I’ve noticed an increase in people claiming that others are engaged in “performative” allyship. Aside from my frustration about the misunderstanding of what performative means, those claiming to see evidence of performativity, even if I take their definition at face value, apply the term to any/all things an ally could possibly do. I see so […]
What does it really mean to talk about “performative” activism?
As a Performance Studies scholar, nothing gets under my skin faster than people talking about “performative activism” on social media. Take for example, this article from the satirical feminist website, Reductress. In this context, individuals use the term “performative” to mean that something is fake, inauthentic, or only for show. That anyone posting about social […]
Catch and Release
I go for a walk in a neighborhood near mine Better than pacing the parking lot of my apartment complex I turn left where it says “No Outlet” Before finishing the last leg to get back to my car. From behind a van lunges a dog, barking. Collar, no leash. I freeze. I turn to […]
Coping with Traumatic Stress: Introduction to Your Nervous System Response
We are currently experiencing a collective trauma. The autonomic nervous system in our bodies has evolved and adapted over time to assess for threats and to respond in a way that will help to keep us safe. Most people are likely familiar with the fight or flight response to stress and trauma. This response developed […]
Dress Rehearsal for the Pandemic
My sewing machine whirs away, making a happy buzzing sound. I don’t think it’s seen this much action…ever. I’m reminded of my costuming days, surrounded by piles of fabric, and learning through trial and error. At least this is nowhere near as complicated as making a stay by hand. The last time I was up […]
What to expect from this site
I can only ever speak from my experience. If it has not been clear until now, the thoughts and opinions you find here are my own, and not meant to define anyone else’s experience, or to be seen as universal. I am the expert on my own experience, no one else’s. As I have been […]
2019
It’s hard to believe that 2018 is over. A lot has happened. I haven’t been writing here as much as I try to navigate the shifting identities of writer, performer, advocate, therapist. Each hat influences the other, and I am not sure what the place of this blog is at the moment, or how or […]
Good-bye, 2016
2016 has earned the title of the worst year in history, and been meme-ified as a dumpster fire. And it’s true that a lot of bad things happened to me in 2016. But a lot of good things happened, too. And as I face down the start of 2017, I think it’s going to be […]
Anxiety and Trauma
I attended a psychodrama workshop two weeks ago. It was a transformative experience for me, and I keep trying to think of a way to consolidate it here, but I can’t. Drama therapy is experiential, and reading about psychodrama myself didn’t prepare me for how powerful it would turn out to be. Long story short, […]
Gong Fu Cha in Austin at the Tea Spot
“It’s kind of like when we were younger. You couldn’t get craft beer. You could only get PBR and Miller High Life. You couldn’t get artisan chocolate. You could only get Hershey bars or Mars bars. You couldn’t get nice coffee. You could just get Folgers coffee. It’s the same thing with tea. The same […]