Welcome to Read, Shake, Appreciate! This is your weekly round-up of words that made me feel inspired, songs that made me shake my ass, and people who I think deserve some spotlight.
This week I’m reading:
I Hope We Choose Love, A Trans Girl’s Notes From the End of the World by Kai Cheng Thom
Woah, this made me feel some feelings. Through a collection of essays and poems, the author explores (with incredible nuance and vulnerability) social justice culture, queer community, the representation and mental health of trans women, the Me Too era, and where we go from where we are. It’s probably not for someone who might need a content warning for any of the above right now, but it stunned me in its courage to bring painful things into the light that most people would probably rather leave in the dark. And the most beautiful part is the hope that Kai Cheng Thom carries throughout it all.
Here’s one of my highlights:
To paraphrase Emma Goldman:
If I can’t dance, then it’s not my revolution.
If I can’t fuck up and learn from my mistakes, then it’s not my revolution.
If I can’t disagree with you, then it’s not my revolution.
If I can’t ask questions, then it’s not my revolution.
If I can’t decide for myself what tactics I will use, then it’s not my revolution.
If I can’t be femme, then it’s not my revolution.
If I can’t choose my own friends, then it’s not my revolution.
If I can’t bring my family, then it’s not my revolution.
If I can’t bring my culture, then it’s not my revolution.
If I can’t bring my ancestors, then it’s not my revolution.
And if it’s not our revolution, then let’s build a new one.
This week I’m shaking to:
The Optimist by Evie Irie
Pure, life-affirming joy in a song. Hits especially good on a drive in the sun.
This week I’m appreciating:
Yasmine Evans
Every so often in life you come across someone who feels like they’re made of pure light - that’s Yasmine. You might have heard her keeping the nations spirit afloat this year presenting Good Vibes Radio on 1Extra and injecting some joy into what felt like a whole lot of bleak. I got to work with her a little while back co-presenting some online content for The Brits and felt super lucky to be around her energy. She’s definitely one to watch, and I’m looking forward to seeing where she goes next!
That’s all for this week! Watch out for the next Is It Just Me Or… hitting your inbox in a week, and if you’re a paying subscriber (thanking you!), I’ll see you mid-week for a reminder. Sending love, M.
I have had The Optimist on repeat since Saturday, it's such a feel good song! Also thank you for all these insta page recommendations, my feed is so much more wholesome these days x