5 Things / Influence
The world has a new pope, Leo XIV, born here in Chicago. My partner was one of the many eagerly awaiting the announcement. No, she didn’t grow up Catholic like me; she was anxious because she’s deeply aware of his global influence. Was he going to be progressive or regressive? What would he say about LGBTQ+ people like us?
5 Things / Shared Laughter
Tuesday arrived, and once again, I stressed about what I was going to bring to comedy class that night. Everyone in class has the same “what am I going to write?” moment every week. We all figure it out and show up. One of my classmates was recently laid off and didn’t come with prepared material to work out. Instead, she riffed off a keyword.
How to Normalize Inclusive Language Without Making It Weird
Use inclusive language naturally and confidently—no scripts, no preachiness, just clarity and care.
5 Things / Powerful
This week, I was officially named to Curve Magazine’s Power Women list. The list was unveiled Monday at an event kicking off Lesbian Visibility Week. It was an impressive list, including Abby Wambach, Cynthia Erivo, Chappell Roan, and Sha’Carri Richardson. This week’s 5 Things are 5 amazing folks on the list.
What to Do If You Mispronounce a Client’s Name (Again)
Missteps happen—owning a name mistake with grace can actually build trust, not break it.