Paradise in Smoke

Two years after the 2020 West Coast wildfires, Mike recounts the traumatic events he faced mere months after moving to Portland, Oregon. Bearing such emotional weight has been a lonely journey, as I was reminded while trying to share this with loved ones who would find themselves overwhelmed.

Mike facilitates a casual gathering, providing a personal update on his work and domestic life, and interacting with viewers in conversation.

Mike takes a walk in downtown Portland, gushing about some of the Queer spaces he’d recently discovered in the city’s east side. He discusses Halloween costumes with his friend Todd before entering a TJ Maxx downtown for a gander.

Mike provides a tour of downtown Portland, Oregon, discussing his tenuous housing situation and his frustrations finding an apartment. Passing by Powell’s Books and turning onto Harvey Milk Street, Mike reflects on the challenges of being homeless, including the loss of his personal belongings.

Now unhoused, Mike discusses his financial woes associated with delayed unemployment benefits, as well as his astonishment at the vast numbers of Queer people living on the streets.

Reporting from the streets of Portland, Mike grapples with a sense of isolation and homelessness, from which he tries numerous times to escape through music and socializing with others he meets on the streets.

Mike befriends the stoner chick at the park.

Mike describes the ominous and strange atmosphere outside his home in Portland, implying the world ending imminently. Despite the gloomy conditions, he remains upbeat while troubleshooting his wireless speakers and reviewing recent lip sync recordings.

Heavy wildfire smoke has blotted out the sun, creating an ominous and surreal atmosphere where the morning skies around Portland remain in darkness.

Mike drives around Portland late at night, in search of his ex-boyfriend, cannabis to purchase, and a place to pee.