Is Love Still Living in Seekonk? A recap of how one nonprofit is still spreading a message of love
- Kwana Adams
- Jun 8
- 4 min read
It has been about 2 years since Options last reported on the current events with Love Lives in Seekonk. To recap, they were being harassed by a local member of the community who called them groomers, made offensive comments about them and their families, and even posted their addresses on their Facebook page. This person also stood up at school committee meetings to call the members of LLiS groomers and claim that anyone who supports them supports the grooming of children. It’s been 2 years, and that bigoted individual continues to involve herself in the lives of people who couldn’t care less about her and her bigoted views. Despite this horrific bullying, LLiS continues to thrive and grow. We sat down with Joe Novinson and Kris Lyons, and we will be reporting on how they’ve grown and what’s been going on.
What has love lives in Seekonk been up to since the last article with Options?
Joe and Kris say they’ve been keeping busy. They’ve been hosting events such as kindness rock painting, “bead the winter blahs”, and an annual Lovesgiving dinner at the Old Grist Mill. They’ve also provided a generous donation of queer books to Seekonk public schools. Heartleaf Books in Providence helped coordinate the donation from an anonymous donor. Public schools have ultimately refused donations in recent years, although they were accepted years ago. In May of 2025, after going back and forth, the school committee voted in favor of the donation after Joe Novinson fought back.
“We donated 14 books in total. Both our district's elementary school libraries (Mildred H. Aitken and George R. Martin) received copies of "Desert Queen," "Not He or She, I'm Me," "Calvin," and "The Mother of a Movement."
Students at Hurley Middle School had "The Otherwoods," "Stars in Their Eyes," and "Cross My Heart and Never Lie" added to their collection. Seekonk High students received "Imogen, Obviously;" "The Long Run;" and "Only This Beautiful Moment."
"The Spirit Bares Its Teeth," a donation designated for the high school, wasn't included in the final donation. It was removed by district administration, highlighting concerns the high school and Aitken Elementary librarians had about graphic depictions of childbirth. "Ander & Santi Were Here" was already on the high school library's shelves.
If I hadn't mentioned it already, I actually borrowed all the above titles through the SAILS Library Network. I also incurred late fees after I'd dropped them at the District Offices at the direction of district administrators. They'd asked that the titles be made available to them before Christmas break. Their thought was that they'd distribute them to all four building principals so they'd have enough time to read each donation cover to cover. School librarians weren't consulted until I raised my concerns with the School Committee.” Here is a press release naming all of the titles.
Has Seekonk embraced your message and overall values as a community?
It's not as hostile, necessarily. But it's not exactly affirming either. They’d say that they’ve become tolerated. Opponents have stopped popping up at School Committee meetings. They'd historically used the public comment period to spread hate, misinformation, and launch ad hominem attacks against private citizens. The former School Committee member aligned with them didn't run for re-election this past spring after serving a single term. This same ex-member also made false accusations against the nonprofit during public comment, claiming it's a political action committee.
More than 600 people attended their second-annual Seekonk Pride event last year. Hopefully, turnout for our Sunday, June 14, celebration exceeds that number.
LLiS has had to fight hard for basic recognition from the Seekonk town government. It's disappointing, especially as surrounding communities have Pride flag raisings and rainbow crosswalks to celebrate their residents. They’re not taking anything for granted, though. The Select Board unanimously approved their event permit. That's a big step forward from two years ago, with one board member voting against it, and others raising concerns about "the entertainment" (i.e., drag queens).
Are the original members still active? Have more people joined?
We're currently an all-volunteer board of six members. In the past year, we've had two board members retire and have welcomed a new member to our board.
How have you taken care of yourselves during those events, and how do you take care of yourself today?
Joe: I restrict social media use. Talking to people face to face, getting involved, and getting people to participate while being civic-minded.
Kris: Being around like-minded folks and pausing social media relationships with those sharing false, harmful information.
What are your goals for this year for love lives in Seekonk?
Our primary goal continues to be making Seekonk a safe, accepting, and supportive environment for queer youth and families.
Joe: Speaking for myself, I intend to donate copies of this year's Stonewall Children's Literature Award winners and nominees to the Seekonk public schools. We're currently waiting on the School Committee to adopt a policy governing book donations by private individuals/groups. It was suggested following the alleged controversy around our original donation. District administrators can either recommend (or not recommend) donations, but the School Committee has the final vote.
What's next for love lives in Seekonk? Are there any upcoming events we can add to the article?
We'll be back for next October's various Trunk-or-Treats in and around the Seekonk area, followed by our Lovesgiving dinner. We've also designed brand-new garden flags for our latest fundraiser. I'll add that we're inclined to do another craft project for the community.
Are there any other thoughts or messages you'd like to add?
Let me be perfectly queer: Love Lives in Seekonk is here to stay. Every child and family deserves to be at home in their hometown.
Please continue to show your support for Love Lives in Seekonk and their message. Amplify LGBT voices to drown out the hateful messages. Seekonk Pride is on June 14, 1-5 pm, behind the Newman YMCA in Seekonk.
Be sure to follow Love Lives in Seekonk on their social media and spread their message that Love is definitely still living in Seekonk! If you want to stay up to date on all things Love Lives in Seekonk, visit their Linktree for all their links. Love Lives In Seekonk 🏳️🌈 Official: Instagram, Facebook | Linktree
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