Pride On The River Guide - 2022

IN-HOUSE WITCH & EDITOR Caroline DeBruhl CO-EDITOR Ray Roa

MARKETING,

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jack Spatafora SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Anthony Carbone, Scott Zepeda

MARKETING, PROMOTIONS AND EVENTS DIRECTOR

PUBLISHER James Howard

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jack Spatafora SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Anthony Carbone, Scott Zepeda

MARKETING, PROMOTIONS AND EVENTS COORDINATOR Lauren

2 MEETprideontheriver.orgTHEBOARD��05 SCHEDULE �� 07 PEPPER MASHAY INTERVIEW �� 09 BRIANNA SUMMERS INTERVIEW �� 11 ORACLE OF YBOR �� 13 CONTENTS

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Julio Ramos

MARKETING, PROMOTIONS AND EVENTS DIRECTOR Alexis Quinn Chamberlain PROMOTIONS AND EVENTS COORDINATOR Lauren

PHOTOGRAPHERS Jessie Stehlik/ FotoBohemia

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Julio Ramos

cltampabay_tips@protonmail.comcomments@cltampa.comLettersOurcltampa.comCaplingercldeals.commainnumber:(813)739-4800totheeditor:Anonymousnewstips: MEET THE BOARD ��05 SCHEDULE �� 07 PEPPER MASHAY INTERVIEW �� 09 BRIANNA SUMMERS INTERVIEW �� 11 ORACLE OF YBOR �� 13 CONTENTS

PUBLISHER James Howard IN-HOUSE WITCH & EDITOR Caroline DeBruhl CO-EDITOR Ray Roa PHOTOGRAPHERS Jessie Stehlik/ FotoBohemia

cltampabay_tips@protonmail.comcomments@cltampa.comLettersOurcltampa.comCaplingercldeals.commainnumber:(813)739-4800totheeditor:Anonymousnewstips:

Alexis Quinn Chamberlain

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Mark ‘Teacup’ Bias SECRETARY

Partner of Carrie West for nearly 50 years and dad to Ms. Delta Mae, an Australian Shepherd. When Mark’s not rahapping historic homes, he’s cement ing his legacy in the local LGBTQ commnity that’s seen him co-found Tampa Pride and the Gaybor coalition while also working behind more than 32 bars and clubs in Tampa Bay.

Paul Sparks

A 32 year old latino born in Mexico and raised in Florida, Alex moved to Tampa in 2008 to attend USF and earned a degree in Healthcare Administration and Public Health. Small Business owner and Ybor resident. Local and nationwide nonprofits volunteer. Joined Tampa Pride in 2021, currently the Volunteer Director and Co-Director of Pride On The River. Pronouns (he/his)

Gary retired from the Orlando Humane Society as Director of Finance, moved to the Tampa area and joined Tampa Pride as Treasurer in 2015.

ENTERTAINMENT CO-DIRECTOR

Paul is Vice President Operations, Diversity Parade Co-Director and Pride on the River Boat Parade Director forTampa Pride, Inc. He brings many years of hospitality experience in both the food and beverage and sales areas for both convention centers and hotels. With that background, Paul is able to provide much support and insight into planning the various functions con nected with Tampa Pride

Carrie West PRESIDENT

I

VOLUNTEERS DIRECTOR

VICE PRESIDENT EMERITUS

Debbie is Tampa Pride and Pride on the River’s co-director for entertainment. The USF grad with a Masters in education is also active in Equality Florida, PFLAG Riverview and other nonprofits. Before COVID-19 started, this loving Yorkie momma enjoyed going out to all the local entertainment clubs and shows seeing her chosen family. She also has a prelim inary pageant for National Royal Pride of Nations West Coast Division.

t takes a village to make anything happen, and an all out Pride parade on the river is no exception here are just some of the people who’re making Pride on the River a reality.

VILLAGE PEOPLE Meet the Tampa Pride family

VICE PRESIDENT EMERITUS

Paul is Vice President Operations, Diversity Parade Co-Director and Pride on the River Boat Parade Director forTampa Pride, Inc. He brings many years of hospitality experience in both the food and beverage and sales areas for both convention centers and hotels. With that background, Paul is able to provide much support and insight into planning the various functions con nected with Tampa Pride

VP Emeritus of Tampa Pride and co-chair of the Tampa Pride Diversity Parade and Pride on the River 2022. Mark also helped head-up the Snow on Seventh Parade in Ybor City and was formerly the President of the Gaybor Coalition. When he’s not busy with community events, Mark is helping people find their per fect home as a Tampa Bay area Realtor.

John Chambrone

Howard Grater TREASURER

VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS

Partner of Mark Bias for nearly 50 years and dad to Ms. Delta Mae, an Australian Shepherd. When Carrie’s not rehabbing historic homes in and around Ybor City, he’s driving the bus at Tampa Pride where he’s been president since 2014. His roots in the LGBTQ community run deep as he was a founding mem ber of both St. Pete Pride and Gay Day at Disney.

Gary retired from the Orlando Humane Society as Director of Finance, moved to the Tampa area and joined Tampa Pride as Treasurer in 2015.

Partner of Mark Bias for nearly 50 years and dad to Ms. Delta Mae, an Australian Shepherd. When Carrie’s not rehabbing historic homes in and around Ybor City, he’s driving the bus at Tampa Pride where he’s been president since 2014. His roots in the LGBTQ community run deep as he was a founding mem ber of both St. Pete Pride and Gay Day at Disney.

Mark has been proudly serving the Tampa Bay area community since moving here more than 10 years ago. He is

Debbie is Tampa Pride and Pride on the River’s co-director for entertainment. The USF grad with a Masters in education is also active in Equality Florida, PFLAG Riverview and other nonprofits. Before COVID-19 started, this loving Yorkie momma enjoyed going out to all the local entertainment clubs and shows seeing her chosen family. She also has a prelim inary pageant for National Royal Pride of Nations West Coast Division.

A 32 year old latino born in Mexico and raised in Florida, Alex moved to Tampa in 2008 to attend USF and earned a degree in Healthcare Administration and Public Health. Small Business owner and Ybor resident. Local and nationwide nonprofits volunteer. Joined Tampa Pride in 2021, currently the Volunteer Director and Co-Director of Pride On The River. Pronouns (he/his)

Paul Sparks

I

5prideontheriver.org

Deb Ducko ENTERTAINMENT CO-DIRECTOR

Mark has been proudly serving the Tampa Bay area community since moving here more than 10 years ago. He is

John Chambrone ENTERTAINMENT CO-DIRECTOR

Alex Barbosa VOLUNTEERS DIRECTOR

John’s involvement with Tampa Pride goes back years and started after the inaugural pride when Carrie West asked him to help with entertainment where he’s now co-chair who worked tirelessly to bring the Pride on the River lineup to life. This is John’s first year working on this event and he is really excited to be a part of it.

VP Emeritus of Tampa Pride and co-chair of the Tampa Pride Diversity Parade and Pride on the River 2022. Mark also helped head-up the Snow on Seventh Parade in Ybor City and was formerly the President of the Gaybor Coalition. When he’s not busy with community events, Mark is helping people find their per fect home as a Tampa Bay area Realtor.

Volunteers from last year’s Pride on the River

Carrie West PRESIDENT

Partner of Carrie West for nearly 50 years and dad to Ms. Delta Mae, an Australian Shepherd. When Mark’s not rahapping historic homes, he’s cement ing his legacy in the local LGBTQ commnity that’s seen him co-found Tampa Pride and the Gaybor coalition while also working behind more than 32 bars and clubs in Tampa Bay.

Mark Eary

Deb Ducko ENTERTAINMENT CO-DIRECTOR

Mark ‘Teacup’ Bias SECRETARY

Howard Grater TREASURER

t takes a village to make anything happen, and an all out Pride parade on the river is no exception here are just some of the people who’re making Pride on the River a reality.

VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS

Volunteers from last year’s Pride on the River

John’s involvement with Tampa Pride goes back years and started after the inaugural pride when Carrie West asked him to help with entertainment where he’s now co-chair who worked tirelessly to bring the Pride on the River lineup to life. This is John’s first year working on this event and he is really excited to be a part of it.

Mark Eary

Alex Barbosa

VILLAGE PEOPLE Meet the Tampa Pride family

JESSIE

U

nless you’re coming in drag, you won’t have to get up before noon for Tampa’s Pride on the River. The day-long party, set for Saturday, Sept. 24 kicks off near Water Street at the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk and wraps up with fireworks at the Armature Works pier. See the schedule and details below.

After brunch, find your sea legs, a friend with a boat, or fire up your own vessel for the diversity boat parade which takes off at 4 p.m. from the Garrison Channel located in between Marriott Water Street and Harbour Island. The parade—featuring boats decked out in full, loving, pride regalia—will then make its way down the Hillsborough River towards Armature Works. If you’re watching from the shoreline, don’t forget to wave your Pride flags, signs and blow lots of kisses. 4 p.m. Garrison Channel. Sign your boat up via prideontheriver.org.

The timeline for Tampa’s Pride on the River.

Riverside Festival at the Pier at Armature Works: Jiggly Caliente w/Ra’jah O’Hara/ Pepper Mashay/Brianna Summers/Actual Bank Robbers/more

PARTY TIME

After a full-day of entertainment, sit with your friends and family to enjoy a fireworks show presented by Busch Gardens. 8:15 p.m. Armature Works Pier, 1910 N Ola Ave.

PrideAve.on the River Fireworks

Drag Brunch at Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk

7prideontheriver.org

STEHLIK/FOTO BOHEMIA

Diversity Boat Parade

The diversity boat parade culminates in Tampa Heights at the Riverside Festival happening on the Pier at Armature Works. Running from 4 p.m.-9 p.m., the fes tival features an afternoon of music, performances and family-fun at Tampa’s premiere outdoor gathering spot and food hall. This event is free to the public with a lim ited number of tickets available for the Diamond Lounge area. More than a dozen artists including Jiggly Caliente, Ra’jah O’Hara, Pepper Mashay, Brianna Summers, plus more queens, bands, DJs and aerialists are all on the schedule. 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Armature Works Pier, 1910 N Ola

Extravaganza

Brianna Summers kicks the Pride on the River celebra tion off at 1 p.m. with a limited-seating drag brunch on the riverwalk. 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk, 200 N Ashley Dr. Reservations recommended.

It wasn’t until the 1990s, when she was singing with Vonda Shepard at a club, that a Swedish man approached her at a show and suggested she go to Europe. She was working on her first dance demos when her ex-man ager suggested a name change.

o say that Pride on The River’s headliner, Pepper MaShay, is a Dance music Diva is both true and misleading. While she’s best known for her song “Dive In The Pool,” featured on “Queer as Folk,” MaShay (born Jean McClain) has also been a studio musician for over 40 years, recording with everyone from Whitney Houston to Mick Jagger to Phish under her other moniker, “Sister Jean.”

By Caroline DeBruhl

8 prideontheriver.org

While many celebrities use Twitter as a way to connect with fans or promote their work, MaShay’s Twitter (@peppermashay) is almost exclu sively political.

T

“I got freckles, and he said ‘Pepper’ would be great as your first name.’” She added the last name MaShay (though some misprints spell it ‘Mâché’) and her Diva name was born.

SHAY WHAT Catching up with Pride on the PepperheadlinerRiverMaShay.

“We went everywhere with Hugh,” she said, noting trips across Asia, South America, and Europe. I asked if there was a favorite place for her.

“It would have to be Ukraine. I became like a promoter of that country. This was in 2013-2014, right before and during [the annexation of] Crimea. And I would ask the young people, ‘What are your aspirations in life?,” MaShay explained. “And they would tell me, ‘We want to be able to have our own freedom, we want to be able to decide our destiny and not be worried about our homeland…and I would take that message back to Twitter to let [people] know that those people over there, we need to help them.”

MaShay spent the bulk of the ‘90s in England, creating Deep House and U.K. garage with DJs such as Joey Negro (now Dave Lee), Artful Dodger, and Thunderpuss. While she was performing as Pepper MaShay, she still worked and toured at the same time as “Sister Jean,” and even went on two international tours with “House, MD” star Hugh Laurie, who’s also, appar ently, a blues musician.

9prideontheriver.org Tribeca Salons is the second largest LGBTQ+ employer in the Tampa Bay area, as listed in the Tampa Bay Business Journal 3 Locations, Each As Unique As You: TribecaSalons.com (813)250-0208

It is this spirit of collaboration that MaShay loves about dance music, and is excited to debut new tracks for her Pride on The River Set. This year, MaShay will be performing with Cuban DJ Marisol Musick, who brings in Latin, reggaeton, bachata, and tribal music to the tracks. (“It’s like Bad Bunny,” MaShay tells me.)

“I would just want to get inside his head and fig ure out ‘what is it about LGBTQIA people that you’re against?’ And I would also ask him to just stop hating people. Hate, to me ,is the poison of a human’s mind and body and soul. And when you project that out into the world, it just contaminates the whole human spirit, Darling.”

“Twitter gave me a voice,” she said, noting that before the social media network, she was active at emailing whitehouse.gov and calling politicians. To MaShay, there is no difference between politics and dance music. Dance music has always been blacker and browner and queerer than most spaces and has often blended different types of music together.

“I would just want to get inside his head and fig ure out ‘what is it about LGBTQIA people that you’re against?’ And I would also ask him to just stop hating people. Hate, to me ,is the poison of a human’s mind and body and soul. And when you project that out into the world, it just contaminates the whole human spirit, Darling.”

It is this spirit of collaboration that MaShay loves about dance music, and is excited to debut new tracks for her Pride on The River Set. This year, MaShay will be performing with Cuban DJ Marisol Musick, who brings in Latin, reggaeton, bachata, and tribal music to the tracks. (“It’s like Bad Bunny,” MaShay tells me.)

“[Republicans] are looking more towards Viktor Orban of Hungary, who is totally against mixed race people, which is a lot of us here…,” she said. “It’s just the idea of everybody carving out their territory on how they’re going to make it through life. And a lot of us feel that we should do it together instead of apart.”

Tribeca South Tampa 920 W Kennedy Blvd

Tribeca Ybor 1600 E 8th Ave • Suite A-137

MaShay, who is a part of the LBGTQ+ community, sees the current Republican party as one the rejects the multiculturalism that it rooted in dance music.

Tribeca Seminole Heights 6008 North Florida Ave

This will be MaShay’s second Tampa Pride event in two years, after performing at Tampa’s 2021 Pride parade. While MaShay loves Florida, Florida hasn’t been kind to the LGBTQ+ community over the past two years. With the “Don’t Say Gay” bill now in effect and the ban on trans youth healthcare in full swing, I asked Pepper what she would say if she was stuck in an elevator with Ron DeSantis.

“I wouldn’t cuss him out like I would have maybe 30-40 years ago,” she says with a grin before turning serious.

“Twitter gave me a voice,” she said, noting that before the social media network, she was active at emailing whitehouse.gov and calling politicians. To MaShay, there is no difference between politics and dance music. Dance music has always been blacker and browner and queerer than most spaces and has often blended different types of music together.

“I wouldn’t cuss him out like I would have maybe 30-40 years ago,” she says with a grin before turning serious.

MaShay, who is a part of the LBGTQ+ community, sees the current Republican party as one the rejects the multiculturalism that it rooted in dance music.

This will be MaShay’s second Tampa Pride event in two years, after performing at Tampa’s 2021 Pride parade. While MaShay loves Florida, Florida hasn’t been kind to the LGBTQ+ community over the past two years. With the “Don’t Say Gay” bill now in effect and the ban on trans youth healthcare in full swing, I asked Pepper what she would say if she was stuck in an elevator with Ron DeSantis.

“[Republicans] are looking more towards Viktor Orban of Hungary, who is totally against mixed race people, which is a lot of us here…,” she said. “It’s just the idea of everybody carving out their territory on how they’re going to make it through life. And a lot of us feel that we should do it together instead of apart.”

10 prideontheriver.org We take PRIDE in bringing the JOY of ART to ALL Enjoy free admission to our nonprofit gallery and eight curated exhibitions annually, featuring 250 Florida artists and nationally renowned artists, along with lectures and workshops. Visit 20 Artist’ working studios in Artlofts upstairs.

Fine

Craft Gallery in Downtown St. Pete Discover art by 250 of Florida’s fine craft artistS Ceramics, Fiber, Glass, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Metals, Sculpture, and Wood. 501 Central Ave. St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 821-7391 FloridaCraftArt.org Gallery Hours Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Admission is always free. Florida CraftArt is a statewide nonprofit serving artists and the community since 1951. Our mission is to grow the statewide creative economy by engaging the community and advancing Florida’s fine craft artists and their work.LandryKidd Gascot Freeman Derwent

SUMMERS TIME Pride on the River runs deep for Brianna Summers.

Of course. Obviously, my name is Briana Summers. I’m a local entertainer here in Tampa Bay. I travel all over Florida, though. I have my Drag By The Bay show in Gulfport, I have a show at the new Salty Nun In St. Pete, I’m on cast at Hamburger Mary’s in Clearwater, and per form a lot at Southern Nights and Bradley’s in Ybor City.

And I’m excited to do it again this year! I know we have some new things– I can’t really disclose what some new things are—but we’re hoping the boat parade is bigger. I know that our brunch is going to be changing

I’m just excited for the whole thing happening again. I’m ready for more people to experience this. I’m so ready.

And I’m excited to do it again this year! I know we have some new things– I can’t really disclose what some new things are—but we’re hoping the boat parade is bigger. I know that our brunch is going to be changing

a little bit, and I’m excited to host one big brunch. It’s gonna be this massive theater-style brunch with us performing. I also have a big production with a group of entertainers here in Tampa that will be debuting on the main stage. So think “Bring it On” with all stunts like acrobatics, cheerleaders, gymnasts.

So last year, it was really exciting to be a part of Tampa Pride on The River because it was the first of its kind in the country. We have the first ever Pride Boat parade, right here in Tampa Bay, where [we] have the biggest boat parades in the country for Gasparilla any and all of the sporting events. So for us to have our own parade was really amazing. I love seeing those hundreds and hundreds of people and pride flags all down the river… to look out and see people you don’t know cheering and then see people you do know and you’re there as a community…it was just such a great feeling. The whole day was just so magical.

a little bit, and I’m excited to host one big brunch. It’s gonna be this massive theater-style brunch with us performing. I also have a big production with a group of entertainers here in Tampa that will be debuting on the main stage. So think “Bring it On” with all stunts like acrobatics, cheerleaders, gymnasts.

Last year, you were part of the inaugural Pride on The River. What are some of your favorite parts about last year? What are some things that are new for this year that you’re excited to see?

his year, local performer Brianna Summers will host Pride on The River’s Drag Brunch and head down the river to liven up the Riverwalk and also take the stage at the Riverside Festival happening at the Armature Works pier. We sat down with Ms. Summers to hear about this year’s plans.

Are you going more Clovers or Torros?

Both.

Are you going more Clovers or Torros? Both.

I’m just excited for the whole thing happening again. I’m ready for more people to experience this. I’m so ready.

Amazing.

T

Hello Brianna Summers! First, for people who might not know you, would you mind telling us a bit about yourself and where people might find you?

T

By Caroline DeBruhl

his year, local performer Brianna Summers will host Pride on The River’s Drag Brunch and head down the river to liven up the Riverwalk and also take the stage at the Riverside Festival happening at the Armature Works pier. We sat down with Ms. Summers to hear about this year’s plans.

SUMMERS TIME Pride on the River runs deep for Brianna Summers.

Hello Brianna Summers! First, for people who might not know you, would you mind telling us a bit about yourself and where people might find you?

11prideontheriver.org

Last year, you were part of the inaugural Pride on The River. What are some of your favorite parts about last year? What are some things that are new for this year that you’re excited to see?

Of course. Obviously, my name is Briana Summers. I’m a local entertainer here in Tampa Bay. I travel all over Florida, though. I have my Drag By The Bay show in Gulfport, I have a show at the new Salty Nun In St. Pete, I’m on cast at Hamburger Mary’s in Clearwater, and per form a lot at Southern Nights and Bradley’s in Ybor City.

So last year, it was really exciting to be a part of Tampa Pride on The River because it was the first of its kind in the country. We have the first ever Pride Boat parade, right here in Tampa Bay, where [we] have the biggest boat parades in the country for Gasparilla any and all of the sporting events. So for us to have our own parade was really amazing. I love seeing those hundreds and hundreds of people and pride flags all down the river… to look out and see people you don’t know cheering and then see people you do know and you’re there as a community…it was just such a great feeling. The whole day was just so magical.

Amazing.

12 prideontheriver.org

13prideontheriver.org

By Caroline DeBruhl

SOUL, SWIMMING A SPECIAL PRIDE ON THE RIVER READING.

of being trapped and that childlike long ing comes to a head with the Wheel of Fortune. My deck shows a bear, a lion, and a stag looking up at the wheel, which suggests tapping into your wild, unbridled side and connecting to your truest self. This will help you

feel connected to your fate as Fortuna’s wheel spins. However, the Wheel of Fortune also means karma and duty. Many people working in human rights do end up burned out because their work does feel like a karmic duty—and it may feel “selfish” to leave it.

Dear LOL, I’m so sorry you’re experiencing burnout at your job. Over the past two years, I’ve answered many questions about burnout, and the Eight of Swords is a common card that pops up. It’s a card that represents the type of depression where you feel like there is no escape. You’re stuck here. You aren’t—at least Tarotly speaking. You can break out of your sword cage if need be.

CARDS: WAXING GIBBOUS, SIX OF CUPS, EIGHT OF SWORDS, WHEEL OF FORTUNE (ALL REVERSED)

Did you journal or write poetry when you had emotions to navigate?Thatfeeling

Dear

You mentioned that this burnout might be connected to creative neglect, and I agree. The Waxing Gibbous in my deck (Uusi’s “Pagan Otherworlds”) is a card about re-prioritizing and taking stock of where you’re at and where you want to be. Pair it with the nostalgic love of Six of Cups, and you can see what was important to you when you were younger. Was it your creativity? Did you use to write stories or plays in your youth or college?

Oracle, I have been doing this criminal Justice and prison work for trans pris oners for a while, and I’m feeling super burnt out. I feel like part of it is that I hav en’t been engaging with my creative stuff enough. I have been thinking about shifting to take what I have learned about the world in this space and turn it into a play or a story. Should I try this and possibly try a creative career? LOLoosing My Shit

If you do leave your criminal justice work, there’s a chance that you’ll feel quite a bit of guilt from it, like you’re abandoning your duty. I don’t know if this job is your fate or if a creative path is one for you, but I don’t think you have to choose just yet.

Newness is the theme of this spread. The New Moon card wel comes you to the dark of creation, that black sea where all ideas spring forth. It’s a time for new beginnings and transformations, which is what you’re looking for, and you might find that relocating to NYC is just the new beginning that you need.

I do suggest you start writing your stories or your play immedi ately. You might have to play around your schedule a bit to figure out when you work best (before or after work)

But try to commit time daily, even if it’s just half an hour to start with. If you have saved up vacation days, start taking one a month solely for creative projects. (I liked taking Mondays off.) Guard this time.

CARDS: SIX OF SWORDS, PAGE OF CUPS, NEW MOON Dear Creativity, while there is no specific “non-binary under wear model” card in Tarot, the half-naked Page of Cups, described as a “male Venus,” might be the closest thing to it. The Page of

And while the journey is necessary, it’s important to keep a level head about things. The Six of Swords can encounter some chopping waters, so you need to be realistic about things, which means if a modeling deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Find a lawyer you trust and go over any contracts you get with them. Understand that for many creative fields (music, modeling, writing, etc.) the people on the top make their money because they are selling you as a product. People may say some fucked-up things about your body so if you’ve ever struggled with body dysmorphia in the past, modeling might exacerbate it. If you can afford a thera pist, I highly recommend getting one before you start.

The Six of Swords is also a card that shows the weight of such a journey. Finding another part of yourself, whatever that looks like is a heavy thing. This won’t be an easy journey, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start it. Journeys of self-discovery, no matter how well mapped, rarely go the way we expect. Things may pop up that are uncomfortable but necessary. When you’re in the black ocean of creativity, try and enjoy that inky swim. You never know what will emerge.

Cups is a card of love and creativity, birthed from the ocean, and does occupy this space in-between this world and the Divine. Court cards are often people, and I think this lover who breathes creativity is the side of yourself that you’re missing.

But try to commit time daily, even if it’s just half an hour to start with. If you have saved up vacation days, start taking one a month solely for creative projects. (I liked taking Mondays off.) Guard this time.

Dear Oracle, I feel like I’m only living half of my life. My part ner and I have been thinking of moving to NYC to be closer to certain industries and creative people. I would love to know if moving there will create more space for my full self and help me to become more myself. (I want to be the first non-binary underwear model for Calvin Klein/be an underwear and swim suit model for work .)—Craving Creativity

The Six of Swords is also a card that shows the weight of such a journey. Finding another part of yourself, whatever that looks like is a heavy thing. This won’t be an easy journey, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start it. Journeys of self-discovery, no matter how well mapped, rarely go the way we expect. Things may pop up that are uncomfortable but necessary. When you’re in the black ocean of creativity, try and enjoy that inky swim. You never know what will emerge.

But try to commit time daily, even if it’s just half an hour to start with. If you have saved up vacation days, start taking one a month solely for creative projects. (I liked taking Mondays off.) Guard this time.

Cups is a card of love and creativity, birthed from the ocean, and does occupy this space in-between this world and the Divine. Court cards are often people, and I think this lover who breathes creativity is the side of yourself that you’re missing.

CARDS: SIX OF SWORDS, PAGE OF CUPS, NEW MOON Dear Creativity, while there is no specific “non-binary under wear model” card in Tarot, the half-naked Page of Cups, described as a “male Venus,” might be the closest thing to it. The Page of

14 prideontheriver.org

At the same time, I also recommend therapy and what Julia Cameron called “morning pages,” which is when you write three pages by hand every morning. It’s essential to do all three pages because it’s hard to bullshit for more than a page and a half. What starts out as bitching about your job suddenly becomes a subcon scious dive into your motivations to serve, which is helpful when trying to rediscover your wild heart.

Newness is the theme of this spread. The New Moon card wel comes you to the dark of creation, that black sea where all ideas spring forth. It’s a time for new beginnings and transformations, which is what you’re looking for, and you might find that relocating to NYC is just the new beginning that you need.

A PROUD SUPPORTER

Dear Oracle, I feel like I’m only living half of my life. My part ner and I have been thinking of moving to NYC to be closer to certain industries and creative people. I would love to know if moving there will create more space for my full self and help me to become more myself. (I want to be the first non-binary underwear model for Calvin Klein/be an underwear and swim suit model for work .)—Craving Creativity

You might decide to quit your job; you may not, but go ahead and dive into the creative deep end. Your soul could use the swim.

Dear Creativity, while there is no specific “non-binary under wear model” card in Tarot, the half-naked Page of Cups, described as a “male Venus,” might be the closest thing to it. The Page of