West
Washington State University offers free 'Queer Pole Fit' classes to offer 'inclusive' space, challenge stigmas
Washington State University (WSU) is offering free “Queer Pole Fit” classes to help challenge the stigma surrounding pole dancing and offer an inclusive “safe space” for “queer” people.
The free classes, hosted each Friday, do not require registration and are “open to all who identify as LGBTQ+ and allies!” according to a description on the university’s website.
“Queer Pole Fit is meant to create a community and environment that helps folks feel safe and disrupt stereotypical ideas about pole dancing. Taught by our queer pole instructors, come as you are, and enjoy this fun and challenging format,” the class description continues.
POLE DANCING STUDIO DEFENDS VIRAL ‘MOMMY AND ME’ CLASS ALLOWING KIDS TO TRY POLE TECHNIQUES WITH PARENTS
A woman performs pole tricks during a Polepeople pole dancing class May 3, 2006, in London, England. (Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
Laura Yasinitsky, the University Recreation fitness coordinator, told The Daily Evergreen – the university’s news source – in a recent piece that the classes serve a purpose of welcoming those who are traditionally left out or not “supported” in their fitness journey.
“This is labeled queer. You’re allowed to present however you are, and you will be seen exactly in that way,” she said.
Yasinitsky added that the program’s goal is to “break” boundaries and welcome beginners to a “safe space” that allows them to “try something new.”
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Washington State University is offering “Queer Pole Fit” classes to expand the demographic beyond those who typically take pole fitness courses. (David Ryder)
Ri Scovel, a Queer Pole Fit instructor, told the outlet that, by focusing on the “queer” demographic, the course challenges the pattern of pole classes being addressed to “ladies,” expanding the sport to a frequently ignored group while also granting space to a stigmatized method of dance.
The university began offering the classes last January and continues to attract new people, reports say.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Washington State University for additional comment about the course but has yet to receive a response.
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SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — A Silver Alert was activated Thursday by the California Highway Patrol after an 85-year-old man was reported missing from South San Francisco.
Zosimo Carmen is described by authorities as 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 155 pounds. He has gray hair and brown eyes.
Carmen was last seen around 2 a.m. on Thursday in the area of James Court and Livingston Place in South San Francisco. He was wearing a brown flannel shirt and blue sweatpants.
The Silver Alert was activated for San Mateo and San Francisco counties.
Anyone who sees Carmen is asked to call 911.
Welcome to the NFL, rookies.
The Denver Broncos are set to hold a rookie minicamp from May 8-10, with players expected to report to the team’s facility today (May 7). One of the key players to watch will be running back Jonah Coleman, the club’s fourth-round pick in last month’s NFL draft.
“Ultimately, to be a Bronco is the best thing in the world,” Coleman told the Big Ten Network during a sideline interview at Washington’s spring game last week.
Coleman figures to begin his pro career as a third-string running back behind J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey, but he could quickly win playing time as a capable blocker and receiver.
Broncos offseason schedule
- Offseason program started: May 4
- Rookie minicamp: May 8-10
- OTAs: June 2-4; June 9-11
- Mandatory minicamp: June 16-18
With rookies reporting to the facility, we should get jersey number news soon. Denver’s draft class, undrafted free agent signings and several expected tryout players will participate in the rookie minicamp this weekend.
Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
GRAHAM, Wash. – As Washington faces a spring with severely low snowpack, fire districts across the state are ramping up preparations for Wildfire Awareness Month. At Central Pierce Fire and Rescue, some of the most effective team members are focusing on prevention, through meal time.
Station 96, now affectionately nicknamed “The Goat House,” deployed a herd of goats to serve as official “fuel mitigation specialists.” These four-legged lawnmowers are tasked with clearing thick vegetation and maintaining the retention pond area around the station to ensure dry brush doesn’t become fuel for a potential fire.
The ‘G.O.A.T.’ of mitigation
While they may not look like your typical firefighters—and they certainly lack a sense of professional decorum—officials say the herd is setting a regional standard for wildfire prevention.
“They are the GOAT of […] fuel mitigation,” joked Wildfire Coordinator Jake Weigley.
The strategy is as practical as it is adorable. By having the goats graze the land, the department avoids spending crew downtime on weed whackers. This keeps firefighters ready for what they do best: responding to emergencies.
“It does save the taxpayers money, because our crews are able to focus on training and responding to calls,” Weigley said.
The “GoatFundMe’ account
Despite their official titles, these specialists aren’t on the public payroll. Their snacks, veterinary care, and general upkeep are funded internally through a “GoatFundMe” account, which is supported entirely by voluntary contributions from fire department and county employees.
The department hopes these stubborn workers will inspire residents to take notes on their own “defensible space” at home. Much like the goats clearing the field, fire officials recommend homeowners hardscape and remove any fuels that could carry a fire toward buildings.
A heightened season of awareness
The timing is critical. Following a winter with low precipitation, officials are on high alert for the upcoming fire season, though the full severity remains a question mark until the summer heat truly hits.
“We’re in a heightened level of awareness based on our snowpack and precipitation over the winter,” Weigley said. “But until fire season really gets started, we won’t know how severe it will be.”
Residents interested in meeting the herd can monitor the Central Pierce Fire and Rescue Facebook page for upcoming station events and community open houses. They ask to protect the goat’s health, you do not feed them.
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The Source: Information in this story comes from original reporting from FOX 13 Seattle reporter Taylor Winkel.
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