Episode 054: Ride Or Die feat. Lorraine Avila

Has our romanticisation of “Ride or Die” culture enabled toxic patterns, specifically for Black and Brown women? This week Stephanie and Travis explore this with Author Lorraine Avila. In her recent article for Refinery29, "It's Time to Retire Toxic Ride-or-Die Culture '' Lorraine shares her personal experience with toxic ride or die culture, how it appears in romantic relationships, friendships, and families. But can ride or die culture be reclaimed, decolonized, and perhaps actually romantic not just the illusion of romance?

Now picture this, an adult graphic novel based in New York City. Not the Sex in the City type, but one with BIG BRONX ENERGY and Harlem grit. A graphic novel with odes to Black music, spiritually and protective saints. A provocative story that weaves the Black and Brown community together and forces you to engage in self reflection. A love story filled with psychedelic trips that lead you down a mental rabbit hole of sorts, leaving you to evaluate your ability to let love in, or perhaps, keep it out. This should give you a sense of what Lorraine's newest project, “Celestial Summer” is giving. Stephanie and Travis were able to read it ahead of this conversation with Lorraine, tune in to hear about her process and how COVID-19 birthed this fictional love story inspired by true events.

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Lorraine Avila: https://www.instagram.com/lorraineavila_/

Pre-Order Celestial Summer: https://www.lorraineavila.com/graphic-novel