The world feels like a terrifying storm of shit that keeps hitting the political fan, but the weather outside is gradually getting nicer as we approach the Spring Equinox. I feel moods improving around me & to match the current astrology, people are starting to speak up with their distaste for the current administration & it gives me some hope for our future. Every time I get a notification from a news source, it makes me cringe & so I’ve started to mute my notifications. I want to discuss more positive topics.

There’s jazz music flooding my ears from a wonderful Spotify playlist I have saved for writing & getting my administrative work done. It makes me feel more productive. The sun is shining outside up in the beautiful blue sky. Each piano key gives me a whimsical feeling as I write. I feel powerful like I haven’t since the start of 2025.

The HIV Stops With Me campaign has launched, Miss Hell’s Kitchen is in full swing with planning way ahead of schedule for the Fall pageant, I’m already starting to push myself harder at the gym in preparation for Broadway Bares, & still have other big things on the horizon such as AIDS Walk NY.

HIV Stops With Me is proving to be a great resource for community & advocacy. The campaign has given me a place to constantly check in with other spokesmodels & bounce ideas off them. Each day we are excited when we see each other plastered all over the subway system for the new campaign, cheering each other on. It’s a wonderful group to be a part of.

Miss Hell’s Kitchen is celebrating it’s 10th pageant this year, officially filed as a 501(c)(3) & has a list of partnerships to announce for this year. We have so many events planned leading up to the pageant. It feels surreal to see your best friend’s pageant take off to new heights & be a part of a community run event that is such a wonderful success.

Broadway Bares submissions & orientation are both in the next two months & I’m feeling pumped to be raising money & on stage alongside so many brilliant artists to advocate for so many people that are affected by HIV & AIDS; not to mention, there are so many people who will now struggle due to the current administration. The more hatred they push at us, the more love we will throw back. Bares always makes me feel powerful. It reminds me of my purpose & rejuvenates me for the rest of the year.

I haven’t participated in AIDS Walk NY in at least a decade, but I remember raising money for it fondly when I worked at Therapy Bar years ago. I’m raising money for it again this year as I’ll be walking with Team HIV Stops With Me. It’s one of the largest fundraisers for GMHC here in New York City. We get to walk four miles to raise awareness, educate, & end stigma while providing resources for those in need. I’m truly excited to participate again.

I haven’t been this involved in years & it feels good to be busy & community based. My community saved me. I would love to have you join me in my journey this year as we stand up together & laugh & dance along the way because we know we will have plenty of tears, so let’s continue to bring joy & hope to those finding it hard to get out of bed in the morning.