this week in queer chaos: back-to-school blues & hillcrest tea spill
memes, reads, and hot goss to fuel your gay agenda π₯π³οΈβππ΅π·
tl;dr: welcome to the inaugural edition of "this week in queer chaos"! queer students face new challenges as school year starts, but community resilience shines through. plus, the end of the hillcrest town council, new covid vaccines (get yours soon!), a call to vp harris and gov walz to decolonize puerto rico, the rise of people who own nothing, the androgynous rise of the loose jorts, and more! get readyβit's gonna be a wild ride! π’
β οΈ heads up, mi gente! this email is long. it might get cut off in your inbox. trust me, you don't want to miss the spicy bits at the end! πΆοΈπ this is better on the substack app. get the substack app here.
hey mi gente! ππ½
Β‘bienvenidos a la primera ediciΓ³n de "this week in queer chaos"! i'm beyond excited to kick off this weekly dose of queer nonsense, boricua brilliance, and everything in between. think of it as your personal gay gossip hotline, but with more substance and a dash of social justice. π π½β¨
can you believe it's already back-to-school season? feels like summer barely started, and now we're diving headfirst into pumpkin spice everything. (side note: who decided pumpkin belongs in coffee? wrong answers only.) it really feels like summer is starting to wind down, and itβs got me feeling a little down!
i just returned to school at san diego city college where iβm working on my associateβs (next stop, my bachelorβs) this week and itβs got me thinking. as pencils sharpen and backpacks fill, i think of all the queer kids heading back to classrooms across the country. it's a mixed bag of excitement and anxiety, isn't it? on one hand, there's the thrill of new beginnings, fresh notebooks (am i the only one who gets high off that new paper smell?), and the possibility of finding your people. on the other hand... well, let's just say not every school is going to win a GLAAD award for inclusivity anytime soon. i hope that this year is a good one to those kids.
now, before we dive into this week's chaos, a quick note: this newsletter is a work in progress. like any good queer narrative, it's fluid, ever-evolving, and probably a little messy. but that's what makes it fun, right? so if you have suggestions, feedback, or just want to scream into the void about the state of the world, hit that reply button or comment on this post. we're in this beautiful disaster together. ππͺοΈ
meme of the week: "the woman i am becoming"
ngl (not gonna lie, my veredict): oh, this one's for all our trans masc siblings out there! it's the perfect visual representation of gender expectations vs. gender reality for many! it captures that delicious blend of defiance, authenticity, and just a dash of chaos that comes with embracing your true self. plus, who doesn't love a good "expectations vs. reality" moment? this meme is serving big "sorry mom, i accidentally became a hot dude" energy, and honestly? iβm here for it, as someone who likes hot dudes. to all our trans masc readers: may your second puberty be smooth, your t-shots be easy, and your ability to flip off gender norms be as strong as billy butcher's. ππ
must-read of the week: "new covid shots were approved. but who will get them?"
the tea: the fda just approved the latest covid vaccines for everyone 6 months and older. but here's the real tea: who's actually going to get them?
the shots are tailored to a version of the virus from this spring, which is still closely related to current variants.
covid hospitalizations are nearly twice as high as last summer, and deaths have doubled since spring.
but here's the kicker: only 1 in 5 adults got last year's booster. even worse? only 40% of people 75 and older took it.
why should i read it? this isn't just about vaccines β it's about how we're protecting our most vulnerable:
nursing homes are struggling to vaccinate residents. less than a third are up-to-date on their shots.
funding for community vaccination programs has dried up, making it harder to reach people who need it most.
look, i know we're all tired of covid talk. but this isn't about fear-mongering β it's about keeping our queer family, especially our elders, healthy and thriving. because let's face it, you can't slay at pride if you're laid up in bed with covid.
read it here: [new york times article link]
remember, taking care of your health (and your abuela's health) is an act of self-love and community care. stay informed, stay safe, and let's keep our queer chaos covid-free! πππ΅π·
p.s. if you're uninsured, don't panic! the cdc found $62 million to help states buy vaccines. it's not perfect, but it's something. check with your local health department for options.
puerto rico pulse: power 4 puerto rico coalition calls on harris-walz to dismantle colonialism
quΓ© lo quΓ©: while mainland politicians are busy playing chess with our island's future, our people are demanding to flip the whole damn board. the power 4 puerto rico coalition just dropped a mic with an open letter to VP harris and gov walz.
what are they saying? they're calling for some real talk on decolonization, y'all. we're talking about dismantling 126 years of colonial rule, kicking "la junta" (that pesky fiscal control board) to the curb, and finally giving puerto ricans the 411 on what statehood or independence would really mean. from language rights to olympic representation, they want answers before any binding votes happen. it's like they're saying, "hey, if you're gonna decide our future, at least buy us dinner first."
why does this matter? this coalition isn't just asking for change β they're demanding a whole new menu. it's time for puerto rico to stop being america's complicated relationship status and become a full partner or go solo. either way, they want the colonialism chapter closed for good.
read it here: [harris-walz must dismantle colonialism in puerto rico]
my favorite tiktok of the week: kidβs bop is covering kendrickβs βthey not like usβ
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late stage capitalism: lease a queen, own your dreams ππ
why it's giving late stage capitalism: okay, mi gente, the wall street journal just dropped a piece on "extreme renters" that's got me more shook than a drag queen's wig during a death drop. apparently, some folks are out here renting everything from their jeans to their christmas trees. it's like they're playing the sims irl, but make it capitalism. in this economy, owning stuff feels about as realistic as me becoming a professional basketball player (spoiler alert: i'm 5'9" on a good day).
why. is. everything. a. subscription. now??????
the tea on temporary treasures: don't get me wrong, i'm all for reducing our dependence on fast fashion and cutting back on consumption. mama earth could use the break. plus, who doesn't love the idea of a rotating wardrobe without the guilt of overconsumption? it's like having a sugar daddy, but for your closet. ππ§₯π
ngl (not gonna lie, my verdict): while renting might seem like a smart move for your wallet, it's basically the financial equivalent of edging β lots of excitement, zero payoff. when we start renting everything, we're essentially paying for the privilege of owning nothing. it's giving "thanks for the crumbs" energy.
read more here: [wall street journal article on extreme renters]
hillcrest afterhours: uptown's election extravaganza hits a glitch π³οΈπ»
spill the tea: Β‘ay dios mΓo! uptown's community planning group elections this last tuesday just went from sizzle to fizzle faster than my attempts at learning to rollerblade.
good news: voting deadlines extended? check. registration still open? double check. it's like cuando your tΓa keeps adding "five more minutes" to her goodbyes at the family reunion.
why? the voting software caught a case of the hiccups when it spotted a duplicate voter and had to be shut down during in person voting. the software vendor operated in eastern time, so they could not resolve the issue same day.
wtf? (what's the fuss?): the in-person voting event screeched to a halt like my abuela's chancleta mid-flight. but don't worry, your votes aren't lost in the ether like my keys after a night at gossip grillβ¦
tech wizards and the volunteers at the election committee are working overtime to fix this digital drama. here's hoping they're fueled by something stronger than cafΓ© con leche! oh, and they need help - consider being a volunteer.
enter the NIMBYAnon crew: oh honey, and the old guard is throwing a tantrum that would make a toddler blush! grown men and women acting a fool out here, posting on times of san diego and their favorite shithole, the ob rag. these former uptown planners want to cling to power like it's the last empanada at a family gathering. remember theyβre the ones responsible for your neighborhood being too expensive.
conspiracy theories are flying faster than wigs at a drag queen wrestling match. "corrupt machine"? βthis was on purposeβ? please, the only thing corrupt here is their outdated worldview and victim complex.
ngl (not gonna lie, my verdict): mi gente, this is our moment! let's flood those registration forms and vote like we flood the streets during pride. this has mobilized san diegoβs worst and we need to counter it.
imagine an uptown where "housing crisis" is just the name of a new board game, not our reality. let's make it happen!
p.s. to my fellow queer urbanistas: get involved, because if we don't shape our 'hood, we might end up with less housing, less accessibility, and more danger to pedestrians, bikers, and drivers alike. and nobody wants that tragedy. π³οΈβπποΈ
hillcrest afterhours: hillcrest town council dissolves, new neighborhood association rises ποΈπ
spill the tea: oh honey, grab your fans because this tea is scorching! the hillcrest town council just unanimously voted during its last general meeting in august 13 to dissolve itself faster than my last tinder date ghosted me.
turns out, they've been wrestling with their non-profit status with the irs harder than i wrestle with my sexuality.
past boards had completely neglected the organizationβs obligations towards the state of california and the irs, which was being addressed by the current treasurer and board.
wtf? (what's the fuss?): treasurer michael donovan fought the good fight for a year and a half, scoring a win with california but hitting a wall with the feds. it's like trying to explain non-binary identity to your abuela β sometimes, no matter how hard you try, uncle sam just doesn't get it. given the massive impasse, thereβs no choice but to dissolve, having explored all other avenues.
but wait, there's more! from the ashes of the htc rises a phoenix called the hillcrest neighborhood association (hillcrestsd.org). they're on the hunt for fresh blood (read: hillcrest residents) to join their founding board. it's like a gay avengers assemble, but with less spandex and more community planning.
other ways to get involved: if you're feeling extra civic-minded, check out the kiwanis club of hillcrest all-inclusive (and vibrant, just like my wardrobe) or the uptown community planning group.
ngl (not gonna lie, my verdict): this is our chance to shape hillcrest's future, mi gente! let's turn this neighborhood into the queer utopia of our dreams. who knows, maybe we'll finally get that glitter-paved rainbow road i've been pitching for years. πβ¨
p.s. to all my fellow hillcrest queers: get involved! because if we don't shape our community, who will? the straights? i think not! π π½π³οΈβπ
queer quote to live by:
"in a society that profits from your self-doubt, liking yourself is a rebellious act." - caroline caldwell
why it's giving: in a world of instagram filters and tiktok trends, embracing your authentic selfβquirks, queerness, and all!βis revolutionary. so go ahead, be a rebel. like yourself unapologetically. it's the ultimate middle finger to the system.
what's keeping me up at night: digital switching syndrome π±π
why it's living rent-free in my head: turns out our frantic video-hopping is making us more bored than a straight person at a drag show. a new study says we're better off watching one video at a time, start to finish. wild, right? it's like commitment is suddenly cool again.
the tea: researchers found this "digital switching" thing hits all demographics. we're talking 1,200 people across 7 experiments, so it's legit. apparently, the gap between what we hope to get from our endless scrolling and what we actually get is wider than the dance floor at a queer prom.
ngl (not gonna lie, my verdict): as someone who can barely focus long enough to finish this sentence, this hits hard. maybe it's time we treat our screen time like that spicy but toxic ex - limited exposure for maximum satisfaction. who's up for actually finishing a youtube video? revolutionary, i know.
read more here: [digital switching is making you more bored]
digital dystopia: ipad kids slide into the x-verse π±πͺοΈ
why it's making me spiral: hold onto your hashtags, mi gente. techcrunch just dropped a bomb about our "ipad kids". apparently, 30% of 7- to 9-year-olds are on x (formerly twitter), 28% are redditors, and 26% are facebooking. i'm sorry, what?
the algorithm ate my homework: look, i get it. the internet is where the cool kids hang now. but x? reddit? facebook? that's like letting your kid loose in a dive bar and hoping they only drink the shirley temples. these platforms are serving our littles a cocktail of misinformation, hate speech, and content that'd make even this potty-mouthed boricua blush.
ngl (not gonna lie, my verdict): we need to do better, folks. our ipad kids deserve a childhood that isn't dictated by likes, shares, and whatever the hell elon musk decides to rename things next. let's teach them to touch grass before they learn to doom-scroll. because if we don't, we're setting them up for a future where their attention span is shorter than my patience for bigots β and trust me, that's short.
p.s. to all the parents out there: i see you, i hear you, and i know it's tough. but maybe consider swapping that ipad for a book? or better yet, teach them to make a proper cafΓ© con leche. at least that addiction has some cultural value! πβοΈ
the kids are not alright: [read more at techcrunch here.]
chaotic good of the week: hiv infections continue global decline ππͺ
why it's everything: mi gente, let's take a moment to celebrate some seriously good news! according to fresh stats from hiv.gov, we're making major strides in the fight against hiv. globally, new infections have dropped by a whopping 38% since 2010, and if we zoom out to 1995 (aka when i was singing along to "waterfalls" by tlc), that decline jumps to 59%!
spill the tea: this isn't just a win β it's a whole parade of wins! it means our prevention efforts are working, from education to prep to increased testing. it means fewer people are facing the challenges of living with hiv. and it means we're inching closer to a world where hiv is a thing of the past.
now, don't get me wrong β we've still got work to do. but let's take a second to appreciate how far we've come. to all the activists, healthcare workers, researchers, and everyday heroes fighting this fight: y'all are the real mvps. this progress is your legacy.
source: [hiv.gov]
extra gay sprinkles:
song on repeat: βwichooβ by durand jones & the indications
tiktok rabbit hole of the week: kids and their back to school hauls - which are way more expensive, luxuious, and faaaancier than i ever experienced as a child! these have been randomly crossing my βfor you pageββ¦ and honestly, itβs making me want to develop my own idea of what the βidealβ haul for me would be! stay tuned.
gay culture is: debating whether to force a bunch of your friends to do a spice girls group costume, then deciding to simply dress up like ginger spice regardless because⦠why choose? lol.
iβm kind of here for it: seeing that the iconic pop crave twitter account is covering the dnc this week has been really funny to me. and itβs a sign that non-traditional media outlets are rising.
a playlist for you: sharing with you today a playlist that has been evergreen for me, hope you enjoy it - escape hatch! see below.
whew, what a week! from new covid shots to the decline of global hiv infections, it's clear that our community continues to push boundaries and create change, even in the face of adversity.
as we gear up for a new school year, let's carry that spirit of resilience and creativity with us. whether you're a student, a teacher, or just someone trying to navigate this chaotic world, remember: your existence is resistance. your joy is revolutionary. and your story, in all its messy, beautiful, queer glory, deserves to be told.
speaking of stories, don't forget to check out my latest deep dive on the blog about puerto rico. the next episode is coming out on monday!
hasta la prΓ³xima, mis amores! π
edgardβπ½π
p.s. serious note: if any of you are struggling with back-to-school anxiety, especially around being out or navigating unsupportive environments, please reach out. our community is strongest when we support each other. you're not alone in this, i promise. π
i love the idea of renting clothes for special events (weddings, galas, etc) or to see how you really feel about a piece before buying, and especially for items that may require delicate care/storage you may not be capable/willing to keep up on (dry cleaning, hand washing, etc) but agreed that fashion rental for day-to-day isnβt the solution for most ppl, but can be a really useful service to bridge gaps in your wardrobe. (especially for transistional periods of life) i might have to write about this HAHAHHAHAHA i clearly have a lot of opinions but i mostly agree with ur take here, especially in the context of extreme renters! (apologies for the TED talk)