OUTvoices Nashville | May 2021

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Publisher’s Letter Welcome to the debut issue of OUTvoices Nashville! As many of you know, the magazine formerly known as Out & About Nashville has a new look, name, and focus. My team and I have been working very hard over the last few weeks to get everything just right before introducing you to OUTvoices Nashville.

There were a few bumps in the road, and I suspect that there will be a few more as we continue to transition to the OUTvoices brand, but it’s nothing we can’t handle. As OUTvoices Nashville we will join our sister publications in Phoenix, Kansas City, Chicago, and Indianapolis (soon to include New York and Las Vegas) as the out voice for the LGBTQ+ community in each city.

You might be wondering why the change? Out & About Nashville is a legacy LGBTQ+ publication and has been serving the Nashville LGBTQ+ community faithfully and respectfully for over 19 years.

When we purchased the publication in 2020, we felt like it was time to refresh the brand to better reflect the out voices of our diverse community. You will notice some design and layout changes in the print publication, and the website has been completely re-designed.

Over the next few weeks and months, you will see some new and exciting projects being launched.

One of the biggest benefits of being part of the OUTvoices network will be our ability to share content with other publications within our network, extending the reach and readership of the stories we publish far beyond our local area.

We will soon be able to share OUTvoices Radio, a streaming station featuring 24/7 LGBTQ+ talk radio content. We are pre-paring to air original TV shows, produced by our parent company Aequalitas Media exclu-sively for OUTvoices TV, on YouTube. Titles include The Gaycation Travel Show w/host Ravi Roth and the cooking show, Joe Eats World (currently a monthly column in OUTvoices Nashville), to name just a few.

Each OUTvoices location will produce content that engages with the local community. While we will mainly work with local content creators, we will also have access to nationally respected LGBTQ+ contributors delivering the thought-provoking content that our community demands and deserves. It is equally important to us that we continue to connect with our local LGBTQ+ groups and organizations to help promote the good and vital work that they do and support their efforts in any way that we can.

In the crazy times in which we live it is imperative that our community stays informed about important issues that affect us directly or indirectly. You have my word that my team is committed to bringing you news and information that you can trust, opinions that encourage dialogue and debate toward understanding and respect, and lifestyle content that uplifts and inspires you to get out there and experience our world.

OUTvoices Nashville is committed to being your respected LGBTQ+ publication.

We look forward to continuing to earn your trust and support as we evolve to become better LGBTQ+ publications. And I look forward to the great things we can and will accomplish together.

DJ Doran, Publisher

4235 Hillsboro Pike, Ste 300, Nashville, TN 37215 Phone 615-596-6210 OUTANDABOUTNASHVILLE.COM STAFF Publisher: Aequalitas Media, LLC

Group Publisher for Aequalitas Media Bill Gemmill Founder and Publisher Emeritus Jerry Jones Group Editor Aequalitas Media: Merryn Johns merryn@outvoices.us Managing Editor: James Grady jgrady@outandaboutnashville.com Sales & Marketing: Keith Chamlee Keith@outvoices.us Design, Layout and Production: Saul Santos fsdemianhades3@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Writers: DJ Doran, Lee Hatcher, Joe Morales, Jason Shawhan, Chris Spear Photographers: depositphoto.com, Joe Morales Cover: Bnenin / depositphotos.com, Saúl Santos National Advertising Representative: Aequalitas Media 3023 N Clark St #732, Chicago IL 60657 312-600-8823

CORRECTIONS

We regret that the February LGBTQ Business Directory and Travelers’ Guide listed an incorrect phone number for Karuna Therapeutic Solutions. Their correct phone number is 615-669-6621. We apologize for the confusion.

OPPORTUNITIES

Out & About Nashville welcomes volunteer writers, photographers and videographers throughout the year. If you’re interested in contributing to our publication, send an email to editor@outandaboutnashville.com with a resume, contact information and samples of your work if available. Our volunteer staff is unpaid, but contributors do receive credit for their work in our print publication and online. Those seeking an internship in journalism or mass communications are strongly encouraged to apply.

LEGAL

Out & About Nashville strives to be a credible community news organization by engaging and educating our readers. All content of Out & About Nashville is copyrighted 2017 by Out & About Nashville, Inc. and is protected by federal copyright law and shall not be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. All photography is licensed stock imagery or has been supplied unless otherwise credited to a photographer and may not be reproduced without permission. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers and cartoonists published herein is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or pictorial representations does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of the person or persons. Out & About Nashville accepts unsolicited material but cannot take responsibility for its return. The editor reserves the right to accept, reject or edit submissions. All rights revert to authors upon publication. The editorial positions of Out & About Nashville are expressed in editorials and in the editor’s notes as determined by the editor. Other opinions are those of writers and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Out & About Nashville or its staff. Letters to the editor are encouraged but may be edited for clarity and length. There is no guarantee that letters will be published. Out & About Nashville only accepts adult advertising within set guidelines and on a case-by-case basis.

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Album Review

Canadian Dj/ Producer Edmond Huszar—aka “Overwerk”—has been producing Electro House since the early 2010s. Ever since I discovered Overwerk, I have been a huge fan. Most of his music contains a good balance of orchestral instruments and elements. The first thing that stands out to me when I listen to his music is the sound design. The way he creates space in his build ups is second to none. Not only is his music captivating but it is meticulously crafted. When I first saw that he was releasing new music, I was beyond excited.

Pretty quickly after the announcement, Overwerk released his 8 track LP, Vessel. The album begins with “Parallel,” which like so many of his tracks greets us with layers of lush strings. Abruptly a whirling bass almost like a siren breaks the tension. Throughout most of the track the bass stays the same note and pattern. In doing this, he creates a really slick build up at the song’s climax when all the elements get more intricate and build up at once. The strings throughout are always deteriorated to some extent, creating a haunting feeling. This song would fit nicely in a horror movie soundtrack.

The chord progression on “Geist” is hypnotic. The build-ups in this song are brilliantly crafted. I love the use of silence right before an intense bass note. The first thing I noticed at the beginning of “Presence” is the textures used to add to the beats. There is also some really interesting use of reverb and echo. The chorus has a great use of pads and arpeggiated horns. I always picture floating out in space when I listen to this song. Overwerk loves using similar sounds or recurring melodies in his music.

VESSEL

Review:

BY OVERWERK

Chris Spear

“Pictures” has some old sounds fans will recognize at the intro. The beats in the first chorus are so fun. They almost sound like falling blocks that are bit crushed when they hit the floor. The vocals on this song are great. I have always enjoyed his vocal tracks because they have a lot of substance.

A more industrial sounding track, “Bridge” starts out with an array of machine sounds that don’t seem to make sense until they are all layered on top of each other. I love the buzzing bass in this song. It slowly becomes more aggressive over time and eventually delights us with a killer breakbeat.

“Sense”, featuring iKell, a Nigerian-based artist, is sung in an African English dialect. Throughout the track there is a snare that sounds like a vocal is layered on top that creates a really strange but fun effect. I’m not sure why, but I tend to enjoy vocal tracks in other languages. The bassline and pads are infectious and compliment the vocals wonderfully.

My favorite song on the album has to be “Resonate.” I love the progression of the arpeggiated bass. The way Overwerk creates his build-ups just always gets me so energized. He creates so much tension with musical arrangement that, when the beat finally kicks in, it’s hard not to dance.

The melody in “Beyond” is brilliant. The vocoded vocals are done right, using the clean vocal to add to the buildup and drop. Again this is another vocal where the lyrics have substance. Talking about going beyond fear and looking at the world with love.

I have listened to this album at least once if not a few times a day since its release, and I have to say that I am obsessed. If you like beautifully crafted dance music, I highly recommend listening to this album on a set of good speakers. I can’t wait to see what Overwerk has in store for a live set, once things normalize a bit more with the world!

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Lifestyle

FRIDAY, JUNE 4 JAPANESE BREAKFAST | SOCCER MOMMY DERRICK BARRY AS BRITNEY SPEARS | THE BLAM BLAMS | KENNA CYA INHALE | ALEXIA NOELLE | VIDALIA ANNE GENTRY | CHEVELLE BROOKS

SATURDAY, JUNE 5 TODRICK HALL | TANK AND THE BANGAS COCO MONTRESE | FREAK DADDY | MANRELIC SHELBY LA BANKS | BRITNEY BANKS | CHYNA | PORTIA CLINIQUE

MAIN EVENT PARKING LOT TICKETS

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The Special Shelf

The Special Shelf: by the

Saved Bell Jason Shawhan There’s a certain subset of Generation X queer folk who came to Saved By the Bell via Showgirls. They were a bit too old for the series during its initial run, but conscious of camp and cinematic controversy and all too aware of how shocking it was that Jessie Spano was getting into it in a Paul Verhoeven film. It was as if the universe was beckoning back from the glitz and tacky flash to this hacky sitcom meant to keep vaudeville wit and classic TV aesthetics alive in the minds of younger generations already being drawn toward cable, “the MTV rock video games,” and eventually the Internet. And late 1995, early ‘96, the Turner networks ran blocks of the original Saved By The Bell that seemed to lurk, ready to appear on a TV whenever someone turned one on after class, or stumbling back from some late night shenanigans.

And just as that Jessie Spano/ Nomi Malone continuum defined the Saved By The Bell journey at that time, twentyfive-plus years on, in a world that is both somewhat more evolved when it comes to addressing issues of sexuality and yet even more bent on selfdestruction via climate crisis and corporate greed, a new Saved

By The Bell has emerged to step up and make the world a better place. While the original ‘90s run (including its initial Hayley Mills-featuring debut) was decently charming comedic water treading, it didn’t exactly have particularly lofty goals outside of the most basic “save planet,” “drugs no,” “quit it sexism” outlines.

This new Saved By the Bell is kind of amazing. It’s smart, both in what its writing addresses and how zippy and quotable the ten episodes of its first season are. But more than that (and this is definitely due to the presence of 30 Rock writer Tracey Wigfield in the development process), this show scratches that 30 Rock itch.

The idea is a good one: an underfunded California school has been closed, with many of its (diverse, non-rich) students transferred to Bayside High. So in addition to the plastic adventures of the Bayside students, you have kids deconstructing it from the inside out. And most of the original cast from back in the day are here in some capacity, including emotional touchstone Jessie Spano, now a

guidance counselor (but not an evil one). Like most gay men, I like to see Elizabeth Berkley successful, and I delight in having her around, helping shape the minds of the future.

Now, if you’ve made it this far, you’re wondering why this show merits an appearance in The Special Shelf (other than the presence and continued involvement of Saint Nomi Malone). And it’s because of Lexi. Played by trans actress Josie Totah, Lexi is a young trans woman navigating the modern high school experience, and she is the Jenna Maroney of the 2020s. This show’s cast is across the board funny and perceptive, and they have a great collective chemistry that keeps you watching (I watched the whole season the Sunday after the flood, on a friend’s couch, trying to keep it together). But considering the really horrifying attacks on trans kids across the country (and in the UK), there’s something really refreshing and inspiring about a mainstream show that explores the emotional whack-a-mole of high school dating that includes LGBTQIA folk, and it’s rapturous.

Give this a chance, because it will help your mood. Promise...

Also, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention “Montero (Call Me By Your Name),” the exquisitely, floridly gay epic video from Lil Nas X. I have so much respect for how he brought so many issues into the discourse that simply get ignored time and time again. Riffing on Milton’s Paradise Lost and FKA twigs’ “Cellophane,” this video had the whole world stopping and parsing the legacy of organized religion’s use of shame against queer folk, and it was delicious. It’s a text that offers up a semiotic buffet for the viewer, and it’ll be something we see reflected and refracted in interesting and provocative queer art for decades to come. Ride the pole, take the horns.

Saved By The Bell, both incarnations, streams on NBC/Universal’s Peacock app. Lil Nas X’s “Montero” video is everywhere on the Internet. And if you’d like an Elizabeth Berkley afternoon, Showgirls is streaming/available on Cinemax, The First Wives Club is streaming/available on Showtime, and Roger Dodger is streaming on Tubi.

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Cover Article

GETTING

OUT & ABOUT Enjoying Tennessee This Summer

Places to Stay Eco-friendly lodging options help play a significant part in reducing water, plastic and energy waste every day. Here are a few lodging options that will have guests snoozing smart and more carefree all night long:

The Crash Pad – Chattanooga

Located in Chattanooga, this eco-friendly, LEED-certified glamping spot is unlike any other. Offering 24 bunk beds or five private rooms, complimentary DIY breakfast and walking distance to some of the area’s restaurants and bars, this classic, yet charming hostel provides visitors with a blend of reclaimed and renewable resources to ensure the best of energy efficiency while supporting local sustainable businesses.

Hutton Hotel – Nashville

Known for its four-star, four-diamond service, the Hutton Hotel goes above and beyond to provide its guests with an eco-friendly stay. From the time guests arrive, they are greeted by bamboo floors and furniture made from reclaimed wood. The rooms are equipped with automatic, motion detection lights, and to cut back on the use of plastic guests can find soap, shampoo and conditioner all in dispensers.

David Crockett State Park Cabins – Lawrenceburg

The David Crockett State Park Cabins are perfect for a weekend getaway. Equipped with geothermal-powered HVAC units and gas fireplaces, these LEED-certified vacation homes are ahead of the curve on energy conservation. The state park also has the Tennessee Naturalist Program which serves as an educational training program to provide service and outreach efforts to help preserve Tennessee’s natural beauty and resources.

Lee Hatcher We are over a year into the pandemic, a year when most of us have avoided gatherings, getting out and about, and enjoying the world around us, except in small solitary doses. And we aren’t out of the woods yet. But as another summer dawns, and as the vaccination drive picks up steam, we know many are itching to exercise their freedom, get together with friends, and stretch their proverbial legs.

Vaccination isn’t a passport back to “normal life” though, but as summer begins, we thought it would be a fun time to review some ways to enjoy all the variety Tennessee has to offer this season. As we all know, now, socializing is safer outdoors and while maintaining social distancing, even post vaccine. So we do encourage people to keep those practices in mind, even as we offer these suggestions for enjoying the natural beauty, and the natural flavors, of Tennessee this summer! And with Earth Day having just passed, you can also enjoy knowing that these options promote environmental responsibility!

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Getting Out & About

Cover Article

Places to Play Whether you are looking to explore Tennessee’s great outdoors or wander down the cities charming neighborhoods, these unique attractions offer environmentally friendly fun all while stressing the importance of being sustainably responsible.

Historic Collinsville Pioneer Settlement – Collinsville

Once the Settlement opens June 5 for the season, guests can stroll through a re-creation of the past from the earliest “first home” to the expansive Dogtrot House, a tobacco-drying house, smokehouse, church/schoolhouse, wildlife center, loom house, cobbler’s shop, teacher’s home and more. Picnic tables are placed throughout the property and a covered pavilion with tables and restrooms, is also on site. A visitor center greets guests and offers period souvenirs.

Tennessee Aquarium – Chattanooga

Make a splash by visiting the Tennessee Aquarium to learn more about the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute, their scientific studies and what they are doing to restore and conserve the earth’s ecosystems. Through their Global Passport Program, guests can learn more about different species from around the world and the role they play in their environment.

Able – Nashville

Places to Eat People come to Tennessee from all over to try its award-wining restaurants and signature dishes whether it’s a southern comfort dish or a night out at one of the many farm-to-table establishments across the state. Dive into these local, sustainable-friendly restaurants, bars and wineries that play a part in reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

Husk – Nashville

Known for their ever-changing menu of fresh ingredients all from the south, Husk takes Southern cuisine to the next level. This farmto-table approach provides a menu full of seasonal food and drinks all while saving the environment and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Local Goat – Pigeon Forge

Located in Pigeon Forge, the Local Goat specializes in locally sourced and sustainable foods. Customers can enjoy a selection of craft food and drinks such as “bhaahhbu” back ribs, ahi tuna steak, a buckberry old fashioned and much more.

Winery at Seven Springs Farm – Maynardville

Wander down the historic “Thunder Road” to the charming Winery at Seven Springs Farm. This winery like many others across the state makes its wine on-site which helps to cut back on long-haul delivery and greenhouse gas emissions. They offer tours across the vineyard for their visitors to learn about how they make their wine and take in the picturesque views.

While in Nashville, stop by Able, an ethical fashion brand dedicated to sustainability. The company strives to make a positive impact on the environment by using recycled packaging and mailers, repurposing discarded hides for their leather products, creating all their jewelry by hand without the harsh chemicals needed from a manufacturer and picking clothes that are made from all-natural fibers.

Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park – Johnson City

Guests can cycle their way through Earth Day at the Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park. With over 40 acres of terrain and trails, bicyclists and hikers of all ages can spend the day in the great outdoors enjoying the beauty of Johnson City.

Hike MoCo – Wartburg

Established in 2017, Hike Morgan County is a network designed to encourage hikes on Morgan County trails and promote a healthy lifestyle. Throughout the network’s organized hikes, hikers are encouraged to pick up trash along the way to help preserve the beauty of Morgan County’s trails and surrounding areas.

Sometimes it is easy to forget how much your home state has to offer! This diverse selection represents a tiny portion of what a quick daycation or staycation in Tennessee has to offer. And there’s a lot more we couldn’t include, even just in the Nashville area. You don’t have to be a tourist to find some place awesome to eat, play or stay in Tennessee—maybe even local places you haven’t heard of—so check out the resources at tnvacation.com for more information!

East Nashville Beer Works – Nashville

Make a toast to Earth Day with friends and family at East Nashville Beer Works by sipping away on its locally brewed beer. A member of the Tennessee Sustainable Spirits program, the brewery aims to reduce their environmental impact and energy footprint through practices such as using tankless water heaters and implementing temperature controls. nashville.outvoices.us

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Joe Eats World

Hom e b re w ing Your O w n B e e r for the S um m e r !

Joe Morales I’m going to take a break from some of the kitchen basics and talk about beer. The art of beer making to be exact. I know.

You can go out and buy beer—it’s cheaper and easier. While there is fun in that, it’s even more fun to make it.

Beer making falls into a few culinary categories. It’s cooking.

It’s fermenting. And it’s a little cooking science.

In a nutshell, you’re activating the yeast, you’re feeding the yeast, you’re adding flavors (hops, malt, herbs, etc.), and then you’re fermenting and aging. One of the hardest parts, however, is waiting.

I will tell you right now, the instructions say 30 days, but in all actuality, it’s closer to 60. Which is fine, especially if you have a rotation going (#goals).

I decided to do a test run on a beer kit because I was going to teach a class on it. Since I had never made it before, a practice run was probably a good idea. It took about half a day to prep and get the ingredients together. It took a little fi-nesse but it came together nicely. The really exciting part of it all was waking up in the morning and seeing the yeast foaming, bubbling, and eating the sugar.

Side note: if you don’t see that, then something went wrong, and you probably killed your yeast.

The beer kit I used was an Oktoberfest beer kit from Craft A Brew (craftabrew.com). It is technically a type of lager, but it has a higher ABV. The starter kit is about $50 with some styles running a bit more. Refills are about $15. For the record, I enjoyed the craft beer making so much, I bought 2 refills.

Each beer kit and refill comes with its own set of instructions. I am paraphrasing the instructions for this article so you can see the rough process before you dive into your own beer making adventure. I also assume, if you choose to brew your own beer, you have the necessary kit and equipment.

Oktoberfest Beer Recipe Directions From Craft A Brew Starting your brew day 1. Sanitize–The first step is to sanitize your equipment. This includes the gal-lon carboy (think large growler) and all the kit pieces for a minimum of 1 mi-nute in the sanitizing solution.

Then let everything dry on clean paper tow-els. Sanitizing is required because, if any bacteria gets into your brewing equipment, it can ruin the batch or it can make you sick.

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2. Brewing– a. Pour a gallon of water into your pot. I would use a stock pot for this to minimize any boil over. You will have to add more water after the brewing process so that you are brewing 1 gallon. Bring to a simmer.

b. While you are waiting for the water to boil, put the grains in the steep-ing bag and tie the opening in a knot.

When the water reaches 155 de-grees (use a cooking thermometer), steep the grains for about 20 minutes while keeping the temperature at 155 or as close to it as possible. After 20 minutes, remove grain bag and discard.

DO NOT SQUEEZE the excess water: it will release bitter flavors and sediment into the beer.

c. Bring the unfermented beer, which is called wort, to a boil. Once you see the first big boiling bubble, turn off the burner and remove from heat.

d. Take your dry malt extract and stir into the pot slowly. It gets a little sticky, so make sure you mix it thoroughly, avoiding clumsiness or getting it stuck to the bottom of your pot. After the malt has devolved, bring the wort to a slow rolling boil. Here is where you can get boil overs. If it begins to boil over, remove from the heat and blow on the foam.

e. After it has come to a rolling boil, add half of the bitter hops blend and bring to a boil for 60 minutes using a timer.

f. Add the other half of hops blend, the aroma part, when you have 2 minutes left on the timer.

Homebrewing Your Own Beer for the Summer!

g. Cool down the wort to 75 degrees. To do this, create an ice bath in your sink with ice and cold water. Put a lit on the pot, so you don’t get any contaminates in the wort.

h. Once the wort is below 75 degrees, pour the wort into the carboy (growler) using the funnel. If there is any sludge or sediment in the pot, make sure to leave as much of that behind. You can also use a fine mesh strainer.

i. Most likely the liquid will not be 1 gallon. At this point, add cool water to the carboy to bring it to 1 gallon. There is a marker on the carboy indicating 1 gallon. Open the yeast, and add it to the mixture.

j. Add the rubber stopper, and place it into the carboy opening. Cover the hole on the rubber stopper and shake the mixture and yeast to-gether for about 1 minute. Do not overmix, otherwise you can create oxidation.

k. Add the blow off assembly to prevent overflowing. You just place the tube into the opening and the other end into a container filled halfway with water. This is to allow CO2 to escape. but keeps the oxygen out.

Joe Eats World

5. Conditioning–Store the bottles in a warm dark place for 2 weeks to let the beer condition and carbonate. After 2 weeks, you can refrigerate, then obvi-ously drink and enjoy!

Some beers will be better if they age longer. This is why I said it took me 60 days. I clarified it (extra siphon) and stored it a little longer.

Again, this is just an overview. Each kit will have its own set of instructions. It was well worth the wait because the beer was amazing, especially since it was my first time.

Since the weather is getting better and better each day, now is the perfect time to tackle your own beer brewing, so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor this summer.

Next up for me, my IPA and Double Hops beer kits…

Medical research hasn’t always seen you.

We’re changing that.

3. Fermentation– The fermentation should begin in 12-72 hours.

You will see foaming and bubbling of the CO2. It reminded me of those old sea monkeys you could get years ago. A few days later, the bubbling slows down, but the fermentation is still happening. Place your carboy somewhere cool and dark for 2 weeks. Don’t allow it to get too hot or too cold. Ideally the temp should be between 60 and 75 degrees.

4. Bottling–I used swing top bottles. I only had clear glass, but they worked just fine. You can get bottle caps or the swing tops.

It’s your preference real-ly.

a. Sanitize the bottles and the rest of the bottling equipment.

b. Mix your priming sugar into a pot and heat until dissolved.

c. Once the sugar water is completely cooled, siphon the beer into the pot to mix the sugar water into the beer. This will feed the yeast and give your beer the carbonation it needs.

Learn more at joinallofus.org/fiftyforward 615-743-3431

d. Siphon the beer from the pot into your sanitized bottles

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Movies

DENNIS R. UPKINS

Dispel:

2020 would be considered by many to have been a reckoning that brought more than its share of hardship and tragedy. However, for some of us, 2020 bestowed more than a few blessings. For some it was reconnecting with loved ones; an exceptional woman of color becoming the Vice President of United States. For me personally, it was receiving a brand-new niece. Another blessing was the discovery of the 2019 short film, Dispel, which features the iconic Gina Torres.

Full transparency here! Anyone who knows me for eight seconds knows that I am a devout disciple of Gina Torres. She is the embodiment of poise, wisdom, beauty, and power. Her catalog of work as an actress, producer, activist, trailblazer and mother is a testament to the fact that she is simply perfection personified.

If you’ve seen Season 4 of Angel, with messianic deity Jasmine (played by Torres) and her disciples or for that matter Glory and her minions from season 5 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, then you have an idea of what my daily devotionals are giving.

Beyond Ms. Torres, the premise of the short film was something that resonated with me and certainly garnered my attention.

Dispel is the story of 12-year-old Lizzie and is told from her point of view in an imaginative and fantastical manner. Distraught over learning that her older brother is moving out of the house to join the military, Lizzie realizes she would now be alone and forced to contend with her abusive mother, whose addiction makes her a monster on a number of levels. Inspired by the tv series of her favorite cosmic champion, Celeste Skygoode (played by Torres), Lizzie is determined to dispel the monsters and restore the good in her mother.

Where to begin. Let’s start with the bad. My only complaint about Dispel is the same one I had for Love, Simon.

That is—I wish there had been a story like this when I was Lizzie’s age. It definitely would have saved me so much in therapy. As a Black LGBTQ and a child abuse survivor, I know all too well the dearth of quality content like this for those who resemble me.

Because we live in a world where Black people are prosecuted for their own murders, it shouldn’t come as a shock that Black children are victim-blamed and vilified by the same individuals who would offer empathy to nonblack victims. Most Black children don’t get 12

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A Short Film

Dispel: A Short Film

Movies

heroes who reflect them. If we’re fortunate, some of those Black children grow up and become their own superheroes and a cosmic champion for others.

When Black suffering does become a topic of interest by the media or the public at large, that’s often a red flag. When media normalizes Black trauma and whitewashes and erases our history and legacy, it makes systemic racism and antiblackness the norm in real life. This film masterfully tackles the complicated issues of abuse, addiction, and trauma without being exploitative. The humanity of these Black protagonists is ever-present. Writer/Director Kylie Eaton proves that narratives of Black triumph can be produced successfully and deliver great artistry. Without question, this film is speculative fiction at its finest.

I take comfort in the fact that this film exists for future generations.

Hopefully, additional stories like Dispel will follow suit. In any event, my gratitude to Ms. Eaton, the cast and crew and everyone who made this film a reality.

And a special thanks to Gina Torres for being the Celeste Skygoode for myself and countless others.

Battle on Cosmic Champion!!!!!!

Dispel can be viewed on YouTube.

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Emma Davis

GETTING BACK OUT INTO THE WORLD 4 Healthy Ways to Enjoy Your Post-Vaccine Summer Emma Davis If you’re anything like the rest of the world, you’ve been spending the past year mostly inside and in front of a big screen (your T.V.), a medium-sized screen (your laptop), or a small screen (your phone).

That’s not healthy in the least bit, but it’s what you had to do to keep yourself and others safe.

But now that the COVID vaccine—aka “The Fauci Ouchie—is quickly becoming more and more available across the country, this summer is ramping up to be one that people across the country will never forget. If you’re planning on spending your new freedom outside, make sure to keep these four tips in mind to stay as healthy as possible.

De-Sugar Your Cocktails Drinking to cope with a global pandemic is so 2020. It’s a new year, and we’re going to be more intentional with our drinking. While we all deserve to have those moments where we throwback shots with reckless abandon, cocktails are a sneaky source of sugar. Even the calories from those “healthy” seltzers quickly add up.

Switching out the straight sugar and syrups for even natural sweeteners like honey can help you cut calories without noticing a change in taste. If you’re planning on having a few cocktails, remember clear spirits have fewer calories and make the morning after much more manageable.

Fun in the Sun, Safely We all know how dangerous tanning beds are—skin cancer is no joke. But don’t worry, we’re not expecting you to stay pasty and pale all summer long. If you’re planning on being out in the sun for long periods of time, whether it’s a rooftop bar or a picnic in the park, you’ll just want to stock up on sunscreen. You’ll still be able to develop your glow, but you’ll also be keeping your body safe from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

We recommend looking into moisturizers or make up foundations that have SPF already added into them. This way you can get that sun protection without even having to think about it!

Take Hydration Seriously It’s surprisingly easy for people to become dehydrated in the summer. But all of those White Claws are actually dehydrating you more than you’d think. Dehydration can give you a headache, make you feel lightheaded, and even put you in the hospital if enough fluids and electrolytes aren’t in your body.

When you go out, look for bars’ “skinny” options. These are your favorite cocktails but with some low sugar swaps! Be sure to ask your bartender!

A good rule of thumb when drinking in the heat (or whenever) is to drink one glass of water for every alcoholic drink you consume.

You’ll still get a solid buzz, and you’ll stay safe while under the sun. If you’re not a water drinker, flavoring your water with fresh fruits or a splash of fruit juice can make staying hydrated easier. Water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelon, strawberries, pineapples, cucumbers, and tomatoes are great summertime foods and can keep you hydrated (and partying) for longer.

Try Out a New Sport

Have Fun

Now that you’ve got a brand new microchip embedded in your arm, you’re probably feeling invincible. Take your newfound powers outside, where everything is just a little bit safer—and test out a new sport you may have been too nervous to try pre-pandemic!

After a long, stressful year we all deserve to have a little fun and enjoy ourselves. Whether it’s going out to a rooftop bar, taking a mini vacation, soaking up the sun on a backyard patio, or any other summer activity you enjoy, remember to stay safe and consider others as you venture back out into the public. The motto for this next year is to stay healthy and we hope this run-down could give you some easy ways to put it into practice!

Don’t worry if you’re a little more stiff than usual—you’ve been cooped up for a year and are bound to be less than limber. Whether you’re looking to try out swimming, golfing, or frisbee golf, you’ll want to make sure you’re stretched out and that your body is warmed up properly so you don’t hurt yourself.

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Emma is a true digital nomad. She spends her time writing and traveling the globe in pursuit of her next great adventure. From travel guides to career advice, she hopes to help readers see the world as she experiences it—helping others craft a life where they can work hard and play often.

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