Browsing Tag

pansexual

Earth Toned: New Black, Queer-Owned Wellness Shop Promotes Holistic Healing

Posted on October 8, 2020

A photo of Donavyn Hightower, owner of Earth Toned.

Holistic wellness is a journey—one that Donavyn Hightower knows well. Born and (mostly) raised in Houston, Hightower, a proud pansexual, Black woman and psychology major at the University of Houston, has long been passionate about spirituality and astrology. She is now seeking to help guide others toward better mental health and healing through her new online wellness shop, Earth Toned, whose slogan is “Bigger, Brighter, Inclusive.”…

Does Texas Love Me Back? On Being Femme, Queer, and Southern

Posted on July 10, 2019

A photo of queer southern femme Rachel Abbott.

I’ve lived in Texas my entire life—nearly 25 years, a quarter of a century. I love Texas. It’s in my blood and bones. I live for the margaritas and tacos, the inflated sense of ego, the trips to H-E-B, and the bright orange Whataburger cups. I even like the heat. The first day of spring, when the temperature creeps over 90 degrees, reminds me of being wrapped in a familiar blanket. The only problem is that I don’t know how…

The Path to Pride: A Road Traversed Together

Posted on June 25, 2019

Pride can take many forms. It can come from receiving a perfect score on an exam you’ve studied all night for; landing that dream job; or even from smaller victories, such as simply managing to make your bed in the morning. Yet, finding pride in ourselves, in our very being, identity, and personhood, doesn’t always come as easily—it is hard earned and often a long time coming. This sentiment rings true for Houstonian Kelly Sanders, who, like many queer people, did…

Queer Relationships Could Be Queerer: The Argument for More Relationship Anarchy

Posted on August 15, 2018

An illustration of hook up relationships.

My best friend’s text comes through with a resonating bing. “So I need to know, are you getting laid?” I scrunch my eyes shut and rub my face. I tap back: “I am not, unless you count self-laid.” I sigh to myself and tap out an additional comment: “I am working on it.” I’m lying. I’m not. And I won’t.…

A Letter to my Fellow Queers Who Don’t Feel Welcome at Pride

Posted on June 22, 2018

I don’t know you personally, but I know what you’re going through. As your social media walls fill up with rainbow flags and public displays of wonderfulness, the word “Pride” dominates all month long. But, as a queer person, for whatever reason, you don’t feel like you have a part. Maybe it’s because you don’t feel “queer enough,” struggle with imposter syndrome, tell yourself that Pride isn’t for someone like you, that it’s only for the “real” queer people. Maybe…

When They Tell Us Fat Bodies Ain’t: This Atlanta Model is Changing the Plus-Size Narrative

Posted on May 25, 2018

A photo of plus-size models in "When They Tell Us Fat Bodies Ain't."

Miss Eaves’ 2017 hit song “Thunder Thighs”—which became a summer anthem for thick girls everywhere—reverberates through the speakers. Five plus-size models, dressed head-to-toe in vintage ‘80s fashion, strike poses that shamelessly show off the self-love they hold for their bodies (and give Olivia Newton John a run for her money).…

Queer Online Activism: Pansexual YouTuber Talks Identity in the Digital Age

Posted on July 14, 2017

A photo of pansexual writer and YouTuber Sydney Turner promotes queer online activism.

In the digital age, a great deal of queer identity and community is built on the Internet. From memes on Tumblr to watching the HRT journeys of trans YouTubers, the online world presents a whole new way to express queerness. Spectrum South recently caught up with Sydney Turner—writer, comedian, and YouTuber—to discuss the possibilities and repercussions of being queer online.…