Support Olívar's Professional & Cultural Journey to Oaxaca

My name is Olívar. I never knew what journey I'd be on for my 31st birthday, but I recently got some incredible news after a very trying time in my life. On March 27th (my birthday), I'm getting sent to Oaxaca, Mexico by my workplace. After almost two years of working for Espíritu, I'm getting sent to go on the El Buho Mezcal trip where I will be staying with the El Buho family, learning with hands-on experience how to make Mezcal. I know we live in New Orleans, and we love to celebrate, so I'd love for you to consider this GoFundMe, pinning a virtual dollar to me for my birthday.

If you know me as a performer, you may be familiar with "Old Bones Morales" (my drag persona) and I have had so much joy in sharing my culture with audiences with Spanish-Language or Latin-influced acts. (⁠~⁠‾⁠▿⁠‾⁠)⁠~✧

This would be an incredibly culturally significant experience for me as a first-generation Mexican American. It'd also be spiritually significant for me as well since this practice is ancient and taking part would be HUGE. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience where I can tap into my cultural roots and gain a great Spanish-language immersion experience outside of family. It'd be a great way for me to gain some independence within my culture while also learning more about it and honoring it.

The only prohibitive thing is I need to pay for half of my ticket, as Mezcal brands can no longer pay for trips, and I'd be missing a week of wages. Every single person that I've met that has gone on this trip has so many positive things to say about it, and I can't wait to join the ranks in this regard.

Cost breakdown:

As I was given this news very recently, I'll need to get a passport and have it expidited. Which is at least $100

My half of the ticket would be roughly $300

A week of wages for me is $300, and then $200 for food and any other excursions I may go on.

(I am still recouping my costs after having to get rid of a dangerous housemate and having to pay for his portion of bills and rent) So, I feel $850 would be a reasonable cushion that would allow me this trip without great burden.

Additionally, I am working on my Mezcalier level 1 certification in April. I already have taken the first class and plan to develop my Mezcal knowledge and palate to help others share in this part of my culture and a part of history.

♥️

Thanks for taking the time to read this

Obviously please do not donate if it would be financially irresponsible for you. I understand this is an optional thing I am taking on, but I could use a "W" this year. I'll probably never get another chance like this in my lifetime and a donation of any size means the WORLD to me. If you want to help, but you haven't the funds, please feel free to share. Xoxo