Blog

In this Community Spotlight, we celebrate the incredible journey of Dawn Jones Redstone—a queer Mexican American filmmaker, storyteller, and advocate based in Portland. From union carpenter to award-winning director, Dawn’s path is a testament to perseverance and creativity. Through her groundbreaking work, like the feature film Mother of Color, and her commitment to mentorship and equity in the film industry, Dawn is amplifying underrepresented voices and inspiring change. Dive into her story to learn how she’s shaping the future of film and community with passion and purpose.

This month, we’re highlighting the incredible Shanon Emerson. With over 20 years of experience blending artistic vision and strategic insight, Shanon excels at transforming ideas into impactful projects. As a somatic coach trained in Somatic Experiencing, she helps individuals and groups shed limiting patterns and uncover authentic creativity. Enchanted by storytelling’s power to inspire, Shanon brings a unique perspective to everything she touches.

Lesbians Are Having a Moment—And We Need Them More Than EverThe return of Donald Trump has sent a shockwave through many sectors of the country, not least among the LGBTQ+ community. Just days before the election, he warned us: “Whether the women like it or not, I’m going to protect them.” This bombastic clown casts himself as our “protector” in rhetoric straight from The Handmaid’s Tale. His anti-trans rhetoric has been equally alarming, with his administration and supporters relentlessly targeting trans healthcare to stoke fear and division. This strategy extended to their attacks on Kamala Harris, attempting to weaponize trans...

Yamile brings over 17 years of expertise in wine and hospitality, with a deep passion for organic and biodynamic practices. As a seasoned sommelier and the driving force behind Lonewolf Wines, she curates exceptional selections from regions like France, Slovenia, and Hungary, showcasing sustainable viticulture at its finest. Her dedication to thoughtful curation and education inspires wine enthusiasts to explore the stories behind every bottle.