Instagram: xedgeporvidax
Tell us about you? What do you do for a living?
I currently work for Amazon, not too awful. I have an adorable kitty, and I love seeing friends and heading out shows in my scene
Favorite straight edge (or non-straight edge) bands?
I love love love hardcore, my favorite straight edge bands are Inclination, Minor Threat, and Dare. Plenty more but too much to list haha.
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/inclination/451884700
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/minor-threat/49249573
https://music.apple.com/us/album/oc-straight-edge-ep/1259449120
What is your definition of straight edge?
Straight Edge is a lifestyle commitment. No fronts or jokes, Substance free. No drugs, No alcohol, No smoking. Hardcore scene or not, straight edge till death xxx
Where do you see the straight edge scene today?
As I get older I find myself meeting more edge people, discovering more edge bands, and the edge community growing and it makes my heart happy. Platforms help especially. I hope to see and meet more people in the straight edge community and for it to keep expanding, welcoming in more family XXX
There’s an ongoing debate on whether one can be straight edge without being a part of the music scene, what’s your thoughts on this?
Although Straight Edge is closely a part of the music scene people can still be edge without being in the scene, as I always say, music/scene or not, Straight Edge till death xxx
What are some funny/common misconceptions people have about you being straight edge?
People think because I am 19, once I turn 21 I’ll break my edge, or some think I’m judgmental of non-straight edge people.
What are some challenges you have faced when interacting with other people who are also edge? If you haven’t had any challenges, tell us some challenges you’ve faced when interacting with people who are not edge?
I haven’t faced any issues with straight edge people although one thing I’ve encountered is some that claim to be, but still, have a sip of alcohol or a drag of a cigarette. THAT’S NOT EDGE! And my only issues with non-straight edge people are the ones who don’t respect my space, other than that I still love the people in my life/the people in my scene, edge or not.
What’s your straight edge story? Was there a key moment that made you realize straight edge is the way you want to live your life? How old were you? How did you find out about straight edge, was there someone in the community that introduced you, or were you introduced to it through people/bands, etc? What drew you to it?
I’ve been a part of my music scene for about five years, I never had the desire of drinking/get high but I was young and wanted to experiment, so that’s what I did, sometimes even outside of shows. I never found fun out of it and after my first time being drunk that’s when I knew any substance wasn’t for me no matter the event, I’ve had bad experiences around me and I didn’t want any part of it. I found Straight Edge through the music scene, the band Inclination to be exact, and claimed edge at 17 years old. Knowing there was a whole history and ongoing community felt amazing, I felt welcomed knowing I wouldn’t be judged or pressured out of doing what was good for me.
Define what straight edge means to you? Has this changed over the years?
For me, straight edge is a substance free, clear-minded lifestyle. It has not changed, the only positive thing that’s changed is meeting more edge people and bands in my scene and becoming more family. xxx
Do you consider yourself an activist? What is/are your cause(s), and how have you been working to advance them?
I do not but I definitely am very loud and proud of being Straight Edge and the community that follows.
What, if anything, keeps you committed to the straight edge lifestyle?
I’ve never second-guessed my decision of being straight edge but I definitely stay committed because it keeps me on track mentally in life. I sometimes think back to the shitty situations I’ve encountered and I never want to go through it again, although it wasn’t always me under the influence, seeing the ones that kept me committed.
What is something you didn’t think you would struggle with by claiming edge?
I can proudly say I haven’t struggled with anything by claiming edge, if anything I felt relieved and proud of myself.
What do you do for stress relief instead of drinking/drugs, tips for peer pressure?
Music has always always always been an outlet, so when stressed, I turn to music, or I reach out to friends to vent/hangout. And peer pressure doesn’t affect me, it lightweight angers me, it doesn’t happen often and the people who genuinely did not know I’m straight edge are apologetic but the few ones that think it’s a joke or just want me to “do it one time” piss me off, respect my edge.
How was it being straight edge in this pandemic?
Made me stronger honestly, a strong mindset kept me motivated throughout it.
Have you ever considered breaking edge? What were the circumstances, and what changed your mind?
Never, claiming edge was the best decision in my life.
Have you ever stopped being edge for a period of time, if so why? Did you regret doing so? What brought you back? If you have come back, how do you view your commitment (i.e. for life, for now)?
Claimed straight edge at 17 and still going strong at 19, almost 20 with no breaks. Edge till death xxx
If you are in a relationship is your partner straight edge, or have you had a previous relationship with someone who was not straight edge? What, if any, challenges have you faced relating to your lifestyle/choices?
I have dated non-straight edge people in the past and I never minded as long as they were safe and not being reckless. I just never took part in their smoke “sesh” or never went to the bar with them (Im not of age anyways haha)
If your partner is edge do you have similar views/outlooks about straight edge? What are some examples of ideas/beliefs that you agree and/or disagree on?
Currently living a single life but the straight edge friends and people I’ve encountered, we usually always have the same views and beliefs. (obvious) For example, you are not straight edge if you still take/do substances, even if it’s just one.
Has your family and social life been negatively or positively impacted? Have you faced or are you facing any specific challenges because of your lifestyle choices? If your family/friends are unsupportive, how do you deal?
Family? Positively impacted, they are happy and relieved to know I’m edge, although they didn’t take me seriously at first considering I was that young claiming, they believe me and are proud. Socially & Friends? Slightly both positive and negative, the only negative stance on it is people/some friends thinking I’m lame for not part taking, but positive because they are happy for me in the end. I’ve been told countless times, “I wish I had your strength to claim and not always be using substances”.
If you are single, have you found it difficult to date?
Slightly. Although I do not care if you are edge or not, I still have my limits. If my edge is being disrespected or I constantly feel I have to babysit instead of dating then that’s where I draw my line.
Some straight edge women/girls I have talked to have told me that they feel isolated and that they find it difficult to relate to people outside of the straight edge scene. Is this something you can relate to?
Kind of, for me I connect with people with body modifications, makeup, and music. But outside of being straight edge? Yes.
How do you explain your lifestyle to others outside of the scene? Do you find it difficult? What’s your elevator pitch?
I usually start with “Im straight edge, I don’t smoke, I don’t drink, I don’t do drugs”. It’s not difficult explaining but can sometimes be irritating when they don’t understand my reasoning of why I’m edge, but I just further explain my lifestyle which more times than not ends with them congratulating my edge.
Over the past decade or so individuals in recovery have stumbled upon the straight edge lifestyle and it has really spoken to them. Do you feel that the straight edge community has been welcoming to those in recovery? Do you have mixed feelings? Strong Feelings?
My personal views are I have open welcome arms to people who turn to straight edge, I see no problems with it. They are finding a positive, clean, and healthy community, why turn them down?
How do you feel your straight edge commitment plays into the bigger social justice movement for gender equity?
Straight Edge is for all genders, races, and sexualities.
Have you ever had a negative experience in the scene related to your gender?
95% of the time, no. But I’ve encountered some new faces that aren’t friendly towards females/non-binaries in the pit, unfortunately, but to this day I still meet new people in the scene that are very respectful.
Straight edge and the associated music scene have long been male-dominated. What do you see as a woman/girls role in the scene? How has this role changed since you have been involved and what changes would you like to see?
Many females have been coming forward and standing their ground. Coming to shows, pitting, and just supporting. Many new female-frontedWhat if any challenges have you faced that are specifically related to being a female in a male-dominated scene? bands are in the scene and more to come. I hope to see more female (& nonbinary babes) come through.
What if any challenges have you faced that are specifically related to being a female in a male-dominated scene?
Being targeted in the pit, or not being liked simply because I’m a female in the scene, other than that, nothing. Most of the men in the scene are great and look out for me as I look out for them when needed.
