La Vida Veeta

Life after the lashes

Tag: mutual aid

The Sunday Slice- Week of 6/8/2025
Happy Pride Month my gaybies!!! (for the record- that’s a combination of gay and babies, not gay and rabies. Although I suppose it could be both??) I’ve already talked about how excited I am for this year’s Pride in my inaugural Homersexuality blog post- but now is important to stress: PRIDE IS A PROTEST. Pride has always been rooted in liberation. In protecting each other. In fighting against a system designed to suppress any kind of expression of gender or sexuality not rooted in the heteronormative binary. Queer people have been instrumental pieces of human society since the very beginning. Throughout the many millennia of human history- as a common thread between many disparate cultures, languages, and geographies- transness and non-binary concepts of gender have persisted. Have been respected. Have been given places of HONOR. If I haven’t made my point clear yet: IF YOU DON’T SUPPORT QUEER AND ESPECIALLY TRANS AND NONBINARY PEOPLE, THEN WHY THE FUCK ARE YOU HERE?? Visible, loud support is needed right now more than ever. Step the fuck up.

*Exhales* Ok, now that I have that out of my system- let’s get to this week’s Slice!
Sunday Slice- 6/8/2025

Mutual Aid and Community Support: Trans-Wa Community Aid Directory (Washington State)

PRIDE IS ALL THANKS TO THE SACRIFICES AND BRAVERY OF OUR TRANS FRIENDS, FAMILY AND NEIGHBORS. We owe them so much: for being the keystone to queer liberation, their immeasurable contributions to culture (where do you think the majority of Gen-Z and queer lingo comes from??) and their unstoppable bravery in surviving every single day. Beyond this, TRANS PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE. TRANS PEOPLE ARE UNDER ATTACK AND IN DANGER EVERY SINGLE DAY. It certainly doesn’t help that the current administration is actively greenlighting violence and supporting the continued erosion of trans rights. It’s up to us, as individuals, to protect trans folks. Here’s an easy way to start.

The Transgender Health and Wellness Center of Washington (Trans-Wa) is a trans-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that advances health equity and justice for gender-expansive people across Washington State by eliminating barriers to self-determination, building gender-expansive community and capacity, and driving institutional and systemic change. As part of this mission, they have put together an incredibly helpful and easy to use resource outlining community aid requests- the Community Aid Directory. Promise me you will take some time and review this, find 1 way a week this month you can help (minimum!), and do so. I will also specifically highlight some aid requests in this blog pulled directly from this resource, but please bookmark this and do not stop supporting. As I’ve mentioned before: this is a marathon, not a sprint. Showing up and showing out all year long is critical.

QTBIPOC Pride Ride: Queer the Land and Seattle Friends on Bikes (SEA FOB) (Seattle)

Feeling outdoorsy AND GAY?? Come engage in some wholesome neighborhood queerness with QTBIPOC Pride Ride- an event being organized by Queer the Land and SEA FOB. This no-drop ride ensures that everyone stays together, moving at a party pace! The route 4 miles round trip from North Beacon Hill to Judkins Park and back; stopping halfway to hang out at the park. Bring a dish or a snack to share! Optional: bring a group activity (e.g. frisbee, kites, game, craft) and a blanket/chair. There is a Pride Kiki Ball happening at the Langston Hughes Art Institute from 6pm – 12am which is close by Judkins- maybe a great after-ride activity? (More info below!) If you’re interested in joining, please RSVP via the Partiful page here. Plan to meet at 5:30 on Friday, June 13th and be ready to ride out at 6. Grab your bike, blanket, beverage(s) and (b)GAYNESS (the b is silent- had to maintain the alliteration).

Pride 4 All Kiki Ball: Strike a Pose (Seattle)

Remember earlier how I said we have so much to thank the trans community for (specifically black and brown trans folks)? That includes ballroom culture! If you haven’t been to a ball- bitch you are MISSING OUT. The energy. The electricity. The unprecedented levels of creativity and CUNT. It is incredible. And next Friday, Strike a Pose Seattle and Julian Telfar present the Pride 4 All Kiki Ball! With the Notorious Telfar as commentator and beats bumped by Spiider Ebony, this ball is going to be one for the books. Come ready to make some fucking NOISE! Want to attend?? Purchase tickets here. Doors open at 6, while the ball itself goes from 7-midnight. Oh- and PLEASE come dressed to impress. It is a ball, after all.

Looking to walk?? A full list of categories (and prizes!) is here. All categories ask you to bring the colors of any pride flag or sexual orientation flag. Remember to bring the flag with you. If you walk, A: I COMMEND YOU. B: be confident, bitch! When you walk your category, walk like you already fucking own every inch of that runway from the second you step out. C: Don’t be weird. Don’t be disrespectful. Don’t get lippy with the judges. You’re a guest in this space. If you need a crash course in ballroom culture, literally read the Wikipedia page lol.
Mutual Aid Group: Seattle Community Fridge (Seattle)

I keep mentioning Seattle Community Fridge because I can’t stress enough how necessary free, accessible food is right now for folks in our community. And guess what Rhonda- I WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP TALKING ABOUT IT. Even though it is Pride month (and basking in queer joy is a form of protest in of itself) the work must continue. We must always be thinking of doing what we can to help those around us. And what better (and more critical) tool is there than food?

IMPORTANT NOTE: As I will be moving in August, Seattle Community Fridge could use support to fill the gap I will be leaving behind in regular food dropoffs from the U-District Food Bank. I typically do dropoffs every first Saturday of the month (filling in other weeks as needed), and a typical dropoff run usually lasts about 3-4 hours. Let me stress this: it is not difficult, however there are certain considerations one must make:

A car with a sizeable amount of storage space is necessary. Think a truck with a bed, a mid-large size SUV, potentially even a larger sedan if the back seats collapse. Some weeks there is a substantial number of bins of food, and they can take up quite a bit of space.

Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. I would estimate that is the average weight of a full bin of food.

Ability to travel with a second person or comfort in protecting oneself. Let me make a quick note on this point: I HAVE NEVER FELT UNSAFE DOING THIS WORK. Everyone I have encountered has been incredibly kind, helpful, grateful, and warm. That being said- I am a 6’3″, large framed white cis man. My experience will undoubtedly be different from many others. Having some kind of protection with you is not to try and scare you whatsoever, but moreso just to ensure that you are prepared for any potential situation that could occur.

I can not stress again how important getting food to folks is. Even if it’s not with this organization specifically, it is a huge need in our community, and I implore you to get involved in some way. If you would like to join SCF (Seattle Community Fridge) and potentially fill in once I leave- I recommend shadowing me on one of my remaining runs! I can introduce you to helpful contacts, show you the fridges, and go over some best practices.

On that note- please enjoy the beautifully Tetris’d fridge I snapped a picture of this week. If you like Tetrising things, this is also rewarding work on that front haha.
Thanks for sticking with me, y’all. I’m not sure how many of you read this blog each week, but regardless I can feel your love through the keyboard every time. I hope you keep looking out for each other, being loud, being angry, never complying in advance, never listening to Justin Timberlake (little bitch ass bitch) and finding ways to be joyful in these times ❤

On that note: although I’m not currently making an outfit, I am working on a fun little project of making a lampshade with a bunch of extra crafty bits and pieces (photo below). I hope you enjoy 🧡💜

Un Beso de Queso,
- Vel/Matt 🧀
June 8, 2025

activism, community, gay pride, LGBTQ, mutual aid, pride, queer, queer rights, seattle, trans rights, volunteer, washington
The Sunday Slice- Week of 6/1/2025
You know how there are those watershed moments in life that we all measure our lives in terms of “before ____ and after ____?”. For example, for baby boomers it could be the assassination of JFK, MLK, or the moon landing. For millenials, it would be Justin Timberlake ruining Janet Jackson’s career on national television at the Superbowl (and I’ve said ever since that JT is fucking TRASH and it seems only recently that ppl have gotten wise to his stupid top ramen looking hair bitch ass antics. Wake up SHEEPLE). Oh and 9/11 too, that would be one. Does anyone feel like literally the last 5 years have been that? From COVID-19, the summer of George Floyd, to January 6th, to literally everything happening this year. It’s been a goddamn wild ride. Before I get into the slicey slice I just want to ask, genuinely: How are we all doing? I hope, all things considered, we are thriving in our own little spheres of influence in this universe. I hope we are all choosing to actively make the world a better place as best we can. I hope we’re choosing to wash our asses, and not shop at Target, and PLOT THE DEMISE OF JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE (if you aren’t about that life then you must have misunderstood that this blog doubles as a Janet Jackson fan page and always will. I will NOT allow any JT support on this page as that constitutes a crime against humanity).

Ok now that I’ve met my daily quota of Justin Timberlake hate, let’s get into these slices, shall we?
Sunday Slice- 6/1/2025
Help Feed Your Neighbors: Food not Bombs Seattle (Seattle)

Food not Bombs Seattle is a mutual aid group with a simple purpose: distribute free food to anyone and everyone in Seattle’s Occidental Square every Saturday and Sunday at 5 PM. It’s really that simple! If you’d like to help get food to folks, show up any Saturday or Sunday at 5 PM to help distribute food, build connections, and better understand ways you can help! Some other ways to help include:

Tabling events

Helping manage the website

Cooking food

Picking up food from the website

If you work at a restaurant and have unsold food- please let them know! You can contact Food not Bombs Seattle at hello@seattlefoodnotbombs.org

Let’s meet up and share warm meals and warm vibes with our neighbors!
Help Feed Your Neighbors: Reno Burrito Project (Reno)

I’ve mentioned Reno Burrito Project a few times on the blog- the TLDR is that they are a Reno based org which makes burritos and distributes through the city for folks experiencing homelessness and/or hunger. Well it’s a new month, and that means new distribution dates! Check out their Instagram post here with June’s dropoff dates (6/1 TODAY, 6/15, 6/29) including details on when and where to meet up. Want to help roll burritos? Show up at 12 PM at their listed meetup location on June 1st TODAY , 15th, or 29th. Want to distribute? Show up at the same spot at 2 PM on the same dates. Want to do BOTH? Show up at noon and stick around! Not available/able to roll or distribute? Feel free to shoot them some money for burrito supplies here!

Burritos are a magical thing, and you can help share that with your neighbors who could really use their warm, comforting embrace.

Nationwide Day of Protest: No Kings (organized by 50501)

I mentioned 50501 previously in regards to a different round of organized nationwide protests at the beginning of April. This June, they’re organizing another one. On June 14th, 50501 is organizing No Kings- a day of nationwide protests against the blatant corruption and fascism we all are seeing. From the 50501 website: On June 14—Flag Day—Donald Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday. A spectacle meant to look like strength. But real power isn’t staged in Washington. It rises up everywhere else. No Kings is a nationwide day of defiance. From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we’re taking action to reject authoritarianism—and show the world what democracy really looks like.

There are planned protests in literally every corner of the country- check out a map of planned rallies here. If you don’t see one close to you and are interested in hosting one, please check out their toolkit for hosts here outlining helpful (and necessary) tips BEFORE creating an event. Then, check out this link if you are ready to organize your own event in order to create an event page.

As always- if you are protesting- BE SAFE. WEAR A MASK. COVER YOUR TATTOOS. WEAR GENERIC CLOTHING (monochome black, brown, etc. No unique images or logos). LEAVE YOUR PHONE AT HOME (TURNED ON) IF YOU CAN. Remember that undercover cops are prevalent- if someone is a liiiiittle too friendly and wants to know all the details of how you got there/ the people you’re with/ specifics about the event, direct them to the event organizers and keep mum.
OMG wait I’m now just realizing that it’s actually June 1st and PRIDE MONTH🌈🏳‍🌈🌈🏳‍🌈👬👯‍♂️👭👯‍♀️👩🏾‍🤝‍👩🏽🍆🎇✨🦈🍕?? Well, you know I already like being the biggest queen I possibly can so please also join me this month in being as OBNOXIOUSLY, GARISHLY, FLAMBOYANTLY, DISGUSTINGLY queer as possible. Hunty lets make these straights HAVE IT. Do I know what I mean by that? Not entirely. But, I know what it means in my soul and that’s all that matters. If you’re queer, you will too. Idk how to explain it, its just the essence of gayness. And we love it.

I hope that you all kick off your week with peace, joy, serenity, connections, and a clear mind. And remember to go through your start of the week checklist to ensure success:
- Stay guh-guh-guh-GAY
- Don’t trust cops
- Don’t shop at Target
- Wash your ass
- PLOT THE DEMISE OF JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE
Un Beso de Queso– Vel/Matt 🧀
June 1, 2025

activism, community, food distribution, mutual aid, nevada, organizing, reno, seattle, volunteer, washington
The Sunday Slice- Week of 5/18/2025
Squirrellyfriends- can you believe that it’s already my birthday ?? (hold for applause). In honor of yours truly FINALLY turning 18 (I can’t believe I was 17 for 15 years isn’t that wild??) I wanted to share the ultimate pump up, hype up, stomp the yard, throw that ass in a circle jam imaginable. Please enjoy today’s Slice Selections™️with the sweet, smooth, dulcet tones of 🌠Sandstorm🌠 (thank you for reminding me of this bop Steph!)

Sunday Slice- 5/4/2025

Know Your Rights: Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) Informative Immigration Webinar (Remote)

With so many radical, quickly changing, and frankly terrifying Federal mandates impacting immigrants we all should be doing whatever we can to stay as informed and aware as possible. NWIRP has put together several trainings and webinars over the past few months with the aim of keeping folks informed, aware of their rights, and protected. This upcoming Wednesday (5/21) at 12 PM (PST) they will be conducting a bilingual, virtual webinar providing the most recent updates. From 12:00- 12:45 updates will be provided in Spanish, and from 12:45 – 1:30 PM updates will be in English. Please join at whatever time works best for your language needs. You can register for the webinar here.

If you’re able, please also consider helping fund this awesome organization with their mission to keep defending and advancing the rights of immigrants through direct legal services, systemic advocacy, and community education. You can donate here.

Community Event: Rainier Beach Action Coalition Walk the Block Party (Seattle)

I’ve mentioned RBAC (Rainier Beach Action Coalition) several times on the blog now- they’re a Seattle based grassroots non-profit working to strengthen community ties in Seattle’s Rainier Beach neighborhood, including promoting local business, infrastructure improvements, community events, shared spaces development and improvement, and environmental remediation and improvement. And guess what? They’re throwing a party! This upcoming Saturday, May 24th from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM head down to the Rainier Beach Community Center for a day of live music, bomb food, fresh produce, arts, crafts, dancing, education, and most importantly- connection. Check out more details here. Want to be a good human and help volunteer? Check out this link here to sign up! Maybe you can’t volunteer or attend? That’s ok! If possible, please donate here to this amazing group so that they can continue to be a positive force in the world.

Community Support: Harm Reduction Kit Making with Stop the Sweeps

Stop the Sweeps is a Seattle based mutual aid group which aims to help Seattle’s unhoused community by providing essential supplies, advocating to stop damaging, disrupting, and sometimes lethal sweeps, and ultimately protecting our unhoused neighbors. For more information on the incredible toll that city sweeps cause, I highly encourage reading this article. This upcoming Saturday (5/24) Stop the Sweeps in conjunction with Long Haul Kitchen is hosting a harm reduction kit making party, where they gather supplies from harm reduction orgs, hundreds of boxes of narcan from the Department of Health, and purchase wound care supplies and safer smoking supplies to assemble kits which are distributed to individuals in need. These kits are highly requested by our unhoused neighbors and mutual aid groups.

Come join us and learn how to make kits, what’s in them, and get some supplies to distribute yourself! It’s a great, welcoming space to meet new people and get involved in mutual aid.

DM @stopthesweepsseattle on Instagram for details if you can make it! Masks are required!

Want to support but not able to come/ not based in Seattle? Feel free to contribute funds to Stop the Sweeps via their Venmo here or CashApp here.

I cannot stress how important the work is that groups like Stop the Sweeps do. They quite literally save lives with the supplies they provide.

Thanks friends for sticking around through the 🌠Sandstorm🌠 to take in this week’s Sunday Slice. I’m so grateful for the folks in my life (shoutout Seattle peeps who came out last night!) and everyone who continues to make life worth living. Who knows where we will all be (or the world for that matter) at the next revolution of the sun, so I’m just happy to be here in this moment with just a sliiiiight tequila hangover (thanks Pony). Remember to keep looking out for your neighbors, NEVER comply in advance with fascism, and remain just as obnoxious, queer, loud, antisocial, feminist, goofy, doofy, loopy, poopy and spooky as always.
- Matt/Vel/Birthday bitch (happy 18th to me!!)
May 18, 2025

activism, community, harm reduction, immigrant rights, mutual aid, seattle, volunteer, washington
The Sunday Slice- Week of 5/11/2025
Y’all it’s official official: I’M MOVING TO MILWAUKEE!!

Early last year I was at a bit of a crossroads. I had just quit a job to find a career within the environmental industry, however the market was insane and I ended up being unemployed for about 5 months. During that time, I realized that if I wanted to get to where I wanted to be in my career, grad school would be absolutely necessary. After doing some research I applied to 8 schools (and got into all of em- no biggie teehee) but decided to defer a year as a really awesome job opportunity came to fruition (shoutout Cascadia!) Well, fall 2025 is now (somehow????) not that far away, so the time has come to pack up and UHaul across the Great Plains (honestly I am SO EXCITED to see Fargo, ND. In my head the thrift store finds in Fargo are going to be next. fucking. level).

This past year has been so transformative for me. Ditching socials, getting more involved in community orgs, working at a really great job and not giving a single fuck about so many of the silly things I used to (like what other ppl think of me?? like who cares lol) has fundamentally changed the way that I live my life and enjoy the present. At least, as much as is possible right now (sigh, fascism is here fuck it all, sigh). Finding new creative outlets that bring me so much joy has helped as well (including this blog!!) Thank you all for being there for the journey and enjoying whatever the fuck this is *gestures around wildly*.

With that out of the way, here are this week’s offerings for Le Slice Sunday (that’s The Sunday Slice in French duh).

Sunday Slice- 5/11/2025

Community Building & Activism: Art Builds with 350 Seattle

You might recall that last week I talked about 350 Seattle and their Climate Community Night. I went! And it was awesome to see so many motivated folks talking about ways to get plugged into climate resilience and justice work happening right now. Showing up comes in a variety of ways, including arts and crafts! And who doesn’t love arts and crafts? (Suspicious side eye at anyone who doesn’t). 350 Seattle has some awesome art opportunities coming up through their Artful Activism team! For 2 upcoming Saturdays in May (May 17th and 31st from 1-5 PM) join 350 Seattle for a lovely time together working to finish 49 Monarch Butterfly props and build a beautiful heart monarch tree on their float to defend Immigrants’ rights for the Seattle Solstice Parade. We’ll be painting, hot gluing, cutting, tracing, and more! RSVP for the 17th, 31st or both here. Location details once you RSVP and the location is secured. As a note: NO ART BACKGROUND IS NEEDED. You don’t need to know how to paint, or draw, or anything. Just show up and have a good time!

Gardening and Food Security: Gardening Courses and Volunteering with Tilth Alliance (Seattle)

Wanna get your hands dirty? (I mean in a gardening way not a “be gay do crimes” way unless you wanna do both 👀). Well have I got newwwwws for you! Tilth Alliance is a Seattle based organization that works in community with Washington farmers, gardeners and eaters to build a sustainable, healthy and equitable food future. They provide a number of awesome services like gardening education, fresh produce at local markets, food security assistance, and so much more. Interested in taking a gardening class with them? Check out their upcoming roster of courses here. It includes everything from learning drip irrigation methods, to fungi foraging, to cooking classes centering organic produce. Want to volunteer? Tilth Alliance helps pack Good Food Bags — weekly bags of fresh, sustainably-grown produce, sourced from local farmers or is grown on site at Rainier Beach Urban Farm & Wetlands. Bags are distributed to preschoolers and their families, seniors, and other community members. The program runs year-round with occasional breaks between seasons (FYI: Volunteers sometimes go home with excess or imperfect produce!) There are several upcoming 2 hour sessions, which you can find here. Go get your hands dirty (in any definition) in the name of gardening and healthy food access!

Donate to Mutual Aid: Seattle Community Fridge

(I apologize in advance for the extremely pixelated picture I spent way too long looking for a larger image and could not). I’ve talked at length about Seattle Community Fridge (first mention and general details listed on the blog here). It’s unfortunately becoming even more and more critical to provide accessible, free, nutritious food for our neighbors as supply is choked and prices will assuredly get much worse in the face of tariff wars. We’re already seeing a drop in the quantity of food available weekly from local food banks on our weekly fridge restocks. As a result, Seattle Community Fridge is in a position of needing to purchase more food to keep these fridges regularly stocked for folks. What I’m saying is: donating to Seattle Community Fridge is more important now than ever. If you’re in a position to donate, please consider doing so via their WaGives page here.

If you’d prefer to volunteer time, that’s awesome too! Feel free to sign up to help here.

Well- that’s it folks!! Another Sunday Slice has been served. Please let me know if you have any questions, suggestions, or tea on any of the opportunities I’ve listed today (or just send me some bullshit you know I like that too).

I’ll be in Seattle through Mid-August so if you’re here, don’t be a stranger!! Let’s make sure to make time for each other before I leave. Even if it’s just smoking weed and talking shit for an hour. That’s honestly my ideal day.

Oh as an aside: I recently read some Agatha Christie novels (did you know once upon a time my Twitter handle was @fagathachristie?) and I have to say shit SLAPS. I love a good murder mystery and she is truly the queen of the mystery. We salute you Agatha.

On that note: bye!!! *waves frantically* *airhorns*
- Matt
May 11, 2025

activism, climate change, climate justice, community, food security, mutual aid, nature, seattle, volunteer, washington
The Sunday Slice- Week of 5/4/2025
Y’all know Avril Lavigne was cloned, right? It’s well known that she died in 2003 and was replaced by Melissa Vandella. There is so much evidence. You think I’m making this up? Check out the indisputable proof here. I think she knew too much. Maybe she had dirt on Canadian higher ups? Maybe she knew the nuclear codes? I’m just not sure….either way, it explains why she married the Nickelback frontman in 2012 bc the Avril I KNOW would never.

Anyways- RIP Avril Lavigne, we will always love you. And fuck you MELISSA.

So now that I have that out of the way- hi everyone!!! I hope you have all been enjoying this most blessed beginning of May as much as I am. May has always been my favorite time of year. It’s Taurus season (arguably the best season of the year but I might be just a tad biased), the weather is brightening up, nature has come alive and we also celebrate Cher’s birthday! Although everything is still a flaming heap of garbage right now, I can’t help but feel a flutter of elation in my heart knowing that Seattle is out of the great darkness. Maybe it’s just arrhythmia? Or maybe it’s joy☺

Either way- I hope you’re also feeling the arrhythmia/joy. Please soak up the sun (cue Sheryl Crow) and also these weekly suggestions for the Sunday Slice. MUAH 💋

Sunday Slice- //2025

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Remember everyone: do things that make you happy. Go on a walk. Blast your favorite music. Eat that slice of cake (also share some with me cause bitch why the hell not??) In the words of Saint Jasmine Masters:

“I’m ready to talk some shit, smoke some weed, eat some food, make some coin, and love all my friends”

Also below is a side by side image showing Avril Lavigne and Melissa Vandella. I’m not telling you what to think, but how about you come to your own conclusions 👀🔍🤔 (Click and drag the bar side to side to compare images).

Love you all!! Un beso de queso muy fuerte 🧡
- Matt/Matteo/Mattimeo/Mattias/Bitch
May 4, 2025

activism, community, jasmine masters, melissa, mutual aid, nature, seattle, volunteer, washington
The Sunday Slice- Week of 4/27/2025

Anyone who knows me knows I’m the world’s #1 Shrek stan. I say “DONKEH” almost daily. I sing “All Star” also, almost, daily. It’s my #1 most impactful memory from 2001 (think about what else happened that year 👀). I have a Shrek tattoo on my ass (that might be a lie….but who will correct me??) Anyways, I think why I love Shrek so much is that not only is it unhinged, but it’s a story of a recluse who, through external forces, realizes the importance of helping others around him. It’s a story of solidarity (magical creatures rise upppp) and of self realization. Of realizing that you’re so much more than you ever thought you could be. Of realizing that others may look up to you, even when you don’t intend (or even want) to be looked up to. Of being a green hunk of man meat. Dreamworks really, truly, made magic with that film (and Shrek 2 I meannnn the fairy godmother singing I Need a Hero? It inspired a whole generation of drag queens). And did you know that there’s Shrek 5 slated to come out in 2026? I guess I’ll hang onto sanity at leaaaast long enough to see that.

Anyways, completely unrelated to Shrek, but I also found this incredible mashup on Youtube yesterday, and I really want you to play this in the background while you read through this week’s selection of how to get involved in your community. As a reminder: WE ALL NEED TO BE. Enjoy 😉

Sunday Slice- 4/27/2025

Community Building & Activism: 350 Seattle (Seattle)

350 Seattle is a local chapter of the general 350 movement, with a mission focused on moving away from fossil fuels, climate justice, resilience and equity. 350 Seattle is involved in a ton of local volunteer and activism work, including an upcoming May Day rally, Summer Solstice parade, and monthly Climate Community Nights- where upcoming climate justice initiatives and opportunities are discussed. I will be attending their upcoming May Climate Community Night (Thursday May 8th at 6:15 PM at University Heights Auditorium) as there will also be a new member orientation, where key information is shared for anyone interested in joining. If you’d like to come with me, feel free to RSVP here! Their full events calendar is here– check it out and see if anything looks interesting to you! Not in Seattle? There are 350 chapters in many cities across the US- check out if there’s one near to you here.

Community Event: Black Earth Day (Seattle)

April 22nd may have passed, but that does NOT mean that Earth Day is over. Next weekend, the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle and several awesome local orgs (Queer the Land, Out the Mud, Entangled Oceane, Nurturing Roots, Black Farmers Collective, and Tilth Alliance) for a free afternoon of food, workshops, and hands on activities centered in respect and love for our farmworkers and earth stewards. Let’s be honest- without them we would not be here. Festivities run from 11 AM to 3 PM at the Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetland. For more event information, check out this page here!

Reminder- KEEP CALLING YOUR REPS.

Hey you! Yes- YOU! Have you called your reps recently? Do it. If anything else, it’s a great way to release stress in a productive way. Make it part of your daily habit. Recently I was able to schedule time to meet with a member of my national House of Representative rep Adam Smith’s team to voice concerns, learn what our Congressman is doing to protect his constituents (verdict is still out on if it’s enough…I don’t think it is) and learn more about our busted ass political system. It was actually super informative and I highly recommend y’all try and do the same. I use the amazing 5 Calls website as a foundation for talking points (aka my biggest fear) to help guide conversation when calling (or leaving voicemails). I highly recommend checking it out. Don’t know your congressional district, representative or state senators? Check out this resource here to get their names and contact information (I have my zip code searched in the link for easy access for anyone in my same area). KEEP YOUR FEET ON THEIR NECKS. KEEP CALLING. KEEP YELLING.

I hope you enjoyed today’s song choice, and found this week’s Sunday Slice selections intriguing, appealing and helpful. As a reminder- I will also be doing Seattle Community Fridge food dropoffs this next Saturday (5/3) from 1:30-4. Let me know if you’re interested in joining (I already have one friend coming- you know who you are 😊 let’s make it a party.)

Stay strong, friends. Keep your eyes trained on what’s happening around us. Keep your senses sharp. Keep your wits about you. And keep your heart open.

Please enjoy this cursed photo of iced oat milk vanilla latte Shrek to keep with you close today (thank you friend who sent this to me- you know who you are 😉).

XOXO your slice of heaven,
– Matt/Vel

April 27, 2025

activism, climate justice, community, congress, Earth Day, mutual aid, seattle, urban farm, volunteer, washington
The Sunday Slice- Week of 4/20/2025
I’ve had a hard time recently answering the question “how are you?” There’s an internal debate I think we all face on whether we want to provide the ‘simple, easy’ answer, or the genuine one. More often than not as of late, I’m answering honestly. Because like, if it’s possible to disassociate from:
- The abductions of immigrants, Pro-Palestine protestors, labor organizers and just generally any non-white person to be put into concentration camps in El Salvador
- The legislative crowbar being used to force open our protected areas for resource extraction and exploitation, and hollowing out needed staff to keep daily operations running
- The complete dismantling of the Department of Education to fast track the destruction of public education to prop up propaganda based private institutions
- Tariffs. Need I say more.
- So much more.
then I’m doing great! But, how can you? Are you really great? Sure, compartmentalizing is a survival skill to be honest. But damn…it hurts the soul. To smile while working on a spreadsheet knowing that there could be an ICE raid happening down the street. It’s fucking scary. It’s something that I know we’re all dealing with right now (if you’re not then like…what??!) Just some food for thought. Anyways- here are some upcoming cool things that we can be a part of.

Sunday Slice- 4/20/2025

Community Forum: Winning Local Ballot Initiatives (Seattle)

One of the few bright spots right now are local ballot initiatives passed at the state and local level, including some major upsets. This highlights a larger topic: the importance of grassroots movements. How do BUFU (by us for us) campaigns gain momentum? There can be significant up front roadblocks, including costs, understanding the inner workings of politics, and social networks. House Our Neighbors has organized a forum featuring the leaders of several successful local ballot initiatives including the Renton minimum wage increase, the Burien minimum wage increase, Seattle social housing, and Federal Way eviction reform. Come by on Tuesday, 4/29 from 5-7 PM at Centilia Cultural Center. Want to help set up or take down? Feel free to do so here. Interested in attending? Sign up here (it’s free).

Awesome Local Service: Rainier Beach Action Coalition (RBAC) Fresh Produce Boxes (Seattle)

Do you like produce? Preferably fresh? Sick of the wilted greens and tired tomatoes you see at the store? Well, have I got the thing for you! RBAC‘s Farm Stand CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is starting a produce box delivery/pickup subscription where you get fresh produce from RBAC’s garden! Interested in signing up? Check out the order page here (this page also has more detailed information on pickup and delivery locations, payment options, subscription options and delivery cadence). Interested in more events and information coming up with RBAC? Check out their Instagram here. And above all else- enjoy this fire clip they made! Who doesn’t love E-V-E?

Community Event: Wild West at the Wild Rose (Seattle)

Wild Rose? Check. Western theme? Check. Helping fund a top surgery? CHECK. Come by Wild Rose next Tuesday (4/29) from 5-11 PM for a night of rootin’, tootin’ and bootin’. And by that I mean dancing, DJs, raffles and other activities (like caricatures??). It is a costumed event, but do NOT be that fucking weirdo that wears something offensive. Oh, and if you really turn out a look? The two best dressed of the night will receive a prize- so show up, partner (sorry I’m done). Check out more information on the event post on Wild Rose’s Instagram here. Can’t attend but still want to help out? Feel free to donate to Oli’s top surgery fund here. So get your boots, your fringe, your hats, and whatever other shit constitutes western wear and let’s help get this funded!

Love y’all so much. Keep spreading light out there. Keep feeling and centering joy, because that’s a powerful form of protest right now as well. And KEEP PUSHING. Keep feeling that fire under your ass and push on to do more good by your communities. Stay safe, stay sober, stay celibate (jk on the last two, that was something they said in the morning announcements at my high school. I am not kidding, they really did. Reno, NV y’all).

🤪Matt🤪
April 20, 2025

activism, ballot initiative, community, grassroots, LGBTQ, mutual aid, organizing, seattle, volunteer
The Sunday Slice- Week of 4/13/2025
Hi all!!!!!

So as I was chatting with my friend the other day (shoutout Manila I love you!!) we came to the conclusion that every man named Matt throughout the entirety of human history is gay. Think about it. Matt Bomer? GAY. Matteo Lane? GAY. Matthew Shepherd (may he RIP)- GAY. And think about it- Matt Damon? The bromance with Ben Affleck? A liiiiittle questionable. Matthew Broderick? Married to Sarah Jessica Parker. VERY SUSPISH. Matthew McConaughey? Dallas Buyers Club? Here’s the Wikipedia page for Matt-you can do the research for yourself. Just some food for thought. Disclaimer: But not Matt Gaetz- we absolutely do NOT claim him.

Anyways- I hope you’re enjoying your beautiful weekend. Let’s continue to be kind to each other, look out for each other, protect each other, and maybe get trained in self protection (whether that’s safe firearm training, combat techniques, de-escalation techniques, etc.) In the meantime, please read the following and enjoy this sunshine (or whatever the weather is wherever you are 😀)

Sunday Slice- 4/13/2025

Know Your Rights: ICE Red Cards

ICE is straight up abducting people to disappear right now. Immigrants. Pro-Palestinian advocates. Brown people in general, let’s be real. Its important now more than ever that we all know our rights when it comes to ICE, and how to advocate for ourselves and others. It can be really difficult in the moment (especially in an extremely high stress situation) to recall critical information. There’s an online site where you can get red cards printed that outline your rights and provide clear instruction on exactly what to do in a situation where you’re confronted by ICE. They have cards available in a ton of different languages. I have a bunch available in English/Spanish- if you would like any please let me know. Protect yourself. Protect others.

Community Event: Queer Scouts Seattle House Plant and Seedling Social (Seattle)

Feeling the need to add some new plants to the family this Earth Day? Come join Queer Scouts Seattle for an in-person, masked, outdoor plant and seed swap at Judkins Park and Playfield next Saturday (4/19). Feel free to bring seeds, seedlings, or even houseplants and cuttings to share with your fellow queer green thumbs. Don’t have any plants to share? No problem. They have plenty of green to go around! The social begins at 1:00 PM and runs until 3:00. Interested? Register here. It is a fully free event, but donations are encouraged 😎

Please note: Queer Scouts is a substance-free group. Please do not drink alcohol, smoke, or otherwise partake during this event.

Mutual Aid: Venus’s Path to Gender Affirmation

Venus is a trans woman residing in Seattle, WA who is a staple in the local nightlife community. She has recently been given the opportunity to undergo gender affirming procedures and surgeries, however insurance is only covering a small amount of the procedures needed. We are raising the money to cover not only the costs of the surgeries themselves, but also the recovery time needed post-op. Venus works full time, sometimes seven days a week, at multiple jobs in nightlife and is not able to afford the cost of living while healing from surgery (Seattle is fucking EXPENSIVE). Any help now is critical- her top surgery is next week! 👏👏👏

Let’s help Venus tackle the next few years of undergoing surgeries, procedures and treatments. This should be a beautiful, not a stressful, experience for her! Any support is welcomed and will help immensely. Donation page is here.

Sending you all love, light, and lactose!!
XOXO
- Vel/Matt/Your friendly neighborhood gay 🌈🏳‍🌈 (#loveislove LMAO I couldn’t write that without laughing)
April 13, 2025

activism, community, Earth Day, mutual aid, queer, seattle, volunteer, washington
The Sunday Slice- Week of 4/6/2025
The tulips are here and regardless of the state of the world, I can’t help but feel a bit of serotonin hit my dome. Do you ever have moments- they can be moments small, medium, or large- where you feel that you feel you were meant to experience? I don’t necessarily mean fate, or prophecy, or divine intervention, or anything like that. But like the universal coincidence of so many infinite factors put you at a certain place, at a certain time, with certain environmental factors? I felt it yesterday- as I drove to the food bank. It was one of those beautiful Seattle spring days when the sun was out in full force and the weather was giving June and not April. I was listening to Raveena with the windows down, watching people just living their lives. Some had signs (part of the Hands Off Protest yesterday), some had dogs on leashes, some had houseplants. Or coffee. Or shopping carts. The convergence of the sights and smells of spring, with the sun out and Good Time (song by Raveena) just hit really hard. I couldn’t tell you why, but it just did. And damn I was grateful. I find myself feeling like the importance of living is built on those little moments, ya know? Those moments help me know that I am on a path that I’m supposed to be on. Or something like that. Anyways, I hope you’ve been feeling those moments too. Before I ramble too long, here is this week’s Sunday Slice selection:

Sunday Slice- 4/6/2025

Business Spotlight & Community Event: Black Coffee NW Hosts 23rd and Jackson Community Cleanup (Seattle)

Black Coffee NW is not only a black owned, woman owned , local coffee shop: They are a force of community building in a neighborhood facing rapid gentrification. When Dar’Nesha Weary founded the company (with her daughter, by the way!) they not only took on the complexities of being a small business in a city consistently squeezing them out, but also created Grounded: a 501(c)(3) focused on youth leadership development through free therapy, tutoring, and job training for middle and high schoolers (psst if you want to donate to help this program- their Venmo is @blackcoffeenw ). While they currently have their original coffeeshop open within the North Seattle College campus, they have been working on expanding to a second location at the corner of 23rd and Jackson in the Central District (psst- you can help them fundraise to finish opening this location here). Although the store isn’t open yet, they are using the space as a meeting place for community events, including a neighborhood cleanup on Saturday April 19th! Come spend Earth Day weekend with an amazing community organization helping make our city more beautiful (and so much more). As a side note for anyone who doesn’t know- the Central District is the historic center of Seattle’s black community which is currently facing rapid gentrification and pushing out so many people who have been there for generations. So at the very least- SUPPORT BLACK COFFEE NW AS A LOCAL BLACK OWNED BUSINESS. GET YOUR COFFEE THERE. FUCK STARBUCKS.

Community Event: Nisqually Land Trust Work Party and Planting Event

I think (correct me if I’m wrong) I mentioned Nisqually Land Trust a few months back- they are a local 501(c)(3) which works to acquire parcels of land along the Nisqually River between Tacoma and Olympia to hold in trust with the mission of restoring, remediating and preserving its intact riparian ecosystem on a watershed-level. It’s a fantastic org doing great work that partners with the Nisqually Tribe and Thurston and Pierce County landowners to create a truly cooperative experience. They recently announced an upcoming work party on May 17th at the Sound View Camp. The work will primarily be the removal of invasive species (a lot of scotch broom). It’s a bit out of Seattle so if anyone would like to get out of the city for the day to help a great group- let me know! I’m signing up for a spot- these groups tend to fill up pretty quick so feel free to RSVP here and let me know if you do (we can carpool?) It will also (almost) be my birthday so…..do it for me? 😉👹

Community Building and Volunteer Opportunity: Seattle Community Fridge

I’ve talked about Seattle Community Fridge a few times now- TLDR they help maintain a network of public refrigerators throughout the city to help fight food waste and hunger. I pick up food every first Saturday of the month to help distribute- if you’d ever like to join, please let me know! I have some friends interested in May (thanks friends- you know who you are 😉 ) but I would love to have company for June (6/7) or July (7/5) dates. As an aside- the org is looking for help with a variety of administrative tasks, including help answering emails, organizing events, and (for anyone who likes woodworking or other handyperson tasks) constructing additional pantries and fridge locations. If you’re interested- don’t hesitate to email seattlecommunityfridge@gmail.com and let them know that Matt sent you.

As an aside- if you or anyone you know is experiencing food insecurity, COME TO A FRIDGE LOCATION. I’m happy to drive you to any if you need it. I can guarantee that the Phinney Ridge and N Capitol Hill fridges are freshly stocked every Saturday afternoon. For a map of where all the fridges are located, click here.

Stay vigilant, y’all. Things are scary and I think they will get much scarier. Keep protecting each other. Keep standing up for each other. And also remember to keep treasuring those small, important moments. Even if it’s just Raveena on a sunny Saturday.

P.S. Here is a picture of Monty- the most adorable pup I got to dogsit this weekend.
- Matt/Vel 💖🧀
April 6, 2025

activism, black-owned, community, mental-health, mutual aid, puget-sound, seattle, small-business, volunteering, washington
The Sunday Slice- Week of 3/16/2025
Y’all it’s already March forking 16th forking 2025. I swear just yesterday George Bush was getting a shoe chucked at his face (ah, simpler times ♥️). I hope wherever you are, whatever you’re doing (unless it’s like mass murder or something) that you are happy, peaceful and enjoying this beautiful beginning to spring.

Ok now that all the namasté bullshit is outta the way let’s get down to this week’s Sunday Slice! (also I had to write this one on my phone instead of my laptop so if it looks like trash be gentle on me plz 🥹)

Sunday Slice- 3/16/2025

Take Action: Call for the Release of Palestinian Activist Mahmoud Khalil

Mahmoud Khalil is a Palestinian activist who was crucial in negotiating between Columbia University and pro-Palestine student protestors in 2024. He was unlawfully detained on March 8th by “ICE” (I use the air quotes because he is here legally on a student visa so why the fuck are they there??) ICE’s actions are already deplorable, but the arrest and detention of someone without ANY legal reasoning with the threat of deportation simply because of their constitutional right to protest sets a terrifying precedent and honestly it should scare all of you. It’s important that we do what we can to make it clear that we are vehemently against what happened to Mahmoud.

I recommend both calling your reps (script you can use linked here) as well as a scripted email to the director of ICE via the ACLU here. **If you’re not comfortable leaving your name, understandable, don’t use the ACLU link or do not use your actual name***

You can also donate to help Mahmoud’s family expenses, legal expenses, and other expenses here (detailed breakdown of how money will be used at link above).

Donate: Help Navouny in their Gender Affirming Journey

I first mentioned Navouny’s GoFundMe back in I think the first Sunday Slice (fact check me plz??) Since then, they have continued to gather funds which is amazing! But we can help them meet their goal of $1500 to help provide funds lost while they are out of work and in recovery from their gender affirming care. Please help this beloved PNW performer and check out their GoFundMe here.

Community Building and Volunteer Opportunity: Seattle ReCreative

What an awesome place Seattle ReCreative is! They’re a non-profit org based out of two storefronts in Seattle which takes out perfectly good crafting goods that otherwise would be thrown away (via individual donations or org partnerships). I have personally frequented their Greenwood location several times to source really cool notions and other goodies for some drag outfits.

If you’re a crafting connoisseur and looking to volunteer some hours to help others achieve their DIY dreams feel free to check out their volunteer opportunities here. Looking to donate some items or money? Check out their materials donation page here and financial donations here. And finally- their classes and events! ReCreative provides a variety of free classes and events. One awesome option coming up is their Trans+ Community Craft Social which is an open crafting time including supplies, technical support and studio space! Check out the sign up page (and more information) here. Please share with any of your friends who might be interested.

Wrapping up: please continue to love each other, support each other, and be CrAzY. But like fun crazy, not Jax from Vanderpump Rules crazy. No one should EVER go full Jax from Vanderpump Rules crazy.

XOXO,
- Matt 🤠
March 16, 2025

activism, blog, community, mutual aid, news, organizing, outreach, volunteer