Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Joanna Whaley, Michigan House of Representatives District 2

The road from evangelical megachurch clergy to trans progressive election candidate is an unlikely journey, but it does happen! Joanna Whaley (she/her) is a former pastor at a Michigan evangelical megachurch, but actively undergoing “conversion therapy” for 15 years, during most of her time serving there. Joanna transitioned in 2022 and was forced to leave her church, but has become an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and outspoken critic of Christian nationalism, a world she was immersed in for most of her early millenial adult life.

Joanna was motivated to run after lots of encouragement from local leaders and community members, due to the fact that her current state representative, Tullio Liberati, was one of eight Democrats to vote last year for a Republican measure that would ban trans girls from school sports. Though Tullio is retiring at the end of his term, his older brother Frank decided to run to replace him. It did not turn out well for the Liberati brothers though, as Joanna defeated Frank by almost 25 percentage points. The core of Joanna’s platform is to get utilities in check, pass, single payer healthcare in the state of Michigan, and protect civil rights and freedom for all people. If elected in November, she will become the first trans woman elected to the Michigan legislature, quite a stunning turnaround from the current representation in her district.

Cynthia Jurs - Exploring the Spiritual Symphony

In her recently published book, Summoned by the Earth, Cynthia Jurs embarks on a journey focused on healing and contemplation, addressing the urgent issue of humanity's impact on the planet. Through her roles as both a dharma teacher and a sharer of her spiritual journey, Cynthia Jurs not only enlightens her readers but also seeks to impart the importance of sacred activism, particularly relevant in our current era. For those interested in delving deeper into Cynthia Jurs' insights and embarking on a spiritual journey, continue reading.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.1Chelsea ChanMay 6, 2024writers, books, buddhism, religion, mantra, activismComment

Emma Jayne - Your Church

Most queer kids and adults inevitably have to go through being rejected by someone because of religion. This might be a family member, a loved one, or a close friend. The feeling of knowing that no matter your history, this person can no longer be in your life anymore because their religion believes you are a sin is heartbreaking. Emma Jayne’s new song Your Church perfectly captures this situation and the emotions that come with it. We encourage you to listen to it if you are unfamiliar with this experience to help you understand, and to listen to it if you are so that you know you are not alone. Not only does Emma write beautiful music, but she also works with the Future Perfect Project. An amazing organization that helps young queer artists shine! Please read on to learn more about Emma.

Art, zIssue 54, zissue 54.1Kira BuccaMay 3, 2024LGBTQ Support, LGBTQ, LGBTQ rights, LGBTQ youth, music artist, music, artist, religion, acceptanceComment

COVER - Yasmine Aker - Canaries In The Coal Mine

Iranian actress Yasmine Aker is capturing hearts on screen and beyond the camera's lens. Motivated by her humanitarian spirit, she uses her platform to spotlight issues near and dear to her heart. Yasmine takes on societal challenges and embraces the meaning of advocacy by spotlighting mental health awareness while standing up for LGBTQ+ rights and women's empowerment. Beyond her roles on screen, she provides a glimpse into the beauty of her Iranian heritage by taking on the role of a cultural representative in the industry and spreading a message of understanding. To learn more about Yasmine Aker, and all her activism, please read on!

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2022 - Kim Jackson, Georgia State Senate District 41

This week we are profiling Rev. Kim Jackson (she/her/hers), an ordained Episcopal priest and the first openly LGBT+ state senator in Georgia. A Black millennial lesbian, Jackson works to protect voting rights, reform education and criminal justice, expand Medicaid, and protecting immigrants and refugees. She is the vicar of the Church of the Common Ground, a “church without walls” ministering to the needs of the unhoused in Atlanta, and is very passionate about providing affordable housing to Georgians.

Why Yoga is My Church (But Not My Religion) - By Marina Buksov

In a world of faceless strangers, often appearing as empty shells, busily navigating their individual lives in an overcrowded, fast-paced metropolis like New York City, it’s quite a wonder to find small pockets of community; and moreover, communion with spirit. One such treasure exists for me in a small, dimly lit, superbly hot room of sweating, writhing bodies on a quest for physical and spiritual release. Ironically, this room, too, is crowded and full of strangers, but it doesn’t feel like it during the 1-2 hour sessions of hot vinyasa yoga…

Wellness, zIssue 19Dr. Marina BuksovJanuary 29, 2020fitness, #fit, #fitness, #healthylifestyle, #healthconscious, #holistichealth, #holistic, live healthy, yoga, religionComment

Patti Negri Is A Good Witch

Happy Halloween! Or should I say Samhain, which is what us witches call Halloween. Samhain is the time of the year when the Pagans/Celts/Wiccans/etc. celebrate the New Year. Do you ever feel a little more tingly this time of the year? Learn about being a good witch from Patti Negri here!

Articles, zIssue 16, zIssue16, Most PopularKira BuccaOctober 30, 2019Give back, magic, witch, Holidays, engery, religion, psychicComment