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THE IDENTITY ISSUE With Articles Covering More than Your Identity, Queer Intersectionality, Pronouns, Community Profiles, Appreciation, Trans: Becoming Fully You, Unapologietically Trans Michaela Jaé Rodriguez Actor | Singer | Icon2 m S mona@smith-law.net 760-459-2911 206-285-1687 BUSINESS LAW Contracts Entity Formation Business Sales and Acquisitions Corporate Governance Commercial Leases Business Disputes ESTATE PLANNING Last Wills and Testaments Trusts Powers of Attorney Health Care Directives Prenuptial/Partnership Agreements REAL ESTATE LAW Residential Purchase and Sales Residential Leases Property Partnership Agreements Easements IMMIGRATION LAW Visas Green Cards Naturalization PROUD TO BE A GSBA PEARL SPONSOR Let me help you with your legal needs in Seattle AND Palm Springs.3 ENERGIZING COMMUNITY THROUGH THE ARTS4 EDITOR’S LETTER Dear Readers, As we glow from the residual vibrant colors of Pride Month, let’s not forget the profound significance of personal identity within our LGBTQ+ community. It’s about more than letters or labels; it’s about embracing the unique mosaic of our individual stories and experiences. I’ve personally witnessed the transformative power of living authentically. As a young, closeted teenager, I felt like an outsider. But as I peeled back layers of societal expectations and shame, I discovered a world of acceptance within our community. Connecting with others who understood my struggles allowed my identity to blossom. I realized my queerness wasn’t a flaw, but a source of strength. Embracing my identity was a journey filled with doubt and fear, but each step forward brought liberation. I began to see myself in a new light, one that reflected the full spectrum of my being. Delving deeper into the community, I was inspired by countless stories of courage and resilience. I learned about trailblazers who fought for our rights and artists who expressed the breadth of our experiences. Through their stories, I understood the power of community. We are not alone in our struggles, and we don’t have to face them alone. Now that Pride Month is over, I encourage you to embrace your personal identity with open arms. Whether you’re out and proud or still exploring your truth, know that you are valid, worthy, and you belong. The journey of self-discovery may be challenging, but it’s also filled with moments of profound joy and self-acceptance. Remember, your identity is not static, it evolves alongside you. So, let’s celebrate our diversity, uplift one another, and continue to fight for a world where everyone feels safe to live their truth. As we embrace our personal identities, we strengthen the bonds of our community and pave the way for a more inclusive future. Sincerely, Anthony Polimeni Publisher/Co-Editor of Out NW Anthony Polimeni | Publisher & Co-EditorMichael Montgomery | Editor-In-Chief5 Table of Contents More than Your Identity Trans: Becoming Fully You Out NW | Washington Glimmers of Light OUT NW | Montana Out NW | Northern California Out NW | Idaho Quickies Call to Action & Masthead Out NW | Oregon Queer Intersectionality Our Unique Selves Feature: I Am Michaela! Interview with Michaela Jae Rodriguez Pronouns Community Profiles Unapologetically Trans OUT NW | Alaska Page 6 9 12 14 19 22 24 30 41 44 47 50 53 56 59 61 666 More Than Your Identity Embracing the Kaleidoscope of Self: Beyond Labels and Identity by Anthony Polimeni In a world that often seeks to categorize and define us, it’s easy to feel confined by the labels we wear. We are mothers, fathers, artists, doctors, immigrants, activists, and so much more. These identities, while integral parts of who we are, do not tell the whole story. They are mere facets of a complex and multifaceted self that transcends any single definition. The Illusion of Singular Identity From birth, we are assigned various identities based on gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, and religion. As we grow and develop, we accumulate even more labels based on our profession, interests, and social circles. While these identities provide a sense of belonging and connection, they can also limit our understanding of ourselves and others. The danger of clinging too tightly to our identities is that we may start to believe that we are defined by them. We may internalize the stereotypes associated with our labels and begin to act in ways that conform to those expectations. This can lead to a narrow and limiting view of ourselves and the world around us. The Intersectionality of Self While our individual identities are important, it’s crucial to recognize that they intersect and overlap in complex ways. Our experiences are shaped not only by our race but also by our gender, class, sexual orientation, and other aspects of our identity. These intersections create a unique tapestry of experiences that cannot be reduced to any single label. Embracing the intersectionality of self means recognizing that our identities are not separate and distinct but rather interconnected and dynamic. 7 It means acknowledging the complexity and nuance of our experiences and rejecting the idea that we can be neatly categorized into boxes. Beyond Identity: The Unbounded Self At our core, we are more than the sum of our identities. We are not just our race, gender, or profession. We are also our dreams, fears, hopes, and desires. We are the stories we tell ourselves, the experiences we have, and the relationships we form. The unbounded self is the part of us that transcends any single identity. It is constantly evolving and growing, capable of infinite possibilities. When we connect with our unbounded selves, we tap into our true potential and open ourselves up to a world of wonder and possibility. Embracing the Kaleidoscope of Self To embrace the kaleidoscope of self, we must first let go of the idea that we are defined by our identities. We must recognize that our labels are just one part of who we are, not the entirety of our being. This doesn’t mean we should reject our identities or pretend they don’t exist. Rather, it means we should embrace our selfhood’s complexity and fluidity. Here are some ways to embrace the kaleidoscope of self: 1.Challenge stereotypes: Don’t let society’s expectations define you. Question the assumptions and biases that are often associated with your identities. 2.Explore your interests: Pursue activities and hobbies that you are passionate about, regardless of whether they fit into your perceived identity. 3.Connect with others: Seek out diverse perspectives and learn from people with different backgrounds and experiences. 4.Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself and accept that you are a work in progress. 5.Embrace change: Allow yourself to evolve and grow, even if it means shedding or adopting new identities. The Power of Embracing the Unbounded Self When we embrace the kaleidoscope of self, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities. We free ourselves from the limitations of labels and tap into our true potential. We become more creative, more compassionate, and more resilient. Embracing the unbounded self is not about denying our identities but rather about transcending them. It is about recognizing that we are more than the sum of our parts and that we are capable of infinite growth and transformation. When we embrace the kaleidoscope of self, we discover who we are and who we can become.8Oregon The LGBT Community in OregonNext >