Not only did Ookay sing live, play a variety of instruments, jump on stage, and engage his audience throughout the entire set, but his mix of sound connected every single person who listened.
All the power you need is already within you. You just need to spark it up and light your fire.
As the sound shifts and blends I find myself singing the words at the top of my lungs, my body unconsciously moving beneath me. Effortless. Alive.
What could be better than spending your Halloween rocking your favorite costume, being surrounded by friends and strangers in unity and celebration, and dancing until you drop (while almost peeing your pants at the terrifying sounds and attractions around the venue)? The answer is nothing.
I’d rather be broken than sit in a bubble and watch the world pass me by. I’d rather get hurt than never know how it feels to touch the hands of a person who loves me. I’d rather fail then never try to build a foundation with someone, or start a project, or believe in a dream.
I’m taking your hand and walking by your side. I’m acknowledging that this road ahead is one that I have no control over, and I’m accepting that for what it is—an adventure, our adventure.
You’re totally fine, and then it hits. The pain. The agony. The sobbing into your best friend’s blouse at 3AM, surrounded by pizza crust and empty beer bottles.
Someone’s perception of you is not your identity.
It us up to us, as women, to learn the power of our voices, the strength of our skin, the value of coming together in protest—maybe not in silence, but, simply in solidarity—affirming that our presence matters. Our presence deserves to be heard.
Because just like the seasons, we fall, we grow, we tumble, we change, we begin again.