Storyteller & Videographer

Mai Nolasco

Mai Nolasco is the founder of Sonic Feminista, a platform that challenges the idea of who a feminista is supposed to be by producing videos that allow them to define themselves. The goal of Sonic Feminista is to create a community where we can collaborate, mentor, and befriend like-minded people. This sort of community bonding empowers both Mai and provides support for other womxn of color.

"When I did the podcast "Why I Need Feminism," I didn't exactly know which direction the conversation would go. I've always felt that how I identify with feminism was very particular, after all, I am the child of immigrants and as much as it is a part of my identity. I didn't always know how to talk about feminism with my parents and community. Even when I was learning about feminism in school I felt a disconnect; my professors were so focused on theory, that they ignored the practical effects of sexism around the world. I wanted to learn how feminism could affect my life in particular, not the lives of womxn I couldn't relate to.

It wasn't until I became involved with communities of womxn of color who taught me about Bell Hooks, Gloria E. Anzaldúama, and even the online communities where they were talking about my everyday concerns that I started to feel comfortable and even empowered in talking about feminism. I invited my dear friend Nasha Paola to join me in the conversation of why it is that she needs feminism and how she identifies with it."

How does your identity translate through the way you dress?

Some days I love color, others I'm a total New Yorker and depend on my Black uniform + I always have on my red lipstick which is practically a signature style at this point. As I become more involved in the feminist community I see myself, more than ever, being comfortable in my skin. You could say all those posts on body positivity have actually worked on me, and it allows me to have fun with my clothes and not apologize for how I look, which is the most important thing. NEVER APOLOGIZE FOR HOW YOU LOOK. EVER.

If there is one thing you could change about the world, what would it be and why?

There are so many things I would change about the world, but I think the most important thing for me would be human compassion; I wish people didn't see each other as so different, that they understood that we are all connected and more similar than we can imagine. Opening communication between all kinds of people would make this a kinder world, for sure.

What is one thing you'd like to share with others about your culture?

The best thing about my culture is the community; my tias, tios, cousins and parents that have been a constant source of support for me and that sort of motivation has inspired me to be the same with others.

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Media courtesy of Sonic Feminista.