LETTER #19

Shanya Luther, Founder of Among Friends & Co-Founder of Hive Love

I didn’t do a mixed-media art piece this time for my Analog Letter. I tried something new. I saw these DIY bouquet pop-up cards on some random feed and thought I’d see if I could make that happen. I think I did a relatively better than bad job, but it’s kinda struggly. It is heartfelt. Ultimately, I do like it…

It totally makes sense for this to be the letter I sent to Shanya Luther. She is working on building her beautiful garden in her funky backyard in McMinnville, OR. She is also totally cool with the imperfection!

Shanya (rhymes with Tanya) brought me into the world of supporting the sexual and relational health of people with intellectual and developmental diversity/disability (ID/DD). That blossomed into a whole new area of training and coordination for me. She founded Among Friends more than twelve years ago because she saw the lack of support for people with ID/DD to get their touch needs met, to develop thriving relationships, to date and maybe even fall in love, and to have healthy sex lives—things we all deserve. Her desire to help people live their best lives is unbounded.

We started a touch-positive group in Portland, OR called Hive Love in 2023 where we hold events like Onesie Karaoke, Naked Game Night, and Snuggles among other things. We’re on hiatus for the summer, but we’ll be back in the fall!

Shanya is also a dog mom extraordinaire to two adorable and super smart canines named Zubi and Moxie. Those two found their forever home when she found them, and they are so lucky they did. She has the patience and nurturing touch to calmly bring them out of their somewhat traumatized past and help them feel safe and loved. They are also constantly learning new tricks! Zubi has a pad with words on it and she can use her paw to ask for food or to play! I’d be remiss if I didn’t add their photo here.

Shanya has this gift for helping things grow in unexpected places—whether it's creating space for people with ID/DD to experience love and intimacy, nurturing our touch-positive community, teaching her dogs new tricks, or literally tending the garden behind her house. She sees potential where others might see struggle, and she's never afraid to try something new even if it turns out a little "struggly." Maybe that's why this imperfect bouquet of pop up flowers feels so right for her—it's made with love, it's a little wonky, and it's reaching toward something beautiful. Just like everything else we do together.

This letter is part of a weekly series called Analog Connections. Each week I create and handwrite a letter to someone that is on my mind and post it here. I hope you enjoy getting to know some of the amazing humans in my life!