The Slice is baaaaaaaaaaaack! *holds for applause* *continues waiting for applause* *continues waiting for applause in complete silence, staring down at my imaginary watch to see how much time has elapsed* *gets self-conscious and plays this clip* And this time, it’s coming at you from Central Standard Time!!!! *airhorn*
Guess what folks- this week it’s Labor Day!!! The holiday where we’re all gaslit into thinking that the US gives a single fuck about its’ workers!! Remember- this is the same country where Missouri voters passed a proposition expanding paid sick leave to approximately 780,000 people across the state, then their GOP-backed legislature said “nah” and repealed it. Missouri is the first state to repeal a voter approved sick-leave law (what an honorable distinction) but I venture to say it won’t be the last. This is the same country who has fought tooth and nail against any kind of workplace improvements since the beginning (hence why unions exist- at least for the time being…) But it’s ok, because (some of us, mostly in white collar jobs, of course) get tomorrow off! If you find yourself feeling conflicted with having the day off, there are plenty of things you can do to contribute to labor causes across the country (including continuing to annoy the shit out of your elected officials to voice your disgust at Missouri’s actions and continue demanding workplace safety and quality of life legislation). On the flip side- if you’re not feeling conflicted about having it off, honestly don’t?? Enjoy the day off lol this weekend most likely has the best weather you’re gonna have all year (for most places in the US) so like, go outside and throw your phone in the lake.
Oh! And quick life update- ironically (lol cause bitching about labor) I have secured a (paid!!) internship with the city of Brookfield as a Community Development Intern (hell yeah) and classes start on Tuesday. I’m continuing to look for additional part time work cause life be lifing. But honestly, the unemployment the last month has been prettttty nice not gonna lie. Anyways- enough about me being a submissive little slut for the capitalist system- enjoy this week’s Slice!
Sunday Slice- 8/31/2025
Labor Day: Workers Over Billionaires (Seattle)
Do you hate Palantir? You should if you don’t. It’s the company co-founded by Peter Thiel (yes- the Peter Thiel who has his hands all in Project 2025) and is being used to surveil all of us extensively, including immigrant workers (and that data is then funneled to ICE). Pretty fucking vile, right? Tomorrow, MLK Labor is hosting Seattle Labor Day: Workers over Billionaires at Cascade Playground in SLU. For a bit of context (from the MLK Labor Website): MLK Labor exists to unify all labor organizations in King County to build power and strength for all workers. We support local unions and affiliated organizations to strengthen and grow as the best way to improve workers’ lives and our communities. Composed of (currently) 150 unions representing 220,000 workers, MLK Labor is a council with delegates elected from each union (based on size). The council’s purpose is to unify union communications, strategies, demands and organization. Numbers = power. Anyways! About the event- MLK Labor will have information about their organization, as well as the dangers we currently face and that lie ahead in this era of fascist surveillance. There will also be food, drinks, and activities for all ages. If nothing else, come by from 11 AM – 1 PM to enjoy some free activities and learn about current labor activities happening in King County. **As a note- there is also scheduled to be a protest at this location that is linked on the 50501 Movement website. This is a separate event. Please note that due to this, there may be an increased police presence in the area, and 50501 has a history of working alongside police so….do with that information what you will).
Denny Blaine Labor Day Nude-In (Seattle)
For anyone on the blog who doesn’t know- Denny Blaine Park is a lakeside park and beach in Seattle that for (checks notes) ever? has been a clothing optional beach. It’s also been a safe space for so many people in the Seattle queer scene as a place where everyone is welcome and no one bats an eye (which let’s be real, is SO important to have because the body dysphoria one can experience at so many beaches is depressing as hell). Over the years, a new neighbor of the beach who is a complete douche has done several underhanded things to try and change the park fundamentally so that it can no longer remain this space (petitioning City Hall and donating a shitload of money to have a playground installed, filing numerous complaints with Seattle PD about folks at the beach, etc.) Earlier this year, Seattle PD harassed a trans woman who was simply laying out at the beach minding her own damn business. It’s been a consistent, bullshit fight involving a queer friendly place being attacked by people who equate body positivity and queerdom with perverseness (very 1950’s coded if I do say so myself). Anyways- if there’s one thing I know we’re good at, it’s being obnoxious for a cause! And tomorrow, we’re doing just that! Come by Denny Blaine Park anytime between 3-6 in solidarity with those fighting to keep Denny Blaine the safe space that it is. Let me bold this next point: YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE NUDE. YOU NEVER HAVE TO BE NUDE AT A NUDE BEACH. IT IS YOUR CHOICE TO WEAR AS MUCH OR LITTLE CLOTHING AS YOU WANT. Hopefully that sank in. There will be a potluck, and art, and music, and there should be amazing weather too! So come through, show support for Denny Blaine, and (maybe, if you want to) take your top off for justice.
Some Good News! New Pantry- Seattle Community Fridge
We all love some good news! This last week, Seattle Community Fridge did some major work on one of their fridge locations to build an enclosed pantry! This will contain a variety of items, including shelf-stable food, hygiene products, menstrual products, Narcan, and so much more. They also added some awesome art, including messages from everyone in the group (even though I had already moved by the time the build party happened, they added a message from me to the fridge 😭If you visit and look hard, you can find it!) This fridge is located behind St. Joseph’s Parish Catholic Church in north Capitol Hill (the corner of 19th and Aloha). If you’d like to get involved, please let me know and I’ll get you connected! In addition to doing regular runs to food banks to stock the fridges (and pantries!), we’re working on expanding the current network of fridges to include a full mutual aid pantry at Estelita’s Library (currently almost complete!) and are looking to add a new fridge in the University District and other parts of town (Ballard would be awesome!). If you like doing business/community outreach and would be interested in helping to communicate with local spaces that would be interested in potentially hosting a fridge, please let me know and I will get you connected to the right people. Let’s continue to celebrate the wins as we can, and remember to keep on showing up for people!
Thanks for continuing to stick around, y’all. And I’m so happy to be back with you all on this fine Sunday! I know this Slice (TM) was very Seattle heavy but I have some Reno (and Milwaukee!!) options in the pipeline for future weeks. Now that I’m settled in as a Midwestern boi (TM) we should be back on our regular Sunday posting schedule 😀 I miss y’all!! Please come visit. We can get cheese curds. And go bowling. And go to the lake. And listen to the death and mating shrieks of the cicadas (still can’t tell them apart? Are they the same thing?) I’m gonna head out and do a little hike while the weather is still nice here- pray with me that I don’t get lyme disease!!!
Un beso de queso,
Vel/Matt/Your Midwest Princess (plz don’t sue me Chappell or do lmao imagine her suing a drag performer lololol)
La Vida Veeta 