FIRL - Symphonic Melodies

After 25 years of crafting high-energy, electric performances with Bond, Eos Counsell, and Gay-Yee Westerhoff have taken a new musical path as FIRL. For FIRL’s upcoming album, Wildwood, which is set to be released in April 2025, Eos and Gay-Yee draw deeply from their travels and love of nature. Inspired by places like Hokkaido's hot springs and Costa Rican forests, the album uses elements such as birdsong to create an immersive, calming soundscape. In addition to music, Eos and Gay-Yee use their platform to support humanitarian causes. Recent contributions include donating prize money from their appearance on Celebrity Eggheads to CARE International and performing at events like Vietnam’s Typhoon Yagi benefit. Their dedication extends beyond fundraising, as they continue to use their music to connect listeners to the beauty of nature and the importance of supporting global humanitarian efforts. Read on to learn more about FIRL.

SWAC: Influencer, zissue 54.4Chelsea ChanNovember 19, 2024music artist, music, Art, nature, wilderness preservation, #Nature, save the planet, female artists, PovertyComment

Sophia Warren - Songs of Resilience and Raw Emotion

For Sophia Warren, music has always been more than just a melody — it’s been a lifeline. Today Sophia Warren is bringing raw vulnerability to audiences through her latest release, Bloodstone, the first in an ambitious three-part EP series. Beyond the music, this artist is just as dedicated to her role as an LGBTQ+ advocate and an animal rescuer. Growing up surrounded by pets, she developed a passion for animal welfare early on, eventually founding the Animal Defenders Alliance with her mother. With plans to release the second EP in the Bloodstone trilogy and dreams of taking her music around the world, Sophia is driven by the power of connection. Read on to learn more about Sophia Warren.

SWAC: Influencer, zissue 54.4Chelsea ChanNovember 14, 2024music artist, music, female artists, animal rescue, animal rights, LGBTQ, LGBTQ Support, LGBTQ rightsComment

Julie Edelman - Words of Sisterhood

Julie Edelman is no stranger to turning life’s unexpected moments into inspiration and in her release, The Accidental Sisterhood, she delves into the strength of female bonds, weaving resilience into every page. Drawing from her personal battle with breast cancer, she spreads a message of humor, self-discovery, and positivity. Now as an advocate for the Moffitt Cancer Center, she regularly shares her story, encouraging women to perform self-exams and embrace the emotional and physical journey of recovery. Read on to learn more about Julie Edelman.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.4Chelsea ChanNovember 7, 2024books, Author, cancer, cancer survivor, cancer research, diagnosis, writers, writingComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Erica Mosca, Nevada Assembly District 14

This is the final week we are highlighting progressive candidates running in the 2024 elections! Erica Mosca (she/her/hers) has the distinction of being the first Filipina to serve in the Nevada State Legislature. This millennial teacher and military spouse grew up in a low-income household and became the first in her family to go to college, graduating with highest honors from Boston University, and then pursuing postgraduate studies in education at UNLV and Harvard. To inspire others to follow in her footsteps, Erica founded a non-profit foundation to enable former students of hers to likewise become first-generation college graduates. Today, Mosca chairs the Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Caucus in the Nevada Assembly. She is passionate about empowering students to grow into leaders in their communities and upending structural inequity and systemic racism.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Jessica Jackson, County Clerk of Berrien County, Michigan

This election season we have had the great opportunity to highlight so many candidates who are running at the local level! Today we are profiling one such candidate, Jessica Jackson (she/her/hers), a queer mental health therapist and mother of two who also raises chickens and ducks on her property. She has worked hard to prioritize education, going from a GED to a master’s degree in social work. Jessica writes all of her own stump speeches, and she is passionate about reproductive rights, gender affirming care for trans individuals, the environment, and rural communities.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.4Andrew FNovember 1, 2024queer, #queer, mothers, farm animals, farmer, election 2024Comment

Cleo Vo-Dai - Mind, Body, and Community

Meet IMA Yoga, a yoga studio that once started as a small studio under the Modo Yoga brand from Montreal but has since flourished into a vibrant community, offering a welcoming space that feels like home to everyone. As the founder of IMA Yoga, Cleo Vo-Dai’s journey from a career in PR and marketing to becoming a leader in the yoga world is a testament to her passion for creating spaces that nurture both body and soul. Under Vo-Dai’s leadership, IMA Yoga embraces core values like kindness, presence, sustainability, and inclusivity. These principles guide everything from the studio’s design, using non-toxic materials, to its community outreach efforts. To learn more about Cleo Vo-Dai and IMA Yoga, read on.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.4Chelsea ChanOctober 30, 2024Non-profit, yoga, teacher, charityComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Nate Douglas, Florida House of Representatives, District 37

This week we are profiling our youngest candidate of the season, Nate Douglas (he/him). At 23 years of age, Nate is no stranger to politics, having won his first elected office at age 19 to be the supervisor of the Orange County Soil and Water Conservation District. This gay Gen-Z coder decided to enter politics to protect working-class families like his own from corporate greed, advocating for homeowners and renters against exploitative practices, championing bodily autonomy under a regressive state government, and fighting to protect the environment from the influence of big developers and fossil fuel industries. The top three issues he is most passionate about are climate change, economic justice, and healthcare.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.4Andrew FOctober 28, 2024black, gay, gen-z, election 2024Comment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Chibuihe Asonye, Illinois's 13th Congressional District

Chibuihe Asonye (she/her/hers) is a Gen Z Chicago native and University of Ilinois graduate (2018) who currently works as a resident advisor at the university. Chibu is running as a Green Party candidate in Illinois’ 13th Congressional District. Because she fell short of the required 12,000 signatures to appear on the ballot in the November election, Chibu is now running as a write-in candidate. A Nigerian-American and youngest of four, Chibu is passionate about election reform and the wellbeing of her community.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Kerene Moore, Michigan 15th District Court

Kerene Moore (she/her) is a queer social justice attorney with over 15 years of legal and public service experience. She is currently the Director of Conviction Integrity at the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office. She previously served as a juvenile referee and judicial attorney in the Washtenaw County Circuit Court, and as an administrative law examiner with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. She started her career at Legal Services of South Central Michigan where she provided free representation to over 1,000 under resourced clients. In 2014, she also founded Outreach, a pro bono LGBTQ+ advocacy project with University of Michigan law students. Throughout her career, she has served on the committees and boards of several organizations including the Jim Toy Community Center, Equality Michigan, Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, and the Ann Arbor Human Rights Commission. She has also served as co-chair of the LGBTQ+ Law Section of the Washtenaw County Bar Association and is the incoming chair of the State Bar of Michigan’s LGBTQ+ Law Section. Kerene is passionate about increasing access to justice to people from all walks of life, supporting treatment courts, ensuring that crime victims are receiving support, and actively reducing systemic bias in our courts.

Charlotte Morris - Heroes or Villains

For Charlotte Morris music has always been more than just a passion but a way to connect with others. The emotional connection to songwriting is what drives her as an artist, and it's something she continues to bring to her music, especially in her latest single, "Villain." Through her music, which blends Americana, folk, and jazz, Morris aims to create an authentic expression that resonates with listeners. Beyond the music studio, Morris passionately dedicates her time to volunteering in various communities. Whether she’s caring for animals in need or engaging in political activism through phone banking, Morris believes in using her voice and actions to create a positive impact. Read on to learn more about Charlotte Morris.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.3Chelsea ChanOctober 18, 2024singer song writer, Song, songwriting, music artist, activism, vote, VolunteerComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Ailina Carona, Tennessee House of Representatives District 57

Ailina Carona (she/her) is a queer Latina millennial who is a makeup artist in the greater Nashville area. As the mother of a special needs daughter, she has been an advocate for more inclusive education policies and has raised money for school lunches. Ailina has also raised money for women’s shelters and advocates for reproductive freedom for women and stricter gun laws. Ailina lives with her husband and three daughters outside of Nashville.

Paul "Barbs" Barbato - Traversing All the Countries on Earth

What inspires someone to launch a YouTube channel that explores every country on the planet? For Paul Barbato, aka Barbs, the creator of Geography Now, it all started with a love for learning and a bit of frustration. Through Geography Now, he seeks to create a bridge between cultures, inviting viewers to see the world through a new lens — one that is shaped by the people and places. From balancing personal loss with creating content to managing the technical demands of video production, every step has been a learning experience for Barbs. Read on to learn more about Barbs as he prepares to wrap up his decade-long mission of uncovering every country.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.3Chelsea ChanOctober 11, 2024YouTube, Learning, world, Country, travel, videoComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Sade Elhawary, California State Assembly District 57

Sade Elhawary (she/her) is a millennial activist and high school history teacher. A graduate of UCLA and Harvard, Sade served as a prominent member of Karen Bass’s successful election campaign to be mayor of Los Angeles. At age 28, she traveled the world, visiting 28 countries - one for each year of her age. As a Black and Latina community activist, Sade is most passionate about unifying Black and Brown people to combat white supremacy, and fight for racial equity and economic justice. As a proud member of the LGBTQ community, she promotes the queer community's resilience and political struggle for liberation. Sade is promoting healthcare for all (including reproductive and mental health), providing educational and employment opportunities for young people, and criminal justice reform in her campaign.

eaJ - Music, Rhythm, and Health

What was initially meant to be a brief visit to a Korean TV show unexpectedly transformed into a deep dive into the music world for artist eaJ. His latest track, “Right Where You Left Me,” is a reflection of his artistic evolution, striking a delicate balance between hope and melancholy. This song encapsulates eaJ's unique ability to create music that resonates with listeners on an emotional level, and as he transitions from his days with Day6 to a flourishing solo career, eaJ is delving deeper into his sound, exploring new musical paths with his upcoming EP "1/9." However, he is not only writing music but also gearing up for an exciting tour that includes the opening for Imagine Dragons at the iconic Hollywood Bowl. To learn more about his journey and what inspires his music, read on.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Priya Sundareshan, Arizona State Senate District 18

This week we are profiling Priya Sundareshan (she/her), a woman of many talents. With a BS in chemical engineering from MIT and a JD from University of Arizona law school, and a MS in natural resource economics from University of Arizona, this millennial attorney and mother-of-two teaches natural resource law at the University of Arizona, was a lawyer for the Environmental Defense Fund, and is a voting rights advocate, focusing on voter protection efforts and engagement on redistricting within the Arizona Democratic Party. Priya is currently the only South Asian member of the Arizona Legislature, and the first South Asian elected to the Arizona Senate. She is passionate about protecting Arizona water for long-term use, addressing climate change through state policies, and making voting as easy as possible.

Emma Driver - Finding Herself Through Music

Emma Driver is the embodiment of hope and resilience. Music has been the creative outlet in her life to express her emotions and process the obstacles that life throws at her. Her return to the music scene is something you don’t want to miss. Her latest single “Try Hard” discusses her journey as a cancer survivor and what that journey taught her about herself and life. She’s a force to be reckoned with.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.3Valerie SotoSeptember 30, 2024music artist, cancer, cancer survivor, artist, singer song writer, fitnessComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Dominique Johnson, Connecticut House of Representatives District 143

One thing that we at Jejune are pleased to see is the number of LGBTQ+ candidates who are running this year, and we have profiled quite a few of them! This week we are highlighting Dominique Johnson (she/they), who is the incumbent representative in District 143 in the Connecticut House of Representatives. Dominique is a genderqueer millennial who has gone from humble political beginnings as a community organizer to Assistant Majority Leader. A former professor and punk rock bassist, they are a published author with work appearing in works ranging from Teen Vogue to The Nation. Dominique is passionate advocate for educational equity, the health and well-being of youth, women and LGBTQ+ people, and sustainability.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Katie Causey, Palo Alto, CA City Council

Katie Causey (she/her/hers) is a bisexual millennial community and tenant organizer and political activist who is a lifelong resident of Palo Alto, California currently running for city council. Among other issues in her platform, Katie believes in expanding housing access and protecting tenant rights, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting LGBTQ+ rights in Palo Alto. As someone who is passionate about expanding and promoting public transportation, and reducing car traffic, Katie herself does not own a car, and walks, bikes, and takes public transport to get where she needs to be. Katie also owns over 35 houseplants!

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.3Andrew FSeptember 20, 2024lgbt+, LGBTQ Support, LGBTQ, lgbt, LGBTQ rights, LGBTQ+, lgbtq, LGBTQ youth, california, bisexual, election 2024Comment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Farrah Chaichi, Oregon House of Representatives District 35

As we count down the final weeks of this election season, we are ramping up our profiles of progressive candidates. This week we are profiling Farrah Chaichi (she/her/hers), a democratic socialist representative in Oregon running for reelection. This queer millennial of color and Iron Maiden superfan has a history of activism, fighting for causes such as labor rights, Black Lives Matter, and human rights. Farrah is passionate about delivering access to health care, addiction services, education, and clean water to her constituents in her hometown of Beaverton, which is a mix of working class and middle class neighborhoods.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Luz Escamilla, Utah State Senate District 10

This week we are profiling our second party leader this season, Luz Escamilla (she/her), the current minority leader of the Democratic Party in the Utah State Senate. Luz was born in Mexico to two college professors, and immigrated when she was 18 years old. Only one of six Democrats in the Utah State Senate, Luz leads her small caucus in promoting issues such as healthcare access and cost, food security, air quality, transportation access, high quality childcare, and home visiting services.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.3Andrew FSeptember 11, 2024latina, latinx, Latin American, politician, politics, Politics, political, #politicsComment