Posts in zissue 54.4
Sav Rodgers - Film that Changes Lives
Sav Rodgers - Film that Changes Lives

What if a single film could change the course of your life? For Sav Rodgers, Chasing Amy was not just a movie, it was a lifeline. Now, years later, that same kid has turned filmmaker, sharing their story through the lens of a deeply personal documentary, CHASING CHASING AMY. In the documentary, Rodgers unpacks the film’s complicated legacy within LGBTQ+ communities, exploring why it resonates so deeply for some while sparking criticism from others. The documentary goes beyond revisiting an old favorite. To learn more about Sav Rodgers and the film, read on. 

Read More
SWAC: Influencer, zissue 54.4Chelsea ChanLGBTQ Support, LGBTQ+, movies, film industry, filmmaker, entertainmentComment
Sam Redmore and Abdominal's Mother Earth - When Song Meets Art
Sam Redmore and Abdominal's Mother Earth - When Song Meets Art

What happens when you combine a message about the climate crisis, music, and powerful storytelling? You get Mother Earth, the latest single by Sam Redmore featuring Abdominal, a track that is as thought-provoking as it is captivating. Each section of the track unfolds with its own tone and energy, mirroring the diversity of voices in the climate conversation. ​​Mother Earth is more than just a song — it is a wake-up call to the effects of climate change. To learn more about the song, read on!

Read More
Art, zissue 54.4Chelsea Chanclimate change, music industry, Art, songwriterComment
Caleb Dolden - Lights, Camera, and Compassion
Caleb Dolden - Lights, Camera, and Compassion

With a natural flair for storytelling and a passion for entertaining, Caleb Dolden has been captivating audiences both on and off-screen from an early age. But his talents extend far beyond the spotlight. Whether it’s creating vibrant characters for hit shows like Teacup or volunteering at local shelters, Caleb Dolden brings the same energy, compassion, and commitment to everything he does. Read on to learn more about Caleb Dolden. 

Read More
SWAC: Influencer, zissue 54.4Chelsea Chanfood pantry, Actor, televisionComment
ALIMA - Bridges of Stories
ALIMA - Bridges of Stories

With roots in Dakar, Senegal, ALIMA is redefining humanitarian care across sub-Saharan Africa, championing the health of the most vulnerable. Since 2009, ALIMA has transformed maternal healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa, treating over 13 million people across 15 countries, with a focus on the mothers and children most vulnerable to conflict, displacement, and crises. Their recent campaign, “Ode to Strangers," was inspired by stories of strangers stepping in to help, exemplifying that acts of compassion can bridge distances and save lives, and its visual storytelling, brought to life by artist Rohan Eason’s raw, emotive illustrations, emphasizes urgency and humanity, ensuring that these powerful narratives resonate with audiences. Read on to hear more from Charlie Kunzer of ALIMA USA and Rohan Eason. 

Read More
Editor's Pick, Art, zissue 54.4Chelsea ChanMotherhood, mothers, Immigration, childbirth, strangers, kids, artComment
Why You Should Shop Small for the Holidays
Why You Should Shop Small for the Holidays

The holiday season is all about joy and giving — and what better way to embrace that spirit than by supporting small businesses? This can make a real difference in your community and help you find gifts as special as those receiving them. Here’s why shopping small should top your to-do list this holiday season, plus a few companies to check out. 

Read More
zissue 54.4, ArticlesCora Goldsmall business, Holidays, Shopping, sustainableComment
Andrea Laing - Leading Life, Shaping the Future
Andrea Laing - Leading Life, Shaping the Future

Meet Andrea Laing, an actress whose talent extends far beyond the screen. With an impressive range that spans critically acclaimed shows like Atlanta, True Lies, and NCIS: New Orleans, Andrea has proven herself a versatile actress capable of capturing the depths of human emotion. Yet before entering the film industry, her childhood was marked by a powerful blend of community strength, resilience, and a deep empathy for human struggles — qualities that shine through in her current work and advocacy. Andrea’s commitment to making a positive impact is evident in her dedication to causes like animal welfare, youth mentorship, and disaster relief. Her work with organizations such as the Atlanta Humane Society, the Boys & Girls Club, and the American Red Cross is a testament to her belief that true success is measured by the change one creates. Read on to learn more about Andrea Laing and her work. 

Read More
Editor's Pick, SWAC: Influencer, zissue 54.4Chelsea Chan#cause, actress, film, film industry, movie, red cross, diversity, black girl magic, animal rights, animal rescueComment
Presley Tennant - Embracing Imperfection
Presley Tennant - Embracing Imperfection

A rising star and former contestant on The Voice, Presley Tennant’s journey into music began unexpectedly at just 10 years old. What started as a childhood dream of a soccer career took a surprising turn when she discovered the thrill of songwriting, recording, and performing—igniting a passion that set her on the path to stardom. Her latest single, Love You With The Lights On, explores the beauty of vulnerability in relationships, blending her various influences in country and pop music. In addition to her music, she is passionate about giving back, championing causes like animal rescue through her Riffs & Rescues tour, and helping underprivileged children through holiday toy drives. Read on to learn more about Presley Tennant. 

Read More
SWAC: Influencer, zissue 54.4Chelsea Chananimal rescue, animalshelter, music industry, Musician, charity, performerComment
KiKi Holli - Pulling Songs into the World
KiKi Holli - Pulling Songs into the World

KiKi’s career has been a thrilling journey, from performing in Japan to co-writing and leading the cast of Forever Dusty: The Dusty Springfield Musical. Now focused on her music career, she continues to blend her rich theatrical roots with indie-pop. Her latest single, "WIN U OVER," displays this evolution. Beyond the music, KiKi’s commitment to philanthropy and advocacy is a cornerstone of her identity. Her support for LGBTQ+ initiatives through The Village and food security efforts with Project Angel Food reflects her belief that art and empathy are deeply interconnected, using her platform to uplift and inspire marginalized communities. To learn more about KiKi Holli and her upcoming projects, please read on. 

Read More
SWAC: Influencer, zissue 54.4Chelsea Chansinger song writer, music artist, musical, LGBTQ, food insecurity, empowerment, SingleComment
The Perfect Period With Menstrosan
The Perfect Period With Menstrosan

Period panties have been a game changer for me. I absolutely love them and encourage all my lady friends to make the change! Not only are they at least one million times more comfortable than wearing a pad (or any of the other alternatives, in my humble opinion), but they have showed to reduce cramps, are so much better for the environment — sustainability for the win with not having to throw away tons of one time period products, they are much cheaper than having to buy pads every month — most panties can last for years with proper care, and they have gotten pretty cute! For once women don’t have to dread their time of the month!

Read More
Editor's Pick, SWAC: Fashion, zissue 54.4Kira Buccaperiod, period panties, women's health, Wellness, fashionComment
FIRL - Symphonic Melodies
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. 

Read More
SWAC: Influencer, zissue 54.4Chelsea Chanmusic artist, music, Art, nature, wilderness preservation, #Nature, save the planet, female artists, PovertyComment
Sophia Warren - Songs of Resilience and Raw Emotion
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.

Read More
SWAC: Influencer, zissue 54.4Chelsea Chanmusic artist, music, female artists, animal rescue, animal rights, LGBTQ, LGBTQ Support, LGBTQ rightsComment
Mourn, Feel, and Get Ready

What is done is done. I, like many others, don’t understand how this happened. I know we are tired, completely exhausted! We can, and should, mourn. We can, and should, be angry. But we will not roll over dead, we will use this anger, and we will come back stronger and more focused. We can have our own Project 202X. We can have our own plan. We are smart. And as women, we should take from this that no one, and I really mean men, will never come to our rescue. We are on our own, we can no longer fight among ourselves. We need to be a F*CKING PINK WAVE of Fury.

Read More
Editor's Pick, Articles, zIssue 54, zissue 54.4Kira Buccawomens rights, LGBTQ, LGBTQ Support, LGBTQ rights, women, women's march, women supporting women, environment, election 2024Comment
Julie Edelman - Words of Sisterhood
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. 

Read More
SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.4Chelsea Chanbooks, Author, cancer, cancer survivor, cancer research, diagnosis, writers, writingComment
Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Erica Mosca, Nevada Assembly District 14
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.

Read More
SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.4Andrew Fasian american, asian representation, filipino, philippines, millenial, representatives, election 2024, politics, politician, get politicalComment
Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Jessica Jackson, County Clerk of Berrien County, Michigan
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.

Read More
SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.4Andrew Fqueer, #queer, mothers, farm animals, farmer, election 2024Comment
Cleo Vo-Dai - Mind, Body, and Community
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. 

Read More
SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.4Chelsea ChanNon-profit, yoga, teacher, charityComment
Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Nate Douglas, Florida House of Representatives, District 37
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.

Read More
SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.4Andrew Fblack, gay, gen-z, election 2024Comment