June Favorites

Books: Must Reads

Less
by Andrew Sean Greer

Greer’s smart, hilarious Pulitzer Prize-winning 2017 novel follows Arthur Less, a middle-aged failed author who decides to travel the world to various (and questionable) literary events rather than accept an invitation to attend his ex-boyfriend’s wedding. What and who he encounters along the way will have you doubled over with laughter.

Books: Inspiring People You Need to Know

Fairest
by Meredith Talusan
In this coming-of-age memoir, Talusan writes of her extraordinary life — from being raised in the Philippines with albinism to immigrating to America, being seen as white, attending Harvard and transitioning to a woman. Gender, race, identity, love, art… It’s no wonder Talusan’s book is a finalist for the 2021 Lambda Literary Award for Transgender Nonfiction.

Books: Books That Will Positively Move You

Allyship in Action: 10 Practices for Living Inclusively
by Julie Kratz

Everyday people are looking for ways to actively become an ally. Allyship in Action will help you practice allyship in all spaces–personally and professionally–because there is no on and off switch for allies.
Julie Kratz, a leader in the DEI space, shares her personal journey while providing ten actionable skills to practice allyship in your everyday life. Each chapter ends with specific activities you can use right away with people you care about–friends, neighbors, your children and partners, family, team members, and more.

Documentary:

Born to Be
2020

This documentary helps show viewers what it’s like to have to fight to simply be who you are. Born to Be explores the journey transgender individuals go along when becoming their true selves. It follows Dr. Jess Ting, who helps these patients along their paths to becoming themselves. With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 100%, Born to Be strikes a perfect balance between informative and inspirational.

Movies: Fiction… But Absolutely Fabulous

Love, Simon
2018
Everyone deserves a great love story, but for 17-year-old Simon Spier, it’s a little more complicated. He hasn’t told his family or friends that he’s gay, and he doesn’t know the identity of the anonymous classmate that he’s fallen for online. Resolving both issues proves hilarious, terrifying and life-changing.

Movies: Based on Positively True Stories

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
2021

Jamie New is a 16-year-old who doesn’t quite fit in. Instead of pursuing a traditional career, he dreams of becoming a drag queen. Uncertain about his future, Jamie knows one thing for sure — he’s going to be a sensation. Supported by his loving mother and amazing friends, Jamie overcomes discrimination and bullying to step out of the darkness — and into the spotlight.

TV: Shows to Lift Your Spirits

Queer Eye

More than a decade after the original series went off the air, Netflix reboots the “Queer Eye” franchise with a new Fab Five and a new setting, trading in the concrete jungle of New York City for communities in and around Atlanta. The style experts forge relationships with men and women who often have different beliefs from them, leading to moments of social commentary interspersed with style advice.

TV: Shows to Lift Your Spirits

Rupaul’s Drag Race

“RuPaul’s Drag Race” is a reality show in which a group of talented drag queens compete in challenges to impress host RuPaul, the world’s most famous drag queen, to win a cash prize along with a crown and the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar. Each episode consists of a main challenge, usually some form of performance or fashion design — sometimes both. The queens then participate in a themed runway show, where one is declared the winner of that week, while two others are announced to be up for elimination. The bottom two must then compete to stay on the show with a lip-sync for their lives.

Podcasts to Keep You Positive

Getting Curious

Jonathan Van Ness, known best for Queer Eye comes with an energetic podcast with Getting Curious. Every week, a new expert is talking about and answering the questions on topics of JVN’s choice. This podcast covers topics from Trans rights to how to be a good pet parent and you’ll be set.

Nutrition: Healthy Breakfast Gets The Day Going!

Vegan Breakfast Burritos

This freezer-friendly vegan breakfast burrito is perfect for busy mornings! It’s packed with fresh veggies, black beans, and a yummy tofu scramble.

Nutrition: Mid-Day Power Ups!

Watermelon Salad

Watermelon salad is the essence of summer. The refreshing combination of sweet watermelon, cool cucumbers, and salty feta with a pop of fresh mint means this watermelon feta salad recipe is easy to make and easy to enjoy with friends and family.

Nutrition: Dinners that Deliver!

Bruschetta Grilled Chicken

This bruschetta grilled chicken is one of our favorite ways to celebrate fresh summer flavors all season long. Whether you’ve got extra bruschetta on hand or are making it special, using it as an extra-flavorful boost to your main course is always a good idea.

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Health & Wellness: Stretch, Relax, & Re-Power

12 Yoga Poses to Energize Your Body For Summer

Gearing up for warmer weather and an active season? Add these invigorating poses to your practice.

Click Here to Try it Out!

Health & Wellness: Positively Omm

6 Yoga Poses That Will Keep You Cool This Summer

Keep your body temperature regulated while continuing your yoga practice during the hot summer days with these six cooling yoga poses!

Health & Wellness: Get a Good Night’s Sleep

How to Sleep When It’s Hot Outside
Most of us have endured the discomfort of trying to sleep on an excessively hot or humid night. Thankfully, there are many different measures you can take to cool down in the evening and maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the night. By the same token, you should avoid certain activities before bed to prevent overheating while sleeping.