Tell us about yourself.
Hi there, I’m Bri! As a mom raising two boys, every day is something new. Being part of the straight edge community isn’t just a choice for me—it’s a commitment that shapes how I love and teach my sons.
As a logistician, I have a deep passion for organizing, efficiency, and community. Outside of my profession, I channel this in jiu jitsu. I’m lucky that my partner and children also love and train jiu jitsu. I train and teach at my partner’s gym, Nova Mente Jiu Jitsu, where I also manage admin duties—find us at @novamentebjj. Additionally, I help organize a quarterly jiu jitsu open mat for women and girls with the Mile High Women’s BJJ Club and serve as an ambassador for Girls in Gis (@girlsingis). These roles allow me to support and inspire women and girls in jiu jitsu, combining my professional skills with my personal passions.
What’s currently on your playlist?
My favorite band of all time is Bayside. (Ask anyone.)
I just discovered Bitter Pill and recently fell in love again with Unprocessed. These are on heavy rotation.
How do you define straight edge?
Straight edge for me was like hitting a brick wall—it marked a definitive turn from my past behaviors and the crowd I used to associate with. Adopting this lifestyle meant drawing a clear line that I couldn’t cross again, distinguishing it from mere sobriety, which can be temporary or subject to change. Initially, straight edge was about setting boundaries for myself, a declaration that I wouldn’t revert to my old ways. Now, it’s become an integral part of who I am, embodying a commitment to a sober life that is not just a phase but a permanent and defining aspect of my identity. I couldn’t imagine living any other way; it has reshaped my life and mindset entirely.
How important is music to your relationship with straight edge?
Music initially played a critical role in connecting me to the straight edge community, helping to anchor the values and history of the movement in my personal experience. However, being “straight edge” transcends active participation in the music scene. While it’s important to know the history and feel connected to the community, personal commitment to the lifestyle’s principles—such as lifelong sobriety—can stand firm even if one’s involvement in the music scene diminishes over time.
What’s your straight edge story?
I discovered straight edge by attending local hardcore shows, where it was a cool movement at the time. The culture and community deeply resonated with me. I officially started claiming straight edge in 2004 after a particularly rough night when I ended up vomiting for hours from drinking whatever we could get our hands on in a friend’s garage. That experience, along with the negative effects of other substances I had tried, made me realize I didn’t like who I was when I wasn’t sober. Being straight edge was my way of staying true to myself and maintaining control.
How has straight edge influenced your relationships?
Straight edge has had a nuanced impact on my relationships with friends and family. Initially, my family didn’t understand my decision to embrace this lifestyle, but over time, they came to accept it. My close friends are aware that I am straight edge, although I don’t outwardly promote it. Often, people forget that I don’t drink or smoke and will offer me something to partake in, which can lead to socially awkward moments, especially in business settings. I’ve learned to navigate these situations by ordering something like a Sprite to blend in without compromising my principles.
Looking back, is there anything about path into and through straight edge that you would do differently?
Reflecting on my straight edge journey, I would make a few changes. Most notably, I wish I had never tried any substances, aligning my actions with my values from the beginning. Additionally, I could have communicated more openly about my lifestyle with friends and family to ease their understanding and acceptance. Despite this, every experience has shaped my commitment and growth within this lifestyle.
True or False: “If you’re not now, you never were”?
I think that this statement doesn’t capture the full range of personal experiences and challenges people face. Maintaining a straight edge lifestyle can be complex, and life circumstances can lead people away from and back to it. As long as someone is pursuing straight edge with good intentions, the specifics of their journey should be respected. I prefer to approach this topic with humor rather than judgment because you never truly know what someone else is going through. Everyone’s relationship with straight edge can evolve, and what’s most important is how they handle that evolution, not just a strict adherence to a label.
Have you encountered any challenges or misconceptions about being straight edge?
Often, people off the street don’t fully understand what being straight edge entails, and honestly, I don’t feel a need to explain it in depth. I’ve found that others’ opinions about my lifestyle choices don’t impact me significantly.
Do you feel that your gender or age has influenced your experience within the straight edge and hardcore scenes?
I started identifying as straight edge at such a young age in a very much male-dominated scene, which posed challenges. Being a younger girl often made it difficult to be taken seriously, impacting my early experiences within the hardcore community.
In your view, how inclusive is the straight edge movement, and what steps could be taken to enhance its inclusivity?
It’s encouraging to see the straight edge scene becoming safer and more inclusive. The emphasis on diverse leadership and safe spaces has significantly reduced violence and enhanced openness. Moving forward, it would be beneficial if “old heads” took an active role in mentoring newer members to continue this positive evolution.
This interview has been lightly edited for grammar and punctuation. All responses reflect the interviewee’s original words and meaning.
