October is here, wrapped in rain, wind, gray days, dead leaves. October might be considered a transitional fall month of sorts, marking the beginning of the darker, more dramatic days of the season. And yet, October has its own unique symbolism–one that teaches about history and life, activism and advocacy; one that dares us to reach beyond our physical world on All Hallows (Saints) Eve.

There’s a lot to photograph, write about, document or be inspired by this month, no matter where one finds themselves in the world. Here are a few dates, days, and events happening this month and worth observing, covering, documenting or using as sources of inspiration:

• October 1 is World Vegetarianism Day, something that I should have been known about, especially as a life-long vegetarian myself

A note on being a vegetarian:

I often try to experiment with preparing more, shall we say, exotic vegetables, such as bitter melon and breadfruit. Please read on.

Bitter Melon:

One of my colleagues gave me a bitter melon, and explained how it’s best to prepare it. Here are the step-by-step images. And I have to say, it tasted bitter-ish, but also interesting. It’s not something that I’d eat on a regular basis (although I hear it’s great for your health), but it’s definitely worth the try once in a while.

Breadfruit:

Many years ago, when visiting Hawaii, I went on a guided tour through a botanical garden. That’s where I first saw a breadfruit (and tree) and learned about it.

As the story goes, the Polynesians were sailing the oceans in their small boats, and they were caught in a storm. Eventually, they reached land, which happened to be the Hawaiian islands. That’s where they eventually discovered the breadfruit tree, hence nourishment, and which saved their lives.

The breadfruit has a potato-like consistency and taste, and is quite filling. I once found it in a grocery story, and then online. It appears to become available during the months of April and May. I still order and prepare it, once in a while.

Below, there are a few images starting with the guide in the Hawaiian botanical garden pointing at the breadfruit in the tree and telling us its story, and then the step-by-step preparation snapshots of my own breadfruit recipe:

Vegetarianism is not only about not eating meat, but also about the reason for not eating meat. Vegetarianism is about compassion and acts of kindness towards other living creatures. After all, we’re all God’s creatures.

Speaking of showing compassion for animals, many authors make it their mission to write about their furry friends and companions. Take, for example, award-winning author T.J. Banks. Moonlight & Grace is her latest book. [I have to add that, over the years, I’ve had the honor to photograph some of the cat protagonists in her books and design some of the book covers. And in the process, myself, a life-long dog person, I’ve discovered a new appreciation for the feline friends, too.]

• October is also Oktoberfest, and October 3 is Germany’s Unity Day

• October is LGBTQ+ History Month, a reminder of the Matthew Shepard and his tragic story, and also recognizing LGBTQ+ icons and activists, and their achievements and contributions to the ongoing fight for equal rights

And while speaking of Germany and LGBTQ+ activists, here’s a #tbt cover story and photo shoot featuring award-winning German-American filmmaker and LGBTQ+ activist, Wolfgang Busch.

The article is called Preserving History and starts something like this:

“Many might describe Wolfgang Busch as a dream chaser; others, as a kind and patient mentor; as an artist and activist whose work always comes from the heart. Busch’s name is synonymous with documentaries preserving the history of the LGBTQ+ community, and the HIV and AIDS pandemic. Examples include How Do I Look (2006), an award-winning documentary capturing an intimate, multi-layered, and real-life portrait of the ballroom community; and A Flow Affair (2010), exploring the evolution of the art of flagging (brief flagging performances can be seen at Pride Marches across the country).”

• October is the Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15 as per some sources)

Here’s a link to a #tbt article and photo shoot I did years ago for A&U Magazine, an interview with the cofounder of Baila Society in NYC and founder of Bailando por Una Causa (Dancing for a Cause) annual benefit event taking place during that year’s Hispanic Heritage Month. (Check out a few tips on dancing and taking salsa dancing lessons, too.)

The article, Dancing for a Cause, starts something like this:

“Writers paint with words, photographers with light. Dancers? With rhythm, agrees Joseph Rivera, cofounder of Baila Society, a New York City salsa instruction and performance company, and founder of Bailando Por Una Causa (Dancing for a Cause), an annual benefit event organized by Baila Society to support the Latino Commission on AIDS. Sporting a beard, and wearing a t-shirt and baseball cap, Rivera makes time to meet me in New York City, only a few days prior to his trip to India, where he is traveling with five other Baila Society dancers, for the International Indian Dance Congress.”

• October 31 is Halloween, so, I have two things to share, for now, anyway:

1:

First, I have a confession to make:

“I speak Vampire.”

That is true, and also my quote that was later mentioned in The River Observer feature article about the opening of my 2014 Vampires in NY photography exhibition (part of the Of the Mind show) at Casa Colombo, in Jersey City, NJ. It was also part of the JCAST of that month and year. And, yes, this October marks the tenth anniversary of that show. (more on that in an upcoming post).

Btw, the 35th annual Jersey City Art and Studio Tour kicks off today, October 1, 2024. If you happen to be in the area, check it out!

2:

Second, here’s a #tbt interview with award-winning author, T.J. Banks (also mentioned at the beginning of this post). She talks about her then new book, Abys Among Us, and also demystifies the stories about black cats and Halloween.

So, no matter what event or happening you decide to cover or attend, there are plenty to choose from this month, no matter where you are.

I wish you a happy October month and have fun photographing it.

And, as always, thanks for stopping by,

Alina Oswald