I Outed Myself on Facebook... and Now I'm in Hawaii! 🌴
I Outed Myself on Facebook... and Now I'm in Hawaii! 🌴
on a magical journey: no new essays till mid-august 🌞
I'm Out Of Office / Vacation Vibes 🌴
Hi friends,
I'm taking a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle, and I couldn't be more thrilled to share this little update with you. Until mid-August, there won't be any new essays or deep dives because... drumroll, please... I’m on vacation! 🌺
I’m soaking in the aloha spirit in beautiful Hawaii with my family. This trip isn't just a getaway; it’s a homecoming. Visiting my family as a disabled, fat, queer, neurodivergent, polyamorous Filipino-American – and now, newly out as polyamorous – carries a weight that’s both heavy and liberating. Community is everything. Your support, messages, and shared stories mean the world to me. As I navigate this journey of self-discovery and communal care, I carry your encouragement with me.
I have no words, but luckily, I have enough gratitude to fill a thousand pages. When I hit that "send" button on last week's letter, I opened Pandora's box—one filled with my unfiltered truths. For those who missed it: I accidentally outed myself as polyamorous to my entire Facebook list. Yes, that includes my conservative extended family and family friends. It was as heinous as it sounds.
But you, my incredible readers, wrapped me in a tight virtual hug. Your messages of support turned what was an isolating experience into a collective embrace. Thank you for being here and for being part of this community. Given the emotional toll it’s taken on my entire constellation, I’m all for enjoying the vacation and staying away for a bit until Virgo season. I can't wait to bring back some sunshine and fresh insights to share. 🌞
Moving to a Patron Model 💡
I've been thinking about how to make this space even more of what we all need: a warm, inclusive community. So, here's the scoop: we're shifting to a patron model!
Before you freak out and unsubscribe, let me be clear: all the core content you love will remain free for all subscribers. That's right, the essays, the stories, the raw and real-life updates—you'll still get them. But, if you're craving more—more interaction, more connection, more community—then becoming a patron is your golden ticket.
So, what does being a patron mean?
First: Patrons enjoy greater access to community building and direct communication with me. Imagine being part of a space where you can start threads, share your work, and be part of the radical reading club I'm kicking off. I'm envisioning a Substack chat that buzzes with the energy of like-minded folks sharing ideas, offering support, and creating magic together. Patrons dive deep into conversations that matter, discussions that challenge the status quo, and dialogues that stir the soul.
For those who join the greater tier, there's a special treat: free 1:1 time with me quarterly. Think of it as a personal hangout to chat, laugh, and work through whatever's weighing on your mind. Peer support, guidance, and genuine connection—just the two of us.
If you want to deepen your involvement, I invite you to join the patron community. Your support will not only help sustain this newsletter, it also amplifies our collective voice in advocating for justice, decolonization, and radical self-love.
✨🙏✨
…And Another One (Piece) + Normalizing Non-Monogamy!
While polishing my writing, I found a piece I wrote at university over a decade ago. For those who didn’t know: I was a Psychology major and an English (in Creative Writing) minor. I found a piece I wrote for a Fairy & Folk Tales class, edited it, and started submitting it to journals. Breath & Shadow is a literary publication for and by disabled people, I’m honoured to have this piece about disability in a publication that promotes works by disabled folks.
Speaking of ‘another one,’ this week, my episode on Emma & Fin’s podcast, Normalizing Non-Monogamy came out.
Emma & Fin were lovely hosts who gave me free rein to chat about non-monogamy. When we recorded this, I was fresh off the heels of my recent breakup and was surprised when the grief poured into this interview. (I did not anticipate that happening.) That being said: I channelled it into this conversation with the two of them, and appreciated the messiness of being in relation to one another. Thank you so much, Emma & Fin for having me on!
Midwest Love Fest Promo 🎉
I’ve mentioned it before, but I can't contain my excitement! Midwest Love Fest is happening on August 17, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis.
And here's the cherry on top: I’ve got a special code for you! Use 'CHRISTALEI' for 10% off your registration. If funds are tight, or if you want to help be part of this community, you can volunteer for free or get a discounted registration fee. Volunteering lightens the financial load and deepens the sense of community and connection.
So, whether you're attending, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, your presence is invaluable. Let's make this Love Fest one to remember.
See you in Virgo season
x
Christa