if you go to reproductiverights.gov tonight, you’ll find nothing there. swipe through to see what was there just last week. only a few hours after taking office, this administration removed reproductiverights.gov—a critical resource that helped women access health care and understand their rights, especially abortion. sure, there are other places online where you can find this information. but the fact that, removing this site was high priority says a lot about where we are going. honestly, i wish i had something more supportive to offer. i know there are so many other frightening, seismic changes that happened just a few hours ago. but tonight, this is all i have. the only thing i can do is shine a light on this, in hopes that we can all hold space and bear witness to what is happening. this isn’t a moment to look away. fund your local planned parenthood. fund community led abortion funds. and lastly, donate to @internetarchive because they make sure that the internet lives on, no matter who tries to erase it. 🫂
if you go to reproductiverights.gov tonight, you’ll find nothing there. swipe through to see what was there just last week. only a few hours after taking office, this administration removed reproductiverights.gov—a critical resource that helped women access health care and understand their rights, especially abortion. sure, there are other places online where you can find this information. but the fact that, removing this site was high priority says a lot about where we are going. honestly, i wish i had something more supportive to offer. i know there are so many other frightening, seismic changes that happened just a few hours ago. but tonight, this is all i have. the only thing i can do is shine a light on this, in hopes that we can all hold space and bear witness to what is happening. this isn’t a moment to look away. fund your local planned parenthood. fund community led abortion funds. and lastly, donate to @internetarchive because they make sure that the internet lives on, no matter who tries to erase it. 🫂
we’re exhausted, but deeply grateful that we were spared. the road ahead for our city is long—former fema heads are describing this as our hurricane katrina. for those who know people who lived through that, you know the impact is felt daily, even years later. we’ve put together the resources and efforts that resonate in this moment but if we’ve missed anything, please add it in the comments, and i’ll reshare it in my stories. for now, stay safe, look out for each other, and take care. ❤️🩹 ❗️UPDATE the rebuildAD bit.ly link is no longer working here’s the directlink to the google gofundme spreadsheet for black altadena families: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pK5omSsD4KGhjEHCVgcVw-rd4FZP9haoijEx1mSAm5c/htmlview
we’re exhausted, but deeply grateful that we were spared. the road ahead for our city is long—former fema heads are describing this as our hurricane katrina. for those who know people who lived through that, you know the impact is felt daily, even years later. we’ve put together the resources and efforts that resonate in this moment but if we’ve missed anything, please add it in the comments, and i’ll reshare it in my stories. for now, stay safe, look out for each other, and take care. ❤️🩹 ❗️UPDATE the rebuildAD bit.ly link is no longer working here’s the directlink to the google gofundme spreadsheet for black altadena families: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pK5omSsD4KGhjEHCVgcVw-rd4FZP9haoijEx1mSAm5c/htmlview
we’re exhausted, but deeply grateful that we were spared. the road ahead for our city is long—former fema heads are describing this as our hurricane katrina. for those who know people who lived through that, you know the impact is felt daily, even years later. we’ve put together the resources and efforts that resonate in this moment but if we’ve missed anything, please add it in the comments, and i’ll reshare it in my stories. for now, stay safe, look out for each other, and take care. ❤️🩹 ❗️UPDATE the rebuildAD bit.ly link is no longer working here’s the directlink to the google gofundme spreadsheet for black altadena families: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pK5omSsD4KGhjEHCVgcVw-rd4FZP9haoijEx1mSAm5c/htmlview
we’re exhausted, but deeply grateful that we were spared. the road ahead for our city is long—former fema heads are describing this as our hurricane katrina. for those who know people who lived through that, you know the impact is felt daily, even years later. we’ve put together the resources and efforts that resonate in this moment but if we’ve missed anything, please add it in the comments, and i’ll reshare it in my stories. for now, stay safe, look out for each other, and take care. ❤️🩹 ❗️UPDATE the rebuildAD bit.ly link is no longer working here’s the directlink to the google gofundme spreadsheet for black altadena families: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pK5omSsD4KGhjEHCVgcVw-rd4FZP9haoijEx1mSAm5c/htmlview
we’re exhausted, but deeply grateful that we were spared. the road ahead for our city is long—former fema heads are describing this as our hurricane katrina. for those who know people who lived through that, you know the impact is felt daily, even years later. we’ve put together the resources and efforts that resonate in this moment but if we’ve missed anything, please add it in the comments, and i’ll reshare it in my stories. for now, stay safe, look out for each other, and take care. ❤️🩹 ❗️UPDATE the rebuildAD bit.ly link is no longer working here’s the directlink to the google gofundme spreadsheet for black altadena families: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pK5omSsD4KGhjEHCVgcVw-rd4FZP9haoijEx1mSAm5c/htmlview
we’re exhausted, but deeply grateful that we were spared. the road ahead for our city is long—former fema heads are describing this as our hurricane katrina. for those who know people who lived through that, you know the impact is felt daily, even years later. we’ve put together the resources and efforts that resonate in this moment but if we’ve missed anything, please add it in the comments, and i’ll reshare it in my stories. for now, stay safe, look out for each other, and take care. ❤️🩹 ❗️UPDATE the rebuildAD bit.ly link is no longer working here’s the directlink to the google gofundme spreadsheet for black altadena families: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pK5omSsD4KGhjEHCVgcVw-rd4FZP9haoijEx1mSAm5c/htmlview
we’re exhausted, but deeply grateful that we were spared. the road ahead for our city is long—former fema heads are describing this as our hurricane katrina. for those who know people who lived through that, you know the impact is felt daily, even years later. we’ve put together the resources and efforts that resonate in this moment but if we’ve missed anything, please add it in the comments, and i’ll reshare it in my stories. for now, stay safe, look out for each other, and take care. ❤️🩹 ❗️UPDATE the rebuildAD bit.ly link is no longer working here’s the directlink to the google gofundme spreadsheet for black altadena families: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pK5omSsD4KGhjEHCVgcVw-rd4FZP9haoijEx1mSAm5c/htmlview
if you’re asthmatic and live in los angeles this is for you. virtual immediate care visits from @ucla are an incredible resource. they take all forms of insurance and it’s usually only a 15-20 minute wait. there’s no need to go in, unless it’s critical that you’re seen by a clinician. and if you need emergency care, please just go directly to the ER. stay safe, be prepared and have your medications on hand. also consider a P100 or N95 respirator if you’re currently asthmatic or have a history of asthma along with an air purifier. winds have died down so the air quality is actively deteriorating and I’m not sure when it will improve. @crfoundationus @cleanairlosangeles air who i’m following for updates. ❤️🩹😷🫂
when it comes to air quality, not all apps have the granularity we need—especially since we live only 10 minutes from the eaton fire. after trying a few different apps @aircaretheapp stands out. it’s the only app i’m using, and i paid for the pro version because it breaks down what’s actually in the air we’re breathing. apple weather just doesn’t cut it and i want to do everything possible manage air toxicity exposure and anxiety. not all pollutants affect us the same way, and knowing what’s in the air is especially critical if managing conditions like asthma, long covid, or if you’re pregnant. also, the particular matter in the air has carcinogenic capabilities. it’s important to consider the long-term impact and not just how you feel in this moment. according to my friend and obgyn @adrianawongmd, the best way to decontaminate after being outdoors is to wash and wipe yourself down when you get inside. ash particles can cling to your skin, clothing, and belongings, so taking this extra step helps keep harmful particles out of your home. please share this app or gift this app to others, if you dm me, i’m happy to gift it to you. it’s on ios and android. stay safe and mask up 🫂
when it comes to air quality, not all apps have the granularity we need—especially since we live only 10 minutes from the eaton fire. after trying a few different apps @aircaretheapp stands out. it’s the only app i’m using, and i paid for the pro version because it breaks down what’s actually in the air we’re breathing. apple weather just doesn’t cut it and i want to do everything possible manage air toxicity exposure and anxiety. not all pollutants affect us the same way, and knowing what’s in the air is especially critical if managing conditions like asthma, long covid, or if you’re pregnant. also, the particular matter in the air has carcinogenic capabilities. it’s important to consider the long-term impact and not just how you feel in this moment. according to my friend and obgyn @adrianawongmd, the best way to decontaminate after being outdoors is to wash and wipe yourself down when you get inside. ash particles can cling to your skin, clothing, and belongings, so taking this extra step helps keep harmful particles out of your home. please share this app or gift this app to others, if you dm me, i’m happy to gift it to you. it’s on ios and android. stay safe and mask up 🫂
when it comes to air quality, not all apps have the granularity we need—especially since we live only 10 minutes from the eaton fire. after trying a few different apps @aircaretheapp stands out. it’s the only app i’m using, and i paid for the pro version because it breaks down what’s actually in the air we’re breathing. apple weather just doesn’t cut it and i want to do everything possible manage air toxicity exposure and anxiety. not all pollutants affect us the same way, and knowing what’s in the air is especially critical if managing conditions like asthma, long covid, or if you’re pregnant. also, the particular matter in the air has carcinogenic capabilities. it’s important to consider the long-term impact and not just how you feel in this moment. according to my friend and obgyn @adrianawongmd, the best way to decontaminate after being outdoors is to wash and wipe yourself down when you get inside. ash particles can cling to your skin, clothing, and belongings, so taking this extra step helps keep harmful particles out of your home. please share this app or gift this app to others, if you dm me, i’m happy to gift it to you. it’s on ios and android. stay safe and mask up 🫂
when it comes to air quality, not all apps have the granularity we need—especially since we live only 10 minutes from the eaton fire. after trying a few different apps @aircaretheapp stands out. it’s the only app i’m using, and i paid for the pro version because it breaks down what’s actually in the air we’re breathing. apple weather just doesn’t cut it and i want to do everything possible manage air toxicity exposure and anxiety. not all pollutants affect us the same way, and knowing what’s in the air is especially critical if managing conditions like asthma, long covid, or if you’re pregnant. also, the particular matter in the air has carcinogenic capabilities. it’s important to consider the long-term impact and not just how you feel in this moment. according to my friend and obgyn @adrianawongmd, the best way to decontaminate after being outdoors is to wash and wipe yourself down when you get inside. ash particles can cling to your skin, clothing, and belongings, so taking this extra step helps keep harmful particles out of your home. please share this app or gift this app to others, if you dm me, i’m happy to gift it to you. it’s on ios and android. stay safe and mask up 🫂
when it comes to air quality, not all apps have the granularity we need—especially since we live only 10 minutes from the eaton fire. after trying a few different apps @aircaretheapp stands out. it’s the only app i’m using, and i paid for the pro version because it breaks down what’s actually in the air we’re breathing. apple weather just doesn’t cut it and i want to do everything possible manage air toxicity exposure and anxiety. not all pollutants affect us the same way, and knowing what’s in the air is especially critical if managing conditions like asthma, long covid, or if you’re pregnant. also, the particular matter in the air has carcinogenic capabilities. it’s important to consider the long-term impact and not just how you feel in this moment. according to my friend and obgyn @adrianawongmd, the best way to decontaminate after being outdoors is to wash and wipe yourself down when you get inside. ash particles can cling to your skin, clothing, and belongings, so taking this extra step helps keep harmful particles out of your home. please share this app or gift this app to others, if you dm me, i’m happy to gift it to you. it’s on ios and android. stay safe and mask up 🫂
introducing: soft boundaries—my most intimate offering ever. a gentle space filled with personal essays, soothing tools, and intimate insights designed to help us both softly explore the boundaries of our inner worlds. when substack reached out last year, i wasn’t ready. my nervous system was shot, and LOOM was still all-consuming. but post-acquisition, something shifted. space returned, and with it came a creativity i hadn’t felt in ages. in the summer of 2019, i basically ghosted instagram. i never explained why—i couldn’t. but now, i finally can. soft boundaries picks up where i left off, and i’m excited (and terrified!) to open up, get messy, and find some catharsis together. expect personal essays, a annual book club, an “ask erica” column, IRL events, and “soothers”: rigorously vetted products, practices, and places that have personally helped me keep going. if you’ve ever saved anything i’ve shared on instagram or found meaning in my past work, my substack is built from that same energy—but freer and deeper. i hope you’ll subscribe—can’t wait to share this with you and anyone looking for a little more softness. 💙💚💜❤️🧡💛🤎💙💚💜❤️🧡💛🤎💙💚💜❤️🧡💛🤎
i think about this interview i did with richard christiansen of @flamingo_estate often. maybe because what i said then felt so raw. maybe because, at the time, i could still instantly slip back into pandemic life—the deficit, the absence, the longing—and wrap that feeling around my body, and around our conversation about sex, pleasure, and the spaces where desire lives. desire can live in the garden. it can live in another person’s body. it can live in the ephemeral. our conversation felt powerful then, but now, as i find myself surrounded by grief—both physically and psychically—i feel more tethered to those words. we are touch-starved. technology and the pressure of modernity are outpacing what our bodies can metabolize—physically, emotionally, relationally. touch, presence, and connection shouldn’t be so out of reach and yet—they are. valentine’s day looms large, draped in its usual expectations—cards, flowers, romance. but for so many people, this day is heavy. a mirror to loneliness, to longing, to the absence of intimacy. platonic, consensual touch is just as necessary as love itself. and yet, we rarely talk about it. rarely honor it. in a world that continues to disconnect us from our own bodies and each other, prioritizing touch—deep, nourishing, non-sexual intimacy—feels like an act of resistance. if you’re feeling lonely today, you’re not alone. reach out. ask for a hug. ask to hold a hand. ask if you can sit, just a little closer. we all deserve this and much more. if you haven’t gotten your hands on the guide to becoming alive yet, i hope you do. it’s a beautiful tome that holds not just my words but the words of so many other incredible people. thank you again for allowing me to be part of it richard. 🪽🌱
i think about this interview i did with richard christiansen of @flamingo_estate often. maybe because what i said then felt so raw. maybe because, at the time, i could still instantly slip back into pandemic life—the deficit, the absence, the longing—and wrap that feeling around my body, and around our conversation about sex, pleasure, and the spaces where desire lives. desire can live in the garden. it can live in another person’s body. it can live in the ephemeral. our conversation felt powerful then, but now, as i find myself surrounded by grief—both physically and psychically—i feel more tethered to those words. we are touch-starved. technology and the pressure of modernity are outpacing what our bodies can metabolize—physically, emotionally, relationally. touch, presence, and connection shouldn’t be so out of reach and yet—they are. valentine’s day looms large, draped in its usual expectations—cards, flowers, romance. but for so many people, this day is heavy. a mirror to loneliness, to longing, to the absence of intimacy. platonic, consensual touch is just as necessary as love itself. and yet, we rarely talk about it. rarely honor it. in a world that continues to disconnect us from our own bodies and each other, prioritizing touch—deep, nourishing, non-sexual intimacy—feels like an act of resistance. if you’re feeling lonely today, you’re not alone. reach out. ask for a hug. ask to hold a hand. ask if you can sit, just a little closer. we all deserve this and much more. if you haven’t gotten your hands on the guide to becoming alive yet, i hope you do. it’s a beautiful tome that holds not just my words but the words of so many other incredible people. thank you again for allowing me to be part of it richard. 🪽🌱
i think about this interview i did with richard christiansen of @flamingo_estate often. maybe because what i said then felt so raw. maybe because, at the time, i could still instantly slip back into pandemic life—the deficit, the absence, the longing—and wrap that feeling around my body, and around our conversation about sex, pleasure, and the spaces where desire lives. desire can live in the garden. it can live in another person’s body. it can live in the ephemeral. our conversation felt powerful then, but now, as i find myself surrounded by grief—both physically and psychically—i feel more tethered to those words. we are touch-starved. technology and the pressure of modernity are outpacing what our bodies can metabolize—physically, emotionally, relationally. touch, presence, and connection shouldn’t be so out of reach and yet—they are. valentine’s day looms large, draped in its usual expectations—cards, flowers, romance. but for so many people, this day is heavy. a mirror to loneliness, to longing, to the absence of intimacy. platonic, consensual touch is just as necessary as love itself. and yet, we rarely talk about it. rarely honor it. in a world that continues to disconnect us from our own bodies and each other, prioritizing touch—deep, nourishing, non-sexual intimacy—feels like an act of resistance. if you’re feeling lonely today, you’re not alone. reach out. ask for a hug. ask to hold a hand. ask if you can sit, just a little closer. we all deserve this and much more. if you haven’t gotten your hands on the guide to becoming alive yet, i hope you do. it’s a beautiful tome that holds not just my words but the words of so many other incredible people. thank you again for allowing me to be part of it richard. 🪽🌱
i think about this interview i did with richard christiansen of @flamingo_estate often. maybe because what i said then felt so raw. maybe because, at the time, i could still instantly slip back into pandemic life—the deficit, the absence, the longing—and wrap that feeling around my body, and around our conversation about sex, pleasure, and the spaces where desire lives. desire can live in the garden. it can live in another person’s body. it can live in the ephemeral. our conversation felt powerful then, but now, as i find myself surrounded by grief—both physically and psychically—i feel more tethered to those words. we are touch-starved. technology and the pressure of modernity are outpacing what our bodies can metabolize—physically, emotionally, relationally. touch, presence, and connection shouldn’t be so out of reach and yet—they are. valentine’s day looms large, draped in its usual expectations—cards, flowers, romance. but for so many people, this day is heavy. a mirror to loneliness, to longing, to the absence of intimacy. platonic, consensual touch is just as necessary as love itself. and yet, we rarely talk about it. rarely honor it. in a world that continues to disconnect us from our own bodies and each other, prioritizing touch—deep, nourishing, non-sexual intimacy—feels like an act of resistance. if you’re feeling lonely today, you’re not alone. reach out. ask for a hug. ask to hold a hand. ask if you can sit, just a little closer. we all deserve this and much more. if you haven’t gotten your hands on the guide to becoming alive yet, i hope you do. it’s a beautiful tome that holds not just my words but the words of so many other incredible people. thank you again for allowing me to be part of it richard. 🪽🌱
Former doula and postpartum expert Erica Chidi (@ericachidi) is back on the #NakedBeautyPodcast for a raw and honest convo on the postpartum experience. From hormonal shifts and hair loss to intimacy, boundaries, and being completely touched out, we covered it all. I opened up about my own postpartum journey and the struggle to advocate for my health, and Erica offered thoughtful, practical advice on physical recovery, emotional healing, and preparing your support system before baby arrives. Tune in as we discuss: ✨ The importance of having a clear postpartum plan ✨ How partners and loved ones can provide support during postpartum ✨ How intimacy might change after giving birth ✨ Developing and enforcing boundaries during the postpartum period This episode is for every new mom, parent-to-be, or friend who wants to better support someone through postpartum. Listen to: “The Naked Truth About Postpartum: Insights and Advice from Erica Chidi” now Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!
i’m proud to be a @birthfund advisor and thrilled to share this incredible offering of community care. if you know any moms or families who have been displaced by the fires and were in their third trimester or are within 12 weeks postpartum, they may qualify for a $1,500 one-time fire relief payment. to be eligible, applicants must reside directly in the impacted fire zone. funds will be dispersed by february 15th, and applications are open now through february 5th. please share this far and wide—application link is in my bio. 💜
i’m proud to be a @birthfund advisor and thrilled to share this incredible offering of community care. if you know any moms or families who have been displaced by the fires and were in their third trimester or are within 12 weeks postpartum, they may qualify for a $1,500 one-time fire relief payment. to be eligible, applicants must reside directly in the impacted fire zone. funds will be dispersed by february 15th, and applications are open now through february 5th. please share this far and wide—application link is in my bio. 💜
i’m proud to be a @birthfund advisor and thrilled to share this incredible offering of community care. if you know any moms or families who have been displaced by the fires and were in their third trimester or are within 12 weeks postpartum, they may qualify for a $1,500 one-time fire relief payment. to be eligible, applicants must reside directly in the impacted fire zone. funds will be dispersed by february 15th, and applications are open now through february 5th. please share this far and wide—application link is in my bio. 💜
