THIS WEEK
We’ve donated, written letters, phone banked, prayed, and voted. Yes, we’re burned out — and probably won’t get any closure tonight — so we’re celebrating 104-year-old Ruth Rosner (aka #RuthToTheBooth) before hunkering down with the new miniseries The Queen’s Gambit. Speaking of which, here’s a fun virtual exhibition where you can zoom in on costumes from both The Queen’s Gambit and The Crown. If you still need ideas to stay zen today, take a gander at the NYT’s Election distractor. Here’s how to handle election anxiety, according to mental health experts. Start your holiday shopping with hilarious pet portraits for a good cause. Powell’s has a new perfume that smells like books. Learning to roller skate taught me about Black skate culture. Trailers for the David Bowie biopic Stardust and the Shane MacGowan biopic Crock of Gold. An archive of pandemic and anti-racist street art. A great interview with Whoopi Goldberg. On the year of blur and the existential toll of missing the office. Should I cut off all my hair? Dave Grohl is a comic genius.
OBSESSED: Making Our Voices Heard
The 2020 election has seemed endless, but we’re almost to the finish line (we hope). TueNighters across the country were among the nearly 100 million voters who’ve already gone to the polls or dropped their ballots in the mailbox. Some brought their kids who were voting for the very first time, others honored the long, bloody fight against voter intimidation and suppression, and some felt a responsibility to fulfill their civic duty. Check out some of the photos and messages TueNighters shared of casting their votes.
STORY: A Onetime “Closeted” Republican Decides to Come Out — and Slam the Door
By Hitha Herzog
I saw a bumper sticker the other day with a photo of a weeping president Lincoln. Under the photo it read “It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to.” I’ve never related to a sticker more. While I am out of the political closet as a Republican, I am now committed to voting against my party because of what it has become.
(Psst: Want to write for us? Pitch us here!)
TueNight 10: Alessandra Henderson
(Exploring spirit houses in Thailand over the holidays last year – a happy time before we knew what was on the horizon in 2020!)
Age: 35. And beyond grateful to be a part of the TueNight community – I have learned from and gained so very much from the amazing women here!
Basic bio: Alessandra is the Co-founder & CEO of Elektra Health, a female-founded women’s health startup on a mission to smash the menopause taboo. To commemorate World Menopause Month (October!), Elektra launched our free 10 day Smash the Taboo educational health & wellness series for women 40+.
Beyond the bio: Three things you won’t find on my LinkedIn: 1) My favorite meal in the entire world is a burrito & not-too-sweet margarita (or three), 2) I was almost named Elektra. When searching for a name for my company, I selected Elektra because, to me, it represents women stepping into our most powerful, fearless selves, 3) two pieces of professional advice I always give younger women (and men): 1) always follow your curiosity and 2) surround yourself with the best people you know. Personally following these two maxims has resulted in the most wonderful life that I am deeply grateful for so far!
What makes you a grown-ass lady? I became a grown-ass lady when I realized that I have the agency to let go of other people’s expectations in pursuit of crafting a life according to my own rules & desires. It’s not always easy, but stepping into one’s power & voice is the most grown-ass move I can imagine.
1. On the nightstand:My Life on the Road by Gloria Steinem (I miss traveling!), AirPods (for my end-of-day Law & Order: SVU habit) and a gigantic glass of water for consumption pre-bed, mid-night, and upon waking up. My husband claims he’s never seen someone drink as much water / as thirsty as me.
2. Can't stop/won't stop: Speaking up and out about taboo topics until we’ve normalized common women’s health topics: Vaginal dryness (gasp!), anxiety/depression during perimenopause, hot flashes, night sweats, and so much more!
3. Jam of the minute: “Canopée” by Polo & Pan when I’m looking for an end-of-day pick me up; Solomon Burke Spotify station any time.
4. Thing I miss: Dinner parties with good friends — the ones that last too late into the evening, with too many bottles of wine and that fill the soul with laughter & love.
5. ’80s crush: Prince. Forever and always.
6. Current crush: Every single person supporting the movement to get out the vote. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
7. Latest fave find: Eberjey pajamas are the coziest things in the whole wide world.
8. Last thing you lost: My desire to wear heels ever again.
9. Best thing that happened recently: Elektra getting a shout out in Katie Couric’s newsletter!
10. Looking forward to: A new political order that inspires hope, kindness & grace. Crossing all my fingers & toes!
PARTNER: Highlights From The Woolfer
ZOOM: Join Us Tonight!
Election returns got you stressed? Join us on Zoom tonight for a SUPER casual drop-in chat — you must register first. Nov 3, 9-11pm: https://bit.ly/tuenightelectionzoom