These have been the most stressful and emotionally turbulent couple weeks ever.
Some background: we have this land claim near my home on the reservation. I know, how stereotypical is that, right? Anyway, in Canada a land claim brought about by Native people is both judged and juried by the Canadian government. That is, the government that stole the land gets to decide if, and then how, we get the land back.
The chunk of land we're requesting is rather sizable. There's a portion of it, in fact, that cuts straight through the small town of about 2000 residents that neighbors my community. It's been the cause of some riled emotions, though only in the form of letters to the editor in the local newspapers. The "market value" of their property, for example, has plummeted, needless to say -- who would want to buy a house on land that will soon become an Indian reservation?
Our land claim was deemed valid by the Canadian government in 1995, and since then it has languished in what everyone involved calls "negotiations." For many of us, the simple question is: "What's to negotiate?"
There are legitimate interests. For example, the non-Native homeowners living on land that will soon return to us need to be compensated somehow. One of the issues that arose, then, is who will pay them off? The Canadian government, of course, says we should. We -- I mean, our so-called representatives on this community -- claim that we shouldn't be burdened with the expense of paying off people for decisions and mistakes we didn't make.
There are less legitimate claims to using the word "negotiate." A few members of our negotiating team have complained -- though only in private -- that the Canadian negotiators are intentionally stalling the process, inventing reasons to threaten to cease the "negotiation" until trivial demands are met.
More background: where I live, there are two governing bodies. Among the Six Nations or Haudenosaunee Confederacy there is a hundreds-year-old system of governance that, like our land, was forcibly taken from us over a hundred years ago. Literally, my ancestors were threatened physically if they chose to continue with our traditional ways of life back then. In its place, the Canadian government implemented legislation they called the Indian Act, which dictated how we would govern ourselves. Or, more truthfully, how Canada would govern us.
The problem with legislation like this -- at least among the Haudenosaunee ... that is the confederation of the Mohawk, Cayuga, Seneca, Oneida, Onondaga, and Tuscarora tribes -- is that we formed treaties with outside non-Native governing bodies long before the creation of Canada and the United States. These are treaties that, during a more conciliatory time, the leaders of Canada and the US fully adopted. People talk of the 'hand-outs' given the Indians but, in our case anyway, the funds we receive from the government -- as well as promises to support our healthcare, etc -- are part of these treaties that were agreed upon a couple hundred years ago.
So the confederacy is one governing body. The Canadian government recognizes it only when it absolutely must, when its feet are to the fire, if you will. Otherwise, the government claims that we (all Native people) are under the jurisdiction of the local governing bodies elected by means of the Indian Act legislation. For decades, the Canadian government has manipulated the understandings behind those treaty obligations, and re-written the agreements in paternalist language. This explains why folks get away with saying the government just "hands out" money to Indians.
(An aside: I'm wondering now how many of you I met during my recent visit are regretting the suggestions that I can write what I want!)
Anyway, the Canadian government is only negotiating the land claim with the Indian Act-sanctioned "chief and council" and not the traditional confederacy government. (All are Mohawks, of course, but each has chosen a different path, a different philosophy by which they believe we as a community should be governed). A bit complicating, I know. But this is how we live.
The chief and council -- because they're directly affiliated and complicit with the unequal relationship with and designed by Canada -- have no significant "negotiating" ability. As I mentioned earlier, these so-called "negotiations" go on, then they stall, then they start, then they stall. It's all very cumbersome and tedious, but everyone involved is in agreement that a good conclusion will arrive ... someday.
A collection of people in the community have become frustrated that the negotiation is taking so long. To complicate this matter further, non-Native developers have begun making public statements regarding their so-called interests in the disputed land. It turns out these developers have "purchased" land -- in some cases, after the land claim was deemed valid -- and are now looking for a lucrative payout.
Does it not seem, at this point, that I'm describing some cheesy movie? Such a limp, predictable plot, right? With characters who have such simplistic, binary interests! I repeat: this is how we live.
Some are suggesting the best way to a quick payout is to pledge that they'll develop on that disputed land, knowing that a great number of people from this Indian territory will show up, in protest, hoping to stop the use of land that is otherwise lost in an endless "negotiation."
Long story short, my brother was one of those traditional confederacy folk defending the land. The Ontario Provincial Police moved in and, after four days of "keeping the peace," invaded the land our Mohawks -- including my brother -- had been occupying for over a year. My brother has a million charges against him, half the community is in support of the sacrifice he's facing in support of his belief, and half the community doesn't know or fully understand what's going on.
(Think of all your neighbors who don't vote in elections. Indians ain't no different.)
Add to this, one of my oldest friends was sent to hospital this week and was told that though she's just five months pregnant she'll have to stay in hospital for the remainder of her pregnancy.
I haven't even got in to the emotions inherent to all this calamity, nor do I have a chance yet to share some of the quirky observations I've discovered these past two weeks. So stay tuned. I'll be back next week with all the gay details.
WhistlePig and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Wind Tunnel-Trialed Whiskey Is a Ryed You Don’t Want to Miss
SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.
The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.
Like Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake’s signature C43 racing vehicles, trial barrels were tested in the team’s wind tunnel in Switzerland before hitting the track. Select barrels then endured varying levels of G-Forces at the WhistlePig farm and distillery for the finishing touch, accelerating the interaction between the whiskey and the wood, staying true to the physical nature of Formula 1.
“Partnering with WhistlePig has been a very exciting experience. Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake is dedicated to being the best on the track, and the crew at WhistlePig is fearless in their pursuit to create the best whiskey out there,” said Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake’s driver. “We’re really looking forward to fans tasting our custom Rye Whiskey and raising a glass to the rookies, veterans, legends and the exhilarating sport of F1.”
"Joining forces with WhistlePig to release a Single Barrel Rye Whiskey that represents my culture and team has been an honor,” said Zhou Guanyu, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake’s driver. “Formula 1 brings together fearless, thrill-seeking motorsports professionals, and WhistlePig has a shared passion for boundary-pushing innovation. Together, we’ve selected something alarmingly good for fans to enjoy this season when the cars are not on track.”
The Limited Edition Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel will be available for purchase online starting around September 13 for $49.99 MSRP per 750ml bottle and sold in select stores across the U.S. Consumers can win VIP merchandise by scanning the QR code on the back of each bottle.
"We're taking our third Legends Series release on a ryed like never before,” said Meghan Ireland, WhistlePig Head Blender. "Our experiments with dynamic aging went full throttle during finishing trials at the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake wind tunnel, in turn inspiring new ways to expose barrels to G-forces back at the WhistlePig Farm. The herbal and floral notes of the lychee and tea barrel selected with the team create a new, podium-topping experience for PiggyBack Rye."
Fans and collectors have followed WhistlePig PiggyBack Legends Series, celebrating those who give 100% in the name of greatness, since its launch in March 2022 with Major League Baseball Hall of Famer, David Ortiz (“Big Papi”), followed by Country Music Duo Brothers Osborne in November 2022.
To learn more about WhistlePig Whiskey, visit whistlepigwhiskey.com. You can also check out WhistlePig Whiskey on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About WhistlePig Whiskey
Located off the grid on a 500-acre Vermont farm, WhistlePig Whiskey is crafted by a new generation of whiskey distillers and blenders driven to reinvent and unlock the flavor of Rye whiskey. Through their rebellious pursuit of experimenting and pushing boundaries in the industry, WhistlePig has become the leading independent craft whiskey brand for innovation. WhistlePig is committed to becoming the best whiskey on and for the planet, starting with its locally sourced ingredients and sustainable supply chain and distilling process. For more information, head to whistlepigwhiskey.com.
When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.
I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.
If you don’t have a primary care physician who specializes in LGBTQ+ care in your community, you may need to educate yourself (and your provider). But, before you seek such therapy, here are five things you should know!
- Monitor closely. At Spectrum Medical Care Center, we screen patients for certain risks before starting anyone on hormones. We frequently monitor patients in the first year to ensure there are no adverse reactions and lab results are within safe ranges. Follow-up care is also important to assess your comfort with the transition as well as the social impact and social support you’re experiencing.
- Some changes are permanent, some temporary. For transmasculine individuals going on testosterone, they’ll experience these permanent changes: deepened voice, clitoral enlargement (also known as bottom growth), more body, facial hair, and male pattern baldness. Reversible changes include cessation of menses, increased muscle mass and strength, body fat redistribution, and skin oiliness or acne. For those going on estrogen therapy, the most permanent change is breast growth. Feminizing hormone therapy can also cause atrophy (shrinkage) of the genitals and loss of erectile function that may not be reversible. Estrogen will thin body hair, soften the skin, can increase scalp hair, and decrease muscle mass and strength, all of which are reversible.
- You can’t pick and choose results. Unfortunately, you can’t pick and choose the physical changes you want, which may feel challenging. Some of my patients will say, ‘Okay, ‘I’ve seen the permanent changes I want, and I don’t want it to go any further,’ and so at that point, we stop therapy. Low-dose hormone therapy can slow down the rate of changes, allowing for a more gradual physical transition. We counsel patients in advance about the common changes, and it’s up to the individual as to when they’d like to scale back and determine whether some benefits are worth the potential risks.
- Be aware of risks. Like any medical treatment, there are potential risks involved. Some risks with testosterone therapy include increased red blood cell mass, acne, hypertension, sleep apnea, weight gain, and dyslipidemia (increases the chance of clogged arteries). Cardiovascular disease is likely increased with additional risk factors for testosterone and estrogen therapy. Transfeminine patients going on estrogen therapy may experience weight gain, thromboembolic disease (when a blood clot breaks off and blocks another blood vessel), and a high level of triglycerides in the blood.
Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!
Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.
"Our entire team is honored to be named Best of the Best. To be the only gay men's resort recognized in the Top 1% is incredibly humbling," said Kent Taylor, General Manager at Descanso. "We appreciate Tripadvisor and we're grateful to all our guests who gave us such high marks and reviews to help us reach this achievement."
“Ranking among the Best of the Best demonstrates that you have provided exemplary experiences to those who maZer most: your guests,” said John Boris, Chief Growth Officer at Tripadvisor. “With changing expectations, continued labor shortages, and rising costs, this is no easy feat, and I am con6nually impressed with the hospitality industry’s resilience and ability to adapt.”
Santiago Resort was once again honored by Tripadvisor with a 2023 Travelers’ Choice award, placing it among the top 10% of travelers’ top reviewed des6na6ons. Twin Palms will become eligible for ranking in 2024.
Check out all the reviews, and discover more about Descanso Resort on Tripadvisor here. We have an excellent library of resort imagery available to accompany editorial and additional resources on our press page. Please contact Descanso Resort’s General Manager, Kent Taylor, at kent@descansoresort.com for further information.
About Descanso Resort
Inspired by Palm Springs’ history as a des6na6on for Hollywood stars to unwind in privacy, Descanso offers guests a casual yet modern take on the legendary style of that 6me. Created by the same hospitality team that revitalized Palm Springs’ much-loved San6ago Resort and recently launched the all-new Twin Palms Resort, the Descanso property opened in 2022 featuring 15 spacious guest rooms with custom-designed furniture, dreamy King-size beds, and luxe details. Ameni6es include continental breakfast, poolside lunch, welcome snack basket, and lots of special touches. For guests who need to stay connected, the entire property is equipped with blazing-fast Wi-Fi. Mul6-speed bikes are available for exploring the surrounding midcentury neighborhoods and public art installations. Like the Hollywood stars before them, guests at Descanso are encouraged to unwind, relax, and rest in style.
About Tripadvisor
Travelers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site and app to discover where to stay, what to do and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than 1 billion reviews and opinions of nearly 8 million businesses, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants and discover great places nearby.