danijanae, Author at Autostraddle

Diner Week

Images of Black people smiling and drinking milkshakes from straws as well as glass bottle Coca-Colas, with ice in the background.

first person

The Place for Smiles

Back in those days, I thought drinking was the most interesting thing about me.

danijanae —

Aug 10, 2022

Things I've Never Asked

A double image of Dani, and her two brothers, Dakota and Dave, standing with Santa Claus. They are, at the time, three young, Black children, wearing 90's fashion, surrounded by Christmas deco

af+

Things I’ve Never Asked My Brothers About Growing Up in an Abusive Household, Being Adopted, and My Writing

“We were doing rap battles and Dani was writing all the stuff because she was better at it. You remember that?”

danijanae —

Aug 9, 2022

mental health

Sober Series

A figure is reclining on the ground against a purple, watery background

first person

Here’s How Our Lives Have Improved Since Quitting Drinking: A Candid Conversation Between Sober Queers

“I love that sober sex is so much better for me. Even masturbating is better.”

danijanae —

Aug 5, 2022

af+ personal essay

gun violence

a painted bear touches a cowering, or sleeping, line drawing of a woman lying on her side. The background is blood red streaked with black. Underneath the woman run reports of mass shootings and deaths, in text that is collaged and barely visible. The entire effect is extremely ominous.

af+

It Could Be Anything

“I don’t know when the bear thought came to me. I wish I had a distinct memory of when I first had the thought.”

danijanae —

Aug 2, 2022

A cut open strawberry in a bowl thats sitting on a pink fabric

beauty

“Enchanted Pussy” Smells Like Direct Deposit and [Redacted]

“A smell as sweet as this didn’t feel like me, but—could it be me?”

danijanae —

Aug 1, 2022

#affiliatemarketing

fatness

A variety of Black plus size models in lingerie, left to right: A pair of legs in pink mesh underwear, a woman with vitiligo in a black matching set with a garter around the waist, a woman from behind with an afro and light pink panties, and a close up of black women in a red teddy

queer fashion

Hot Like Summer: A Lingerie Shopping Guide for Fat Femmes

Finding lingerie that fits your body might seem like not a big deal, but I firmly believe everyone deserves to feel good in their bodies. If feeling good means putting…

danijanae —

Jul 31, 2022

Sober Series

sobriety

Abstract human figures in purple hues are clustered together

first person

On Staying Sober and What TV Gets Right and Wrong About Alcohol

“I feel like being the only sober person in a group is so much pressure.”

danijanae —

Jul 29, 2022

#affiliatemarketing

In Verse

A black and white illustration of a retro picnic basket against a teal background

book lists

In Verse: Poetry Collections for a Summer Picnic

If you are going to read one poet in a park, let it be Mary Oliver.

danijanae —

Jul 28, 2022

#affiliatemarketing

Sober Series

A water coloring of two divers under the water

first person

“When I Got Sober So Many Relationships Just Ended”: Sober Queers on Friendships and Community

“I came to realize I am a terrible parent when I’m drunk.”

danijanae —

Jul 22, 2022

#affiliatemarketing

Five Outfits

A collage in front of a bright blue background with a yellow double strip that has a jagged edge: A close up of chunky white slide on heels, a plus size woman in a green body con dress, a black woman in a beige jumpsuit, and a close up of a brown skinned woman in a cream off-shoulder crop top and colorful shorts

queer fashion

Five Outfits for Being Hot and Absolutely Unapproachable at the Reunion

Whether that means family reunion or alumni weekend, what you wear is a great way to communicate. Maybe you’re the hot gay aunt. The cool gay sibling. Maybe you were…

danijanae —

Jul 17, 2022

Sober Series

sobriety

a watercoloring in purple hues of a figure at the end of a tunnel of light

first person

Three Sober Queers on Their First Drinks and Workplace Drinking Culture

“It’s funny, much like coming out, I always look back on these moments and think ‘Ah that’s when I should have known I had a problem’.”

danijanae —

Jul 15, 2022

#affiliatemarketing

makeup

several tubes of lipstick in rose, berry, and peach, the three main shades in the lipstick summer 2022 guide

beauty

Find the Perfect Summer Lip With These Four Shades

Who doesn’t want to look sun-kissed, moisturized, and blushing? Whether a soft matte or a high shine cream, I’ve probably got something for you.

danijanae —

Jul 14, 2022

danijanae

Most Popular Articles by Author

Recent AF+ Articles by This Author

Into the A+ Advice Box: Should You Be Dating After an Assault?

Things I’ve Never Asked My Brothers About Growing Up in an Abusive Household, Being Adopted, and My Writing

It Could Be Anything

Editor’s Notes: On the Fat Femme Fashion Series

All Articles by this Author on Autostraddle

The Place for Smiles

Things I’ve Never Asked My Brothers About Growing Up in an Abusive Household, Being Adopted, and My Writing

Here’s How Our Lives Have Improved Since Quitting Drinking: A Candid Conversation Between Sober Queers

It Could Be Anything

“Enchanted Pussy” Smells Like Direct Deposit and [Redacted]

Hot Like Summer: A Lingerie Shopping Guide for Fat Femmes

On Staying Sober and What TV Gets Right and Wrong About Alcohol

In Verse: Poetry Collections for a Summer Picnic

“When I Got Sober So Many Relationships Just Ended”: Sober Queers on Friendships and Community

Five Outfits for Being Hot and Absolutely Unapproachable at the Reunion

Three Sober Queers on Their First Drinks and Workplace Drinking Culture

Find the Perfect Summer Lip With These Four Shades