Our Fight Has Just Begun!
On "radical normalcy," lingerie, and Cher.
Well,
I can’t stop thinking about the fact that AOC skipped the Inauguration to support a worker’s union in her district. It is such a glowing illustration of the tirelessness organizers have in the face of adversity, optics, and complacency — a tirelessness I do not possess.
I struggled with a lot of media sentiment surrounding the day’s events praising the “radical normalcy” of the ceremony and of this administration. In an age of stability, it makes sense to crave a status quo. But the odorless gas wafting through that is the fact that “normalcy” is still a broken healthcare system. Normalcy is systemic transphobia, prisons and police violence, billionaires controlling every corner of America, and white supremacy as the playbook for it all. I wanted to be like AOC (don’t we all), unfazed by the celebration.
But I’m a creature of spectacle. I live and breathe celebrity culture. I drooled over the Christopher John Rogers, the Dior 1s, the Prada. I felt the intoxicating hope of watching a Black woman sworn into the highest office a Black woman has ever been sworn into. I joy-screamed at Gaga, JLo, and Katy Perry. Why was I punishing myself for it?
To a fault, the last five years have hardened me as a person. I find myself problematizing even the smallest thing. I’ve noticed how caustic I’ve become around my fam and in workplace environments — my need to activate stepping over my need for laughter in a very joyless knee-jerk reaction.
This popped into my head following the avalanche of Bernie memes, a meme that defines 2021. It is absolutely ridiculous, yes, and now overplayed, absolutely. But I loved the deeper meaning — a begrudging champion for the working class, posting up for the long haul in mittens made from recycled materials. A widely hated progressive who refuses to “reach across the aisle” with white supremacists and corporate greed. It was incredible to see this image shared so widely, even by people who do not support him. Even if you’re not a Bernie Bro, “it me.”
This image of Bernie embodies a happy medium somewhere in all of it. Yes, I attended the award ceremony, but I remain immovable in my vision for America. I showed up for the family photo, but you will get no fashion. (Or conversely, Amanda Gorman showed up in Capital F Fashion, then doused America with the cold reality of its shortcomings.)
Eh, I’m high and way over-analyzing this. My point is, Yes the fight is still ongoing, but enjoy the things you can! Love you!
xx Fran
P.S. I’ve loved getting recommendations on what to write about next. @ me, or tag me in your story with more suggestions!
some things that brought me joy this week
1. The special episodes of Euphoria, particularly last night’s “Jules” ep, are some of the best television I have ever watched. Structure-breaking, form-breaking, boundary-pushing writing, and I still cannot believe this is Hunter Schafer’s first acting role. She also co-wrote this episode, and it shows. In previous jobs, I’ve often used this show in presentations as a point of reference for the kind of “representation” that transcends cliché. Part of what makes it so special is the way the creator makes queer and trans people his lateral collaborators in the process of telling their stories. The fact that Hunter was so involved in the process is what made this episode exquisite.
2. A ton of LA art galleries have banded forces to create an online hub for digital art viewings and original editorial content. Sign up for their newsletter! Fair warning, this will only exacerbate the pocket books of any art collectors out there.
3. I don’t really read a lot of fiction these days. With the way my brain wrinkles, I only ever have the patience for nonfiction, history, essays, how-tos, etc. But Torrey Peters’ Detransition, Baby is one of my favorite things I’ve read in quite some time. The story follows a trans woman, her ex who recently detransitioned, and the ex’s new girlfriend. After the girlfriend gets pregnant, the ex goes back to the trans woman and asks if she wants to raise a kid together. Dark, devastating, funny, sad, sweet. The book discusses things that I’ve never seen written on a page before, and that is a gift. It’s wickedly hilarious, and the prose leaps right off the first page. Get into it!
4. How have I only now just discovered this account called “Cher Doing Things” which is exactly what it sounds like. That woman never gives a bad interview, and this account is proof.
5. AOC brought Cafe Bustelo to the union strike. :’) I cannot even begin to describe how I, along with abuelas across the country, felt reflected by this gesture. I also didn’t know it was a Bronx-based company!
6. In a continued effort to feel sexier at home, I’ve shaved my pubes and started dolling myself up in lingerie around the house. I know this sounds very “divorcee self help book” but damn it is working for me. Anyone else on this vibe? Though they are unfortunately drugstore quality, I am rockin a Savage Fenty bustier with the underwire removed. I recommend you wear something sexy for no one!
7. The inauguration was a platform for so many things, among them, poetry. This tweet from Angel reminded me of the ways we take it for granted, the little attention we give it, the serotonin that fills your brain when a poem just *hits.* I hope Amanda’s words were enough to get *you* to buy some poetry — which is the most unsupported genre out there. Should I do a letter of my fave poetry books?
this week’s action
One of my favorite mutual aid networks Public Assistants is being evicted from their lease. They create radio programs, provide free bike repairs, community fridges, toy drives, hot meals, wellness workshops, and paid youth art residencies in Crown Heights. I first came into their work when they showed up to Brooklyn Liberation with the most beautiful handmade banners. I would love for you to support their transition to a new space.