PULSE CWU’S STUDENT-RUN LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2022
SKINCARE 101
FASHION
THROWBACKS MAKE A COMEBACK
LIVING IN CONNECTION
KOMBU CHA-CHA
UNSEEN DANGERS OF MARIJUANA WINTER 2022
1
OUR TOWN
OUR TOWN 1 0 Moveable Menus 1 2 Student Side Hustles LIFE HACKS 1 6 Changing Up Ramen 1 8 A Jumpstart On Car Care 2 0 Skincare 101
Photo by Kassandra Eller
2
WINTER 2022
what’s INSIDE FASHION 2 2 Getting Thrifty 2 6 Poncho Party 2 8 Throwbacks Making A Comeback 3 4 Sneakerheads SPOTLIGHT 3 8 Unseen Dangers of Marijuana 4 4 Locked Closet 4 8 The Road to Sobriety: Peter Geyer’s Story
FOOD + DRINK 5 2 Kombu Cha-Cha 5 4 Relish the Recipes 5 8 Pizza: It’s All In The Crust 6 0 Booze & Bake AFTER DARK 6 4 Fighting Madness With Horror? 6 8 Living in Connection 74 For the Cash or For the Ass? 7 6 Claiming Queer Space in Hip-Hop
O N T H E C OV E R Lexi Wicks, Editor-in-Chief, posing for the photospread, “Throwbacks Making a Comeback” in a leather jacket and bright colored pants. Photo by Kassandra Eller Design by Katie Jo Stewart
16
34
58
WINTER 2022
3
WINTER 2022 LEADERSHIP STAFF CARTOON
EDITION
Lexi Wicks editor-in-chief
Kassandra Eller director of photography
Katie Jo Stewart art director
Noah Wright associate editor
Paije Maas assistant editor
Emma CrowE copy editor
Kate Caviezel social media & web manager
Illustrations by Sarah Stewart
PULSE STAFF Editorial
Design
Multimedia
editor-in-chief Lexi Wicks
art director Katie Jo Stewart
associate editor Noah Wright
designers Morgan Rosentrater Sarah Stewart
social media & web manager Kate Caviezel
assistant editor Paije Maas copy editor Emma CrowE writers Caya Berndt Sean Bessette Chase Beyer Spencer Clifton Chuck Dickson Kassandra Eller Ondrea Machin Justin Zabel
freelance designers Emily Lafave
Photography
Advising faculty adviser Jennifer Green 509-963-3216 jennifer.green@cwu.edu
director of photography Kassandra Eller photographers Michelle Reyes Inderjit Singh Katie Jo Stewart Lexi Wicks
PULSE magazine is a student-run lifestyle magazine, both in print and online at www.cwupulsemagazine.com. PULSE produces one issue an academic quarter. Student editors make policy and content decisions for the magazine, which serves as a public forum for student expression. PULSE serves the Central Washington University community with informative, engaging and interactive content covering campus and community life, trends and issues, and providing practical magazine and multimedia training.
WINTER 2022
5
behind t h e SCENES Our staff spent hours upon hours filling the magazine with fun, entertaining articles and along the way we even had some of our own fun. Take a behindthe-scenes look into the shenanigans the PULSE staff got into this quarter.
Noah Wright can be seen posing for Director-of-Photography, Kassandra Eller, and photographer, Michelle Reyes, for the story “Throwbacks Making a Comeback.” In this photo he is sporting a silk shirt which represents the 90s. To see the final shots turn to page 28.
6
WINTER 2022
Lexi Wicks, Editor-in-Chief, points to a Powerpoint presentation in the PULSE classroom.
Art Director, Katie Jo Stewart, and Director of Photography, Kassandra Eller, posing for a quick picture while taking photos for “Booze & Bake.” Turn to page 60 to see what they were working on.
Editor-in-Chief, Lexi Wicks, looking comfortable while being excited to start a late-night leadership meeting.
Three of the leadership staff members, Kate Caviezel, Kassandra Eller and Emma CrowE can be seen working and posing for a photo during class.
WINTER 2022
7
N O T e s F R O M THE EDITOR Being in your early 20s with graduation soon approaching was always portrayed as something amazing in movies and tv shows. In reality, I find it terrifying. The majority of my college experience was in my bedroom, looking at black screens through zoom. Now, I’ve experienced some of my first in-person classes in my senior year, and I’m expected to join “the real world” in a few months. Planning my future at 20 years old is frightening and exhilarating all at the same time. But having the right people around me has made all the difference. I’ll admit it, when I first signed up for PULSE it was for the experience. It would fulfill credits, get me acquainted with magazine writing and help me build a portfolio. However, PULSE has quickly become something I never expected: my family. It sounds cheesy, but I feel at home when I walk into the office. The leadership team may sound like a bad version of the Breakfast club on paper: the author, the jock, the class clown, the artist, the adventurer, the photographer and the fashionista. However, this misfit group of people has quickly become my rock both in and out of the magazine. I am so grateful that most of the team will be by my side for another quarter. Sadly, we will lose our Director of Photography, Kassandra Eller, as she graduates this quarter with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Although I am so happy to watch my friend move on to the next chapter of her life, I am so sad to see her go. Kass has been the mentor I needed to get me to where I am now, but most importantly she has been an incredible friend that was always there for me when I needed her most. She is so incredibly talented, hard-working and selfless. I can’t wait to see where she goes next. She deserves every good thing that comes her way. I hit the jackpot with the staff this quarter. Without them, this magazine would not be in your hands right now. I’ve never had a team so diligent and flexible while also promoting a creative and open environment. This group made me want to be in class every day. Although I love hearing our readers’ favorite stories, here are some of mine to get you started on a high note. CWU is filled with students who are passionate about hobbies outside of the classroom, many of whom have turned their hobbies into hustles. Extra cash to help pay for groceries or rent can help alleviate the financial stress many college students face. To check out some of our favorite student side-hustles flip to page 12. Fashion is always changing, or is it? Oftentimes we find trends of the past making their way into the present. The bell bottoms and scrunchies that were exiled to the bottom of our parents’ closets are now statement pieces in today’s fashion. Jump to page 28 to see PULSE’s take on “Throwbacks Making a Comeback.” Finally, the concept of living off the grid, in your own community, was something I only experienced on television and sci-fi movies. But the story “Living In Connection” takes a look into modern-day “off grid” living. Turn to page 68 to learn about a unique alternative lifestyle. I cannot thank our loyal readers enough for returning to news stands quarter after quarter. On behalf of the PULSE staff, we hope you enjoy this Winter 2022 magazine.
8
WINTER 2022
visit our website at www.cwupulsemagazine.com
click the multimedia tab to view photos, videos and podcasts
WINTER 2022
9
OUR TOWN
Story by Justin Zabel | Photos by Kassandra Eller | Design by Katie Jo Stewart & Emily Lafave
People have said in the past, food trucks are unsanitary. That they could never eat food out of a truck. For some people, moveable menus are the new hip thing. From savory and gooey quesadillas to hot and sweet BBQ wings, you could not go wrong. Hop in your car and cruise Ellensburg for something sweet and spicy!
Pick a dog, pick a topping and you got yourself a hot diggidy dog.
Savor some Alaskan Cod when you visit Captain’s Cod Company.
Location: 300 N. Main Street Ellensburg, WA 98926
Address: 711 S Main St, Ellensburg, WA 98926
Hours: Friday 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Phone Number: (509) 359 9453
Saturday 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Hours: Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Email: thehotdiggidydog@yahoo.com
“Captain’s Cod Company was founded by Alaskan fishermen for seafood lovers everywhere. Our Captains sail aboard the finest and most advanced fishing vessels, catching 100% sustainable Wild Alaskan cod.” -@CaptainsCodCompany on Facebook
“Hot Diggidy Dog is a great late night spot to enjoy some food before heading home on Friday and Saturday nights!” -Hot Diggity Dog on Facebook
10
WINTER 2022
Friday 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Head down to Tacos Chalito Truck for tacos, burritos, quesadilla, tortas, jarritos and more. Address: 209 S Main St, Ellensburg, WA 98926 Phone Number: 509-962-5643 “In 1997, the Tacos Chalito Truck rolled into town, and it’s been here ever since. The Garcia family, which includes owners Elias and Maria, and brothers [Cristyan] and Cesar, have poured their heart, soul, and hard work into the business on Main Street. Tacos Chalito is truly a family business, with everyone helping prep, cook, and clean the restaurant.” -Tacos Chalito website
“Catering from the heart of Mexico City.” Los Chilangos brings authentic Mexican cuisine right to Ellensburg. Address: 310 S Main St. Ellensburg, WA 98926 Email: los.chilangos.ellensburg@gmail.com Phone Number: (509) 398-8610
Hours: Monday 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
“Fast, delicious Mexican cuisine and catering from the heart of Mexico city. We bring authentic Mexican cuisine closer to you and yours,” Los Chilangos. -Los Chilangos website
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Hours: Monday 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday 11:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Hours: Sunday 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. Monday 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Looking to taste something sticky and sweet? The Honey Hole offers both with their unique menu.
Tuesday 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesday 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Address: 704 N Wenas St, Ellensburg, WA 98926
Friday 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Phone: (509) 899-6679
Saturday 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
OUR TOWN
Daeon Hudson: Cooking comes from the heart, and when it’s made with love, it tastes even better. However, not everyone knows how to cook. Some learn from their parents and grandparents, and others just have a passion for food. Daeon Hudson, senior ITAM major at CWU, has had a passion for cooking ever since he was young. Hudson started off making simple dishes, such as steak and fried bologna, but it wasn’t until 2018 that he realized he had a love for cooking. Hudson makes dishes and sells them on the side. He started posting his
12
WINTER 2022
food on Snapchat and Instagram, and it took off from there. Hudson went to Grocery Outlet to buy food supplies, bought to-go containers off Amazon and his love for cooking grew even more. “It’s just a way for me to express myself and a way for me to be at peace, you know, some other hobby, outside of sports and everything and it’s just like being in a kitchen gives me a peace of mind,” Hudson says. Being in the kitchen is a comfort to Hudson, and he says he could stay there all day if he needed to. Just recently, he made gumbo. In order to make a good
gumbo, it needs a good roux. Hudson says it takes an hour of straight stirring to make the roux, but he finds joy in his cooking. “It’s beneficial to the world, everybody loves good food, any food every day… like people love good food and they’re always looking for the next bite,” Hudson says. Later on down the road, Hudson aspires to utilize his skills and open a food truck. Then, turn that into a restaurant or a few, but he wants it to stay small and more local rather than becoming a chain restaurant.
Story by Ondrea Machin Photos by Kassandra Eller Design by Morgan Rosentrater
Ozzie Estevez-Flores: Being trendy is the new wave in the fashion world, from bringing back trends from the 90s or renaming old trends and making them new. But one student made his own clothing brand and took fashion to a whole new level. Ozzie Estevez-Flores, junior accounting major at CWU, wanted to start making his own clothing designs in middle school. Then in high school, he bought a screen printer to make T-shirts and started making his own designs. His designs grew in popularity among his peers and he began selling them.
Estevez-Flores currently prints and sells his designs at a boutique in Yakima. In 2019, Estevez-Flores received a message on Instagram from the owner of New Yak City asking Estevez-Flores to design T-shirts for him. After that, they worked together and shared designs back and forth. “From there, it kind of caught on. You know, during COVID the business actually grew way more than pretty much any other year and people seem to like T-shirts, and so we’ve slowly been building up the customer base for the T-shirts for the brand,” Estevez-Flores says.
The brand represents the Hispanic community with designs inspired by the Virgin Mary and Mexican iconography with hopes to expand those designs into street wear. “The main thing I want to do is just have my own studio, where I can do everything like all in one and just have artists or photographers or just creative people come through,” Estevez-Flores says. From the shirts Estevez-Flores sells, he is able to continue making designs and build funding for his side business.
OUR TOWN
Laura Guillen: Have you ever wanted to start a small business, but you’re not sure where to start or even what to sell? That’s how one student felt, but six months later she is starting to gain traction and finding her niche. Laura Guillen, senior family and consumer science education major, was stuck at home when COVID-19 first hit. Instead of just sitting around, she decided to get her creative juices flowing and started making custom cups, shirts and a drink mix and posting them on Instagram. Guillen is still working on getting her business going, but she has found that her chamoy drink mix is very popular. Chamoy drink mix is a popular additive to drinks in Mexican culture. “It’s fun and it’s good and it’s like for parties and stuff or get-togethers. It adds a little something to your drink, whether it’s alcoholic or not,” Guillen says. Since starting this side business, Guillen is able to cover her bills, textbooks, other school supplies, basic necessities and whatever the Financial Aid office doesn’t cover. She encourages people to start their own business as well. “If you have an idea that you think others will like, I say just go for it and start showing it to your friends and your family,” Guillen says. A goal of Guillen’s is to open an online shop and be able to take orders outside of her friends and family. As of right now, she takes orders through her Instagram @madebylaura.gn.
14
WINTER 2022
Yesenia Ramirez: The average American spends $1,889 a month on household bills, according to Doxo’s 2021 United States of Bill Pay Report. Yesenia Ramirez, senior sociology major, says the extra income helps her pay rent, buy groceries, gas and other expenses. She started painting in March 2020 and shared her work on Snapchat. This is where she sold her first painting, but Ramirez didn’t start actively selling until last year when she joined TikTok. Ramirez mainly paints anime. She first got into anime in elementary school, but she felt embarrassed about it because not many people were into it. But once she opened up about her love for anime, she wanted to paint more. “I’ve been able to paint better than when I was hiding it, and I think that’s really what inspired me to paint because I just wanted to have it on my wall instead of buying a poster,” Ramirez says. One of her favorite customer interactions was when she made two paintings for one customer. They gave her creative freedom to paint whatever she wanted so long as half the face was human and the other half was a monster. “It took me months to do because I was balancing school still at the same time while doing this [and] painting what he wanted. In the end it turned out really good. There’s no picture out there that looks like it,” Ramirez says. Ramirez plans to keep making paintings, but she doesn’t want to make it a big business. She wants to focus on her career and paint for herself and a small number of customers.
LIFE HACKS
Veggie Ramen Bowl Ramen is a college staple. It’s cheap, fast, easy and tastes good. Yet, it’s not always the best for our health. Here are some recipes to put those Top Ramen packets to use while keeping a good diet and a tight budget.
Ramen CHANGING UP
Photos & Contributions by Lexi Wicks Design & Illustration by Sarah Stewart
16
WINTER 2022
Chicken Ramen Stir Fry
Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • •
Olive oil Carrots • Soy sauce Mushrooms • Sriracha Garlic • Kale or spinach Ginger • Jalapeno Sesame oil • Green onions Vegetable or chicken broth • Soft boiled eggs Sesame seeds (optional) Chicken or pork (if you want to add protein) Dried Top Ramen (discard the seasoning packet)
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
In a large pot, heat oil on medium heat. Add in carrots and mushrooms, cook for 3-4 mins. Add in minced garlic, ginger and sesame oil. Cook for another 1-2 minutes. Add in broth, soy sauce, sriracha and bring broth to a slow simmer. Add in kale or spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes or until wilted. Add in 2 dried ramen packages (discard seasoning packet) and cook for 2-3 minutes. Top ramen bowls off with jalapeños, sesame seeds, green onions and soft boiled eggs.
Instructions:
Recipe Inspo: https://thecollegehousewife.com/easy-homemade-healthy-ramen-bowls
Ingredients: • • • • •
Ramen noodles Broccoli Bell pepper Chicken breast Chili flakes
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Cube defrosted chicken and season with salt and pepper. Then coat with cornflour. Put chicken in a pan on the stove with a little bit of vegetable oil to help brown. While the chicken begins to brown, chop the vegetables up. Stir fry the chicken and vegetables until tender. While the chicken and vegetables are cooking, boil a pot of water with your instant ramen noodles (throw out the seasoning packet). Once the noodles are cooked, drain and set aside. Make sauce: soy sauce, worcestershire sauce and oyster sauce mixed together Add the sauce to the cooked tender chicken vegetable then add the drained noodles. Toss together and serve.
Instructions:
6. 7. 8.
• • • • •
Garlic Ginger paste Vegetable oil Brown sugar Onion
• • • •
Soy sauce Worcestershire sauce Oyster sauce Corn flour
Tips: • •
Use any vegetable of choice. Use frozen vegetables if it’s what you have. Swap instant ramen noodles for a gluten-free version.
Recipe Inspo: https://www.myactivekitchen.com/chicken-ramen-stir-fry/
WINTER 2022
17
LIFE HACKS
A JUMPSTART ON CAR CARE Story by Noah Wright | Photos by Inderjit Singh Design by Katie Jo Stewart
Rascal Flatts sings “Life is a Highway.” With the ups and downs we face daily it is clear to see the analogy. Just like how life knocks us down, so do the roads. Every day, someone runs into a mechanical mishap either on the road or before they set out to drive. While many people simply phone a mechanic or tow truck, the most common issues are simple fixes that can be accomplished without needing outside assistance. Here is a guide to two of the most common vehicular issues and a guide to some preventative measures of motor mishaps.
JUMP STARTING YOUR CAR: Everyone has forgotten to turn off their lights at least once. A result of this is most often a dead battery in the morning which simply needs a charge to get going again. Here are the tools needed to shock your battery back into order: • •
Jumper cables or a charging kit Another vehicle
Jumping a car is fairly easy, but can also be somewhat nerve racking because there is a chance to cause injury. Before attempting to jump start your car, it is important to read the owner’s manual as some models have specific placements for the cables on the car. When jump starting a car, you should position the two cars with the front ends facing each other. They should be close enough that you have space to move between but not too far that the cables will be tight. Next, make sure that the cars are off and properly parked. Then, open the hoods and locate the battery on each respective car. The owner’s manual can help locate this if you are having trouble finding it. Once located, identify the positive and negative terminals on each battery. They are usually designated with a red cover for the positive and a black cover for the negative. Once located, it is time to begin jumping. Attach one of the red jumper cables to the positive terminal of the dead car’s battery. Then, attach the other red to the working car’s positive terminal. After these are attached, connect the black jumper cable onto the negative terminal of the car’s battery. This is where consulting an owner’s manual is important because some cars have specific instructions for placement of
18
WINTER 2022
the final cable onto the dead car; for instance, certain models of BMW have a rod designed for jumper connection. If there is no designated point, connect the final cable onto any nut or bolt on the engine. With all the cables connected, start the working car and let it idle for a minute or two to allow the dead car to charge up. After some time, start the dead car. With both cars running, disconnect the black cable from the previously dead car first. Then take off the red cable making sure that the clamps do not touch as they will still have electricity running through them. Disconnect the other ends from the other car in the same order and close each hood. To ensure that the previously dead car’s battery is properly charged, take a small drive or let it idle for 5 to 10 minutes so that the car’s alternator can fully charge up. If your car does not jump, or the battery dies again, it may be that your battery needs replacement or another mishap that is not as easy to fix has occurred. In this situation, a call to a mechanic is vital for the restoration of your car.
FIXING A FLAT TIRE: Screws, rocks, glass or even simply excessive wear and tear can cause any tire to become flat while driving. Rather than pulling off to the side of the road and calling a tow truck, try using this guide to get yourself back on the road. Tools needed: • • •
Car jack that will allow your tire to be comfortably off the ground and your car to be secure. A lug wrench or ratchet set that will allow you to get off the nuts that are holding the tire on. Inflated spare tire
Firstly, it is important that you are as safe as possible when doing this. When pulling off to the side of the road, turn on your hazard lights to signal other drivers to give you necessary space. Once off to the side, shut off your vehicle and put it in park.
Then apply the parking brake to ensure that it will not roll while you are working. If your car has hubcaps, remove that before jacking your car up. Once that is off, slightly loosen each lug no more than half a turn so that they are not tight when the wheel is lifted. After breaking the tension on each lug nut, it is time to jack up the car. To do this, place the jack near the wheel that you are going to work on and raise it until the wheel is floating off the ground at a comfortable height. This can vary depending on your preference. Once raised, remove each nut and pull the flat tire off the bolts. Once off, store the tire where you had your spare one. After putting the flat tire away, mount the spare tire onto the lug bolts and slightly put on the lug nuts. You don’t want to fully put on the lug nuts though; tightening them by hand at this point is advised as you want them to be tight enough that you need to use a wrench to finish. After securing the lug nuts, lower the car enough that there is a small amount of weight on the tire. Once this is done, fully tighten each lug nut using your wrench or ratchet. Make sure to tighten as much as possible, using your full weight to secure the nuts. When each nut is tightened, lower the car completely and stow away your equipment. If you had to remove a hubcap, place that back on and you are good to go. Spare tires are not meant to be driven on for extended amounts of time; however, this will allow you to continue on your way and make it to a dealership where you can purchase a new tire or repair your flat one.
TIPS FOR PREVENTION: There are many ways to prevent potential motor mishaps. These preventative methods are quick and can save you not only time
solving problems, but also money that will be spent having to fix things when they go wrong. 1. The first preventative measure is checking your tire pressure regularly. Having properly inflated tires not only
allows your vehicle to perform at top level, which means the most fuel efficient level, but it also reduces the risk of blowing out one of your tires. 2.
Regularly checking your oil and coolant/antifreeze levels is the second measure. Having proper oil levels means that the engine is optimally lubricated and there is no friction from the internal components grinding against each other. This grinding can cause parts to break and can be destructive for your engine. You can check your oil levels by looking at your car’s dipstick. Your owner’s manual can help find where your dipstick is located. An optimal oil level will be between the two marks at the end of the dipstick. Proper coolant/antifreeze levels are also important because it regulates the heat of the engine. This means that it cools the engine when it is too hot during the summer, and it keeps the engine from getting too cold in the winter. Proper heat regulation reduces the risk of corrosion and cracking. Keeping the coolant/antifreeze reservoir properly filled is a good way to ensure optimal heat control.
3.
The final preventative method is proper stocking of tools and resources. Besides the tools mentioned in the guides, extra oil and other fluids can be essential when traveling. Regular maintenance is also important because taking proper care of your vehicle will allow it to run longer and more efficiently.
LIFE HACKS
Skincare 101 Story by Chuck Dickson | Photos by Kassandra Eller | Design by Morgan Rosentrater When it comes to skincare, the desire to glow and look vibrant is a much sought-after attribute, but what may actually be more important is the health and science behind skin. Many people study to become estheticians and skincare professionals in order to advocate for skin health and maintenance. But for those who are not professionals, many questions linger. Is an avocado mask better than a charcoal peel? What is the difference between an exfoliate and a cleanser? And how the heck do I know what brand to buy? For those who are concerned and lost, never fear, your answers lie within. Sit back, put your listening ears on and get ready to learn about skin health. Lexi Luke, a graduate of Western Beauty School in 2012 and an esthetician and cosmetologist, formerly employed at the Suncadia Spa in Cle Elum for 5 years, explains what esthetics is. “Esthetics is the study of skin. We study skin, the way it works, diseases and disorders, and how to treat it,” Luke says. “We do facials and waxing and do everything to improve the health of the skin.”
20
WINTER 2022
Diving deeper, Luke shares that there are different types of skin that require different treatments. “Everyone has a different skin type. The basic ones are oily skin and dry skin, sometimes a combo of the two. Treatments, such as facials, are catered to the skin you work on. Each skin type requires different treatments.” Luke tends to work on people with dry skin, especially during the winter season. “We don’t have a ton of humidity [in Ellensburg],” she says. “If you have oily skin, you have oily skin, but it can still dry out.” Luke also recommends a daily regimen of skin care. Depending on your skin, you’ll want to use a cleanser, toner, serum and moisturizer. Those products could vary based on your skin type. Exfoliating is a huge part of the skin care process. “You can do all of these things to get your skin hydrated, but if you’re not exfoliating at least once a week, those products are getting soaked up by dead skin and they are not going deeper into the skin and so it’s not doing anything.”
Buying skincare products isn’t necessarily an expensive habit, but Luke acknowledges that high quality products cost more. “The good products tend to be on the higher price point, but that’s because you pay for what you get,” Luke says. “However, you don’t have to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars to start a skin regimen. You really just need the basics and you can usually do it for 50 to 100 dollars, and that’s a medium price point.” Luke also recommends what one should have in a basic skincare kit. “Everyone needs a cleanser that’s basic. Then you want a toner, and then a serum. A se-
rum will help get you the results you want. If you’re looking to brighten the skin, you would want to use a Vitamin C serum and that would help a ton. Then you also want a moisturizer.” Luke makes clear, again, how important exfoliating is. “Everyone needs an exfoliate.” Lastly, no matter what gender, it is important for all individuals to take care of their skin. “Women tend to take better care of their skin because it has been so normalized, but skin is skin. I don’t look at it as male or female,” Luke says. If you want healthy skin, hydrate, use exfoliants once a week, apply serums and be conscious of your treatment habits. Your skin covers your entire body; make sure you’re taking care of it. For those interested, Luke recommends the brand Eminence; any brand of hyaluronic acid, a moisture absorbing compound that helps reduce wrinkles and jojoba oil, which provides a boost in oil for your skin if it is not oily enough.
WINTER 2022
21
FASHION
Story by Paije Maas | Design by Sarah Stewart
“More than $500 billion of value is lost every year due to clothing underutilization and the lack of recycling,” according to the website of the Ellen MacArthur foundation. When an item does not sell in a store, it is destroyed by burning or a trip to the trash bin instead of being recycled or donated to the nearest donation box. While buying from bigger companies is the most convenient way to shop, thrift stores may hold similar if not the exact same piece for a lot cheaper.
22
WINTER 2022
WINTER 2022
23
FASHION
Thrift stores can be a fun experience when it comes time to decorate your home as well. The things you purchased from Target can be a DIY project from the many items you find at the thrift store for less money and more items. Sophia Schweinler, a senior majoring in Apparel Textiles and Merchandising, has been devoting the space in her closet to completely thrifted items for two years. She mentions, aside from the enjoyment of thrifting and the sustainability benefits, she gained a few personal sewing and altering skills to ensure the garments fit to her liking.
Sustainability Benefits “I think thrifting is a sustainable and mindful way to spend your money in terms of adornment,” Schweinler says.
24
WINTER 2022
Two big factors of creation, chemically making the fiber and the dying process, both result in pollution and the creation of a product overstock. Finding items at a thrift store that match your vision can be tricky. The color could be off, or the fabric may not be correct. Consider a transformation or a DIY project. There are many Youtube and Tiktok videos that can teach you how to transform a basic dress into a jumpsuit with only a sewing machine and some thread. Aside from this being an amazing way to promote sustainability, you will now have a new item to show off.
Financial Benefits
She mentions that thrifting has many sustainable benefits if done correctly. Sustainability does not stop when it comes to shopping second-hand.
Saving money is a definite when you choose to thrift versus shop fast fashion. Fast fashion is clothing that moves from the catwalk into stores in a short time span. The price tags will be substantially lower, and on certain days, there will be a bigger discount on tags.
Schweinler feels that stores that give back to their community in terms of events or charity work can be an important piece to the system of sustainability.
Schweinler mentions that at times there will be pieces that are priced similar to those in fast fashion stores, but they tend to be vintage and rare.
Buying second-hand clothing, aside from the lower cost, is beneficial to the planet based on the process new garments go through in the fast fashion world.
“In my opinion, the vintage is now worth more because you can’t buy it anymore. The quality and exclusivity of the vintage garment is more attractive,” Schweinler says.
Jenny Valente, the owner of Girl Name Wyatt mobile (GNW), an online consignment boutique in Ellensburg says, “GNW has coined what we call the 4 C’s: Convert Closet Clutter into Cash.” Valente mentions that many people’s closets often contain hidden gems that they push aside and leave to collect dust. Instead of allowing your closet to look like a clothing graveyard, consignment gives you the opportunity to turn your clothing into cash and revamp your space. Aside from the financial benefits you gain, the community also gains them when you shop second-hand. Habitat for Humanity is one of the largest corporations that supports local communities through the donations and purchases made. Each item that is in the shop has been donated, and once purchased it will be used to help families within the community feel that they have a secure place to call home. When you receive your receipt from the checkout line, you can be assured that the money you spent will be put back into the community.
Tips for Thrifters
Schweinler mentions that even though you are shopping second-hand, some items can be priced very high.
Obviously, the higher the value, the higher the price tag. Her tip is to “always look for the tags with an extra discount.” She mentions that you may also need to shop outside of your usual size. Some vintage garments use different stitchings and size guides that do not match up with the ones we use today. Schweinler’s biggest tip is, “If it’s questionable, leave it on the rack for later so you can come back for it. If you can’t walk away without thinking about it, then it means you actually want it.” Valente’s tip is to stop in often. Certain thrift stores and consignment shops have “restock” days where new items will be loaded into the racks. Also, on certain days, there will be markdowns which is a fantastic way to get more for your buck. The vintage aesthetic holds a shelf life of a lifetime. Old trends become new and improved. A set of old records becomes a late night DIY table project. Flare corduroy jeans are becoming a staple in our closets. Whether you are new to the vintage trend or simply want to pay less and save the environment, consider these tips and knowledge during your next shopping adventure.
WINTER 2022
25
FASHION
Story by Paije Maas | Photos by Noah Wright | Design by Morgan Rosentrater
W
hen you think of ponchos, what is the first visual that seeps into your mind? Wool fabric, various colors and patterns, but most importantly, culture. Ponchos are not a part of just one culture but many. Their colors and patterns differ depending on the story behind them and the way they are worn. While they have never truly left the fashion world, they have certainly circled back into becoming more popular.
Maria and Tyler Chavez are the owners of an Etsy shop called Little Otavalo. They are from Toronto, Canada and they sell ponchos that were handmade by the Indigenous people of Otavalo in the Andres Mountains of Ecuador. “The designs can be traced back to generations of weavers passing down their variations, patterns, and color schemes.” Chavez says that the designs are also inspired by other indigenous patterns around the world.
26
WINTER 2022
Rise of Popularity The couple mentions that within the last two years they have sold more ponchos than ever before. “We think it may have to do with more indigenous exposure in mainstream media”. Ponchos have certainly evolved and there are multiple kinds of ponchos that can be worn for any occasion. Modern ponchos can be seen as not fully over the head but will lay across the shoulders and you can pair it with jeans and a boot or sneaker. When it comes to traditional ponchos, the Chavez couple do not sell
“We love to explore new designs and color patters that can veer away from traditional.” them in their shop because they say, “they can take months to create and thousands of dollars to buy and are typically only worn by Otavalenos.” Traditional ponchos are made typically from alpaca wool and only have one opening for the head. An article covered this year by Instyle magazine states that the rise of Y2K fashion is among us and ponchos are within that circle. It mentions that celebrities like Jennifer Lopez have been spotted sporting the “old school staple” poncho while running their daily errands. Aside from celebrity wear, ponchos have been making a comeback in runway fashion as well. Gabriela Hearst, a women’s luxury and accessories designer showcased the poncho seen on Jennifer Lopez during her Spring 2022 fashion show. Well-known designers like Louis Vuitton and Gucci have luxurious ponchos in the works as well.
FASHION
Story by Kassandra Eller Quiz by Justin Zabel & Lexi Wicks Photos by Kassandra Eller Design by Katie Jo Stewart Modeled by PULSE leadership staff 28
WINTER 2022
WINTER 2022
29
FASHION
30
WINTER 2022
FASHION
32
WINTER 2022
What Decade are You?
WINTER 2022
33
FASHION
Story by Chase Beyer Photos by Kassandra Eller Design by Katie Jo Stewart
34
WINTER 2022
You wake up in a dream, boxes stacked as high as you can see all around you. Some might start to panic, but to others this is exactly where they want to be. The boxes are all filled with shoes. This is the dream of a sneakerhead. Sneakerheads are crazy about shoes, and have an undying passion for them. Dictionary.com defines sneakerhead as, “a person who collects and trades sneakers as a hobby, and who typically is knowledgeable about the history of sneakers.” Sneakerheads know the ins and outs of a shoe, their value and how to collect their favorite pairs. That is what makes up a sneakerhead.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the sneaker reselling market flourished. According to the New York Post, a study from a research firm, Piper Sandler, estimated the sneaker resell market at $10 billion in 2021. That was a $4 billion increase from 2019. The sneakerhead subculture is intertwined through the basketball community and the hip-hop music culture. After “The Last Dance” released in April 2020, the interest for Air Jordan’s increased. This caused an uproar in the sneaker reselling market. “The Last Dance” is a popular ESPN/Netflix documentary covering the chronicles of the Chicago Bulls dynasty during the 1990s. The documentary focuses on the career of NBA Legend Michael Jordan, with a focus on his last season with the Bulls. Sneakerheads can do many different things: admire, collect, invest, resell, custom design and much more. Some sneakerheads will look at a shoe and see a canvas, some will see a great pair for the mantle, some will see potential for increase of value and some will see something that would go great with everything they own.
Juarez ‘Julez’ Rosoborough, freshman and prospective commercial piloting major, is a sneakerhead. He has been custom designing and selling shoes since April 2019. Rosoborough picked up inspiration for becoming a sneakerhead from his older brother. “He just loved sneakers. He started off in high school. He ended up having a collection. More or less worth up to like $15,000 to $20,000,” he says.
Rosoborough started getting into the shoe game in middle school. “What I got into is just light customizations. Which was not really super crazy,” he says. “I didn’t even consider it custom work, because it’d be like drawing on my shoe with a Sharpie. Which is completely different to what I do now.” Rosoborough started off using a sharpie and turned it into an actual side-hustle. “It’s more of a professional-like business that I actually run on the side to kind of help pay for college,” he says.
ETHAN STRICKLAND Another type of sneakerhead is someone who collects and invests in shoes. Ethan Strickland, sophmore business administration major, has been collecting shoes since his freshman year of high school. “About six and a half, seven years. It started when I got my first pair of Timberland boots. So it’s kind of like the little seed that grew into something more,” Strickland says. Strickland worked with his father and grandfather to earn enough money for his Timberlands, and as soon as he had enough money, he went straight to the mall to get them. “I didn’t really know how to style them, so I was searching YouTube videos on how to lace them and how to style them. It kept growing and I see other sneaker YouTubers,” he says. “They showed off Yeezys and Air Jordans. And I was like, ‘Oh, those are pretty nice.’ Just kind of a snowball effect from there.” Strickland has a collection of about 25 pairs of sneakers that total up to around $7,000. “I put the most expensive ones out on a display in the apartment just because it’s pieces I’m proud of,” he says. “Then the smaller items, like the ones I don’t usually wear too much, in a box stashed away.”
WINTER 2022
35
“
“
FASHION
Some sneakerheads will look at a shoe and see a canvas, some will see a great pair for the mantle, some will see potential for increase of value and some will see something that would go great with everything they own.
Strickland says his favorite pair of shoes in his collection are his Yeezy 350 Bred v2’s, the one pair of sneakers he had wanted back in the beginning of his sneakerhead journey. Yeezy is a popular sneaker collaboration between Adidas and rapper and designer Kanye West.
YAHCUB SYLLA Yahcub Sylla, sophmore business and marketing major, has a love for sneakers and also fashion. “I was really into different types of musical artists,” he says. “The clothes they wear and how creative [it is]. I was really into the creative part where they take just one basic shoe and then add it to a whole different fit and the fit would just be crazy. Like out of the ordinary.” Sylla loves the relationship he forms with the shoes, showing it’s much more than just shoes. “That’s the thing, when you buy something like a really expensive shoe. It’s kind of like you want to care for it more like a car,” he says. Sylla loves mixing up different outfits with different shoes. “I’ll go thrifting and I’ll just be like, ‘Oh snap, this will look super good.’ Because then I’ll just go all black, a top and jeans and then go straight red shoes,” he says. “That’s the thing like no one really expects that. You know what I mean? They’ll think if you’re wearing black you’ll just wear all black, or white. But you could do it all black top [with] all black jeans, red shoes. They’ll still contrast and kind of pop out.”
URIAH ‘RY’ MCINTOSH Uriah ‘Ry’ McIntosh, senior computer science major, has been collecting shoes since he was a freshman in high school. “I’ve always been fascinated with shoes, due to family, ever since I was young. Shoes have always been a necessity,” he says. “Shoes have always been something that’s been a part of my life.” McIntosh’s mother is the reason he started getting into shoes, thus leading to him being a sneakerhead. “I grew up in a single parent home, so it was always me, my mother, and my brothers,” he says.
36
WINTER 2022
“There was a time where we were actually the same size shoe. I used to wear my mom’s kicks because my mom was wearing ‘boy shoes.’” McIntosh’s sneakerhead journey has come a long way since he started. He even has a unique approach to what shoes mean, at a deeper level. “Your shoes, at least to me, represent you. I definitely make ‘shoe contact’ before eye contact when I meet somebody,” he says. “It’s kind of like somebody wearing a tuxedo when you meet them for the first time.” McIntosh also resells shoes. Different from Rosoborough, McIntosh has been committed to the shoe-flipping part of reselling. He keeps a close watch on shoes that will have a good reselling price after their release. “I would bring home roughly 20 to 30 pairs of shoes, and I would buy the shoe for roughly $220,” he says. McIntosh says selling shoes is quite easy, but obtaining them, on the other hand, is difficult. He focuses on shoes that are “quick movers.” “I’m pretty well-known on the west side for selling shoes,” he says. “I’ll have a bunch of people that will message me for shoes saying ‘Hey! I need this [shoe], in this size.’” McIntosh’s favorite memory around sneakers was his reselling of the Air Jordan 11 Gym Red. “I pulled in roughly 33 pairs. I bought each pair around $220, at the time it was a high commodity,” he says. “Depending on the size, I sold anywhere between $300 to $350.” McIntosh’s collection is still growing, but he has up to 50 pairs of shoes. He keeps them stored safely in a storage unit. “The storage unit is just the pairs I’ve accumulated over time and they just sit in the unit and essentially gain value. It’s almost like an investment,” he explains. There are many different forms of sneakerheads. Sneakerheads are investors, collectors, artists, designers and passionate historians. Last of all, sneakerheads share one thing in common, their passion for shoes.
WINTER 2022
37
SPOTLIGHT
Story by Spencer Clifton and Caya Berndt Design by Sarah Stewart
UNSEEN
DANGERS OF
M A R I J U A N A 38
WINTER 2022
Weed culture is everywhere in the Pacific Northwest. Weed socks. Weed shirts. Pot brownies. Stoner movie guides. Hemp products. CBD oil in coffees, sodas and bath bombs. While the growing expansion of cannabis products and culture may be widely accepted, this is not the only thing that is growing as a result of the cannabis craze.
In 2012, Washington became one of the first states to decriminalize and legalize marijuana, drawing thousands of stoners away from their down-low pot dealers and towards legal cannabis suppliers. In 2019, the CDC reported 48.2 million people used cannabis at least once. In a recent study conducted by the CDC, 3 out of 10 regular marijuana users develop what is called marijuana use disorder.
Addicted To Weed?
One of the allures of cannabis is that many users believe that the substance may not contain addictive properties. Sharon Garrett, research coordinator and project director at the University of Washington’s Addictions Drug and Alcohol Institute (ADAI), says this is inaccurate. “I think a lot of people don’t think that you can develop an addiction to cannabis,” says Garrett. “But you can.” Substance use is complex. The American Psychiatric Association defines substance use disorders as a condition in which there is, “uncontrolled use of a substance despite harmful consequences.”
WINTER 2022
39
SPOTLIGHT
Garrett explains that one of the consequences of heavy use is developing a tolerance, leading to the person needing to consume more of the substance to get the same effect. Others may find it difficult to quit, or they may experience cravings. She adds chronic use of the substance can lead to problems with work, school, daily duties or relationships. All of these things, she continues, characterize addiction across all drugs–including those who suffer from cannabis use disorder. Lillianne Jones* and Alexandria Smith*, former marijuana addicts and current representatives for Marijuana Anonymous World Services (MAWS), explain how their story of cannabis addiction greatly impacted their personal and professional lives. “I spent all my money on pot; all my extra money,” says Smith. “I wasn’t able to get up for my job in the morning. I started to get really bad side effects of depression, and not being able to get motivated. [I] started skipping school, [I] wasn’t able to get money to support myself … I wanted all my money to go to pot.” Marijuana dependence may not be stigmatized compared to other substance dependency due to the addiction rates of cannabis. Garret explains, “Addiction rates are much lower, or have been traditionally, so it hasn’t been a substance that’s gotten a lot of attention.” That isn’t to say that cannabis use disorder isn’t cause for concern. “I started to feel like I was in my own privately defined world,” says Smith. “I started to get some really dark thoughts. [I] started to go to therapy, and for me, [the scariest thing was] it really made me feel like I wasn’t living a life of purpose.”
Smith is not the only individual struggling with cannabis dependency. Marijuana use has been on the rise, especially among users under the age of 25, according to a study published by the National Institute of Drug Abuse. Marijuana usage manifests in dependence, and the difference between dependence and addiction is important to understanding marijuana’s unique risks. This is where it gets a little nerdy. The major components in marijuana are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the psychoactive component of marijuana– the mind-altering, intoxicating element. However, your body also produces its own cannabinoids that attach to cannabinoid receptors located throughout your nervous system, immune system and brain, which is what these chemicals react with when you ingest marijuana. These receptors influence everything, from our mood to our decision-making abilities, even our memory, appetite and consciousness. According to VICE, when you ingest (or inhale) THC or other cannabinoids, those override your body’s naturally-occurring cannabinoids and latch into your cannabinoid receptors instead. Eventually, after enough use, your body gets used to these high levels of cannabinoids, which blunts its ability to produce its own endocannabinoids. In other words: if you smoke enough weed for a long-enough time, your body forgets how to make its own substance. That’s dependence. With a growing body of research demonstrating the harmful effects of long-term cannabis use, many users are turning to substance treatment to treat their dependency.
*name has been changed due to the sensitivity of the content
40
WINTER 2022
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) The psychoactive component of marijuana– the mind-altering, intoxicating element.
Cannabidiol (CBD) Attach to cannabinoid receptors located throughout your nervous system, immune system and brain.
“If you smoke enough weed for a long enough time, your body forgets how to make its own [cannabinoids].
That’s dependence.”
WINTER 2022
41
SPOTLIGHT
“Comparing cannabis from the 60s or 70s to
Smith and Jones turned to MAWS for help combating their own marijuana addiction. Jones explains that MAWS was “one addict helping another,” and helped her navigate marijuana addiction. “I heard my story come out of other people’s mouths and other people that are like a 70-year-old black gay lawyer, or [a] 15-year-old kid on the track team,” she says. “It’s this really unifying human identification with each other.”
This attitude towards marijuana, especially in comparison to other substances, could be a reason why certain people refuse to get help for marijuana dependency, or even believe its existence. “I think part of the reason that it’s not taken seriously [has to do] with the proliferation of the cannabis culture and the legalization,” says Jones. “It’s just this kind of ‘oh no big deal.’”
After relying on MAWS, Smith and Jones are now over 10 years sober. They continue to give thanks for MAWS by acting as volunteers and sponsors for addicts in the program.
In addition to the avoidant attitude towards marijuana dependency, marijuana has changed considerably over the years.
Smith explains that sponsorship can be an important aspect of an addict’s recovery because, “It’s this relationship. It’s built on hope and faith in a person’s best self, and it’s an ability to not have a person defined by their addiction.”
Increasing Potency
Kicking The Stigma
Weed enthusiasts are, well, enthusiastic about cannabis and it’s dizzying array of products. And it’s not as though that enthusiasm isn’t earned. For many people who live with chronic conditions, legalization may come as a relief. Marijuana has long held the interest of doctors and scientists for its medicinal benefits. Studies, such as one done by the Harvard Medical School, have shown evidence that marijuana could be effective for treating chronic conditions such as joint pain, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Crohn’s disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
42
WINTER 2022
One thing’s for sure, this isn’t your grandfather’s weed. One of the factors that may be contributing to the rise in cannabis dependency and poisoning cases has been the fact that today’s weed is so much more potent than the buds of the past. Garrett expresses concern over the potency of these new strains. “In the 90s, almost all cannabis flowers had less than 10% THC,” she explains. “So now, you get a flower and it’s not uncommon for it to have 20%.” She explains it’s not just the THC levels that are in the flower, but the way it’s consumed that can make a difference in how users experience the substance. High-concentrated cannabis products, such as concentrated cannabis oil or dabs which may contain up to 80% THC, overload your body’s system and increase the risk for developing a tolerance.
now is like comparing light beer to Everclear.”
Alex Sirotzki with the Washington Poison Center paraphrased Jason Kilmer with the University of Washington in his assessment of this increased potency. “Comparing cannabis from the 60s or 70s to now is like comparing light beer to Everclear.” Dependency isn’t the only health risk associated with smoking stronger weed. As state regulations have loosened and usage has increased, medical and behavioral health professionals have noticed an increase in patients reporting alarming conditions linked to weed consumption. One of them is a dangerous illness known as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), which causes severe abdominal pain, nausea and uncontrollable vomiting. Trisha Kango, a medical scribe for the Yakima Valley Hospital Emergency Room, has witnessed these cases firsthand. “What is most commonly seen in the emergency department is when they just cannot control their vomiting. They can’t keep down water so they need to come to the ED to get help,” she says. She explains the serious complications from CHS, such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and damage to the esophagus due to trauma from repeated vomiting. She notes that while it wasn’t a common occurrence, it was usually the same patients coming back multiple times. “You usually see it in people who have been smoking marijuana or taking edibles for a number of years and they are totally fine until one fine day they just can’t tolerate it,” she says. “After a while, after they get better. They do it again
thinking it won’t happen this time, and the same thing happens again. So, it is kind of like a vicious cycle.” Sirotzki also reported an increase in marijuana exposure-related calls to the WA Poison Center. 2020 saw a 20% increase in marijuana exposures for adults, and a 44% increase for children compared to 2019. Both Sirotzki and Kango agreed that the steady increase in these numbers is related to marijuana’s legalization. Sirotzki also suggests there is a connection between the stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic and the increase in Poison Center calls. However, Sirotzki also raised concerns about the supposed psychological benefits of cannabis due to a growing number of reports of marijuana-induced psychosis. “One of the things we are learning over time is that there is [...] a fairly significant correlation between using cannabis in the development of psychosis disorders, including schizophrenia,” he says. However, that doesn’t mean that marijuana use is causing psychosis. “What we think is happening, is that for folks who have who are at risk of developing psychosis, so say they have a genetic predisposition,” he explains. “There is a greater likelihood that cannabis may act as a bit of a catalyst for those symptoms of psychosis, and bring on those effects earlier than they otherwise would have.”
WINTER 2022
43
SPOTLIGHT
LOCKED CLOSET Story by Emma CrowE Design by Sarah Stewart
44
WINTER 2022
Imagine you leave home for the first time, ready to see the world and express yourself. Now, imagine that the town you end up in isn’t as welcoming as you thought it would be. Your identity, and your rights based on said identity, becomes a point of contention. There’s an inherent fear when you speak about your life. The person sitting next to you may very well object to your right to get married, or refuse to use your preferred pronouns, or even think your existence is a plague. It doesn’t stop with strangers either. Those harsh opinions could be coming from your own family. That tense environment is one that Queer people face when living in a small town. My name is Emma CrowE, junior Professional and Creative Writing major and PULSE copy editor. I am openly Queer, and I have experienced the difficulties of living in a small town.
Finding your sexuality
For some people, finding their sexuality is as easy as waking up one day and knowing they’re not straight. However, that’s rarely the case. Sexuality is fluid, and that can be confusing. For example, I wasn’t able to convince myself I was Queer until I was in my mid-teens. I grew up in a few different small, conservative towns. Understanding and exploring my own sexuality was a challenge, to say the least. It was expected of me to remain chaste, and there was never a question of whether or not I was straight. I wasn’t allowed to date or spend time with anyone in a romantic sense. The strict rules placed upon me only served to confuse me more. I focused on my attraction to men and bottled up my growing feelings for women. I couldn’t allow myself to be Queer for fear of what my family and surrounding community would say. By the time I allowed myself to consider the possibility that I was Queer, I was 16 years old. It was the end of my sophomore year of high school, and it got more and more difficult to reconcile the romantic emotions I felt towards women. Then one day, I stopped trying to reconcile and simply accepted it.
COMING OUT
Coming out can be nerve wracking. LGBTQ+ people might have an idea how the people around them will react, but no one can know for sure. My own coming out story is difficult to reminisce upon. I knew my family would still love me, but there was that debilitating doubt in the back of my mind. I grew up in a religious household in the center of a conservative town. Did they love me enough to learn and change their views? I was 16 years old, and I’d been grappling with my sexuality for a few years. I still wasn’t sure what label felt right for me, but I knew I wasn’t straight. I’d only come to the conclusion I was Queer one week before I came out. In all honesty, I was too excited to keep it in any longer. It had been such an internal struggle that I wanted the world to know. The only problem was that my world included my family. I didn’t know how my family would react. So, I chose the best time to tell them: 10 minutes before I had to leave for work. My parents sat in the living room watching one of the various Food Network shows my mom loves. They were cuddled up on the couch, the picture-perfect image of marital bliss. I took a seat on the side of the couch furthest from them. I was decked out in my black polo and dress pants, the uniform bestowed upon all Safeway employees. A lump formed in my throat as I sat there and stared at my parents. My mom paused the TV when the tears started flowing down my face. I couldn’t convince my mouth to form the words. The silence itself spoke volumes. My parents tried to reach for me, to comfort me in some way, but I couldn’t handle the affection. I needed to tell them. You could’ve heard a pin drop. No longer were my parents trying to comfort me. They looked at me as if I had two heads. In that one second, our relationship changed. They didn’t yell, scream or kick me out of the house, but I felt the animosity all the same.
WINTER 2022
45
SPOTLIGHT
“I’m bisexual.”
For a while, we didn’t speak about my coming out. It became a topic that my family shoved into the back of the closet and locked up tight. There was an added air of tension in the house, but I felt free. It felt like I could finally be me. I came out about 4 years ago, and a lot has changed since then. I’ve dated men and women alike, graduated high school, chose a different label for myself, moved away from home and became independent. But the best change by far has been my relationship with my parents. It was rough in the beginning, there’s no denying that, but my parents have opened up their minds and hearts over the past few years. After the initial shock, they were willing to learn and grow as people. I’m happy to say that they’ve grown a lot, and so have I. My story isn’t over. For Queer people, it’s like we never stop coming out. When you meet new people, move to a new place etc., you have to come out again. It’s especially terrifying in a small, conservative town like Ellensburg.
hate crimes on campus
Ellensburg is not known for being a progressive town. Central Washington University prides itself on being diverse and inclusive, but the town it resides in does not reflect that. In June of 2021, a student stole the Pride flag from the Student Union and Recreation Center and burned it. As a Queer student at CWU, I was concerned for my safety. An action so violent could easily escalate or incite other acts of hatred. The university did release a statement about the incident, but it did nothing to make me feel safer. In October of 2021, a few months after the Pride flag incident, homophobic slurs were found written in Sharpie in different locations within Brooks Library. I’ve always considered the library a safe space. However, after the homphobic graffiti, I haven’t felt the same. It’s like my head is always on a swivel, waiting for the next shoe to drop.
46
WINTER 2022
life in the community
Being Queer in a small town is rough, but there are systems of support. CWU has the Equality Through Queers and Allies club (EQuAl). EQuAl meets once a week and puts together some of the inclusive events on campus. They’re a great support system to have. Reach out to your professors, friends, supervisors, faculty etc. if you need any help or resources. There is no need to go about it alone.
WINTER 2022
47
SPOTLIGHT
THE ROAD TO
48
WINTER 2022
SOBRIETY: Story by Sean Bessette | Photos by Katie Jo Stewart | Design by Morgan Rosentrater
With a daughter at home and a wife out of town, Peter Geyer drove drunk to get more alcohol six years ago. He was arrested. “That was the very lowest point in my life,” Geyer says. “I moved here to be a father and I finally saw that I had failed.” Since then, Geyer’s been sober. Upon meeting Geyer, who’s 52 years old and works at The Porch, you wouldn’t know he struggled with alcohol since his teenage years. Today, he lives with his wife, Jen, and his 17-year-old daughter, Lili, who’s on track to graduate this year. “It’s pretty cool and bittersweet,” Geyer says. “Time flies, you know.” Geyer grew up in Los Angeles and lived there until he was 23. He didn’t have a father-figure until he was four years old when his stepfather entered his life, because his biological father separated when Geyer was roughly eight months old. Geyer’s stepfather passed away Sept. 2021. His biological father passed away a couple years back. His stepfather had a profound impact on his life, but Geyer says he didn’t know it at first. “He definitely didn’t like to see me drinking, which unfortunately he did,” Geyer says.
Even though he no longer has that connection with his stepfather, Geyer’s relationship with his mother remains strong; in fact, he visited his mother in Hawaii over Christmas.
First Sip He was first introduced to alcohol during his teenage years, sometime around eighth grade. “It started becoming an addiction by 16,” Geyer says. “It was definitely a weekend thing. Partying on the weekends, going to backyard parties was definitely the thought at 16.” Geyer says he thought he could have better control over his drinking, but it progressively got worse as he got older. “At a young age, you like that trouble. You like getting in and out of trouble,” Geyer says. “I can’t take responsibility for myself and at 16, 17, that’s perfect. You know, because you’re not taking responsibility for yourself anyways.”
WINTER 2022
49
SPOTLIGHT
First Incident: Skiing accident Geyer is no rookie when it comes to skiing. He says he started skiing when he was four years old. While working a job at a ski resort at a young age, he ran into his first incident with drinking. During his training, he was drinking, partying and skiing. One night, he woke up in a hospital about 80 miles from home with his divorced parents by his side. “It was an eye opener at least,” Geyer says. “But of course that didn’t stop me from continuing.” Before he turned 21 years old, Geyer already had two DUIs and was no longer driving. He got his license back years later and received a third DUI. “You know why I was getting in trouble, why I had bad relationships, why I never had any money, you know, all these things that were happening to me and it was all the result of alcohol,” Geyer says. At 23 years old, Geyer left Los Angeles for New Mexico, where his stepfather retired in 1992.
50
WINTER 2022
He moved there to, “escape myself and escape Los Angeles,” Geyer says. “I was seeking and searching along with getting away.” Alcoholism was negatively affecting all of Geyer’s relationships, including his family.
The Turning Point “Nobody can live with an alcoholic unless they’re an alcoholic and what I realized is that most of my relationships were with women who drank, women I met in bars and it never worked out,” Geyer says. “Most of my relationships were with women that are addicts of some sort.” That changed when he met his wife, Jen, and learned that she was pregnant with their daughter, Lili. He moved to Ellensburg to be a father, Geyer says. Finding a turning point in his struggle with alcoholism wasn’t easy, according to Geyer. “I would want to get better and sober up a little bit and I’d see the light so I’d think there wouldn’t be a corner to turn,” Geyer says. “Things would get good, you know, and then they’d be like, oh, maybe I can just
go out and I never admitted that I had a serious problem.” That turning point finally arrived when he was arrested for drunk driving six years ago while his wife was out of town and his daughter was at home. Geyer says it was a wake-up call, and he’s been sober since then. His relationship with his wife and daughter is good, “because I’m not hiding, not sneaking around and not trying to be someone that I’m not.” Geyer attends Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings three to four times a week and refers to the halls these meetings occur at as therapeutic places. “I was never understood until I came into a place like this,” Geyer says. “You’re shown here’s what you have to do if you want to survive.” He even chairs a meeting every Monday at noon at a hall on 3rd Ave. “Now I see that I have to be here because you can easily get drifted away,” Geyer says. The hall has a couple dozen chairs organized in a circle, has a bookshelf full of AA
literature and is decorated in AA material that Geyer attributes his ability to stay sober to. “I’ll read the daily reflection that you see here [in the AA hall] and we have the literature or anything to get it going, you know, keep it positive,” Geyer says. Geyer says he wouldn’t give any advice to younger version of himself because he “wouldn’t listen.” As for his future, he plans on staying sober, staying happy and taking it easy. “I could never accept life on life’s terms. I was always trying to change it and make it so I would be happy,” Geyer says. “And I realized I have to be happy no matter what happens.” Geyer doesn’t want to be remembered for one certain thing but rather that he, “got sober and you can be sober. You can have a sober life. You can live a happy life. You can be content in this life.”
SCAN HERE
To Check Out a Video of Peter Geyer’s Story.
WINTER 2022
51
FOOD + DRINK
Story by Emma CrowE | Design & Illustration by Katie Jo Stewart
When you think of tea, what do you see? A hot cup of Earl Grey on a cloudy day, or a glass jar of fermenting liquids? Kombucha is a fermented tea whose exact origins have not been agreed upon; however, it is presumed that the tea comes from the continent of Asia. People around the world have been making and drinking Kombucha for years. So, naturally, there are plenty of recipes floating around the web. Making the base for Kombucha is fairly straightforward, but the flavor combinations are where people can spice up their drinks.
52
WINTER 2022
Sources: Recipe Inspired by 9Kitchen https://www.britannica.com/topic/kombucha.
Cranberry and Peach Kombucha: Ingredients: •
SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast from previous batch of kombucha or store-bought)
•
4 cups filtered water
•
4 black tea bags or 1 tablespoon loose-leaf black tea
•
3 tablespoons raw or white sugar
•
3 tablespoons kombucha (homemade or store-bought)
•
⅔ cup cranberry juice
•
⅔ cup peach juice
•
Yield: about 1.5 liters
Directions: 1.
2.
Bring 2 cups of the filtered water to a simmer. Pour into a teapot, add the tea bags or tea leaves and leave to steep for 3–5 minutes. Strain the tea into a heatproof wide-mouth glass jar and discard the tea bags or tea leaves. Add the sugar to the jar and stir to dissolve. Pour in the remaining filtered water. When the liquid has cooled to room temperature, add the kombucha starter culture liquid and SCOBY. Cover the jar with a piece of cheesecloth and secure it with an elastic band. Place the jar out of direct sunlight in a cool spot. Leave the liquid to ferment for around 4 days in hot
3.
4. 5.
weather and 14–20 days in cooler weather. Gently remove the SCOBY to re-use. Retain 3 tablespoons of the kombucha liquid as the starter culture liquid for your next brew. Mix in any sediment that has settled at the bottom of the jar. Put a funnel in the opening of a glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid and put a strainer on top of the funnel. Pour the kombucha into the bottle through the strainer and discard any solids. Add in cranberry and peach juice. Mix well. Tightly seal the bottle lid and leave the bottle to build carbonation. This
6.
could take anywhere from 2–14 days, depending on the temperature. ‘Burp’ the kombucha daily to release some pressure by opening the lid slightly and then tightening it again. When the kombucha is as fizzy and sour as you like, store it in the fridge to slow the fermentation process and enjoy at your leisure.
WINTER 2022
53
FOOD + DRINK
Relish the Recipes Story by Emma CrowE | Design & Illustration by Katie Jo Stewart
What do cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and shrimp have in common? Other than being delicious on their own, they’re all foods that can be pickled or canned. Pickling and canning involve similar processes. The end result is preserved food packed into a glass jar with tons of flavor. The canning process does not have to be as daunting as it seems. Start with simple directions, and then play around with flavors. The combinations are endless. Sources: - https://dc.ecowomen.org/the-pickling-process-simple-steps-to-master-the-artisan-pickle/ - Contributions by Donna & Jay Zabel
54
WINTER 2022
How To Pickle: Ingredients: • • • • • • •
Your choice of veggie 1 glass jar Your choice of dry seasonings 2 cups of water 1 cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon of sea salt 1 tablespoon of sugar
Directions: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
6. 7. 8.
Cut veggies into desired shape. Sterilize jars by boiling them in hot water. Place your cut veggies in the jars. Put ½ teaspoon of each dry seasoning into each jar. Create the pickle brine. Mix together water and vinegar. Add sea salt and sugar. Boil until salt and sugar are dissolved. Pour brine into jars ensuring to cover veggies. Leave ½ inch between brine and jar for fermentation. Seal jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. Experts recommend 2 weeks. Enjoy your home-pickled veggies!
WINTER 2022
55
FOOD + DRINK
Zucchini Salsa Recipe: Ingredients:
Directions:
•
1.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
10 cups shredded and peeled zucchini 4-5 large onions, chopped 2 large green peppers, chopped 2 large red peppers, chopped ¼ cup pickling salt 1 tablespoon pickling salt 2 tablespoon dry mustard 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon cumin 2 cups white vinegar 1 cup brown sugar 3 tablespoons red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon nutmeg 1 teaspoon black pepper 5 cups chopped Roma tomatoes 8 jalapeño peppers, chopped and seeds removed 2 hot yellow peppers 2 tablespoons cornstarch 12 ounces tomato paste
2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
7.
Fun things to pickle:
8.
•
•
•
•
•
56
WINTER 2022
Mix together the zucchini, onions, green peppers, red peppers, and ¼ cup of pickling salt. Let the mixture sit overnight in the fridge. The next day, rinse and drain the zucchini mixture. As the zucchini mixture drains, add the remaining ingredients to a large pot. Add the drained zucchini mixture to the pot, mix well, bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Pour the mixture into sterilized pint jars, leaving 1 inch of space between the contents and the lid. Seal the jars and place them in boiling hot water for 15 minutes to seal (Water needs to cover the tops of the jars). Let the jars cool, and then store the jars in a cool place. Enjoy your Zucchini Salsa!
ac vA adoslices g E gplants e P ars Grapes o C rn
Tips from a Seasoned Canner: •
Leftover jars from store purchased foods are not usually suited for preserving foods in a pressure cooker.
•
Put a little cooking oil on the sealing ring of your pressure cooker before using it the first time.
•
Write the date on canned foods once the lids have cooled and sealed.
WINTER 2022
57
FOOD + DRINK
Story & Recipe Contributions by Ondrea Machin Photos by Michelle Reyes | Design by Morgan Rosentrater Imagine this: you’re at home and you look through the cupboards multiple times trying to figure out what to make for dinner, but all you have are some miscellaneous ingredients. There is one type of food that can be made with random ingredients. PIZZA! It’s an easy dinner idea and pizza is pretty versatile, especially for those picky eaters. However, traditional pizza crust can be a problem for people who are diabetic, gluten intolerant, Keto or just trying to eat healthier. These three recipes replace traditional pizza crust with low carb and gluten free alternatives.
NOTHING BUT CHEESE CRUST: Ingredients: • 1 cup mozzarella cheese • ¼ cup parmesan cheese • 1 egg • 1 teaspoon garlic powder • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning • 1-2 tablespoons almond flour (optional) 1. 2. 3.
58
WINTER 2022
Mix everything together and spread out into a circle on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. Add favorite toppings and bake for another 10 minutes.
CAN O’CHICKEN CRUST: Ingredients: • 2 cans of chicken • 1 egg • ½ cup of parmesan cheese • Garlic powder, basil, salt and pepper to taste 1. 2. 3. 4.
Mix everything together. On a pan lined with parchment paper, spray with cooking spray and spread mixture on the pan in the shape of a circle. Bake for 30 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Add favorite toppings and bake for another 15 minutes.
CAULIFLOWER CRUST: Ingredients: • 1 small head of cauliflower or 1 bag of cauliflower rice • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder • ¼ teaspoon oregano • 1 egg • 2 tablespoons flax seed • 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese • Salt and pepper to taste 1. 2. 3. 4.
Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray, set aside. In a food processor, pulse the cauliflower until it’s a rice-like consistency, transfer to a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 8 minutes. Allow to cool. Once cool, ring out as much water from the cauliflower as possible. Once dry, place in a bowl and combine with the grated mozzarella cheese, egg, flaxseed and seasoning.
WINTER 2022
59
FOOD + DRINK
Booze & Bake Story by Lexi Wicks | Photos by Kassandra Eller & Katie Jo Stewart | Design by Katie Jo Stewart
A night in with friends doesn’t have to be limited to game or movie nights. Branch out and have a night of laughs and new recipes with a Booze and Bake! Drink new cocktails with friends while munching on homemade pastries. It’s a fun way to stay in but feel like a night out. Blueberry Vodka Cocktails
Instructions:
Ingredients:
To make Blueberry Simple Syrup:
Blueberry Simple Syrup
1.
• • •
2.
½ cup blueberries ½ cup sugar ½ cup water
Blueberry Vodka Cocktail
• • • • • •
1 cup ice, crushed 1 ½ ounces vodka, chilled 4 tablespoons blueberry simple syrup (recipe to the right) 3 ounces sparkling water, or soda water 1 squeezed lemon, optional 4-6 blueberries, for garnish
3.
To make your cocktail:
1. 2. 3.
60
WINTER 2022
In a medium-sized pan, set over medium-high heat, add blueberries, sugar and water. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer for about 15-minutes. Break up blueberries with the back of a spoon. The syrup should now begin to thicken. Strain into a mason jar and be sure to press on blueberries with the back of your spoon to extract all of the flavors. Discard solids. Use or let it cool completely and store up to 3-months, tightly sealed in the refrigerator. Makes enough for 4-6 cocktails. Fill an 8-ounce glass with crushed ice In a cocktail shaker, add more crushed ice, blueberry simple syrup, vodka and sparkling water. Shake well and strain into glass. Garnish with blueberries and a squeeze of lemon, if desired.
Blueberry Muffin Beer Loaf Cake Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • • •
¾ cup granulated sugar ½ cup unsalted butter, softened 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ cup buttermilk 2/3 cup wheat beer 2 cups cake flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup fresh blueberries (for frozen, see note) 1 cup powdered sugar 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or beer for a larger beer flavor)
Instructions: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
8.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Add sugar and butter to the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat on high until light, fluffy and well combined. Add the egg and vanilla, beat until well combined. Stir in the buttermilk and beer. Stop the mixer, sprinkle with flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir until combined. Stir in the blueberries. Pour into a greased loaf pan. Bake until the top springs back when lightly touched, about 55 minutes. Allow to cool completely before icing. Stir together the powdered sugar and lemon juice (or beer). Pour over the cake, slice and serve.
Notes:
For frozen blueberries, rinse well until the water runs clear. Add paper towels to dry, do not stir into batter. Layer loaf pan with 1/4 of the batter, sprinkle with berries, top with more batter, then blueberries, repeat until all the berries and batter have been used. This will avoid smashed berries and a purple cake. Recipe Inspo: http://thebeeroness.com/2016/08/10/ blueberry-muffin-beer-loaf-cake/
FOOD + DRINK
Instructions: Cookie Crust:
Mudslide Cocktail Ingredients: • • • • •
1 oz Bailey’s irish cream 1 oz Kahlua 1 oz Vodka 2 oz Heavy whipping cream Chocolate sauce (to drizzle)
1. 2.
3. 4.
Instructions: 1. 2.
3. 4.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour the Vodka, Kahlua, Baileys and heavy whipping cream into a cocktail shaker and stir thoroughly. In a separate cup, drizzle chocolate syrup around the edges of the cup. Pour the drink into the empty cup.
Bailey’s Chocolate Pie
Pie Filling:
1.
2.
Ingredients: Cookie Crust:
• •
30 chocolate wafers 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Pie Filling:
• • • • • • • • • • •
62
WINTER 2022
6 ounces dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips) 1 cup heavy whipping cream 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 2 ounces Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur 1 cup heavy whipping cream 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 2 ounces Bailey’s Irish Cream Whipped cream topping (optional): 1 cup heavy whipping cream 2 tablespoons powdered sugar ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the cookie wafers in a gallon-sized plastic baggie, remove excess air and seal. Using a rolling pin, crush cookies into fine crumbs. Pour the crumbs to a medium-sized bowl and mix with melted butter until well-combined. Grease up the pie pan. Pour cookie crumb mixture into a 9-inch pie plate and press firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Bake for 15 minutes and let cool completely.
3.
While your crust cools, melt chocolate according to package directions (either over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently until melted or in a microwave safe bowl, heating and stirring in 30 second increments until melted). Set aside. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip heavy cream and sugar together until the mix becomes thick. Add Bailey’s and melted chocolate, mix on low-medium speed until well-combined. Pour mixture into cooled pie crust and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
Whipped Cream Topping (optional):
1.
2.
In a large bowl, combine heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla, and use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip on high speed until it is thick (usually about 3 minutes). Keep the pie refrigerated until ready to serve, then garnish with whipped cream (adding chocolate curls or shavings makes for a nice presentation). Slice, serve and enjoy!
WINTER 2022
63
AFTER DARK
FIGHTING MADNESs with
HORROR? Story by Chuck Dickson | Quiz by Sarah Stewart | Design & Illustration by Sarah Stewart
How many times have you felt crippling fear and anxiety wash over you like a cold wave that takes your breath away and stuns you? How often does stress stalk you and haunt you like the monster in your closet or under your bed? Where do you go to find solace and comfort, to escape the demons who plague you and affect your mental and emotional health? Interestingly enough, many people actively enjoy horror movies and video games to feel their stress and anxiety in a normalized way.
Halle Jourdan, a mental health worker at Comprehensive Healthcare and therapist in training, has dealt with her fair share of stress and anxiety both on and off the job. “When I want to get away from my own reality and my own anxiety, I like to watch horror movies,” Jourdan says. “In a nice way, they’re not relatable. They’re gory, violent, psychological and some have loose endings. I like being able to escape by watching something that is not real to me.” Jourdan says it is not just horror movies she enjoys; she also loves to play horror video games, like The Evil Within, Little Nightmares and Layers of Fear. “I like to play
things that are more gory and make me anxious,” Jourdan says. “It’s weird; when I watch movies, I do it to escape my anxiety. But when I play horror games, I start sweating. I put myself in a situation to be fearful and anxious. That’s probably about as close to the situation [of anxiety] I want to be in,” she says with a laugh. Jourdan further shares how she fully engages in the horror experience; she watches horror movies in the dark, alone, at night. “My boyfriend hates it,” Jourdan says. Ultimately for Jourdan, it comes down to a sense of reality or lack thereof. “It is contradicting when I play video games versus watching horror movies. I get fearful during the video game, but it’s not real,” Jourdan says. “When I watch horror movies, it is a healthy anxiety or fear. While these movies are not real, the things in these movies might have actually happened to some people. And that is terrifying.” Jourdan is not the only person who copes with anxiety through horror movies.
“it allows an outlet for me to express my anxiety where it’s warranted.”
As someone who has dealt with their own issues of stress and anxiety, I find a weird comfort when I watch horror movies. I become incredibly analytical when watching horror movies. I make it a mission to find out the details of a horror movie. When is the next jumpscare? Who is the killer? What is the motive? And will there be a twist ending? This is helpful to me because it allows me to focus on a specific task or concept and shut everything else out from the world. Seriously, being laser focused on Michael Myers trying to kill his sister for the umpteenth time is a way for me to relax and shut my brain off. Typically I enjoy movies that have a sense of realism or deal with the paranormal. The Conjuring film series used to absolutely terrify me, but the terror has since waned. Nothing against it, it has simply lost
She also discusses the bridge between general anxiety and those who do not have it. “For people who do not have anxiety, I think that horror films provide them with that shock value or feeling scared,” Wilson says. “For people who have anxiety, you have that feeling all the time. There are things I fear all the time or am fixated on. Sometimes it is nice to feel how other people are feeling. When watching these films, it’s nice to know you are not so different.” Wilson continued to discuss her views and shared her favorite subgenres, movies and even books. While horror can be viewed as a way to relieve stress and anxiety, Wilson says it is not for everyone. “I definitely believe that it’s really unique to the person. The solace I find in horror films can be found in comedy films. It depends on the person and while [horror] may be a benefit for me, it is not a benefit for everyone,” Wilson says. With respect to all viewpoints and perspectives, the horror genre can be seen as a way to experience healthy anxiety and stress as a way to cope. No promise can be made
Maddy Wilson, an alumni of CWU and a social work major, also enjoys the horror genre, particularly horror books as well as horror movies. “I have been diagnosed with general anxiety disorder, and I have had anxiety for as long as I can remember,” Wilson says. “Something about the horror genre, even general thriller books or TV shows, it allows an outlet for me to express my anxiety where it’s warranted. A lot of people have anxiety
its luster for me over the years. One movie that always scares me is The Hills Have Eyes. A family stranded in the New Mexico desert being picked off
about things we cannot control, but when you put yourself in a false reality, it almost makes it easier because then there is a warranted reason to evoke those feelings in me.”
that it is a cure-all, but it may be a way to alleviate any tension you feel. In the meantime, perhaps it is time to explore the possibilities. Grab some popcorn, turn out the lights and put on your favorite horror movie. Who knows? You may find it is exactly what you need and what you have been missing.
by mutant cannibals? Ooh it still gives me chills! That’s the kind of thing that could ACTUALLY happen, and isn’t that scary? I suppose that’s
what I am terrified of the most: the horrors humankind can actually accomplish when they lose their humanity. -Chuck Dickson WINTER 2022
65
AFTER DARK
Are you new to horror?
START HERE
YES
NO
Are you new to horror?
What’s usually yourYES favorite movie genre? What’s usually your favorite movie genre?
NO What would scare you the most?
Romance
What would scare you the most?
Romance Crimson Peak Running from the ghosts of her past,
Crimson Peak a woman is instead Action
Not sure
Comedy
Not sure
Comedy
Action
Are you at all squeamish? Are you at all squeamish?
Sorry, I’m Sorry, I’m All for ‘em allergic All for ‘em allergic
YES YES.
The Descent The Descent
A group of of friends A group friends becomes trapped in in becomes trapped anan cave following anan cave following accident, and they accident, and they begin to to realize they begin realize they might not be alone in aren’t alone in the the dark. dark.
In theapocolypse, midst of a zombie apocolypse, a zombie father aims to fulaims to fill aa father promise to his fulfill a promise to his estranged daughter: estranged daughter: deliver her to her deliverin her to her mother Busan. mother in Busan.
Quiet Place AAQuiet Place familyisisforced forced AAfamily liveininsilence silencetoto totolive protect themselves protect themselves fromotherwordly otherwordly from monstersthat thatare are monsters exceedingly sensiexceedingly sensitive tive to sound. to sound.
66
WINTER 2022
Nah Nah
Aforced college to student relive theis forced the day of to herrelive murder day heruntil murder on aofloop she on a loopthe until she catches killer can catch killer before theyher catch her. before they catch Again. her. Again.
GET GETIT IT AWAY. AWAY.
Irishher countryside, After son briefly a mother begins to disappears into the suspect that the boy Irish countryside, returned to her athat mother begins to is not her all. suspect thatson theatboy who returned to her is not her son at all.
Man Man
Both Both
Hush
28 28Days DaysLater Later
AAman manawakes awakesfrom from a acoma comafour fourweeks weeksafter afier the release of the release of a “rage a virus” “rage virus” in the turns London heart London, into of a ghost town, and andseeks seekssanctuary help from withother othersurviors. surviors.
Let’s take Let’s take slow. it it slow...
The Autopsy The Autopsy of Jane Doe of Jane Doe A father and son
Tucker and Tucker and Dale vs. Evil Dale vs. Evil While vacationing in
The Hole in the Ground Theher Hole in Afier son brieThy the Ground disappears into the
A deaf writer who lives alone in the woods woodsisissuddently suddenly thrown into a fight for her life when a masked man appears in the window.
Let’s get Let’s get started! started!
Creepy kids in Creepy kids movies: yay or in nay? movies: yay or nay?
their fixer-upper, twoin While vacationing hillbillies are mistaktheir fixer-upper, two enhillbillies for murderers in a are mistakseries ofmurderers increasingly en for in a bloody series ofmisunderincreasingly standings. bloody misunderstandings.
Being haunted Being haunted
Slow burn, burn or or right right Slow into the thespookies? creepies? into
Reuniting afier the death of a friend, four The set Ritual friends out on a hiking trip,after and the start Reuniting to suspect that death of a friend,somefour thing evil may lurk friends set out on a between hiking trip,the andtrees. start to suspect that something evil may lurk between the trees.
Happy Death Day Happy Death A college student Day is
Who’s the Who’s the real monster? monster?
Monster Monster
Being lost Being trapped Being lost Being trapped
The Ritual
How do you feel about subtitles? How do you feel about subtitles?
Train to Busan Train to Busan In the midst of a
caught upfrom in the Running the past of of herher mysteghosts past, rious new ishusband a woman instead and his family. caught up in the past of her mysterious new husband and his strange family.
A father and son coroner duo attempt coroner duothe attempt to unravel mysto unravel the mystery of a seemingly tery of a seemingly impossible murder as impossible murder as a storm slowly closes a storm slowly closes in around them. in around them.
Can a doll ever bedolls scary? Are ever scary to you?
Yawn. Yawn.
YES! NO. YES! NO. Possum A troubled and Possum disgraced puppeteer
What’s worse: finding a monster or it finding you? Not really Hell, yeah! Finding Being found Overlord Overlord
troubled and isAforced to return disgraced puppeteer to his childhood is forced return home,to where theto hispast childhood home, refuses to stay where buried. he struggles with a past that refuses to stay buried.
You’re Next You’re Next
Lake Mungo Lake Mungo
fienight nightbefore before A family comes Afieraateen girl drowns, The A family comes After girl D-Day, American under under attack during drowns, a documentary crew D-Day, anan American attack during a documenparatrooper squad a get-together, and helps her family paratrooper squad an uncomfortable tary crew helps her try an Nathe killers soon learn to Thnd closure, dropdrop intointo a Nazi-ocdinner, and the killers family search for as zi-occupied ofone them well and as make sense of cupied village,village, and soonthat learnone that of closure scrutinize and Thnd horrors hashas a penchant for strange happendiscover horrors far far them a penchant thethe strange happenbeyond expectation. fighting back. ings in their home. beyond expectation. for fighting back. ings in their home.
SERVICE. PURPOSE. OPPORTUNITY. Don’t be in the dark.
QUARTER PAGE
Scholarships. Leadership training. Over 100 career paths. Central Washington University
AFROTC Detachment 895 • www.cwu.edu/airforce • www.AFROTC.com • 509-963-2314
WINTER 2022
67
AFTER DARK
LIVING IN
CONNECTION Story By Spencer Clifton | Design by Morgan Rosentrater & Katie Jo Stewart
Connectedness. In recent years, this idea may seem like a far cry from the current state of humanity. News is no longer spread by word of mouth, asking your neighbor for a cup of sugar seems like an ancient practice and your community may seem more divided than ever. Sound familiar?
WINTER 2022
69
AFTER DARK While this status quo may seem like the new American average, for some individuals a simpler, alternative form of living calls to them. From hippie communes to off-grid communities, these are the lives of small community dwellers that have stepped away from mainstream living. Serious Israel, an original founder of the well-known Love Israel Family, sought community at the height of the hippie movement in 1970 to provide a better life for his family. “When I learned about [my] child coming into this world, I really felt a strong pull to find a community somewhere that would support me in a way that I would feel comfortable in raising a child,” says Serious Israel. “I didn’t feel that great about society overall at the time.” Following his calling, Serious Israel set out to Canada in search of a small community. As he was passing through Seattle, Serious Israel stumbled upon the Love Israel Family; a Christian-based group led by Paul Erdmann, who called himself Love Israel and rented a 2-bedroom house on the Queen Anne Hill in Seattle. He opened his door to anyone seeking community. Little did Serious Israel know at the time, this community would grow into a network of interconnected homes and outposts throughout Washington. Serious Israel’s spiritual conquest to find community for his family was only just beginning, along with the expansion of the Love Israel Family. While his experience was sought out for spiritual and familial reasons, others may seek community to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Marguerite Cummings, Oregon realtor and Three Rivers Recreational Area community member, moved to Three Rivers Rec. for that very reason. Cummings explains, Three Rivers Rec. is an off-grid, 4,000-acre gated community in Deschutes County, Oregon that has been operating and expanding for the last 50 years. Drawn to the remoteness of the off-grid lifestyle, Cummings notes the unique experiences she is able to have at Three Rivers Rec. that she claims you can’t get anywhere else. “I go to sleep counting stars,” she says. “In the summertime we can see the milky way cause there is no white wash.”
70
WINTER 2022
45-minutes away from the closest retail store, and operating on community-gathered resources, Three Rivers Rec. embodies the true meaning of an off-grid community. “Off-the-grid means we don’t have any Public Utility Districts (PUD),” says Cummings. “The water that you get from a city is from a PUD. We do not have access to a sewer system or public water or public electricity.” The absence of a PUD turns some of the responsibility for managing sustainable resources to the Three River Rec. community members.
It Takes a Community Zack Kaplan-Moss, River Farm community member, explains that part of what makes a community successful is the ability to meet all of your needs. Those needs include: “your food needs, your shelter needs, your spiritual needs, your social needs and your economic needs.” He adds, “One of the big things that we work on at River farm is sort of sustainable living where we try to grow as much of our own food as possible.” Cummings explains that the Three Rivers Rec. community utilizes a local water service that refills community cisterns and well water in place of services PUD’s provide. Aside from these amenities, residents have adapted methods of conservation and energy recycling in order to keep Three Rivers Rec. sustainable. “There are about half a dozen families up here that do rainwater capturing,” she adds. “They will have a way to capture the water … it’s mostly off the roof [and] the water would go into a cistern, and they would use that water to either flush their toilets, or water their garden, or wash their cars … They are recycling water coming out of the sky.” For electricity, most residents use a photovoltaic system, or solar panels, to generate power for their property. “[Solar panels] captures the energy and stores it into batteries. The batteries are what you pull off of to run your property,” explains Cummings. Three Rivers Rec. did not start with all of these advanced resources. It was only 7 years ago that they were able to get their own fire station, claims Cummings.
“We are now a registered fire district in the state of Oregon,” she says. “Back in the olden days it was all volunteer. People would go out in their flip-flops and shorts and wet towels and try to put a fire out; not anymore.” Up until they became a fire district, Cummings and her husband were a part of the volunteer fire department. “It was hysterical when I look at all the training I went through, and my husband went through with people going out in their flip flops to fight a fire,” she says. “Now that we are a fire district, we got good coverage.” Three Rivers Rec. is not the only community that has advanced their methods of sustainability. Serious Israel explains life on their property closely resembled a “pioneer life.” Members of the family started by staying in large army tents, which quickly grew into self-crafted yurts. The skills that members of the Love Israel Family learned from this lifestyle prepared them to start a business and have some form of income. “Building our own homes gave us the experience to develop the talents that we needed to become hired by other people to build their homes,” he says. “Eventually, that evolved into an actual formal construction company called Israel Brothers Construction, and we built a lot of homes for people up in the Arlington area over time.” For Serious Israel, making his home in an outpost outside of Arlington, Wash. sustainable with the Love Israel Family was a team effort. Utilizing third party resources, Serious Israel mentions that along with construction they taught themselves organic gardening. “For years, we ran a high stall at the [Pike Place] Market selling our organic produce,” he says. “It was basically creating a very hands-on economy based on developing all these skills that we ourselves needed to be building our own communities in the various outposts that we had.” In modern communities, learning new skills and using individual-based talents continues to be a major reliance for residents. While this can perpetuate a pioneer lifestyle like Serious Israel described, Kaplan-Moss explains how this can also leave a community without a functioning utility. “The thing about community is that
WINTER 2022
71
AFTER DARK
72
WINTER 2022
in order for things to happen there has to be someone who has the desire and the expertise to make it happen,” says Kaplan-Moss. “I think we’d all like to be power sufficient, where we’re actually not drawing any power from the grid but that’s going to require somebody with a desire and the ability … to make it happen.” Kaplan-Moss explains he works on what he calls “closing the loop,” or finding ways to make River Farm more sustainable by utilizing all materials and waste in different systems and cycles on the farm. “If we can get successful at managing our grass [through livestock], possibly even producing hay, then we’re feeding the animals, the animals are creating fertility, we’re using their poop [to] make compost and then growing vegetables [and] basically feeding them through that cycle,” he says. Kaplan-Moss says sustainability continues to be one of River Farms goals, so River Farm residents, “[can] produce everything they need right there … and it would be a system that could perpetuate itself.” As it stands now, he expresses that River Farm is developing certain aspects of sustainability. Despite the various ways these three communities operate, one theme remains similar across their experiences: connectedness. “Looking back on it, it was a very high ideal to share everything; to share the land, to share all the resources, and to manage them together in a way that was fair and equitable for people,” says Serious Israel.
Cultivating Connection The culture of sharing and closeness is echoed across these three communities. “The people that live up here [that] we do know, they are exceptional,” says Cummings. “If somebody needs help it’s like the olden days. In the olden days, if the neighbor was going into town and you needed flour, they would bring it back to you.” This sense of community is exactly what Kaplan-Moss also found at River Farm. “I was looking for a deeper fulfillment and a deeper connection to the people around me,” he expresses. Cummings and Kaplan-moss testify to how cultural practices in their communities exemplify this deeper connection among residents.
“Up here at Three Rivers we have a couple of yearly events,” says Cummings. “The first thing we have is a full-community event is the easter egg hunt.” She explains that the eggs are colored and sponsored by different businesses or people, and then hidden for kids in the community to find. “It’s a hoot,” she says. This is just one of many events that Three Rivers Rec. throws within their community. These events are open to everyone, though not required among residents. River Farm isn’t shy about community events either, claims Kaplan-Moss. Among numerous pizza nights, the annual Camp-A-Thon community event invites individuals to come and enjoy music, eat farm fresh food and camp out at River Farm. The Love Israel Family experienced something similar. “We considered ourselves a Commonwealth in the sense that all our personal claims to ownership of land were thrown in together,” Serious Israel says. “[We] recreated this much larger sense of landholdings where any of us would be welcome to visit or live within the flow of the dynamics of our relationships with one another.” The Love Israel Family grew into this functioning entity that took on a life of its own. He explains, “We created a document that was broken down into chapters, where we defined how we would approach things like marriage, things like child raising, and we just began to basically create a civil culture from scratch.” In 1984, 14 years after Serious Israel found the Love Israel Family, the once-growing community lost about two-thirds of its members. The remaining residents all congregated onto one 300-acre outpost outside of Arlington, Wash. claims Serious Israel. “We continued to create a community there for basically another almost 20 years,” he says. “But it was a much smaller group, it was less than 100 of us were living there with our children. But it was … [a] more focused kind of experience, because we were all living on one piece of land.” Serious Israel explains that people were divided into households, though they had converted a barn on the property into a common house. “A lot of cultural events happened on that property,” he says. “And a lot of the
former people who used to live in the family would come and attend some of those events.” All three of these communities cultivated their own unique culture and community amongst the chaos of the modern world. While Three Rivers Rec. and River Farm are both still active and functioning today, the Love Israel Family’s story is a little different. “It wasn’t a utopia,” says Serious Israel. “It was an effort to create a better way of life [for] ourselves and our children than [what] we felt was being demonstrated [in] the world around us.” Serious Israel explains that management of the internal economy didn’t provide sustainable income to some members of the family. “I just don’t think we succeeded at it,” he says. “And as a result, people fell back on what was available to them in the mainstream economy, that made me feel like they had a better chance at supporting our household apart from the Commonwealth.” Though the family disbanded, Serious Israel explains that many of the positive influences of community living carry on in the lives of his children. Though Serious Israel no longer lives in a small community, he reminisces on what moved people of the Love Israel Family so strongly during that time. “We decided that we didn’t have to buy into what was being offered us by the society around us,” he says. “And that there was something that we could find if we made our own personal inquiry into our own hearts and into our own spiritual core ... I think that’s the main thing I would encourage all of us to do, especially the young people.” Though these three communities have different cultures and lifestyles, the experiences within all of them form a connection that is hard to find in mainstream society.
WINTER 2022
73
AFTER DARK
FORTHE THECASH FOR OR FOR THE ASS
CASH
OR FOR THE
ASS
Story by Paije Maas | Design & Illustration by Katie Jo Stewart
When you think of pole dancing, what is the first image that pops into your mind? A local night club, strobe lights and loud music? Pole dancing holds a stigma behind it that looks down upon the activity based on the night scene it is linked to. What most people do not realize is how challenging it is and how much athleticism it requires.
74
WINTER 2022
This activity is open to all shapes, sizes and sexual orientations with no limits. Alyssa Taubin, the owner of Positive Spin in Seattle, says that pole dancing is, “A way to create a healthier relationship with your body, by showing you what your body can do, whether that’s gravity defying tricks, flexy floorwork, or making a living on stage.” Taubin began her teaching career at the age of 22.“I wasn’t sure what to do so I got rid of my bed and almost everything I owned to put up a pole and start teaching out of my bedroom!” Taubin says. After years of hard work they finally broke ground on their new space and within the same week found themselves named “Best Woman Owned Business” and “Best New Business.” “It has always been the supportive community and watching the way it changes lives that fuels my passion for the studio,” Taubin says. “I truly can’t imagine doing anything else.” A stigma behind the art of pole dancing comes from the idea that it is rooted from sex work and the female gender. Taubin feels that there should be more of an acceptance for women to have non-traditional jobs, and that these jobs do not diminish their value as a person. Pole dancing is primarily seen as a job for women, but Taubin believes there should be more acceptance for all genders and all body types. Taubin strives to create an accepting space for all body types and genders by mentioning on her website and in her classes that the space they are in is always a safe one. The staff at Positive Spin all share their values of body positivity and their push for inclusivity. History of Pole Dancing Pole dancing dates back to the 12th century as a male sport. In India, Mallakhamb bears a similarity to the pole dancing seen today except they used a pole made out of wood. This particular style requires an exceptional amount of strength and endurance. The “Chinese Pole,” originating in
China, is another ancient form of modern pole dancing. An article by Poleedia says that primarily men took part in the Chinese pole, but instead of a single pole they would be on “two rubber-coated poles.” This is similar to acrobatic arts seen at many shows today. Positive Sexualization There is a taboo surrounding anything with the word “sex.” When a woman feels her best and even labels herself as feeling “sexy,” she can be called various names based on the way the word sounds. Pole dancing receives a negative connotation due to the view of sex workers and the perceptions people hold about them. Many pole dancing videos on platforms like Tiktok and Instagram get flagged for things like “nudity” and “inappropriate imagery.” These actions cause many women to feel discouraged and leave them wondering why thousands of men can dance with their shirt off and not be flagged or banned from posting. Groups and businesses like Positive Spin push for a positive look on sexualtiy and an embrace of one’s sexuality. Being confident with what you have, or what you do, should not be an issue for anyone. Pole dancing is not for the weak. People who continuously go to a pole dancing class or work find themselves in good shape, regardless of their age. Pole dancing uses an enormous amount of muscle from every inch of your body. It also is not as glamorous as it may seem. With training there is always struggle and the bruises that come with it can be a tell tale sign of your hard work. To go along with that, feeling like you lack the necessary upper body strength to try pole dancing is not a reason to back out. It is like any sport, improvement happens over many areas. Who knows, you may surprise yourself. Pole dancing will continue to thrive in both employment purposes and body conditioning. Where it will thrive even more is creating a positive outlook on embracing individual sexuality and increasing your body image.
WINTER 2022
75
AFTER DARK
r e e g n i im
a l C
u Q in
Story by Justin Zabel & Sean Bessette Design & Illustrations by Sarah Stewart In the late 1970s, the first wave of hip-hop music emerged. Over 40 years later, the genre is still working to be more inclusive of queer artists with the emerging prominence of performers like Lil Nas X; Tyler, The Creator; Frank Ocean and more. Queer artists are changing the narrative around hip-hop music, but they wouldn’t have the opportunity to if it wasn’t for DJ Kool Herc.
76
WINTER 2022
hip-hop’s origins DJ Kool Herc is from Jamaica and grew up in the Bronx. His music career began out of the back of his car. He used his boombox to get people’s attention and get them to the next apartment party by playing the sounds of Jamaica. He wanted everyone to come together and have a great time while listening to his words instead of those words from the boombox. At these parties, Kool Herc was the “DJ.” The DJ is one singular part of a team that creates the hip-hop sound. “You have a DJ, you have an MC, and you have the breakdancers B-boys and B-girls. It was really the DJs and the
p S
e c a
McLemore says there is a lot of anti-LGBTQ language at the root of hip-hop, and that hip-hop has a history of promoting heteronormativity.
Present-day Queer HipHop Artists As hip-hop transitioned into the 2010s, more space for Queer hip-hop artists emerged. In 2012, Frank Ocean, the “channel ORANGE” and “Blonde” artist, wrote an open letter expressing his sexuality.
B-boys and B-girls who were the most important at the very beginning. And, you know, emphasis on live interaction,” says Dr. Mark Samples, associate professor of music at Central Washington University (CWU). In the ‘70s, Kool Herc started hiphop out of his car, but another great hip hop artist rose at the turn of the decade, Grandmaster Flash. Flash introduced a new type of hip-hop, turntables and mixings techniques. These techniques of hip-hop have transitioned into the 21st century. Artists creating hip-hop have pushed every boundary of what hip-hop is.“It’s not just music. It’s also, like I said, fashion, right. It’s an attitude. It is a collection of cultural social musical elements and stylistic elements that loosely, can be called hip-hop,” Samples says. Many of the artists in the 21st century are creating content that refers
to justice. More songs are against racial, gender and religious inequalities, than original mixer hip-hop. As hip-hop moved into the 2000s, the creation of a safer space for queer artists emerged.
Early Stages of Queer Hip-Hop Artists Tim’m T. West, an American hip-hop artist and educator, coined the term “homo-hop” in 2001. It was a “very deliberate attempt to kind of reclaim a space for queer artists in hip-hop, and it was a reaction against that widespread homophobia, anti-LGBTQ language,” says David McLemore, lecturer of tuba at CWU. Queer hip-hop artists were not popular in the early 2000s, in fact there was a negative attitude towards them. McLemore credits that to hip-hop’s roots, dating back to the genre’s origination.
A portion of the letter read: “4 summers ago, I met somebody. I was 19 years old. He was too. We spent that summer, and the summer after, together. Everyday almost. And on the days we were together, time would glide. Most of the day, I’d see him and his smile. I’d hear his conversation and his silence…until it was time to sleep. Sleep I would often share with him. By the time I realized I was in love, it was malignant. It was hopeless. There was no escaping, no negotiating with the feeling. No choice. It was my first love, it changed my life.” The letter was in response to his 2012 album, “channel ORANGE,” which featured homosexual themes. After a four-year hiatus, Ocean followed up “channel ORANGE” with his next album, “Blonde,” in 2016. “Blonde” continues some of the Queer themes presented in “channel ORANGE,” but they were not as notable. Fans have speculated that the album cover and title showcase Ocean’s bisexuality. The album title says “Blonde,” WINTER 2022
77
AFTER DARK
while the album cover reads “blond.” The speculation is that the difference in names represents the conflicting femininity and masculinity Ocean is experiencing, with “Blonde” representing femininity and “blond” representing masculinity. Ocean’s most forefront expression of his bisexuality might have been on his 2017 single, “Chanel,” where he starts the song with, “My guy pretty like a girl and he got fight stories to tell. I see both sides like Chanel, see on both sides like Chanel.” Ocean’s music has been met with critical acclaim, with “Blonde” garnering 276,000 unit sales the first week and debuting #1 on the Billboard 200. “channel ORANGE” won him a GRAMMY for “Best Urban Contemporary Album” in 2013.
A Frank Ocean collaborator, Tyler, The Creator, is another rapper who has expressed queer themes in his music. He is known for his albums “Flower Boy,” “Call Me If You Get Lost,” but most notably for his 2019 album, “IGOR.” “A BOY IS A GUN,” track seven on “IGOR,” hints at Tyler’s bisexuality, as the whole album follows an alter-ego who falls in love and falls out of love. “IGOR” sold 165,000 units the first week and debuted #1 on the Billboard 200. The album won “Best Rap Album” at the 2020 GRAMMY Awards. Tyler’s sexuality is more expressed outside his music, rather than in his music. Following the release of “IGOR” in 2019, Tyler interviewed with GQ Magazine discussing everything from fashion to ice cream to his creative direction and his sexuality.
“I like girls – I just end up fucking their brother every time,” Tyler said in the interview.
Lil Nas X Lil Nas X is another rapper who has not shied away from his sexuality in his music and is most notably known for his 2019 hit single “Old Town Road.” “Old Town Road” was #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the most consecutive weeks, following the remix released with Billy Ray Cyrus, and was the fastest track to receive RIAA diamond certification. Lil Nas X came out as gay on World Pride Day June 30, 2019 with a tweet that read: “some of y’all already know, some of y’all don’t care, some of y’all not gone fwm no more. but before this
78
WINTER 2022
month ends i want y’all to listen closely to c7osure.” “C7osure” is the name of track 7 of his debut EP, “7.” “True say, I want and I need to let go, use my time to be free,” Lil Nas X says in the song, alluding to proclaiming himself a member of the LGBTQ+ community. “I set the boundaries for myself, it’s time to cross the line.” Lil Nas X released his debut album titled “MONTERO” in Sept. 2021, which sold 126,000 units first week and debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200. “I think these artists like Frank Ocean and Lil Nas X, they have made huge strides for representation, particularly for black male queer artists,” McLemore says.
Trending towards more inclusivity
in hip-hop due to the genre’s limited history, but things seem to be leaning towards more inclusivity.
The LGBTQ+ community has fought for their rights. They desereve to have equal treatment, in everyday life and in music.
“That being said, the trend certainly appears to be so and we’re seeing that trend, not just in hip-hop, but a little bit more broadly in the culture, in other musical genres,” McLemore says.
There is a lot of hatred towards the LGBTQ+ community. Many times this hatred comes from people who don’t understand them. This is how labels get attached. People being called homophobic or racist. But mainly these labels are only what is seen from others actions. “Nobody is born a racist. Nobody’s born a homophobe or a transphobe,” says McLemore. McLemore says it’s difficult to predict the future in terms of inclusivity
He’s cautiously optimistic and mentions “backsliding” has occurred while referencing previous historic trends. Bret Smith, professor of music education at CWU, shared a similar sentiment as the landscape and soundscape for queer artists in hip-hop continue to expand. “I think that’s actually kind of exciting because, hey, we’re living in history,” Smith says.
WINTER 2022
79
OUR TOWN
cwupulsemagazine.com
80
WINTER 2022
