this week in queer chaos: end-of-summer shenanigans & labor day lunacy
memes, reads, and hot takes to fuel your gay agenda as we say adiรณs to summer ๐ฅ๐ด๐น
tl;dr: from global black pride making its u.s. debut to san diego pride's new leadership, this week was packed with news. we've got tiktok's political takeover, small-town pride drama in ohio, puerto rico's upcoming status referendum, winona ryder's film geek-out, and hillcrest's first sober queer bar anniversary. plus, memes about identity discovery and a powerful james baldwin quote. summer's ending, but queer chaos never sleeps!
hey mi gente! ๐๐ฝ
can you believe it's already almost labor day? feels like just yesterday we were planning our pride outfits and now we're trying to figure out how to squeeze in one last beach day before fall officially cockblocks our summer. time really is that girl who doesn't know when to leave the party, huh?
anyways, grab your pumpkin spice latte (oh, you thought i wouldn't call you out on that basic behavior?), settle into your favorite spot on the couch that's definitely not covered in beach sand, and let's dive into the beautiful mess that was this week:
meme of the week: identity tetris - just when you thought you figured it outโฆ
why this slaps: this meme is the perfect encapsulation of that moment when you think you've finally got your identity figured out. it's like the queer version of a russian nesting doll - just when you think you've unpacked it all, surprise! there's more. and how beautiful is that, isnโt it? the struggle is real, but so is the joy of becoming more authentically yourself.
as someone who came out as non-binary two years ago, i couldnโt help but to crack the hell up at this. it's that bittersweet moment of "oh crap, here we go again" mixed with the excitement of further self-discovery. it's like finally getting your family to pronounce "pansexual" correctly, only to hit them with the "it's they/them now."
rainbow realignment: san diego pride's new executive director ๐
the tea: san diego pride announced a significant leadership change earlier this week. leane marchese, a san diego native and former pride board member, was appointed as new executive director.
marchese replaces interim co-executive directors jen labarbera and sarafina scapicchio, who stepped into the role after fernando zweifach lopez, jr. stepped down from the role in november 2023.
why it's a big deal: this isn't just a changing of the guard โ marchese has been volunteering with pride for years and has led lgbtqia+ and dei initiatives throughout her career.
she's coming from life science cares san diego, where she was focused on poverty and inequity issues.
look, i know leadership changes can be nerve-wracking. but this isn't about bureaucracy โ it's about ensuring our pride stays fierce, fabulous, and fighting for our rights. and of course, labarbera and scapicchio are returning to their old roles at pride.
read it here: [san diego pride announces leane marchese to take helm as executive director]
must-read of the week: tiktok's political revolution - democracy goes viral ๐ณ๏ธ๐ฑ
the tea: gen z isn't just doom-scrolling โ they're civic-scrolling. pew's latest study shows nearly half of tiktok's young users get their political fix from the app. it's like c-span, but with better music and occasionally coherent captions.
memes to midterms: 48% of tiktok users 18-29 use the app for politics. between thirst traps and dance challenges, they're somehow finding time to engage with actual issues. who knew swiping could be so civic-minded?
creators as the fourth estate: young tiktokers are becoming the new pundits. 88% of users see funny posts on current news. watch out, john oliverโฆ
ngl (not gonna lie, my verdict): this tiktok political revolution is both thrilling and terrifying. it's great that young people are engaged, but when complex issues are reduced to viral dances and pithy captions, we risk losing nuance! and we need more nuance in politics, not less. plus, with everyone becoming an instant pundit, distinguishing fact from "just my opinion, bro" really becomes a herculean task.
the real question: how long until we see a presidential debate in duet format? or a state of the union delivered exclusively in trending sounds? democracy in 15 seconds or less โ what could possibly go wrong? ๐ค
read more here: [tiktok is a top spot for hot political goss]
fuckery of the moment: small town, big pride, bigger drama ๐๐ญ
what kind of fuckeryโฆ? lebanon, ohio's first pride festival was a smash hit with 10,000 attendees, but now the city council's debating its future. apparently, some folks think drag queens are scarier than their town's stagnant economy.
the tea: while most speakers at the city council meeting supported the festival, some council members couldn't resist serving a side of biblical word salad with their civic duty. one even suggested lgbtq+-affirming clergy are false prophets. talk about separation of church and state getting lost in translation.
pride's power move: organizers lebanon pride aren't backing down. they're highlighting the festival's economic boost and its crucial role in mental health for queer youth. turns out, pride isn't just rainbows and glitter โ pride is also suicide prevention.
ngl (not gonna lie, my verdict): it's 2024, and we're still fighting for the right to exist joyfully in public spaces. this isn't just about lebanon, ohio โ it's a reminder that pride is political, necessary, and perpetually under threat. imagine san diego without pride. unthinkable, right? that's why we can't get complacent. stay informed, vote in your local elections, & support those fighting the good fight in small towns. because honey, if they can try to cancel pride in lebanon, they can try it anywhere. let's make sure the only thing getting canceled is bigotry. ๐
and to the council member asking for biblical proof of queer relationships โ honey, have you read about david and jonathan? that's some old testament tea right there. ๐โ๏ธ
read more here: [over 10,000 people attended a rural townโs first pride. now the city is deciding its fate.]
puerto rico pulse: democracy's dรฉjร vu - the neverending referendum ๐ต๐ท๐ณ๏ธ
what's the tea? puerto rico is voting this november for the seventh (yes, seventh!) time on its political status. it's like groundhog day, but with more salsa and political tension.
the options: voters will choose between statehood, independence, or "sovereignty in free association." it's like a multiple-choice test where every answer feels wrong, but you have to pick one anyway.
why it matters: this isn't just island politics - it's a century-old identity crisis playing out on the global stage. puerto rico's been in political limbo since 1898, and at this point, even the caciques are getting restless.
the catch: like that text from your ex at 2am, these results are nonbinding. any real change needs congress to act, and they're about as decisive on this issue as i am at a buffet. republicans literally think statehood is โfull bore socialismโ and democrats areโฆ split on the matter.
i need to put a pin on this because this is a whole post on its own - the crazy political party system where parties are aligned along the status they want. that has led to both republicans and democrats being in the same political partiesโฆ you can imagine those primaries, lol.
ngl (not gonna lie, my verdict): as a boricua, i'm both excited and exhausted by this news. on one hand, it's crucial we keep fighting for self-determination. on the other, how many times can we ask the same question and expect a different result? this referendum isn't just about political status - it's about dignity, identity, and the right to define our own future. but honestly, these referendums, as long as they are non-binding, will mean nothing. this is a waste of money and time. we all need to shake the u.s congress into action.
there is the very real concern that these referendums are now just a tool for the pro-statehood party to boost the turnout of their supporters, because the referendum is happening alongside the general election.
for those hungry for more info, check out my deep dives on puerto rico's status. two more episodes coming soon... assuming i don't procrastinate like congress on this issue and i get around to writing them. ๐
read more here: [puerto rico finalizes details of upcoming referendum on political status amid criticism over cost]
what's keeping me up at night: winona's cinematic sanctuary ๐ฌ๐
what's the deal? winona ryder, our eternal '90s queen (a personal fave), just had a religious experience in the criterion closet. that's the holy grail for film buffs, truly a beauty - a small room packed wall-to-wall with criterion's curated collection of important classic and contemporary cinema. she's treating those blu-rays like sacred texts, and honestly? i'm so here for this celluloid sermon.
cinephile confessional: watching winona geek out over films is like seeing a kid in a candy store, if the kid had an oscar nomination. her picks? a smorgasbord of cinematic delights that i, a self-confessed philistine, have never seen. (au revoir les enfants? more like au revoir my film cred, lol.)
generational divide: turns out, not all of winona's young co-stars share her cinematic devotion and she doesnโt like it! while finn wolfhard's out here stanning elliott gould, millie bobby brown's like, "movies? don't know her."
ngl (not gonna lie, my verdict): winona's passion is infectious, and her frustration with the tiktok generation's (perceived) lack of film curiosity is valid. but let's not get too "back in my day" about it. maybe instead of lamenting the death of cinema, maybe we could find ways to make film history as addictive as social media? to make film less snobby and more accessible? imagine if criterion had a "for you" page. now that's a timeline i'd doom-scroll.
p.s. to millie bobby brown: girl, i get it. sitting still is hard. but trust winona on this one โ there's a whole world beyond netflix autoplay. maybe start with "heathers"? it's like "mean girls," but with more shoulder pads and homicide. ๐โโ๏ธ๐ช
read more: [winona ryderโs closet picks]
hillcrest after-hours: good news celebrates one year of sober socializing ๐นโจ
what's the buzz? good news bar, hillcrest's trailblazing sober space, is toasting to its first anniversary today on august 31st!
founders kaylee and crystal clark have been serving up community vibes and killer mocktails since 2023, proving that you don't need booze to have a good time.
the deets: the celebration kicks off at the kava collective on 1731 university ave from 6-9pm. expect craft mocktails, live music, and probably the best conversations you'll actually remember having on a friday night.
coming soon: keep your eyes peeled for their permanent digs opening at 3821 park blvd. it's like waiting for christmas, but instead of presents, we're getting a year-round haven for sober fun.
ngl (not gonna lie, my verdict): y'all, this space is not just welcome โ it's necessary. in a world where every queer social event seems soaked in alcohol, good news is a breath of fresh air. as someone who's navigated the turbulent waters of sobriety, having a place where i can socialize without the pressure of drinking is life-changing.
this isn't just about abstaining from alcohol โ it's about creating inclusive spaces where everyone, regardless of their relationship with substances, can feel safe and celebrated.
p.s. to all the "but i need alcohol to have fun" folks โ honey, if you need liquid courage to dance like no one's watching, maybe the problem isn't the dance floor nor the musicโฆ just saying. ๐๐บ
queer quote to live by:
"love him and let him love you. do you think anything else under heaven really matters?" - james baldwin, giovanni's room
why it's giving: in a world obsessed with labels, categories, and societal expectations, james baldwin reminds us of the raw, essential truth at the core of human existence: love. it's not just about the freedom to love, but the courage to be loved in return. this quote is a middle finger to homophobia, internalized shame, and anyone who's ever said "love the sinner, hate the sin."
this is a rallying cry for authenticity in a world that often demands conformity, and a reminder that our capacity to love and be loved is the most revolutionary act of all. so go ahead, love fiercely and unapologetically. nothing else matters.๐๐๐
chaotic good of the week: black pride goes global, y'all! ๐๐ณ๏ธโ๐โ๐พ
what's the tea? global black pride is making its u.s. debut in atlanta, serving up a week-long extravaganza of melanated magic and queer excellence. it's like wakanda, but gayer and with better music.
the 411: from august 27 to september 2, atlanta's turning into the black queer capital of the world. we're talking workshops, art exhibits, a health conference, and even a global black trans rally. because intersectionality isn't just a buzzword, it's a whole vibe.
star power: billy porter's bringing his tony-winning fabulousness to headline, alongside nigerian pop queens yemi alade and omawumi.
why it matters: in a year when lgbtq+ rights are under attack faster than you can say "don't say gay," this event is a big, beautiful middle finger to hate. it's saying "we're here, we're queer, we're black, and we're not going anywhere" louder than a church choir on sunday.
ngl (not gonna lie, my verdict): y'all, this is huge. it's not just a party โ it's a revolution in sequins and glitter. global black pride is carving out a space where every shade of the rainbow is celebrated, centering voices that have been sidelined for too long.
in a world that often forces people to choose between blackness and queerness, this event says "nah, we're serving both, and seconds are encouraged." it's a reminder that joy is resistance, celebration is revolution, and that black queer love is a force that can change the world.
read more: [global black pride to be held in the u.s. for the first time]
extra gay sprinkles:
song on repeat: โparadise peopleโ by sam sparro
tiktok rabbit hole of the week: i actually donโt have one because iโm working on weaning myself off my tiktok addiction! iโve failed you on this one, readers.
gay culture is: planning your fall wardrobe while it's still 90 degrees outside (leather jacket season is a state of mind, okay?)
as we wrap up summer and head into fall, remember that our queer joy isn't confined to any season. we carry it with us every day, in every space we occupy, in every small act of authenticity and rebellion.
whether you're organizing for workers' rights or just existing unapologetically in a world that isn't always kind to us, you're part of this beautiful, messy, ongoing revolution.
so, mi amor, what end-of-summer queer chaos are you getting into this labor day weekend? drop a comment and let's keep this conversation going.
hasta la prรณxima, mis amores! ๐
edgardโ๐ฝ๐
p.s. stay safe out there during your labor day celebrations. wear sunscreen, stay hydrated (and not just with margaritas), and remember: consent is sexy, workplace exploitation is not. let's take care of each other, yeah?
Im excited for Leaneโs appointment as ED of Pride. I think sheโll do great things. And so grateful for Jen and Sarafina for stepping into a role they never intended on having and navigating a difficult ship so well!