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Health+Wellness

Talk Derby To Me: Meet Retired Skater Pseudonym

Posted on May 18, 2018
A photo of retired Bayou City Boss skater Pseudonym.

When you think of roller derby, safe is probably the furthest word from your mind. Between the jams, blocks, and hip checks, the physical athleticism required definitely deems it a rough-and-tumble sport. Surprisingly enough, however, Houston Roller Derby (HRD) has not only created a safe space for its members, but a welcoming community for skaters, volunteers, and fans alike. I had the pleasure of catching up with retired Bayou City Bosses skater and blocker Suzie Sheldon, aka Pseudonym, to discuss…

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On Being in Your Body: Queer Self-Love as a Radical Act

Posted on May 9, 2018
A photo of On Being in Your Body creators.

I first heard about On Being in Your Body (OBIYB) while I was working with a client of mine who identifies as a gender non-conforming queer. We were talking about our positive experiences and connections via Instagram and she couldn’t stop singing the praises of this project to help womxn, queer, and non-binary humans to reclaim their bodies through art, writing, and human connection.…

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Talk Derby to Me: Meet Psych Ward Sirens Skater Paula Cream-Her

Posted on April 20, 2018
A photo of roller derby girl Paula Cream-Her

For Amanda Carmona, aka Paula Cream-Her #4, finding roller derby was like finding the missing piece to the puzzle of life. Initially drawn in by the sport’s strong female leadership, Cream-Her stayed for its inclusive atmosphere, celebration of uniqueness, and team spirit. Spectrum South had the pleasure of chatting with Cream-Her about her journey of discovering her identity and roller derby, her love for Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and her rookie season with the Houston Roller Derby’s Psych Ward Sirens.…

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Gently Healing from Within: Dr. Laura McGuire Hosts Houston Trauma Recovery Workshop

Posted on April 9, 2018
An illustration of healing after trauma.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time when survivors and their allies come together to be seen, heard, and create change for the future. We talk a lot about prevention and crisis, which are both vital parts of the conversation, but rarely do we discuss long-term recovery. Sexual violence isn’t the kind of emotional or physical wound that heals easily. The pain and injury is deep and, even after the trauma has become a distant memory, it is a…

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Cooking as Self-Care: How I Found a Creative Escape from My Creative Career

Posted on March 24, 2018
A photo of home cooking.

“When you do what you love, you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” This well-known saying may have some truth behind it, but it’s often terribly misinterpreted. Just because you love what you do doesn’t mean it isn’t work. At times, your dream job will be exhausting, difficult, and you will want to escape from it, even if just for a little while. When we turn our passion into a career, what we want to do, over…

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Muscle Panic: Interdisciplinary Artist Fuses Sports, Queerness at Art League Houston

Posted on February 23, 2018
A photo of Muscle Panic at Art League Houston.

Situated next to Inversion Coffee in Montrose, Art League Houston is now presenting Muscle Panic, an interdisciplinary piece developed by Toronto-based artist Hazel Meyer. “I make installations that performance happens in and, within these installations, there are sculptures that also function as tools and as props,” says Meyer, describing her work. “I’m interested in the slipperiness of these objects, and in the tools that extend us.”…

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Talk Derby to Me: Meet Brawler Jammer Arrak-Kiss

Posted on January 30, 2018
A photo of HRD Brawler Arrak-Kiss.

“It’s the last jam of the 2017 championship...two minutes left, your HRD Brawlers and undefeated Psych Ward Sirens are neck and neck...get on your feet, Houston!” veteran Houston Roller Derby announcer Scarlet O’Hurtya yells out with anxious enthusiasm. Wild cheers from fans vibrate Revention Music Center. My ears are ringing, my legs are throbbing from jumping up and down, and my homemade poster is ripped at each side from my clenched fists. Brawler jammer Arrak-Kiss and Siren jammer Black Lung…

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Abi Robins Teaches Accessible, Queer-Inclusive Yoga with a Twist in ATX

Posted on January 23, 2018
A photo of queer Austin yoga instructor Abi Robins.

Austin-based yoga instructor Abi Robins’ life changed when they stepped into a yoga studio for the first time in 2013. A friend in Siloam Springs, Arkansas dragged Robins to a hot power yoga class, which contradicted Robins’ preconceived idea that yoga was simply breathing and stretching in a quiet room. After an intense workout that left Robins drenched in sweat, they laid on their back for five minutes in the final shavasana resting pose. In that moment, they felt a…

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