Act 1: The Opening Scene Setting: A softly lit stage, the ambiance filled with gentle music. The speaker stands center stage, a reflective expression on their face, drawing the audience into a personal memory. "Yes, I have tricks in my pocket, I have things up my sleeve. But I am the opposite of a stage magician. He gives you illusion that has the appearance of truth. I give you truth in the pleasant disguise of illusion. To begin with, I turn back time… The play is memory. Being a memory...

As we approach Thanksgiving, a time traditionally reserved for reflecting on the things we’re grateful for, I find myself leaning into an unconventional perspective: exploring the things I’m ungrateful for. It’s an exercise that, surprisingly, brings me back to a place of gratitude -showing how the shadows can illuminate the light. Front of the hand - back of the hand. Same hand - different perspectives. The Burden of Our Planet I’m ungrateful for the world we’ve inherited—a planet grappling...

Ashley, Eli, Honey, Zan, Jay, Zech, CeCe, Kye, Dylan, Britt, Quin, Tiss, CJ, Taylor, Gio, Jaq, Spear, Boris, Tre, Tye, Bobbee, Echo… I could go on. I consider myself blessed to know these fierce, bold, brilliant, and beautiful friends who are part of my extended family—Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender-Diverse individuals. As we observe Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20, I reflect on the strength of the trans community. Living in San Francisco, I’m reminded of the Compton...