Hi Dear Readers,
On one of my flights to San Francisco last week, I had a panic attack. Or was it “airsickness”? Either way, it was awful. I felt extremely hot. I was drenched in sweat as if I had been sitting outside in 90 degree heat. I felt nauseous and disoriented. Luckily my mom was with me and she started to do reiki on me. This all happened during the descent of the flight. Flying doesn’t typically make me panic. However, I hadn’t flown in a few years and this time I flew wearing a mask. Whatever it was, I survived at least.
I was there visiting family and spending IRL time with my 14-month-old nephew. It was much needed to watch someone be so excited about life! He is learning how to walk and his joy permeates everything.
Meanwhile, the world feels as tumultuous as ever.
Being with children makes me realize how joyful life can (and should) feel. Their joy reacquaints me with the goodness of the world. Their excitement over touching a shrub rubs off on me.
We are all still little kids somewhere inside. It’s a good idea to let them come out from time to time.
Enjoy this week’s Leftovers,
xL<3
Reading List 🔖
The Gentrification of Abortion Politics - Editors of Lux Magazine
These tactics are not powerful enough to combat entrenched injustice and yet, Spade writes, “most people cannot imagine raising concerns in any way besides these.” We have a misunderstanding of the history of social movements, from civil rights to immigration activism, that symbolic tactics are more respectful than direct action.
Daniel Obasi’s Photos Spotlight the Queer Communities of Nigeria - Ashleigh Kane
When asked about the unexpected influences in his work he simply replies: “sex”, but adds that ultimately his work aims to challenge attitudes towards LGBTQIA+ people. “I make work for minorities in Nigeria – the Queer community to be exact,” he says. “It's important that people see this form of representation, especially in such a repressed country. (By) offering this perspective that allows us to dream and be free is, on its own, activism.”
On Running Shirtless While Trans - Vivian Lam
Going shirtless in public is something of a transitional milestone for many transmasculine people. The first time this happens is a moment I’ve often seen played out by a beach or a pool—eyes squinting into the sun, teeth and chest and scars bared in joy. It’s akin to the feeling of finally being able to recognize yourself in the mirror. Of a T-shirt finally falling the right way over your body. Of finally being able to take in a breath so deep you can feel your bones giving way to euphoria.
Hope for Planet Earth: The Citizen’s Guide to Climate Change - Literary Hub
Excellent list of things to read categorized by “Individual,” “Community,” “Government,” “Global,” and “Narrative.”
“Identity isn’t a passport into a community” - Anne Helen Petersen
An interview with author and disability activist Alice Wong.
The Unsolved 1996 Murders Still Haunting Women and Queer Communities - Emma Copley Eisenberg
Kathryn Miles’s new book, ‘Trailed,’ investigates the killings of Julie Williams and Lollie Winans in Shenandoah National Park 25 years ago—and asks difficult questions about safety in nature
Librarianship 🌻
Librarians Push Back Against Book-Banning - Kenny Stancil
The World’s Most Wonderful Private Libraries - Baya Simons, Christina Ohly Evans, Sara Semic, Camilla Bell-Davies
Books of Note 📚
Fight Like Hell: The Untold History of American Labor - Kim Kelly (nonfiction)
Seven Steeples - Sara Baume (fiction)
Love Radio - Ebony Ladelle (young adult)
Grab Your Pillow, Armadillo: A Silly Book of Fun Goodnights - Haily Meyers, Kevin Meyers (children’s book)
The Hurting Kind - Ada Limón (poetry)
Radically Content: Being Satisfied in an Endlessly Dissatisfied World - Jamie Varon (self-help)
[If you order any of the books above or any listed on my Bookshop site, a percentage goes to local bookstores and I get a small commission. Thank you for not ordering from Amazon!]
Be Witchy 🔮
Don’t Call Them Witches: Your Guide to the Séance Photographers, Psychic Visionairies, and Occultists of the Venice Biennale - Katie White
Online Covens and Internet Rituals: How Witchcraft Went Digital - Sarah Ingram
How 'You Won’t Be Alone' and 'The Witch' Use Witchcraft as Feminist Rage - Natasha McMeekin
Playlist 🎵
“Chicken Teriyaki” - Rosalia
”Carry Anne” - Leikeli47
”N95” - Kendrick Lamar
”Dream Girl Evil” - Florence + The Machine
”Bittersweet, TN” - Kevin Morby, ft. Erin Rae
Mood Board 💓
Self-Care + Good Things ☕
Seeing my 14-month-old nephew Joaquin IRL! He is the happiest person I’ve ever met (aside from my dad). He currently loves: bok choy, the park near his house, dogs, his stuffed sloth that Zia (me) got him, and being tickled. Other good things: San Francisco’s weather, coming home, coffee in my Ember mug, Polaroids, scheduling a massage (finally!).