Michelle Tea Gets The Tea From … Mistress Justine

I became aware of Mistress Justine Cross when I was invited to do a literary reading in her super cute workspace, Dungeon East. It wasn’t Hello Kitty-cute, just more stylish than you’d expect a dungeon to be, with white leather and a white birdcage (for, like, a person-sized bird, you dig?) and YES MISTRESS spelled out in lights across the wall.

Mistress Justine gave kink a makeover, which felt very inspiring! It’s obviously why Mistress Justine is frequently called to lend both her space and her expertise to projects that range from Janelle Monae videos to Savage Love podcasts. In addition to her clients, her work includes educating and speaking at spots like UCLA, lending a hand to the LA Sex Workers Outreach Program and raising thousands for the Keep a Breast Foundation. And here she answers my 15 questions!

What is the most uncanny thing that you have experienced?

It was daylight. I was wearing ballet flats. I was with my play partner. We went to Ross. (RIP Filene’s Basement.)

What is in your bag right now?

Hot pink lip gloss.

What is the 15th picture on your phone?

How are you like your sun sign?

According to astrology.com, “Those born under this sign have the social conscience needed to carry us into the new millennium. These folks are humanitarian, philanthropic and keenly interested in making the world a better place.” So basically I am your savior and I will do it with style and plenty of champagne.

What was the last book you read? Song? Show? Movie?

Her Body and Other Parties: Stories by Carmen Maria Machado; “Pussy Weed Beer” by Chastity Belt; HamiltonBlack Panther.

Last meal you cooked?  

Salmon, asparagus, and polenta.

Where would you like to go on vacation right now?  

I’ve been dreaming of Greek islands, Croatia, Australia, and Antarctica.

Tell me about getting to meet someone you admire

“They were right when they said/you should never meet your heroes”  – Metric

What are you like when you are sick?

Highly dramatic and self-sufficient. I favor bed rest and vitamin IV drips as well as whiskey and hot tubs to kick what ails me.

What are you obsessed with or inspired by right now?  

Is Janelle Monae too obvious?

What are you upset by right now?  

Well, there’s unfortunately quite a bit. The top ones include the mistreatment of children, especially right now with separating families at the border, and SESTA/FOSTA which again affects children who are either supported by consensual sex work or children who are trafficked into sex trafficking. On a lighter, more frivolous concern, I’m quite annoyed that my favorite poke bowl place is not delivering and the Eat24 app update sux.

What is a recent dream you remember?

Oddly, last night I dreamed that a dirty Channing Tatum told me I was going to be all right.

Who are your Queer ancestors?

Marsha P. Johnson, Audre Lorde, k.d. lang.

What are you doing this weekend?

I will be flying thru the Bermuda triangle from Jamaica and landing in LA. Saturday, I will be relaxing, recharging and having much needed “private Mistress time” with my person and cat. Sunday, I am throwing a Farewell to Uterus brunch for my friend who will be having a hysterectomy. Sunday night, I will be having dinner with a domme friend and going to a sound bath together.

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