Respect for Trella

As I am writing this remembrance of Trella Laughlin, above my computer is a very nice piece of original art by Kay Snodgrass that’s in the shape of Mississippi, with drawings representing the Big River Natchez Trace. Trella grew up in Mississippi and gave me this artwork knowing I had spent 26 years of my life there before moving to Eureka Springs. Trella had spoken of being raised in a racist family in Mississippi, and how she overcame racism, sexism, classism and nationalism.

Our strongest bond wasn’t over Mississippi, but around being fellow activists and writers. I had done a lot of environmental work in Mississippi. When I became one of climate change refugees who moved to Eureka Springs after Hurricane Katrina, Trella was one of the first people I met. She told amazing stories about her activism at home and in other countries.

A loud, proud, colorful lesbian, Trella was a tireless warrior against homophobia, war, corporate profiteering at the expense of people, and destruction of the environment. She had no filter when it came to her disdain for Donald Trump and others of his ilk. Her letters to the editor were frequent, blistering and fearless. She was an integral part of the LGBTQ community and just a few weeks prior to passing away had been interviewed for a documentary on LGBTQ trailblazers.

I attended parties at her house where it was particularly heartening to see how much many of the women—particularly the young ones – loved and appreciated Trella. She supported them and provided a role model for living freely without hiding sexual orientation or identity.

In these days when newspaper readership is declining, I particularly appreciate people who read the paper and who participate in commenting on local and national issues. More than anyone else, Trella would call me when she thought I had done a good job on a story. She gave me feedback and encouragement, just as she did to many, many others throughout her life.

Becky Gillette