Wounds to be tended, lessons to be learned.

I have some gigs lined up this month, but if folks are able to pitch in a little bit it’d really take a lot of stress off. A lot of things have changed for us financially in a short period of time and I fear this may continue to happen for a bit. I know times are tough for literally everyone right now, but basically if like 85 or so people chip in $5 each we’d be golden. Which is to say I have a goal of $425, but honestly anything at all towards that would help a lot! thank you!

Diné Weaver Venancio Aragón

"From researching historic twill patterns in museum collections to dyeing wool with Kool-Aid, Diné (Navajo) weaver and instructor Venancio Aragón interlocks research and experimentation to expand the visual and technical vocabularies of Diné weaving. Working on the Diné upright loom, Aragón is part of a generation of Diné weavers who reinterpret ancestral knowledge through experimentation, carrying the medium forward on their own terms. As he stated in our interview with him, “I am not a purist.”

Based in Farmington, New Mexico, Aragón is trained in cultural anthropology and Native American and Indigenous studies, currently teaching at Diné College, the Navajo Nation’s tribal college. Before transitioning to full-time weaving and teaching, Aragón worked as an interpretive park ranger at the Mesa Verde, Aztec Ruins, Bandelier, and Petroglyph National Monuments, where he led tours and developed public education initiatives. He was born to the Tó’aheedlíinii (The Water Flow Together People) clan and born for the Naakaii (Mexican people). His maternal grandfather is of the Tsénahabiłnii (Sleeping Rock) clan, and his paternal grandfather is of the Naakaii (Mexican people)."

Twinka Masala is one of the most genuine, passionate, kind and creative performers I have ever gotten the pleasure of knowing. Watching them perform is a magical experience, and the way they channel their culture and activism in their art is a true inspiration. I have been in awe of them since the moment we met, and they are going to absolutely blow you away. They move through the world with such incredible integrity and they are so incredibly witty and fun to share a green room or a carpool with. They have since moved out my city and the scene here misses them dearly, but it’s been so exciting to see them take Chicago by storm. I honestly cannot imagine running out of good things to say about them. You can buy Twinka merch here, and a portion of the sale from each shirt is donated to the Midwest Immigration Bond Fund!

Chase Lounge is a fucking powerhouse. I first met him when he was competing in a local king competition a few years ago, and since then he has skyrocketed into a position as one of the most impactful kings in the city. His numbers are sexy, high energy, funny, vulnerable, and thrilling. He has a heart as big as his personality, and his commitment to fat liberation and celebration of all things sapphic is such an incredible force for good. He is a joy to know and to work with, a true bright light in the scene and the kind of person you want to get as much time with as you can. He really knows how to make the people around him feel seen and appreciated, and has such a brilliant gift for the art of drag. You can buy Chase Lounge merch here!