2025 Floaties Virtual Ofrenda
Because grieving is monstrously complicated, and you should never have to do it alone.
Feel free to listen along
Music “allwehave” by Aviino & takeo provided by Chillhop Music
https://chll.to/905660f9
For The democratic Republic of Congo, For Sudan, For Palestine, For Ukraine,
For those in ICE Detention
for the souls whose lives were stolen
"Buck is a beloved member of the Cate family who has been sorely and acutely missed every day since his passing on April 5th, 2024. Buck is a labrador mix-- with what, we’re not sure, but probably a beagle or pug, considering his adorably humorous proportions could best be illustrated as a potato with four toothpick legs. With a gait that at high speeds resembled a waddle, this didn’t stop him from enjoying walks around the neighborhood or attempting to chase the occasional backyard possum. It was with the utmost grace that he good-naturedly endured being referred to by countless nicknames, most commonly “Mr. Squishy,” “Babyface,” “Smileyface,” or “Mr. Muffin.” He was the most mild-mannered and easygoing couch potato who especially loved napping by the fireplace. But there were occasional exceptions to his usual mellow demeanor, including instances of tossing a couch pillow on the floor when unjustly ignored, and one notorious example of snatching a sandwich out of a briefcase. Like the rest of his family, Buck especially appreciated a good meal, and frequently saved us from the chore of sweeping food scraps off of the kitchen floor. His favorite snacks included shredded chicken and the occasional cheerio or piece of popcorn. Though he didn’t always enjoy being the center of attention, he loved being with his family, and groaning while having his belly rubbed was the surest sign that he was content. Buck came into our family as a stray, walking right up to us while we were on vacation in June of 2017, and remained with us since. He was always the best and brightest part of our day. Buck loved us and took care of us so well, and we hope that he knew how much we loved and cared for him, too." - Allison Cate
"This is my stepdad Jim and he died last night. The greatest man I ever knew." - Dom Tartaglia
"This is Jim again he just had too much swag." - Dom Tartaglia
"This is Gizmo! Gizmo was my childhood pet who we lost last year. He was my best friend and my soul-puppy. He and helped me through the toughest times in my life, and was still there for me even after I made it out of those times. I miss him everyday, but I know he’s with my Grandpa and that he is definitely feeding Gizmo way too much GravyTrain right now." Jami Ayala
Gizmo
Gizmo
"This is Jakey! Jake was my second dog ever and the biggest sweetheart you could possibly imagine. He was a total contradiction, Big and Scary on the outside.. but a total softie on the inside. He loved to be laid on and cuddled. When my family could no longer take care of him, he went with my Grandpa and gave him a sense of purpose again! My Grandpa was forced to be more active and take care of him, I’m glad Jakey was such a good friend to my Grandpa in their final days together." - Jami Ayala
Gizmo
Belle, Belle Fox, Bellisima, Chicha
"My great aunt, Sissie. I was incredibly close to her growing up. She loved art, history, fashion, and classic cinema. She passed when I was 13, and I miss her dearly." - Katie Bennett
"My dog, Lily. She was a pomchi mix, and the sweetest dog anyone could ask for!" - Katie Bennett
"My abuelita was one of the most tender souls I have met. She always made sure to do as much as she could to hold our family together. My cousins and I were raised by her while our parents were busy with work and life. Thanks to her we never went hungry once. Her favorite food to cook was chiles en nogada and flan." - Miguel Carretero
"My grandfather was a kind, hard working veteran who had an infectious laugh. Everyone in the county knew him and it wasn't until later in life I learned how similar we were in small, endearing ways." - Vaughn Swanson
"Many a time to this day, years later, I think "I should call grandma." She looked after me, had a kind heart, and a strong sense of self. She is someone I look up to; someone so certain and strong in her convictions." - Vaughn Swanson
Cindy Phillips
Cindy Phillips with her best friend Irma Acosta and Irma's niece Abigail
Davy Diaz
Keetah
Isabelle Arndt
Isabelle Arndt and her best friend Abigail Esparza
Frodo
Simba and his best friend Eric Esparza
Simba
Simba & his sister Emily Esparza
Grandma Lucy & Grandpa Felipe
Grandpa
Manny
Layla
"Pearlie Ann Harris Tippit, the patron saint of fried zucchini, crossword puzzles (in pencil), and CBS' longstanding procedural drama, Blue Bloods. She was generous and gentle, sly and smart. She was the embodiment of tenderness and a steward of softness. I am proud to have cared for her and even more proud to have been loved by her." - Delainey Bowers
"Everything about my Aunt Becky was big. I mean, she cut an imposing figure based on height alone, but her personality and her kind heart were even bigger. Her macaroni salad was God tier, and I know for a fact a Diet Coke Polar Pop hated to see her coming. Her personal decision to enter into hospice care was truly one of the most admirable displays of bodily autonomy I’ve ever witnessed, and we should all be so lucky to have someone as bold, and brassy, and ballsy as Beck in our lives." - Delainey Bowers
Rascal
Matilda, Tillie
"Mickey Weems was, and continues to be, a truly fantastic human being. I had the fortune of meeting him a few months before he made the decision to die, and I will always be grateful that he gave us that opportunity. Queer people, folklorists included, often struggle with crushing feelings of disconnect with their fellow man, including the subject of ancestry. We don't see ourselves reflected in our family tree, we don't see our life experiences told in the past tense by elders. With this in mind, Mickey extended an extraordinarily generous offer to our community: he wanted to offer himself as a surrogate ancestor. Someone we could remember and feel that spiritual tether to. I had never known that this would be important to me until it was offered, and I cannot begin to describe how transformative it is to have a queer ancestor, someone I see myself in, someone whom I believe is keeping tabs on us despite not having a physical form. I live my life in honor of Mickey, and of other elders with stories like his. His wish was for me and my colleagues to continue building upon foundations he helped lay down, and I fully intend to do so. Speaking to Mickey directly: whenever I listen to "F For You" by Disclosure and Mary J Blige, I think of you having the best time ever in the big circuit party in the sky. If Mickey were to be a monster, I'd like to think he would be a Lost Boy from the titular 80's horror film. The critical levels of camp and sexuality feel reminiscent of Mickey's past research and fieldwork, and I can clearly see him living life as a vampire on Santa Monica Pier." - Matty Howard
"Some moms have the ability to make everyone feel loved and understood. That was my mom. She was the heart of the family, always loving and supporting everyone. She made life better just by being around. Love you Mom!" - Mireille Garcia
Norman
Winnie
Onion
Tootsie
Pepsi
Spanky (Right) with his brother Pi (Left)
Vinnie and his mom Irma Acosta
Walter
Zelda
Bruno, Bruno Bear and his Tía Mila
Great Grandma
Grandpa Manny & Grandma Licha
Grandpa Manny & Grandma Licha
Grandma Licha and Tías
Grandma Lucy and her granddaughter Camille
Grandma Lucy and her granddaughter Camille
Grandma Licha with her grandchildren Chris Acosta & Camille
Grandpa Felipe holding his grandson Vinnie attending his other grandson Chris, with Tío Freddy and Toby Acosta
Grandpa Manny
Grandma Licha
Grandpa Manny & Camille
Grandpa Felipe
Grandpa Felipe at the Holiday Inn
Special Thanks To…
Canva, Chillhop Music, Aviino, takeo, & all of the beautiful, beautiful souls that contributed to our ofrenda this year. You all are monstrously important.