Mama was featured in the Austin Chronicle along with some Amazing Austin Icons! It made me reflect on who I am now and why do what I do. When I first moved to Austin I was in my early 20s, was obsessed with the fratty night life and drinking all the time/ surface level friendships etc. It wasn’t until I was roofied and ... well s*xually assaulted on Rainey St in early 2018 that I realized I had no clue who I am or what I even liked. I realized that there are places, people and venues out there that truly do not care about safety or people at all. And what’s crazy is - I didn’t even like any of the things I was doing and honestly the people I was around. I was just doing what I thought a 23 year old was supposed to do. I had no support. I wasn’t creating. I had no community. I remember finally coming out of that manic episode, getting a pizza tattoo, joining an improv class (lol) and declaring that I am dedicated to living my life for myself. I no longer do improv anymore that was just ... a fever dream I fear. But I was v good at it bc theatre major🙈 but from there I started pursuing stand up, event hosting, curating... My true friends pushed me to create with intent and pursue every venture and idea that my heart desired and I’m so grateful for everyone who believes in me. I am so thankful for every connection, space, venue, show that has allowed me to be me and helped developed me into the person I am. And I truly feel sorry for those who try to steal from me, who try to silence me and talk ill of me because you can’t take what’s mine, babes. I’m like hydra, cut one head off and 3 more appear. (Yes, nerdy marvel humor anyway) I wish I could add more than 10 photos but I truly have loved living my best little queer life recently and I’m so blessed by the friends and family I have made along the way. I am so happy to know that by me being my most authentic self, others feel safe to do the same 💓 📸: slide 1 @alyssaspatola