Maine

Maine Compass: The struggle to just exist in the face of anti-trans rhetoric

Published

1 year ago

November 12, 2024

Maine Compass: The struggle to just exist in the face of anti-trans rhetoric

Eight years ago, in defiance of Trump as president-elect, I publicly came out as transgender. It was my way of shouting to the world that I was here, that I existed, and I was not going anywhere. It was easy then to find the words to stand up in the face of uncertainty and be a force to be reckoned with by virtue of simply existing. Now, after Tuesday, it doesn’t feel as easy. And that feels like the wrong thing to say, especially after the majority decision in Bostock v. Clayton County in 2020 ruled that discrimination against transgender individuals in the workplace was a violation of Federal law. Also too were my own elections after coming out, first in 2019 to the Charter Commission, and then again in 2023 to the City Council.

I am only a person. Yet the weight of anti-trans rhetoric bears down on me. After Bostock, the attacks shifted to vulnerable children who wanted to, much like me, simply exist. They wanted to use the bathroom they were comfortable in, they wanted to play sports like their peers did, on a team that reflected who they were. Bans were discussed, both across the country and here at home, and opposition raised against inclusive policies at our schools.

A comfort to me throughout the years has been that I am protected by the Maine Human Rights Act, but am I? Are we? Will it stand or will federal changes necessitate it falling? What does it mean if it did, not just for myself, but those more vulnerable than I? Is my considering that it might fall an overreaction or a pragmatic look at an upended future? If I am this worried, how worried must trans children be? They don’t have the benefit I did, of watching a slow, steady, and at times one-step-forward-two-steps-back progression of acceptance. They, like all of us, are looking at a Supreme Court that will likely have even more Trump appointees added to it, a document called Project 25 that is harrowing in depth and breadth.

How can I, as one person, hope to be a light in the coming years? Do I have a responsibility as a leader in the community, to do more? Do I have a responsibility to myself to do more? Why now, this election, am I plagued by questions when last time was so easy? I know I am not the only marginalized person who is feeling this way, asking these hard questions. To all allies, I implore you to ask these same questions with us, because at least then we are not feeling like we are facing this alone. Hands are always nice to hold.

I’ve never been the sort of person to be visibly queer — I’m not a public advocate or on the board of any LGBTQ+ organizations, I’m not a guaranteed attendee at Pride, I don’t advocate for trans-protective legislation locally, state, or federally. I don’t bring it up in conversation and there are several friends and acquaintances I’ve met over these last eight years who have told me they didn’t know I was trans until someone else told them, which I’ve always taken as a compliment. The most I’ve done is fly a flag from my porch that says “let me be perfectly queer” which I find delightful and irreverent, much like myself.

Eight years ago I felt I needed to assert my existence to the world as an act of defiance. Since then, one could argue my non-visibility makes me a particularly “bad queer” and even setting a “negative” example for queer youth, who look for representation in their lives and a hope for the future. It’s something I’ve pondered a lot: Is existence enough, or must I don the rainbow to be representative enough? What does it mean to be a leader and must I wrap my existence into that leadership? Must I spend time and energy being “visibly queer” when it’s not where my passion has ever been? Bless the advocates, they are doing the work of angels and don’t get nearly enough credit, but there are so many other things I would rather talk about. There is so much I would rather do.

Except this is unsettling and uncertain. I don’t know what to say, or do, only that I am still here, still existing. And let that be enough, for you, for me, for all of us. Just existing is defiance. Just existing is enough.

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Maine

Rage Room in Portland, Maine, Developing ‘Scream Room’ Addition

Published

9 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Rage Room in Portland, Maine, Developing ‘Scream Room’ Addition

For a lot of people throughout Maine, there’s some built up frustration that they’ve just been keeping inside.

That frustration can come in a lot of different forms. From finances to relationships to the world around you.

So it makes plenty of sense that a rage room opened in Portland, Maine, where people can let some of that frustration out.

It’s called Mayhem and people have been piling in to smash, crush and do dastardly things to inanimate objects that had no idea what was coming.

But Mayhem has realized not everyone is down with swinging a sledgehammer. So they’ve decided to cook up something new.

Mayhem Creating ‘Scream Room’ at Their Space in Portland, Maine

Perhaps the thought of swinging a baseball bat and destroying a glass vase brings you joy. The thought of how sore your body will be after that moment makes you less excited.

Mayhem Portland has heard you loud and clear and is developing a new way to get the rage out. By just screaming.

Mayhem is working on opening their very first scream room. It’s exactly what you think it is, a safe place to spend some time just screaming all of the frustration out.

There isn’t an official opening date set yet but it’s coming soon along with pricing.

Mayhem in Portland, Maine, Will Still Offer Rage Rooms and Paint Splatter

While a scream room is on the way, you can still experience a good time at Mayhem with one of their rage rooms or a paint splatter room.

Both can be experienced in either 20-minute or 30-minute sessions.

All the details including some age and attire requirements can be found here.

TripAdvisor’s Top 10 Things to do in Portland, Maine

Looking for fun things to do in Portland, ME? Here is what the reviewers on TripAdvisor say are the 10 best attractions.

This list was updated in March of 2026

Gallery Credit: Chris Sedenka

Top 15 of The Most Powerful People in Maine

Ever wonder who the most powerful players are in Maine? I’ve got a list!

Gallery Credit: Getty Images

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Maine

Maine competition gives creative entrepreneurs the chance to win money

Published

21 hours ago

March 4, 2026

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Maine competition gives creative entrepreneurs the chance to win money

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – If you’ve ever wondered what goes into pitching a good business idea, you might want to stop by a Big Gig event.

The Big Gig Entrepreneurship Pitch Off brings professionals from across the state together to network and pitch their early-stage business ideas for a chance to win $500.

Tuesday’s competition was held at the Salty Brick Market in Bangor, and it drew a lot of spectators.

“The winners of each semifinal event get $500 and the opportunity to compete for $5,000, so that can make a huge impact on a business that’s just getting off the ground,” said Renee Kelly, a Big Gig organizer.

The winner of the competition, Colin McGuire, was also grateful for the opportunity to showcase his idea “Art on Tap,” which would connect local artists with local venues trying to put on events.

“The support tonight is huge, and it’s just giving me more enthusiasm for running with the idea,” he said.

The season finale of the competition will be held May 19th.

The location is yet to be determined.

If you’d like to apply to compete in the contest, you can go to biggig.org.

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Maine

This Monster Burrito Challenge in Waterville, Maine, Is Not for the Weak

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

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This Monster Burrito Challenge in Waterville, Maine, Is Not for the Weak

Are you up for a Maine food challenge, or are your eyes bigger than your stomach?

A Waterville staple, Buen Apetito has a monster burrito just waiting for someone to eat it down to the very last bite.

This thing is a beast, literally called La Bestia, and it’s definitely a mighty task for a fearless foodie.

Take on the Buen Apetito La Bestia Food Challenge in Waterville, Maine

According to Buen Apetito, if you can finish a super-sized burrito in 30 minutes or less, you’ll get the $60 meal for free, a La Bestia champion shirt, and a picture on the wall of fame. That’s not to mention the bragging rights of dominating a task few will be able to conquer.

Wondering what’s in the burrito?

The Mexican restaurant shared in a Facebook comment on a post that the burrito is filled with “grilled chicken, chorizo, and tender shredded beef or pork. Built on a layer of seasoned rice, refried beans, and French fries, it’s melted together with a shredded Mexican cheese blend and a drizzle of creamy cheese sauce, sautéed peppers and onions, green salsa, pico de gallo, sour cream, creamy guacamole, and a bed of shredded lettuce all wrapped in three extra-large tortillas fused into one epic wrap.”

Let’s just say that this thing is packed full.

The first La Bestia contender took up his fork and knife in December 2025, but despite coming close, he couldn’t come out with the win.

As of March 2026, the challenge has remained undefeated. But you never know, someone is bound to come out victorious.

Just note that you can only try your hand at this food challenge on Wednesday and Thursday.

Buen Apetito Has Been a Longstanding Waterville, Maine, Restaurant

First opened in 1999, Buen Apeitito has been around for nearly 30 years.

Centralmaine.com reported that the Mexican restaurant was originally located at the Railroad Square complex off Chaplin Street before moving to 99 West River Road in 2023.

A little over a year later, in 2024, Buen Apetito shared on Facebook that it was passing on the torch to new owners, including Dalia, “the heart and soul of [the] kitchen for twenty years,” her daughter, Norma, and Norma’s husband, Shawn.

READ MORE: Famous Maine Restaurant Buen Apetito Adds Powerhouse New Owner to Crew

And it seems like not only are things still going strong, but new additions like La Bestia food challenge are only enhancing the spirit of big flavor and delicious Mexican food at the Waterville staple.

So, you think you’re up for the task of taking down a beast of a burrito at Buen Apetito? Good luck.