Eastsiders May 2020 Digital Issue

ISSUE 1 :: MAY
adult content :: 18+

DAMNyou’re cute
DAMNyou’re cute

2
O
ur first issue! Crazy time to
release a magazine, while
the world is ending.
I think what I miss the most
during quarantine (besides eating and
drinking copious amounts OUTSIDE of
my house) is touch; hugging friends,
laying in laps, slapping knees at a sassy comment, and holding hands.
These are the things I had no idea I was taking for granted.
In our studio apartment, I’m sure like most of you, we have been watching
a lot of movies.
Most of these movies have new love interests, families, new and old
friends, and lots of touching. In one scene, with “New Love Interest”, I see
the outstretched hand, the invitation to touch; I see the hesitation from
the touch-receiver, they look at the hand and I wait for them to decline,
“No, I can’t grab your hand New Love Interest, there’s a world pandemic
happening. Six feet apart please.”
Every time, it surprises me when they don’t decline. They grab that hand,
they slide into a hug, they touch. When this happens, the veil is lifted,
the sleep is removed from my eyes, I see how our world was before this:
affection without fear.
What will our world look like after this? I hope it is affection without fear.
I can’t wait to hug every single one of you.

9 15
An Interview With:
Katie
An Interview with Katie
Fischer. On navigating
queer identity and
creating community.
Women Aren’t Funny
An interview with Annica
Eagle on Spokane’s
comedy scene. Hear
about how Minorities
are creating their own
space at the table.
Navigating Covid-19
as an Asian American
Artist
Take a look into the
lives of Asian-American
creatives in Sokane.
3
Getting Baked
With Gabby
Learn how to bake some
Banana Nutella Swirl
Muffins with Cinnamon
Honey Butter
23 31

Drag Queens Surviving
in the Face of pandemic
An intimate look inside
the workings of drag
queens during times of
professional uncertainty.
41 51 69
4
Quittin’ Time
Hear how two very
differernt local creatives
have deided to take the
leap and quit their job,
even during a time of
pandemic.
Sexy Times
Each month we ask our
contributors a series of
questions about their
favorite sexual items,
experiences, and lots
more.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence in
the age of Covid-19.
TRIGGER WARNING:
This article contains content
that may be triggering for
some. To skip this, go to
page 69.
41 61

5
Eastsiders is a Womxn and Queer run publication that
exists to promote the work produced by minority
makers and doers residing in the Inland Northwest. By
collecting and sharing their stories of living and crafting
in a rural environment we aim to foster a more inclusive,
sustainable, and diverse community while also providing
a platform from which they can amplify their voices and
further make a difference within their communities.
MAY::
WWW.EASTSIDERS.NET
EDITOR
ALEXANDRA TSUNETA
MANAGING EDITOR
JAZMINE HUNT
CREATIVE LEAD
ERIN WILLIAMS
WEB MANAGER
ALICIA VILLA
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
LILY SEITZ
OPERATIONS MANAGER
JULIA FURLONG
Eastsiders Magazine Issue 1
Published May 13, 2020 by Eastsiders, LLC
Eastsiders is published monthly in Spokane, Washington
PO Box 684, Spokane, WA 99210
Copyright 2020 Eastsiders Magazine. All rights reserved.

6
JULIA FURLONG: Julia is an archaeologist, art enthusiast, and captivated
student of the human experience. A Spokane transplant of a little over five
years, she early on became involved with local nonprofits. She has a passion for
volunteering within the community and contributing in a tangible way to making
Spokane the rad place it is. Find her on instagram: @jmfur
ALICIA VILLA: Alicia is a designer, copywriter, and serial plant killer based in
Spokane, WA. She is passionate about the role media plays in modern society and
believes in its ability to change the world. When she is not bent over her laptop,
Alicia likes to bake, cuddle with her cat, listen to NPR and overwater her ficus. Find
her on Instagram: @guera.work
LILY SEITZ: Lily is a writer, researcher, herbalist, and baker. She’s written about
environmental issues, public health, indigenous history, food and cooking, and is
passionate about health and disability issues. When she’s not editing and writing
horoscopes for Eastsiders, she’s in the kitchen making potions and developing
recipes.
ALEX TSUNETA: With degrees in sociology and women, gender, and sexuality
studies, Alex is fascinated by the way the world works and how it systemically
impacts different intersectionalities. When not working on Eastsiders, you can find
her tending to her creative vending machines, playing with her beautiful dogs, and
baking delicious treats. Find her on Instagram: @_vintagevending
ERIN WILLIAMS: Erin is a graphic designer with extensive experience in brand
identity and illustration. They are also passionate about web design and graphics.
They are currently working as a marketing specialist for some local businesses in
Spokane as well as doing the layout and graphics for Eastsiders Magazine. When not
working on Eastsiders you can find them producing some pretty rad music. Find them
on Instagram: @erinlikable
JAZMINE HUNT: Jazmine is a mother to three daughters. She’s a stop-motion
enthusiast, photographer, artist, and iced tea drinker. Jazmine has been featured
in multiple art galleries and was a finalist in the Sony Xperia Film. Find her on
instagram: @jazminemakesstuff
KAITLYN NGUYEN: She is a photographer, writer, and food lover. Coming from
Native American and Vietnamese roots, she’s determined to bring light to issues
surrounding marginalized communities; she hopes to use Eastsiders as a platform to
amplify those voices. She spends her free time with her dog. Find her on instagram:
@goodnightmoon._

7
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
INTERVIEW BY JULIA FURLONG
Lyv Ratliff is a local Spokane artist specializing in portrait work, painting, photography, and clothing customization. She grew
up between Spokane and Los Angeles, raised by a single mother and her “lesbian grandmothers.” She created and manages
the website OkayAbsolutely.com (currently under construction) where she seeks to create a platform for people to come
together and share their stories, providing a safe space where authenticity is promoted over a curated aesthetic.
Answers have been edited for length and clarity.
WHAT MEDIUMS DO YOU CREATE IN?
Paint (mostly acrylic) and photography, clothing customization
with screen printing, tie-dye, and doodles/sketching.
WHERE DO YOU DRAW INSPIRATION FROM
FOR YOUR ART?
Lately, I’ve been doodling things around me and
incorporating humor. I recently did little doodles of all the
plastic bags around me with the quote, “do you ever feel like
a plastic bag blowing in the wind” – I’ve always used humor
in my art so really anything observational with a little humor
mixed in.
Self-love and nourishment. I’ve found painting others can be
cathartic for them; to see themselves in a painting rather than
a photo or a mirror image can be easier for
someone to see themselves as beautiful,
I find that that catharsis drives a lot of
my work. It took me a while to find
my body confidence – I grew up
modeling and was diagnosed with
anorexia when I was 11 and went to
treatment at 17. While in treatment,
my recovery was motivated by a need
to be an example for the younger
girls around me. Painting nudes and
taking nudes of myself helped me
to feel comfortable with my body
and make peace with it as it is.
My art then became more
about helping others feel
more comfortable with
their bodies.
HOW DO YOU FEEL YOUR ART IS RECEIVED
IN SPOKANE, WHICH TENDS TO LEAN MORE
CONSERVATIVE?
I don’t want to say it’s not received here, because it is by
very niche communities. I organize an annual art show in
the winter with a close group of artist friends and events
like that remind me of how many people there are in
Spokane that are receptive to my style.
BEING A MEMBER OF THE LGBTQIA+
COMMUNITY, HOW IS THAT REFLECTED IN
YOUR ART OR IS IT? HOW DO YOU SEE THAT
BEING TRANSLATED INTO YOUR CREATIVE
PROCESS?
My choice of color is pretty unique and uniform across
most of my pieces. A lot of my paintings have that sort of
technicolor dreaminess to them so you don’t really know
race or any identification beyond the shape of the body.
I found that representing trans individuals in their true
gender, as how they identify and who they are, is really
important when doing portrait work. I’ll ask them
when I’m finished how they feel about me sharing
the photographs and respect their choice on what
to use and not use.
I don’t know, being queer for me is one of the
least interesting things about me, and my
partner as well.

8
HOW CAN PEOPLE SUPPORT
YOU IN YOUR ART?
Follow me on Instagram for available art (prints
and originals) @imlyv and @okayabsolutely.
Visit my website OkayAbsolutely.com and sign
up for email notifications – the website isn’t
live right now (I’m re-branding) but sign up for
merchandise updates and an announcement on
when the website goes live again.
I’m always accepting commissions for portrait
work and clothing, contact me through Insta-
gram DM or email lyv@okayabsolutely.com.

INTERVIEW WITH
KATIE FISHER
On navigating queer identity and
creating community
Written by: Lily Seitz

M
y fiancée, Katie Fisher, has been
singing since she learned to talk.
She grew up in Baltimore, in a
fiercely evangelical Christian
home; her parents would sing hymns to drown
out profanities from the neighbors outside.
Her parents supported her music, getting her
private saxophone lessons – first alto and later
baritone – and a guitar at sixteen. She showed
me a video of her first performance in church
at eighteen months old, she stood in front of
a microphone in a frilly little 1980’s dress, and
sang “Jesus Loves Me” while her dad played the
piano. That was before she started running and
hiding at the sight of a dress.
At as young as five years old, Katie remembers
lying awake at night and wishing she could be a
boy, changing her sex made more sense to her
than the thought of herself as a girl being in love
with another girl. She prayed about it a lot, all the
way through high school, Katie explains, “Had I
been raised thinking gay people were just normal,
I would’ve probably known I was gay at age 4 or
5, but everything was black and white, right or
wrong, life or death.” Looking back, she had lots
of crushes on other girls without realizing it, but
in Katie’s religious community, homosexuality
was a sin deserving of eternal damnation.
“EVERYTHING WAS BLACK
AND WHITE, RIGHT OR
WRONG, LIFE OR DEATH.”
At seventeen, Katie realized that she was a
lesbian, “It hit hard, I cried myself to sleep
every night and didn’t tell anyone for about a
year. I felt ashamed. I prayed to God to change
me somehow. Once I realized, ‘Well, this is me,
and I gotta live with it somehow,’ that’s when I
started coming out to people.” She wrote letters
to each of her parents and ran away from home,
subsequently dropping out of community college.
Looking back on that decision, Katie thinks she
might have been trying to divert their attention
a bit; “Maybe giving my dad something else to
focus on made it so he didn’t have to focus on
me being gay. My education was something he
could fix. A few days later he convinced me to
go to school rather than actually talking about
my sexuality.”
In Florida, while Katie was working on her
film degree, she began to piece together her
identity, during our interview she explained, “It
was incredibly freeing but also a little terrifying.
There were a lot of pre-conceptions about the
world I had to unlearn. I got to be more confident
about who I was through being myself and
having the support of people around me.” After
finishing her degree, she moved around, both to
New York and then back to Baltimore to work
on making a living as a solo musician. However,
as many musicians can attest to, making a living
proved difficult, “You had to know somebody in
order to get in anywhere.”
In 2017 Katie began working for a small company
called The Light Factory, which ended up bringing
us to Spokane. “It’s been massively different,”
Katie says of finding work as a musician here.
“I feel like I fit in a little better here than I did
in Baltimore.” It wasn’t long before she started
seeing familiar faces at her gigs. “I’m not just
the background music anymore. They’re there to
see me.” Most often described as angelic, Katie’s
voice always turns heads.
Her laid back vibe is a great fit for wine bars;
Winescape, Maryhill, and Brandywine Bar & Bottle
Shop are some of her regular spots, but she also
plays at The Gilded Unicorn and Spokane’s new
Texas-themed Lil’ Sumthin’ Saloon. Katie had just
begun putting together country-themed set lists
to play there when COVID-19 hit and she lost all
her gigs.
11

How COVID-19 has impacted the artist:
Like many musicians during the COVID crisis,
she has tried to make the most of the situation
by live-streaming performances on social
media. It has helped her regain a sense of
personal connection, and some of the money
she lost while stuck at home. Katie streamed
a concert hosted by Winescape while they
stayed open for curbside wine pickups, as
she played an hour-long set for the owners
and their small staff she felt at peace,
“IT FELT LIKE WE COULD
JUST BREATH AND ENJOY
SOMETHING AGAIN.”
Although the shelter-in-place order has dealt
a blow to Katie’s income, it has also given her
a chance to develop her career in ways she
has wanted to for a long time. Having a day
job with weekend gigs left her little time or
energy for songwriting. Now that she’s forced
to spend less time getting paid, she plans on
putting more time into writing again, “I feel
like a lot of art is going to come out at the
end of this.” She hopes that this crisis gives
people more time to make art, even though,
and especially because, it’s such a painful
time.
If her story can teach us one thing, it’s that
upending your life and starting over makes
room for growth. She feels lucky to be in
a community of artists and businesses that
support each other even in the toughest
of times.
12

WOMEN’S
W O R K
Brewing in the Wake of a Global Pandemic
13
Written by: Alicia Villa

B
rewing is definitely male-dominated, production industries always are,” Rachel Nalley said
in a phone interview. “When I started it felt like a novelty, but at this point, I feel like
people see me as a brewer, not a woman. This community lets people stand on their
merit.”
Nalley, who previously brewed at Orlison and Iron Goat, has been the Head Brewer of TT’s Old Iron
Brewery & BBQ for one year. In those past 12 months, she has continued to make a name for herself
within the local Craft Beer community; which if you hadn’t noticed, has gained heavy traction in
Washington’s third-largest city. TT’s is one of eight breweries that have opened since April of 2019.
“IT’S A SCARY TIME TO HAVE A LOT OF INVENTORY
WITH NO WAY TO SELL IT.”
“The thing that makes Spokane so exciting and so dangerous right now is that there are so many new
breweries,” Nalley said, noting how the Coronavirus Pandemic and statewide Stay at Home order
have overshadowed small businesses, and breweries are being hit hard.
“It’s a scary time to have a lot of inventory with no way to sell it. You might have to swallow your pride
and dump a beer that isn’t selling to make a beer that will.”
Nalley says she hasn’t seen the full impact of the global outbreak yet, but she’s aware of its potential.
TT’s has scaled down to a skeleton crew and is offering beer and BBQ to-go, while she continues to
create new beers for the taproom and restaurant.
“In the Brewing industry, we operate on a schedule that is 3 weeks out. I am assuming, and hoping,
that things will be back to normal by then,” Nalley said. “You have to take it day to day, people aren’t
thinking about luxury items like beer. So we are really relying on core supporters to get us through.”
She hasn’t lost her optimism or her faith in Spokane’s “local first” attitude.
“I feel like there is a real sense of camaraderie and I like that. It’s not me vs you or us vs them, it’s a
community as a whole,” Nalley said. “I am lucky to be where I am as a head brewer at a small brewery.
It lets me experiment. I’ll be able to collaborate and help brewers who don’t have a strong voice.”
Nalley has put her focus into taking traditional styles (mostly New England IPAs) and adding a
northwest twist. She’s not afraid to diversify the tap list though, TT’s handles have featured lagers,
juicy IPAs and specialty ales of all varieties.
“I don’t necessarily drink a single style of beer so I don’t like to make a single style of beer,” Nalley
said.
Her Black IPA is a Best of Craft Beer award winner and her personal favorite. When TT’s reopens, you
can find Generally Orange on tap, a creamsicle inspired collab brew with Ladder coffee containing
orange zest, vanilla puree, and lactose.
14

16
Getting
Baked
With
Gabby
Welcome to Getting Baked with Gabby, this series was created to normalize cannabis use in foods while
also addressing white privilege as it relates to cannabis consumption and the cannabis industry. I learned
to bake when I was nine-years-old and have spent the last twenty years sharing my love of baking with
others. In 2014, after living in Spokane for a year, I began to explore cooking with cannabis through basic
dessert recipes. Food is a love language and a medium through which community is built, strengthened,
and celebrated; a delicious fudge brownie is good, but one that can help stress melt away and get you
feeling cozy is much better!
As I began to explore more infused baking recipes, I found inspiration through cooking shows that
highlighted the work being done to normalize cannabis in cooking. After watching an episode of “Most
Expensivest” on VICE that featured profesional cannabis chef, Zairilla Bacon, I was hooked. She’s the
founder of Z’s, her cannabis and hemp brand that not only offers THC infused meals, but includes CBD
topical and culinary products. Her infusion of cannabis into savory foods and drinks encouraged me
to move past basic cookie and brownie recipes. I began to experiment with my favorite recipes and
discovered more friends and family beginning to open up to trying my infused goods
BANANA NUTELLA
SWIRL MUFFINS
WITH CINNAMON
HONEY BUTTER

17
Ingredients
1 1/8 cup
½ tsp
¾ tsp
1 pinch***
1 pinch
1 pinch
3oz
¼ cup
1/8 cup
½ tsp
1
¾ cup
¼ cup
2 tbsp
2 tbsp
All Purpose Flour (sifted)
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Cannabutter
Granulated sugar
Packed brown sugar
Vanilla extract
Egg
Mashed ripe banana
Yogurt or Sour Cream
Buttermilk
Nutella
Banana Nutella Swirl Muffin
Cinnamon Honey Butter
4 tbsp
2 tsp
1 pinch
Butter
Honey
Cinnamon

18
First, you need to
make your canna-
butter! I always make
my infusions the day
before, since butter has
to solidify in the fridge
to separate from the
water. I prefer to make
mine using the slow
cooker method, using
the directions at the
end of this recipe*.
This recipe yields ten
muffins, please note
the potency** at the
end of the recipe.
Getting
Started

19
Preheat the over to 300℉ and place muffin liners into
a muffin tin.
Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon,
nutmeg, and salt into a bowl and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together your butter
and both sugars until light and fluffy, then add egg
and continue to mix.
Next, add smashed bananas, yogurt, vanilla, and
buttermilk. Mix well without overworking the batter.
Slowly add dry ingredients, and stir until combined.
Remove about 1/3 cups of the mixture and place in a
small bowl, stir in the Nutella until evenly mixed.
Place about 1tbsp of the non-chocolate batter into
each muffin liner, then top with the chocolate mixture.
You want the liners 2/3 full.
With a knife, toothpick a swirling pattern into each
muffin.
Bake for 15-20 minutes.
Remove your muffins from the oven, let the cool in
the pan for 10 minutes, and then place on a cooling
rack to cool completely.
Meanwhile, make your cinnamon honey butter by
melting all the ingredients together.
Once muffins are cool, brush the tops with the melted
butter mixture and enjoy****!
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Directions

*Use 3.5g of shake for 1 cup of butter.
**Using a 19% Rude Boi OG (Indica) infused butter at 3.5g of shake for 1 cup of butter, this recipe uses 3oz of
infused butter divided amongst 10 muffins. This results in a dosage of approx. 25mg per muffin.
***A pinch is between 1/16 and 1/8 of a teaspoon.
****These muffins can be kept fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge, however, uneaten muffins can be frozen up to a
month and then thawed. Please, never microwave cannabis-containing foods or cook/bake at high temperatures,
otherwise the potency of the cannabis could be compromised.
CANNABUTTER RECIPE
All you need for this recipe is 1 cup of butter and 1 cup of shake. Set your slow cooker to low
(around 160℉), add the butter and cannabis and stir occasionally. After about three hours, turn
off your crockpot and allow butter to cool. Continue the recipe with your cooled cannabutter.
To view the entire episode of Getting Baked with Gabby, check it out online at
WWW.EASTSIDERS.NET For our first episode we’ll be making Banana
Nutella Swirl Muffins with Cinnamon Honey Butter, enjoy!
WHERE TO FIND MORE!

WOMEN
AREN’T
FUNNY
An interview with Annica Eagle on
Spokane’s comedy scene
24
Written by: Jazmine Hunt

I
sat drinking an overpriced White Claw as person after person walked onto the stage and
performed their version of “stand-up comedy”. The Spokane Comedy Club open-mic night
performers had a lot in common; the two most notable being that most of them were
not funny and most of them were straight white men. I thought back to the jokes and the
reason I had cringed so much that night, it didn’t take long for me to decide on the reason the
show left a bad taste in my mouth. Beyond being predictable, most of the jokes played to the
same tired trope “girls are mean and they don’t like me”.
I heard the same jokes all night:
I went on a bad Tinder date, the ‘ole ball-n-chain, women are heartless.
One poor dude who threw out the idea of comedy completely and used the audience for a very
uncomfortable therapy session on why he didn’t have a girlfriend. Out of the 20 or so performers
only two made me laugh and one of those people was the only woman to take the stage.
At first, it was easy to give up hope of finding intelligent and original comedy in a small city like
Spokane. If this was the best we have to offer I’m just not interested. After taking a breath and
asking around finding the comedic light at the end of the tunnel wasn’t as challenging as I would
have thought. People were excited to share comedy gold in the form of a punning queen named
Annica Eagle.
“MINORITIES ARE CREATING THEIR OWN SPACE AT
THE TABLE INSTEAD OF WAITING FOR PERMISSION OR
CHANGING THEIR PRIORITIES TO FIT THE STATUS QUO.”
I sat down with Annica at Boots Bakery and Lounge, I could tell by her huge smile, clever humor,
and quirky, red, heart-shaped sunglasses that she was exactly what I was looking for. Here was
someone who had a passion for comedy and was interested in elevating what that meant instead
of grabbing for the low hanging fruit. I asked about the rising number of female comics, not only in
Spokane but across the scene as a whole. She believes it’s becoming a more open and welcoming
environment, even if those spaces are being created by minorities forcing their way in. Minorities
are creating their own space at the table instead of waiting for permission or changing their
priorities to fit the status quo.
25

“I do think that there are a lot more women or gender non-conforming, non-
binary folks that are getting into comedy and want to make the space that
they want. Where the standard in previous versions of comedy is very geared
towards a straight white man’s experience mostly. I think it’s really awesome
people are reanalyzing that and saying ‘Not only do I not want to try and
compete in your arena, I want to have an arena that’s built on my rules and
expectations. You can come, but you would also have to play by my rules.’”
The Me Too Movement has changed the landscape of comedy and has normalized questioning
whether or not something/someone should get a pass because it was “just a joke”. We’re seeing
a shift in ideals and standards all while opening the playing field for a more inclusive brand of
comedy. Annica echoed these positive changes when she said, “I’m glad that comedy has changed,
and is trying to change, from being the very gate-kept boys club to creating these opportunities
for your non-white-male comedians.”
A perfect example of this type of change on a local level is Annica herself. She didn’t feel
comfortable in the Spokane stand-up scene, she was longing for something different. When she
couldn’t find what she was looking for she carved out that space for herself. She envisioned a place
where comedy would be judged on how witty you are and not on how well you can tell a base joke.
26

After going to the Pun-Off World Championships in 2016 she came back to Spokane and started
The Punderground, Spokane’s finest (and only) punning competition. Annica didn’t stop there,
she’s also an improv comic for The Blue Door Theater and a writer and performer on the local late-
night show Lilac City Live.
Annica is strong and intelligent; When I asked my final question her answer reflected that, it was
a simple inquiry:
Do you think women are funny?
“Absolutely. And I feel like they’re often a lot more funny than males in all regards, but I’m thinking
about stand-up, you have these white guys go up there and say, ‘Oh my life is so hard, feel bad for
me, my life is terrible, these chicks won’t look my way, I’m two steps away from being an incel.’
But it’s like, if you’re a person of color or a female or gender fluid or something, there’s so many
more layers of impression than someone not going to accept your terrible pick-up lines and go
home with you. Where there are lives on the line and pain equity and systemic obstacles for you
to succeed, or even reach a third of the success in any part of life as your straight white male. So,
yeah, I think women are especially funny.”
27

301 w. 2nd ave. spokane wa
OFF YOUR TAB
(Limit one per person)
@lilsumthinsaloon

You’re being called to make waves and blaze trails right
now. May has you setting a course for enacting big plans
that will take place over the next year and a half. You may
decide to place learning and education on the back burner
for a while and instead work with what you know and what
inspires you. By the end of the month, you’ll be ready to
work on the details.
At the start of May, you may find yourself embarking
on an inner journey and considering changes that will
improve your health. You might feel the need to work
on some personal demons. Don’t be afraid to ask for
support. The end of May is an important time to recharge
your batteries. Meditation and dream work will be
especially helpful right now.
May begins by directing your focus to your own
self-interest. You may start thinking about releasing
responsibilities in a close relationship or clearing space for
new partnerships. Some extra resources could flow your
way thanks to your mesmerizing way with words. At the
end of the month, you’ll be energized to express yourself
in brave, new ways.
May has you seeking new ways of engaging with friends and
community and releasing old patterns that hinder your play
time and creativity. Boundaries in partnerships is a big theme.
Make sure there’s a healthy balance of give and take, because
the habits you create now will impact you for the next year
and a half.
The start of May initiates a long-term cycle of
rediscovering your concept of wealth and making sure
yours doesn’t exist at the expense of someone else’s. Mid-
month, you might get a grounding message that deepens
your self-awareness. You are pulled to redefine your career
goals in terms of your community. By month’s end, you’ll
start seeking new ways to make room for material stability.
MAY HOROSCOPES
Global disaster has called humanity to build social structures that favor the many over the few. This month,
powerful concepts about our resources will wrest control from those in power. We are assessing the faults in the
shaky structures in our lives that have not been serving us or the greater community so we can rebuild them. Let’s
make sure we do better for ourselves and each other this time around.
May sets you on a path of focusing less on home and
family matters and more on your career goals. You may
be preparing to release patterns rooted in your home or
ancestry that aren’t serving you. You’re also full of creativity
this month, and you may want to make room for spontaneity
in your daily routine. By the end of the month, you’ll be
ready to set some new career or business goals.
29
ARIES :: March 21 – April 19
TAURUS :: April 20 – May 20
GEMINI :: May 21 – June 20
CANCER :: June 21 – July 22
LEO :: July 23 – August 22
VIRGO :: August 23 – September 22
Written by: Lily Seitz

May has you focusing on a new philosophy or course
of learning that will occupy your mind for the next
year and a half. Whether you’ve been neglecting
work for play, or vise-versa, you will get a stern
cosmic reminder to balance the two by mid-month. By
month’s end, you’ll be restless to break out of your
routine and learn something new.
You’re seeking to release your attachment to a
concept of wealth that no longer serves you and
beginning a cycle of healing. You’ll spend about a
year and a half on this, so be patient with yourself.
You may also take on more responsibility at home.
By the end of May, sharing and intimacy will reach
new levels.
You’re either looking for new partnerships or to renew
and strengthen those you already have. This will involve
placing less importance on your ego and self. When it
comes to socializing, you’re more interested in quality
over quantity. You’re a little reserved and might feel the
need to set some boundaries. By the end of the month
though, new lines of communication will open up with
close friends and partners.
You’re starting to pay more attention to your work
life and daily routines. Just in time, too, because
your personal assets and resources come into sharp
focus mid-month. By the end of May, you’ll be ready
to implement new systems into your daily routine to
benefit your health and streamline your workflow.
Love, creativity and play are your focus for the next
year and a half. You’re caring less and less about what
others think, and you might be considering cutting
some personal ties that have been holding you back. A
cosmic push reminds you to be your authentic self by
mid-month, and you’ll have plenty of creative juice to
work with by the end.
Your attention is being called away from your public
life and focused more on your home life. Over the
next year and a half, you’ll be tending those root
systems rather than pursuing success in the outside
world. A pause comes mid-month, asking you to
examine emotions and beliefs that hinder your
spiritual growth. The end of the May could feel like
the right time to express your needs at home, and
maybe do some rearranging.
30
LIBRA :: September 23 – October 22
SAGITTARIUS :: November 22 – December 21
SCORPIO :: October 23 – November 21
CAPRICORN :: December 22 – January 19
AQUARIUS :: January 20 – February 18 PISCES :: February 19 – March 20

A LOOK
INTO THE
LIVES OF
ASIAN
AMERICAN
CREATIVES IN
SPOKANE
Written by: Kaitlyn Nguyen and
Alex Tsuneta
32

I
t’s no shock that we are currently
experiencing a global pandemic. A
run of the mill trip to the grocery
store is like a war zone; people are in
masks, shelves are stripped bare, and there’s
a general feeling of tension in the air. For
the Asian American’s that make up 2% of
Spokane’s population, there are a myriad of
new and different worries. They are afraid to
leave their homes because of harassment and
persecution, they are afraid for their lives but
not because of COVID-19, because of their
neighbors.
On March 27th, the FBI sent out a warning
to law enforcement agencies that there
could be a surge in hate crimes against Asian
Americans amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The
analysis states, “The FBI assesses hate crime
incidents against Asian Americans likely will
surge across the United States, due to the
spread of coronavirus disease, endangering
Asian American communities. The FBI makes
this assessment based on the assumption
that a portion of the US public will associate
COVID-19 with China and Asian American
populations.”
Among the fearful are artists and creatives
in Spokane, Washington. I had the chance
to interview Margaret Albaugh, a family
photographer and Karen Vo, a skilled
artist and painter. In their interviews, they
explained their new and individual struggles
as well as how this new world is pushing them
to approach their work in different ways.
Albaugh explained that even before
COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, she
was experiencing racism against her family.
At her five-year-old’s ballet performance,
children began talking about COVID-19, and
as a reaction to her daughter’s light cough,
the children swiftly moved away from her.
Albaugh wonders, “What narrative are these
parents teaching their children,” but with
Donald Trump calling COVID-19 the “Chinese
Virus,” what more are we to expect?
She calls for more kindness, “Let’s have some
compassion and more intention with how we
go through life and how we make choices as
a culture.”
Albaugh’s art has also been impacted by
COVID-19, her opportunity to work has come
to a complete standstill, so in its place she is
documenting her and her family’s experience
through COVID-19. Confined to her home,
she explained that growing up, like many
Asian American’s, she was raised to stay
within the status-quo that her family had set
up for her. However, now she rebels against
her predetermined role every single day; she
is determined to make art and to find beauty
in the mundane.
Vo, being a first g e n e r a t i o n A s i a n
Am erican w orries about her parents who
immigrated to the United States in the 90’s.
English being their second language, Vo
has explained to them their circumstances
and her concerns. She views their safety
as her respon -sibility, as for herself she has
been trying to “act normal” in public, worried
that people will think she is carrying the virus
if she outwardly expresses any concern.
Vo pleads to other Asian American artists,
“Just keep creating regardless of the
circumstances surrounding you, create what
feels good and not when you feel pressured
to create.” She explains that because of
COVID-19 she is able to dedicate more time
to her creative process, however because of
the pressure to do more with her extra time,
she feels stuck. To combat this state of mind,
she reminds herself that her creative process
is like a “Jekyll and Hyde syndrome”, it
fluctuates between idealization and criticism.
Criticism to her is her pencil, she views nature
and the world for how it really is, bringing
her attention to the tiniest details without
an explosion of color. Idealization is her
paintbrush, showcasing color and possibility.
33

34
Pictured is Margaret Albaugh’s daughter
Pictured is one of Margaret Albaugh’s clients

“TO THOSE WHO
CALL THIS VIRUS
ANYTHING OTHER
THAN ITS SCIENTIFIC
NAME, YOU ARE
PERPETUATING A
NARRATIVE THAT
CAUSES HARM TO
ASIAN AMERICAN’S
AND OUR
COMMUNITIES.”

Pictured is Margaret Albaugh with her child

Everywhere we look, rhetoric has fueled
ill will. It is important to understand that
COVID-19 is impacting more than just Asian
American’s, this virus is not discriminatory.
I am pleading for more kindness and
compassion, along with many other Asian
Americans, so that when this is all over we
can say that we were united, not divided.
To those who call this virus anything other
than its scientific name, you are perpetuating
a narrative that causes harm to Asian
American’s and our communities. Please, be
wary of your subconscious bias, we all have
so much to learn through this pandemic. We
must all remember our humanity, care for
one and other, and come together through
hardship rather than diverge into fear
mongering and hateful rhetoric.Pictured is Karen Vo
Karen Vo’s art:

38
1925 N Ash St | 509.598.8983
www.artsalvagespokane.com
Not Your Typical
Arts & Crafts Store
Find us:

39
In the age of social distancing, getting outside is more
important now than ever. Being in nature is clinically proven
to reduce anger, fear, stress, and generally increases
pleasant feelings and endorphins. Exposure to nature not
only makes us feel better emotionally, it contributes to our
physical wellbeing and reduces blood pressure, heart rate,
stress, and tension.
To make getting outside even easier, we’ve compiled the
five best super easy hikes in the Inland Northwest. All
of these hikes are less than an hour outside of Spokane,
Washington, making for an easy, stress free trip, for when
you don’t want to take the whole day to hike, but still want
to get outside. Suitable for all skill levels and your canine
companions.
So, pack up your fanny pack, your dog leash, and a big
bottle of water, and hit the trails!
Getting
Out:Five Best Easy Hikes in
the Inland Northwest

An intimate look inside the work
of drag queens during times of
professional uncertainty
42
Drag
Queens
Surviving
in the
Face of
Pandemic
Written by: Erin Williams

A
s quarantine continues to isolate and lay captive the residents of Spokane, many
professionals are often ignored, specifically those within the queer community. It is
not just small businesses and the service industry that are impacted by the current
“Stay at Home” order, many performers and artists are also struggling. I made it my
mission to learn more about what it is like for the small subculture of drag queens in Spokane, how
these performers are doing during COVID-19, and what it’s like to be a professional performer
within our small, queer community.
These local queens have taught us so much about resilience, everybody I spoke to was able to
find a silver lining amongst the chaos. They all turned the conversation in a positive direction and
refused to remain victims of their circumstance. What we can do now as a community is seek these
queens out, watch their live shows, and tip, tip, tip. If we are all supporting one another during this
unsure time we will eventually make it out on the other side as a tighter knit community, knowing
that in the future, if things turn sour again, we will have our community to lean on.
I was able to interview Paul Martens (Marry A’Botumn), Jhonas Burke (Dha Ling), Joseph Fitzmorris
(Cama Shorts), and Chelle (Tirrany Reigns Kaine).
EASTSIDERS: What is your real name and your drag name, your pronouns, and what are
some hobbies that you love outside of drag?
PAUL: Well, my “government name” is Paul Martens, also known as Marry A’Botumn, depending
on my mood. I don’t have much in terms of hobbies these days given our current situation, I do
however enjoy getting outside during the summer months to any body of water I can. My pronouns
as Paul honestly don’t matter, however as Marry my pronouns are absolutely she/her/hers and I am
quick to remind those that need reminding.
JHONAS: My name is Jhonas Burke, sometimes known as Dha Ling. I’m a crazy plant lady,
part time clown, and a full time joke. My pronouns are they/them, she/her/hers, and he/him/his -
any of them work.
JOSEPH: My name is Joseph Fitzmorris, better known as Cama Shorts. My hobbies outside
of drag include cosmetology and video gaming. My pronouns are he/him/his out of drag and she/
her/hers in drag.
CHELLE: My name is Tirrany Reigns Kaine, when I’m not in drag I go by Chelle. Tirrany is a
hyper femme lesbian sex robot cupcake, she is the mother of the Haus of Reigns, and she has eight
drag children in total. Tirrany’s hobbies include DJing, shit-talking, and serving face. Tirrany’s
pronouns are she/her/hers and Chelle’s are they/them.
E: When and why did you start doing drag?
43

PAUL: I first started doing drag and going out occasionally in May of 2018, but I didn’t really
come into it professionally until October of 2018, when I was given the opportunity to join the cast
of Nyne Bar and Bistro. The reason I started doing drag was simply because I wanted to, it allowed
me to be more confident in who I am as a person, both as Paul and as Marry. Marry got to be
everything that Paul was not, she’s a fun, boisterous, crass comedian. That confidence overflowed
into Paul and pulled me out of some depressive episodes.
JHONAS: I started doing drag when I was twenty-years-old and was recently unemployed.
My best friend, Max, did drag and I got into it from watching them. At the time, you could be a
performer in the venue even if you weren’t twenty-one.
JOSEPH: I’ve played around with makeup since I was twelve-years-old and decided that I
wanted to be a drag queen in high school, simply because I love mocking gender stereotypes and
norms. I think labelling is unnecessary and if you enjoy something, just do it.
TIRRANY: Tirrany was born on December 21, 2017. I’ve always been fascinated by drag,
and when I moved to Spokane from Kansas in 2015 I met some folks through performing in local
theatre that had connections at venues that held drag shows. I started going to the shows as
regularly as I could and running spotlight for the queens. Eventually I developed a relationship
with my first drag mother, Luna Tix Hex, and she text messaged me out of the blue one night and
asked if I wanted to do drag. So, I said yes, and Tirrany was born during a Christmas show, live-
singing “Surabaya Santa ‘’ from the Broadway show Songs for a New World.
44

E: Why did you decide to work/stay in Spokane?
PAUL: I came for work in 2017 and ended up moving around a lot before staying. Spokane’s
cost of living and decent wages as a nurse, plus my new friendships, sealed the deal for me. I’m
originally from New Jersey, which, side note, is where Marry pulls her voice from; a ninety-seven
year old woman who smokes three packs of Virginia Slims a day while playing the slots in Atlantic
City.
JHONAS: I came to Spokane following love and it led me down a path of self discovery. I
found so much love for this community and the people in it.
JOSEPH: I started performing in Spokane because my friend Freedom asked me if I wanted to.
TIRRANY: Spokane has a burgeoning queer community that really excites me. There are more
and more new, young people, showing up and coming out to the shows we perform at here in
town, and it’s always a really thrilling thing to see happen. Working on something like Drag Queen
Story Hour last summer really changes the way that you look at the community and what we owe
to those that share the stories and labels that we do.
E: So, what are your experiences in Spokane as a drag queen?
PAUL: My experience as a drag queen in Spokane has been pretty good, honestly. I’ve made
some great connections with other queens and made lots of friends. Of course, there’s always
going to be something or someone who is going to try to bring you down, which honestly, I don’t
care. To me it’s, “just drag”, I’m not the best dancer, I’m not the prettiest, and I’m not the funniest
- I know all these things but drag is fun for me, it’s an escape.
JHONAS: Spokane has always been kind to me, I use a lot of wordplay, prop comedy, and
just plain weirdness and storytelling in my performances. I’m not a huge fan of the waacking and
voguing, and so far people have been very understanding of that.
JOSEPH: Honestly, my experience in Spokane has been a lot of fun, very rarely do you find a
bigot. People are always there to have fun and show love!
TIRRANY: Drag has completely taken over my whole life, honestly, I’m laughing as I say this but
it is the truth. Drag is more than an art form for me, it’s a way of life. Drag has brought together all
of these disjointed pieces of my creative journey that I thought were useless or pointless and has
given them a home for me to flourish and practice, while also pushing me into the unknown, harder
areas of life as well. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done and I’m madly in love with the entire thing.
E: What kind of discrimination have you faced, and what is your experience as a person of color
doing drag (if you are a POC)?
PAUL: Honestly, I haven’t had any discrimination here, but in my defense I’m 6’5” in flats so I
have that going for me.
46

JHONAS: The standard hate from bigots: hellfire, sin, I don’t accept you and neither does
God, getting called a fag, tranny, etc. Honestly, it’s nothing new and it only gets old and more
tired, at least be creative if you’re going to try to demean me, at least be good at it. As a person
of color doing drag, my name is Dha Ling, which is a play on the word “darling”. I came up with it
as a way to reclaim some humor about being Korean and the way accents are treated in America.
I haven’t really had any experiences that were unpleasant, more so just ignorant.
JOSEPH: Well, I grew up in Newport, and even though most people were accepting, there are
still some that are stuck in the Stone Age. I was bullied, but luckily I had an older brother and a
loving family who always defended me.
TIRRANY: Being an AFAB, non-binary, asexual person in the drag/gay bar scene can be
something that holds some people back, however I have been relatively lucky that this community
welcomed me immediately and ferociously. As soon as Tirrany appeared, everyone was very kind
and supportive.
E: How has COVID-19 impacted your drag work, have you lost your job doing drag?
PAUL: Well, nobody is performing aside from those who are doing online performances, and since I
am a nurse at my day job I don’t have a whole lot of time for drag right now, though I do miss it.
JHONAS: I’m out of work, but it’s kind of nice to have a break, to decompress, and to come
up with new ideas and hone old skills. I do need the money, though, cost of capitalism and all that.
JOSEPH: COVID-19 hasn’t stopped my drag performance but it has changed it. Instead of the
clubs, Freedom Rights and I have been doing Instagram Live drag shows. They’re honestly quite
fun, and we do take tips (check us out @Cama_Shorts).
TIRRANY: There have been several shows set up to stream online, but they definitely don’t
replace the regular work that those of us who do this professionally are missing out on at all.
Shows have been cancelled without a future date. I’m lucky that I have a home bar that is really
great about supporting queens, but it’s definitely going to be scary to see if we get our crowds
back as we inch closer to Pride season. If this goes into June, a lot of queer artists and busineses
will be face a lot of hardship.
E: Well, that’s it! Is there anything else you’d like to say or anything you want to promote?
JOSEPH: If anybody has any questions they’ve always wanted to ask a queen, or if you just
want to watch our live shows, my Instagram handle is @Cama_Shorts.
47

“IT’S SUPER IMPORTANT
TO TRY AND SUPPORT
DRAG ARTISTS AND
QUEER ARTISTS RIGHT
NOW. MONEY IS TIGHT
FOR ALL OF US, BUT
ANYTHING
YOU CAN DO TO
REACH OUT AND
OFFER SUPPORT
WITHIN THE
COMMUNITY
IS PERFECT. IT
DOESN’T TAKE
A LOT, AND FOR
FUCK’S SAKE STAY
INSIDE!“
48

QUITTIN’
T I M E
Exploring the minds of two artists who quit
their jobs to pursue their passions
52
Written by: Kryston Skinner

S
hantell Jackson and Shanice Applewhaite
quit their jobs this year. When I first
thought about this story, it was mid
January 2020, and quite a handful of
people I knew had either quit their jobs or were
contemplating quitting. This fascinated me, how
could these wonderful creatives, that didn’t know
each other, and with honestly, no real plan, quit
their jobs? So dreamy, I would muse, artists that
are doing something that many of us fear to do
ourselves.
I decided to interview Shantell and Shanice because
I had to share their stories; 2020 was the year for
quitting! Time to quit things that didn’t bring us joy
or fill our cups any longer.
Then March came along, and the pandemic hit. All
the hope and weightlessness I felt at the start of the
year started to drain from my soul. In the midst of
all that, these two wonderful humans I interviewed
still did what many of us are scared to do; they quit.
Even in the face of this new uncertainty. Hopefully,
you will be as inspired by their stories as I am, and
maybe you too will follow your passion(s), quit your
day job(s), and live fearlessly!
KRYSTON SKINNER: When I first met
you, you were working at The Shop on Perry and
From Here, and you were pretty deep in the art
community in Spokane. Suddenly, you quit your
jobs, what led to that decision?
SHANICE APPLEWHAITE: Absolutely, I
loved being in the art community in Spokane, but
the biggest thing for me right now is to connect
to things in life that I truly want and value. It’s
easy to get caught up in this illusion of “you must
make money” or “ you must be in the very linear
realm of how you contribute to society.” I’ve always
told myself, “Okay, you’re going to work and then
eventually you’re going to be able to do your weird
hippy dippy plan,” and recently I woke out of that,
realizing if I’m not in the space where I’m living my
highest intention, or if I’m not in the space where
I’m not spending everyday doing something that
aligns with my vision then I’m feeding into a deficit.
I love the arts, but my career is not in the arts, it’s
in health and wellness. So, it was just time to make
that jump and it’s not as scary as one would believe.
“BEING COMFORTABLE IS NEVER
GOING TO GET ME TO WHERE I
WANT TO BE...”
KS: So, you had this realization, that these things
aren’t necessarily filling your cup anymore, but why
the move to California?
SA: I was never at this place until now, I was
still staying in those same jobs and feeling very
disconnected. I wanted to feel connected to
everything I do, and I realized I don’t need to stay
in these roles, therefore I didn’t need to stay in
Spokane. Being comfortable is never going to get
me to where I want to be and California has been
an option for me for a while. One of my best friends
lives right outside of LA and has lived there his
entire life, he offered me the option of moving in
with him, which is such a privilege.
KS: That makes total sense, what kind of health
and wellness are you looking to pursue?
SA: I have essentially a 3-4 part plan, step one
to working towards getting certified as a holistic
health coach, which covers both mental and physical
wellness, but not on a medical level. Simultaneously,
I’m working on becoming a registered patient
advocate, and what that entails is me being able
to be informed enough to attend any traditional
western medicine practicing doctors appointments
with clients, and offering them my insight and
advocating for the patient.
Part three, I’m getting certified in September, if I
can go to India, to teach traditional Shanga Yoga,
which will be incorporated into my practice. After
all that, I will pursue my Masters in Counseling so
that I’m covered to go more into the interpersonal
and mental health realm of health and wellness.
53

KS: Wow, that is quite the plan. Shanice. How are you feeling in the midst of this pandemic?
SA: In general, I feel like I can approach this pandemic better now than I could have before. I
have been prone to extreme anxiety and actually, I have not felt anxious since I quit my jobs, even
though I have been working.
Shanice’s story reminds us to remain grounded, even in times of uncertainty. She inspires us to
listen to our own intuition, pursue our passion and push out the fears of failure.
Shanice is currently working on getting her certification as a holistic health coach as well as
becoming a registered patient advocate.
If you or anyone you know has an interest in holistic wellness, please support Shanice in her new
endeavors by emailing her at Shaniceapplewhaite@gmail.com.
Another important story of quitting comes from Shantell Jackson who recently quit her job of 15
years to pursue her art full-time.
KRYSTON SKINNER: Your story is super unique, because you were at your job for 15
years, tell me a little about that...
SHANTELL JACKSON: I started right out of undergrad as a hall director, I was already in
college but now I was back professionally. It was a pretty sweet gig: you get your own apartment,
an opportunity to supervise students and be involved in the operations of student services and I
had an opportunity to supervise other professionals and help them with the daily function of their
buildings. There was nowhere for me to grow, though. So, this was a way to focus inward; I think
the universe was insistent that it was time for me to move on.
“I THINK COVID-19 HAS REALLY HIGHLIGHTED
THAT PEOPLE WHO HAVE SMALL BUSINESS OR
HAVE BEEN PURSUING THEIR CRAFT OR ARTISTRY,
REALLY DID TAKE A RISK ON THEMSELVES
IN DIFFERENT WAYS.”
KS: Was the plan always to quit and then pursue your art? Can you tell us a little bit about your work?
SJ: Initially, I was going to quit and pursue art full time, the question was only if I could do it
full time. My art has always been and continues to be about the process, I don’t start with the
intention of consumption from others, so it’s not about the results. I’m always trying to find a
balance to continue to do process oriented work and then what I hope happens, is that whatever
my pieces are, that people can relate to them. I’m always exploring and always learning, so I don’t
know if I’ll ever land in a final medium.
56

KRYSTON SKINNER: What has the Spokane art scene been like for you? You’re currently
going through a rebranding of sorts, what’s that been like?
SJ: In the past five years I have seen the amount of support in Spokane grow and it has the
potential to grow even more. Part of quitting my job is really sitting down and doing the work that
I couldn’t give enough time or attention to before. My rebranding is cleaning up who I am as an
artist - when people view my work, what are they seeing? I have this newfound time and space so
I really want to create a clear picture of what I am putting into the world for people to consume.
KS: How are you feeling now, in light of COVID-19?
SJ: I feel really hopeful; I’m in a better position now than I ever have been in my adult life. I
mean, my day job was paycheck to paycheck, and that’s based on some poor decision making,
but also how poverty works, how debt works and how the economy works. But I still feel like I’m
in a better position now, even though this feels bleak, and we don’t really know what is going to
happen moving forward.
I think COVID-19 has really highlighted that people who have small business or have been pursuing
their craft or artistry, really did take a risk on themselves in different ways. I still feel like new
things are going to open up for everyone. We’re already starting to rethink how we’re going to
structure our economy, and I really think that there’s going to be a shift. I personally feel hopeful,
but I also acknowledge that not everyone has the privilege to feel hopeful right now.
Find Shantell on Instagram: @shantelltheartist
Final thoughts:
Both of these stories inspired me to rethink what I want in this world, and what my employees
may someday want for themselves. Shanice took the leap to move outside of her home state and
pursue holistic endeavors while living outside the traditional American dwelling. While Shantell
stepped outside the confines of a 15 year, 9 to 5 academic job. Even though these two women are
very different in their pursuits, one thing that Shantell and Shanice have in common is that they
have both done something that all of us are scared to do. They have successfully pushed against
the capitalistic ideals of the American economy that demand us to be consumers.
By reading these stories, I hope that you too are inspired to cease doing the things that do not
bring you joy, and begin to look deeper into what you want to achieve in this life. Maybe you too
will quit, after all, if COVID-19 has taught us anything, it’s that the constraints that bind us are
not necessary for us to live full, intentional lives; instead, they hold us back by tricking us into
believing that we need to live to work, that our jobs are the most telling things about us, and that
money drives all of our needs.
Let’s break free, and make 2020 the year of letting go and moving on.
57

EASTSIDERS
COLORING CLUB
ILLUSTRATION BY ARTIST TINA LUGO
@TINA_LUGO13
Submit your coloring pages with
#eastsiderscoloringclub
to be featured in the next issue and on our instagram
@eastsiders.magazine
Did you know that coloring can provide
these essential things for your mental health?
Tina Lugo is a tattoo artists based out of Portland OR, she specializes in fine
line work and heavily detailed pieces. She has been featured in articles on
Huffpost, Tattoodo, and TTTism magazine. Tina travels internationally for work
and often frequents New York, Oakland, London and Berlin. Tina’s travel dates
can be found on her Instagram page at : @tina_lugo13. When not traveling,
Tina stays in Portland, OR where her private tattoo studio, Black Sheep is
based, with her Husky, Lou.
59

61
Trigger Warning: This article centers on the
current influx of domestic violence and abuse
during COVID-19, and may be an emotionally
challenging read.

DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE
I N T H E
A G E O F
COVID-19
Staying inside may be more dangerous
than the pandemic itself
Written by: Alex Tsuneta

S
tay at home orders have been issued around the world, but for some, staying at home is
more dangerous than the pandemic itself. Domestic violence victims are at a far higher
risk amid the COVID-19 quarantine. Being stuck at home with their abusers — with
nowhere to hide — these victims are in more peril now than ever before. At the same
time, courts have been reducing the number of protection orders they are processing. It’s a lose-
lose situation that is being kept under wraps, because while protection orders are dwindling,
domestic violence victims are suffering in silence.
In Italy, women are using codewords to escape their abusers. When a woman walked into a pharmacy
a few weeks ago, she wasn’t there for medicine, instead she was there to tell the pharmacist about
her abuser. Moments later he was arrested. However, in the United States we are not so lucky.
With the number of protection orders being limited, women are at a much greater risk of abuse.
“As the coronavirus pandemic forces countries everywhere to take unprecedented steps to restrict
the movement of their citizens, victims of domestic violence have suddenly found themselves
trapped at home with their abusive partners. Some are unable — or too afraid — to call the police,
experts say,” — CNN
Movement restrictions aimed to stop the spread of COVID-19 may be making violence in homes
more frequent and more dangerous, while simultaneously making it even harder for women to
seek help.
Domestic violence levels have risen worldwide.
As recently as this week, headlines about domestic violence in America, Italy, France, South Africa,
Australia, and Asia have been seen almost daily, detailing how domestic violence levels have
surged in the wake of COVID-19. Women, and other people suffering in silence at the hands of
their abusers, have nowhere to go. On one hand, they can stay in their homes and suffer abuse
every day, on the other hand they can risk their lives outside and possibly become infected and
die.
There is no easy answer, especially with the government, the courts, and local law enforcement
agencies overwhelmed and already limiting protection orders. Women and other domestic violence
victims are just about at the bottom of the list.
“FOR MANY WOMEN AND GIRLS, THE THREAT LOOMS
LARGEST WHERE THEY SHOULD BE SAFEST — IN THEIR OWN
HOMES,” — NPR
There has been no sight of domestic violence prevention becoming a key part of any COVID-19
response plan. In Australia, where it was announced that the government had promised $91 million
to address the problem as part of its COVID-19 response plan, there has been a 75% increase in
online searches for help with domestic violence. In Lebanon and Malaysia, calls to law enforcement
agencies for help have since doubled; in China, these calls have tripled.
63

Meanwhile, in Turkey, the killing of women has risen
sharply since the March 11th stay at home order.
In Georgia, a man who threatened his family with
a firearm, was jailed, and while he was in jail he
assaulted a female corrections officer. He was then
released to return home to his family, despite their
wishes that he stay away. The family subsequently
asked that local law enforcement agents would
confiscate the guns from their home; they were
denied. Their cries for help were silenced by the
police and their local courts.
Where are we supposed to go for help when our
highest authorities ignore and silence us?
Check your privilege, we are going through a crisis.
“It’s easy to prevent COVID-19, just stay home.”
“Don’t be selfish, stay home.”
“It’s just a few weeks, just stay home.”
These statements are seen in every dumb social
media post since the stay at home order began,
as if we aren’t aware that the only way to stop
the spread of this virus is to stay at home. When
posting these tone deaf ideas on social media,
why don’t we also post numbers to the domestic
violence hotline? Or, links to help women and other
domestic violence victims? Why don’t we also post
facts and figures about the risks of those shuttered
indoors with their abusers?
Celebrities and influencers are continuously
posting on social media about the risks of leaving
your house from their multimillion dollar mansions,
without giving attention to those who may be
suffering at home. As usual, domestic violence is
not being taken seriously; as usual we are being
silenced.
When going through a pandemic, or anything
unprecedented, often the most marginalized
groups are at risk first. Before posting memes and
pleading for people to stay indoors, it would be
best to check our privileges, reign them in, and
think about those who are suffering indoors.
We’re not all safe inside of our homes.
66
This article was originally published on Fearless She Wrote.

NATIONAL
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
HOTLINE:
HTTPS://WWW.THEHOTLINE.ORG/HELP/
OR
1-800-799-7233
68

WELCOME TO SEXY TIMES! EACH
MONTH WE ASK OUR CONTRIBUTORS
A SERIES OF QUESTIONS ABOUT
THEIR FAVORITE SEXUAL ITEMS,
EXPERIENCES, PLACES TO VIEW PORN
AND BUY SEX TOYS AND ACCESORIES,
AND LOTS MORE. WE WANT TO
NORMALIZE SEX AND SEXUALITY, AND
WHAT BETTER WAY TO DO SO THAN
GIVE YOU A PEEK INTO THE SEX LIVES
OF THE DIVERSE CONTRIBUTORS OF
EASTSIDERS?! IN A WAY, YOU GET TO
KNOW US BETTER, AND ALSO YOU GET
A PERSONALIZED LIST OF FUN AND
EXCITING SEXUAL EXPERIENCES. SO,
TAKE A PEEK, ENJOY, AND COME BACK
EACH MONTH FOR NEW SUGGESTIONS,
AND MAYBE SOME FUNNY STORIES
ALONG THE WAY.
70

LILY
FAVORITE POT TO SMOKE DURING SEX: Trainwreck by Blue Roots
Most weed makes me feel too lazy to have sex, but Trainwreck by Blue Roots strikes just the right
balance betwen arousal and relaxation. If you like sativa strains, try this one in the sack.
EROTIC/ADVICE PODCAST: Savage Lovecast
I’ve been listening to the Savage Lovecast for about ten years, Dan Savage is controversial
sometimes, but he is still my Lord and Savior in the ex-ed department. When I was an insecure
twenty-year-old wondering why I couldn’t have orgasms, his advice to others was my only assurance
that I wasn’t broken. He laid the groundwork for me to figure out and accept that I was queer.
71
JULIA
FAVORITE SEXY INSTAGRAM: @more_whores_of_yore
Ever wonder what erotic art looked like in the past? Well, now you have your answer! Check out the
Whores of Yore Instagram for images of erotic art spanning hundreds of years. The account serves
as a platform for academics and researchers to share their sexuality research and offers a glimpse
into the past that is NSFM (not safe for museums). This account is a sexy trifecta, erotic, fun, and
educational!
FAVORITE POT TO SMOKE DURING SEX: Sunset Sherbet (85% indica)
Unlike a lot of indica dominant strains, the Sunset Sherbet provides a satisfying body high without
the drowsiness. In fact, I’ve found it has the perfect mix of effects found in both traditional indica and
sativa strains. It peps you up just enough to heighten a sexual experience and provides an extra bit of
bodily stimulation.
JAZMINE
SEXY INSTAGRAM: @luckydevilloungepdx
Lucky Devil Lounge is much more than just a strip club account; it’s a business that supports their sex
workers in a wonderfully modern and positive way. Even through the pandemic, they’ve contributed
to find a way to keep their staff working with the invention of “Boober”, an Uber Eats type app
where sexy ladies deliver food to your door!
ONLINE SEX STORE: geekysextoys.com
Geeky Sex Toys makes silly and fun sex toys based off of anything fandom related. I started following
them on social media when they produced an Australian themed dildo to raise money for Australian
bush fire relief.

72
ERIN
FAVORITE SEXY INSTAGRAM: @bloozchicken @ruffenough
Any instagram that promotes and encourages plus size bodies is my favorite. I believe there is
just not enough of these plus size people portrayed in mainstream media. I also love the artistic
approach to introducing these bodies to the viewer.
FAVORITE ONLINE SEX STORE: Babeland.com
Babeland toys is a female owned sex store with womens pleasure at the forefront. It is also
a feminist company, and keeps non traditional couples in mind. Which, as
the graphics lead for a queer run magazine, I am here for it!
ALEX
FAVORITE TOY: Hitachi, obviously.
The Hitachi Magic Wand is the best sex toy for literally everything, if you’re into anal, BDSM,
using toys during sex, squirting, or just plain masturbating - this toy is a staple for any collection.
I’d even argue that the Hitachi is the number one staple sex toy. Get one, trust me.
SEXY INSTAGRAM: @sacredsadism
BDSM for plant lovers, what more could you ask for? These toys are gorgeous and amazing to
use - also this vibe is everything I’ve ever wanted in pretty much my entire life. Gorgeous humans,
amazing photography, BDSM, and plants - c’mon, what else does anybody need? If you’re tired of
all the “daddy dom” bullshit, and you want some BDSM toys that are vegan friendly, aesthetically
pleasing, and not all leather and black, this is the spot.

CROSSWORDCROSSWORD
Across
2. The bull
6. Beer flowers
7. Musician Apple
9. Chickpea foam
11. Plant DNA capsule
12. No family is safe when I ______
15. 80’s neo-expressionist painter
16. Local color, City
17. Tart shoot
19. Turkish stone
20. Plateau tongue
21. Eternal Flame artists, The
22. Yellow-flowered regional shrub
Down
1. Mischievous weenie
3. Juicy nightshade
4. Sunny Pantone hue, spice
5. Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla
8. AKA marigold
10. Vining plant
13. Elusive fungi
14. Isolation
15. Pagan holiday in May
18. Big cat lady
21. Funk queen Davis
73

I Don't Know HerT H E P O D C A S T A B O U T W O M E N
Y O U ' V E P R O B A B L Y N E V E R H E A R D
O F , B U T Y O U S H O U L D H A V E .
S U B S C R I B E W H E R E V E R Y O U G E T Y O U R P O D C A S T S .
F O L L O W U S O N I N S T A G R A M , T W I T T E R , A N D F A C E B O O K .
Yayoi Kusama. June Tarpé Mills. Edmonia
Lewis. Patti McGee. Lyda Conley. Patsy Mink.
Join Amanda Mead and Rita Vigil each week as they
learn about the artists, adventurers, entrepreneurs,
activists, politicians, and heroes that our history
books left out.
Each of these women changed the course of history.
Do you know their stories?

Ask Alex
Ask Alex
Ask Alex
81
Each month we are asking you, the reader, to submit your questions
on relationships, sex, general advice, or whatever else you want
answered. Our editor, Alex, may publish your answer (anonymously)
in the next issue! Alex has been a top writer on advice, politics,
equality, relationships, and LGBTQIA+ issues, on Medium and
hopes to be able to answer your questions with thought provoking
responses and perhaps a little bit of sass. We look forward to
reading your questions! Send submissions to
ALEXANDRA.EASTSIDERS@GMAIL.COM.

82
“I’M QUEER AND I LOVE TO HAVE PERIOD SEX, GOING DOWN ON MY PARTNER AND
FUCKING THEM WHILE THEY ARE ON THEIR PERIOD IS A HUGE TURN ON FOR ME, AS
WELL AS HAVING SEX WITH MY PARTNER ON MY PERIOD. HOW DO I BRING THIS UP
TO MY PARTNER SINCE THERE’S SO MUCH STIGMA AROUND MENSTRUATION?”
Question:
Answer:
Period sex is fun, period. LOL GET IT? But really, period sex is a wonderful way to enjoy sexual
stimulation. Studies have even shown that some people want more sex during their period, and
many people claim that they are more turned on and more sensitive around this time, leading to
increased pleasure, arousal, and sexual stimulation. According to Anna Druet, on helloclue.com,
“In terms of sensation, some may even experience more satisfaction from an orgasm during this
time and more arousal during sex in general,” considering that period sex is obviously far more
naturally lubricated sex, it’s a great time for shower sex, or sex that requires you to have to re-
apply lube, just use your natural lubrication!
Scientifically, orgasms can ease cramps and symptoms of PMS as well, another great reason to
fuck on your period, am I right? My IUD means I have god awful cramps, so during my period,
sometimes my husband and I have “lazy sex”, where we just kind of spoon and use a vibrator as
well as penetration so that my cramps go away, and also, I’m a bit less grumpy. There’s science
behind it too: the endorphins released by orgasms relieve stress, and also menstrual cramps based
on the intensity of the orgasm.
When talking about your turn ons and kinks, you can feel very vulnerable, especially if you’re
with a new partner, but honestly, why not get it all out in the open so that you don’t waste your
time later on? Had my husband told me early on that he didn’t like rough sex, I mean honestly
we probably would not be married. Sexual chemistry is huge, and you shouldn’t feel any shame
around your sexual desires. I would approach this topic in the way that you approach any kink or
turn on, with openness and honesty. Menstruation is natural and normal, and if your partner is
weird about your bodies naturally occurring MIRACLE then they need to wise up. It’s 2020, let’s
stop stigmatizing our bodies natural reproductivity.
Of course, nobody has to have period sex, it is a personal choice. If your partner is uncomfortable,
use this time to make them more comfortable; reassure them that they are sexy, that you’re into
them, and also that you want to help them through their period, because honestly my period
is awful, I probably couldn’t make it without junk food and period sex and also my husbands
complete ability to be the fucking nicest human in the world (and also the most patient).
Anyways, throw down a dark blanket or a few towels and get at it! Or hop in the shower for an
easier transition into period sex. Trust me, you and your partner won’t regret it, and you’ll also
probably grow as a couple.

CROSSWORD ANSWERS:
ACROSS
2. Taurus
6. Hops
7. Fiona
9. Aquafaba
11. Seed
12. Sashay
15. Basquiat
16. Lilac
17. Rhubarb
19. Turquoise
20. Sahaptin
21. Bangles
22. Oregon grape
DOWN
1. Dachshund
3. Tomato
4. Saffron
5. Cinco de Mayo
8. Calendula
10. Philoendron
13. Morel
14. Quarantine
15. Beltane
18. Baskin
21. Betty
CROSSWORD ANSWERS:
83

C O F F E E
1 STF R AVENUE
A PODCAST CREATED BY
@THEALISHAFISH & @BIGFANNYPACKNRG
FOR WOMXN, ABOUT WOMXN.
@DRUNCHPODCAST

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