Grandpa Rock

My sister asked me after the Depeche Mode concert in March what I thought. I don’t remember what I said, exactly, but I eluded to being one of the youngest members in the audience. She rolled her eyes, signaling that answer was not sufficient. I enjoyed the show, thankful that I got a chance to…More

Unapologetic Inquiry #9

When was the first time you noticed that you or someone else was different? What did you make the difference mean about you? What did you make it mean about them? I’m not sure I can fully answer this question just due to my age at the time and my mom’s reaction. Let me preface…More

What’s In A Name?

A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet… About five years ago I changed my name. Not legally yet- too many loopholes and requirements currently- but to my friends and family (that matter) I’m Aries. I made the official announcement on Facebook and my aunt informed me that I was named after…More

Oxygen Masks

Anyone who has ever flown on a plane in the United States of America has heard the flight attendant remind you “If the oxygen masks fall from the ceiling, remember to put yours on before assisting those around you.” The reason for this is in case of loss of cabin pressure, the average person has…More

Not ALL Men

I had the misfortune of needing to call roadside assistance tonight. I was on the phone with a friend when a black Jeep showed up. I told my friend “I think roadside just got here but there’s nothing on the SUV that says they are AAA…” My friend was gracious and offered to stay on…More

Unapologetic Inquiry #8

What is your earliest memory of body shame? [Truncated] When I was 4 I was in ballet and tap classes. We were performing a tap dance to the oldies song Yellow Polka Dot Bikini and our costumes were, of course, yellow polka dot bikinis. As soon as we started having to try on our costumes…More

Words Are Powerful #4

This particular word I’m going to talk about is another one that is so normalized in society that literally no one bats an eye at it. Pretty much everyone says it and even media has embraced it and helped it to spread. Today, I’m talking about Girls. Now, I don’t mean girls in the sense…More

Unapologetic Inquiry #7

Who in your life is most affected by your body shame? How is it impacting them? My immediate thought is my niece. She is 18 years younger than me and the first several years of her life I was working in the weightloss industry and her grandmother was always on a diet. At 5 she…More

A Belated Birthday?

As many of you know, my birthday was on Easter this year, April 9. I had a lovely celebration with a couple friends who truly made me feel loved and valued. I went to check the mail today and found a card from my dad. I said some sort of aggressive things to him this…More

Words Are Powerful #3

Sometimes there are certain words or phrases that are so common, so used in society that we just accept them as our language. We don’t even question it. Today, I’m talking about Guys. Hey guys, how are ya? How’ve you guys been? Do you guys want me to take your picture? What are you guys…More