RebelCon, a space where fashion, art, and activism collide.We also cover current stats, Issue 5 progress, and why this entire thing exists in the first place: you.This is FRN. Built for community. Powered by rebels.Join the rebellion at https://www.fashionrebelnation.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fashionrebelnation.substack.com

Dear Rebels, This week we’re remembering to take a deep breath when s**t hits the fan with this quote by Robert Brault, “Optimist: someone who figures that taking a step backward after taking a step forward is not a disaster, it’s more like a cha-cha.”Not everything has to get done today, and not every day is going to be unicorn farts and rainbows. But, we just take a deep breath, swear liberally, and believe that somehow, it’s all going to work out.Join the Rebellion: Head over to Patreon and join us for free, or hop on our paid tier if you have some extra couch change. This magazine belongs to all of us, and “us” currently hangs out on Patreon: https://www.fashionrebelnation.com/patreon This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fashionrebelnation.substack.com

Dear Rebels,This week kicking over a table and remembering who the f**k we are with this gem I found on Pinterest, “May you find the courage to disappoint people who expect you to stay small.”Sometimes you forget yourself for a hot second and try to shove yourself into ugly pants that don’t fit, and then you remember, wait a minute, I don’t even like these pants. I am, in fact, a meatsuit made of stardust and infinite possibility. No small minded bureaucrats are ever gonna keep us down.✊ Join the rebellion (Rebel Homework):Take the Rebel Style Quiz at fashionrebelnation.com and tell us your style archetype in the pinned posts on our socials.Write yourself a note to STOP OVERTHINKING IT and put it somewhere you’ll see it (bonus street cred if you take a pic and tag us on socials). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fashionrebelnation.substack.com

Dear Rebels,This week we’re digging in and staying tenacious with this quote from Theodore Roosevelt, “When you’re at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold on.”It’s safe to assume at this point, that some fresh hell is waiting for us on the other side of every news report, but we’ve got each other and an insatiable desire to kick some ass. So today we tie that knot and keep on fighting for the people who need us most.✊ Join the rebellion (Rebel Homework):Pick up a copy of issue 4 and tag us on socials to let us know what you think about the Rebel Closet feature.Go see our new Rainbow Revolution merch design and behold the rainbow pride drip 🏳️‍🌈 Watch the bonus chapel video reveal on Patreon (don’t worry you can sign up for free). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fashionrebelnation.substack.com

Dear Rebels,This week we’re rolling with the punches and a quote I found in the Google search, “Sometimes the supply of available curse words is insufficient to meet my demands”.There are weeks where you look on the bright side, and weeks where you just want to drop kick something into a lake. And that’s ok. Let yourself feel your feelings, process that s**t, and then tomorrow, we get back out there and try again.✊ Join the rebellion:If you want to help us change the world, but you don’t know where to start, here are some concrete ways you can contribute to the rebellion:* Check out our open calls for submissions and share your work.* Join us on Patreon and be part of the community discussion.* Become an affiliate and get paid to share the magazine.* Read the latest issue and leave a review. Reviews genuinely help us reach more rebels and build a publication that better reflects our community.* Follow us on social media @fashionrebelnation and help spread the word by liking, commenting, and sharing posts.* Drop a one time donation for the cost of a cup of coffee on Ko-fi. We truly are a community powered, crowd funded publication and that’s thanks to readers & listeners like you ❤️ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fashionrebelnation.substack.com

Dear Rebels,This week we’re holding on to the moving words of Samwise Gamgee, “There’s some good in this world Mr. Frodo, and it’s worth fighting for.”It feels like every single day we wake up to a new atrocity or human rights violation and sometimes the overwhelm of it all is crippling. But we are living proof that there is still good in the world, and rebels, each and every one of us is worth fighting for. So, grab some snacks, take my hand, and let’s go do the hard s**t together.* Check out our open calls for submissions and share your work.* Join us on Patreon and be part of the community discussion.* Become an affiliate and get paid to share the magazine.* Read the latest issue and leave a review. Reviews genuinely help us reach more rebels and build a publication that better reflects our community.* Follow us on social media @fashionrebelnation and help spread the word by liking, commenting, and sharing posts.* Drop a one time donation for the cost of a cup of coffee on Ko-fi. We truly are a community powered, crowd funded publication and that’s thanks to readers & listeners like you ❤️ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fashionrebelnation.substack.com

Dear Rebels,This week we’re running a little behind and snort laughing to this little truism from Douglas Adams, “Flying is learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.”I know it sounds a little ridiculous, but after a week trapped on the sofa with Influenza B, there’s definitely some dark optimism hiding in that quote. Sometimes things seem really impossible and we just have to remember that it’s ok to get stuck and not have it all figured out from time to time.* Check out our open calls for submissions and share your work.* Join us on Patreon and be part of the community discussion.* Become an affiliate and get paid to share the magazine.* Read the latest issue and leave a review. Reviews genuinely help us reach more rebels and build a publication that better reflects our community.* Follow us on social media @fashionrebelnation and help spread the word by liking, commenting, and sharing posts.* Drop a one time donation for the cost of a cup of coffee on Ko-fi. We truly are a community powered, crowd funded publication and that’s thanks to readers & listeners like you ❤️ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fashionrebelnation.substack.com

Dear Rebels,This week we’re taking time to sit with the simple, yet profound words of Romero Britto, “Art is too important not to share.”In a world inundated by the capitalist grind, we often forget that what we create doesn’t need monetary value in order to be worthy of existence. Here at HQ, we are grateful for those vulnerable enough to share their art.* Check out our open calls for submissions and share your work.* Join us on Patreon and be part of the community discussion.* Become an affiliate and get paid to share the magazine.* Read the latest issue and leave a review. Reviews genuinely help us reach more rebels and build a publication that better reflects our community.* Follow us on social media @fashionrebelnation and help spread the word by liking, commenting, and sharing posts.* Drop a one time donation for the cost of a cup of coffee on Ko-fi. We truly are a community powered, crowd funded publication and that’s thanks to readers & listeners like you ❤️ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fashionrebelnation.substack.com

Dear Rebels,This week will be short, sweet, and sitting next to the wise words of Michelle Obama, “Sometimes I give myself a break. So I will retreat a moment from the fray, just to breathe.”✊ Join the rebellion:If you want to help us change the world, but you don’t know where to start, here are some concrete ways you can contribute to the rebellion:* Check out our open calls for submissions and share your work.* Join us on Patreon and be part of the community discussion.* Become an affiliate and get paid to share the magazine.* Read the latest issue and leave a review. Reviews genuinely help us reach more rebels and build a publication that better reflects our community.* Follow us on social media @fashionrebelnation and help spread the word by liking, commenting, and sharing posts.* Drop a one time donation for the cost of a cup of coffee on Ko-fi. We truly are a community powered, crowd funded publication and that’s thanks to readers & listeners like you ❤️ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fashionrebelnation.substack.com

✊ Join the rebellion:If you want to help us change the world, but you don’t know where to start, here are some concrete ways you can contribute to the rebellion:Check out our open calls for submissions and share your work.Join us on Patreon and be part of the community discussion.Become an affiliate and get paid to share the magazine.Read the latest issue and leave a review. Reviews genuinely help us reach more rebels and build a publication that better reflects our community.Follow us on social media @fashionrebelnation and help spread the word by liking, commenting, and sharing posts.Drop a one time donation for the cost of a cup of coffee on Ko-fi. We truly are a community powered, crowd funded publication and that’s thanks to readers & listeners like you ❤️ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fashionrebelnation.substack.com

✊ Join the rebellion:If you want to help us change the world, but you don’t know where to start, here are some concrete ways you can contribute to the rebellion:* Check out our open calls for submissions and share your work.* Join us on Patreon and be part of the community discussion.* Become an affiliate and get paid to share the magazine.* Read the latest issue and leave a review. Reviews genuinely help us reach more rebels and build a publication that better reflects our community.* Follow us on social media @fashionrebelnation and help spread the word by liking, commenting, and sharing posts.* Drop a one time donation for the cost of a cup of coffee on Ko-fi. We truly are a community powered, crowd funded publication and that’s thanks to readers & listeners like you ❤️ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fashionrebelnation.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fashionrebelnation.substack.com

Dear Rebels,It’s the start of a new week here at HQ and we’re leaning into the wise words of Gloria Steinmen, “Like art, revolutions come from combining what exists into what has never existed before.”We’re tired of the constant barrage of unprecedented events and human rights violations, but we’re also determined to lace up our glitter Chuck Taylors and make a damn difference. Let’s create something that has never existed before.StatsDays till Next Issue: 18Patreon Subscribers: 14Email Subscribers: 12Social Media Followers: 800CURRENT GOAL: The magazine pays for itself.(Rent, subscriptions, overhead costs etc.)Cost $500 per month🌡️ 13% Complete🗓️ This Week:I’m working hard to finish the first draft of issue 4 by Friday. With release coming up on February 13th, we need ample time for edits and any last minute contributions from the community. Case Anderson, our spotlight interviewee, has sent over some awesome photos to choose from on the cover, so be looking for that sneak peek later this week on Patreon!🥳 Little victories:Fashion Rebel Nation set up a table at the back to School Picnic at Fort Hays State University on January 20th. I had the privilege of meeting the president, treasurer, and multiple members of the campus GSA organization. As an elder millennial, it gives me great hope to see intergenerational collaboration and people stepping up to carry the torch in these dark times.💭 Big Dreams:Right now, FRN is dreaming of community. We want to make serious strides toward growing both our Patreon group and our ties with real world organizations. I can’t emphasize enough that this magazine and this movement aren’t about me - they’re about us. I dream of the day when I’m just wearing the Editor in Chief hat and the pages of FRN are filled with art, photography, essays, short stories, and poetry created entirely by community. Real change starts with people who aren’t afraid to dream big.✊ Join the rebellion:If you want to help us change the world, but you don’t know where to start, here are some concrete ways you can contribute to the rebellion:* Check out our open calls for submissions and share your work.* Join us on Patreon and be part of the community discussion.* Become an affiliate and get paid to share the magazine.* Read the latest issue and leave a review. Reviews genuinely help us reach more rebels and build a publication that better reflects our community.* Follow us on social media @fashionrebelnation and help spread the word by liking, commenting, and sharing posts.* Drop a one time donation for the cost of a cup of coffee on Ko-fi. We truly are a community powered, crowd funded publication and that’s thanks to readers & listeners like you ❤️ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fashionrebelnation.substack.com

In this episode, we’re going back to the roots — literally.This is the origin story of Fashion Rebel Nation: a community-powered, crowd-funded movement built on joy as resistance, identity as rebellion, and the radical belief that every human deserves belonging.We dig into how corporations engineered our disconnection, why so many of us feel stuck or out of place, and what it means to build something real — something raw, queer, neurodivergent, disabled, imperfect, and wildly human — together.You’ll hear the metaphor at the heart of FRN: the cosmic oak tree with roots made of our values, a trunk made of community, and branches made of every creative thing we grow as a collective.This isn’t “content.” This is a rebellion — a home — where trans, nonbinary, queer, disabled, and neurodivergent humans are not just included but centered and celebrated.If you’ve been craving meaning, connection, creativity, or a place where your messy masterpiece of a soul is welcome — this episode is the reminder you didn’t know you needed.✨ You are significant. You are worthy. You belong here.Welcome home.Links & Resources=🌳 Join the rebellion on Patreon: patreon.com/fashionrebelnation📖 Read the magazine or become an affiliate: fashionrebelnation.com🎤 Get notified about open calls for art, writing, or photography for future issues: https://bit.ly/frnsubmissions This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fashionrebelnation.substack.com

This week, we’re talking about Operation Inflation — the inflatable costume protests that started in Portland and spread worldwide, proving that joy and absurdity are powerful forms of resistance. From frogs to unicorns, people are reclaiming protest through laughter, color, and community.Plus, behind-the-scenes updates on Fashion Rebel Nation: Issue 3, a peek at the upcoming Rebel Roots quiz, my dream for growing our affiliate network, and a Good Trouble action you can take right now to help your local food bank.Links & Resources💥 Enter to win a free copy of Issue 3: fashionrebelnation.com💖 Support the rebellion on Patreon: patreon.com/FashionRebelNation🎶 Suggest indie BIPOC or immigrant artists for the Issue 3 playlist to [email protected] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fashionrebelnation.substack.com

This is Dear Rebels, your weekly update from the front lines of Fashion Rebel Nation. It’s been a week of highs and lows: birthdays, vet visits, and big dreams for the future of Fashion Rebel Nation. Join me for an honest check-in about what it takes to keep building a grassroots magazine one beautiful, rebellious brick at a time. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fashionrebelnation.substack.com

This isn’t a cry for help, it’s a call to action. I’m sharing the unfiltered truth about what it takes to build a magazine and a movement from scratch: the sleepless nights, the big dreams, and the belief that fashion can be protest, art, and identity all at once. If you’ve ever wanted to create something that matters, to build community without selling your soul, consider this your invitation to join Fashion Rebel Nation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fashionrebelnation.substack.com