How to Be Outside, Inside Featuring Mal Wright

In case you missed it, the best relationship-based reality show on TV is season 1 of The Ultimatum: Queer Love, and it’s not up for debate. The standout favorite among the cast of forlorn lovers is undoubtedly Mal Wright, who experienced heartbreak in front of cameras with a resilience that had to be admired (and possibly studied). Now, she’s found new love and a new city since relocating to NYC. With over 375k followers on Instagram, it’s not surprising that Wright occasionally wants to ditch the crowd and keep it chill. This week, she reflects on the spaces throughout [Brooklyn?] that restore her energy rather than deplete it.

Okayplayer: When you want to be “outside” without being OUTSIDE, where do you go in NYC?

Mal Wright: Crystal + Kiesh are the neighborhood facilitators of Outside adjacent behavior. They're also like the neighborhood coffee shop bulletin board. If you've met them, you've likely made friends with folks in the community that will connect you to your local pickleball court, AgainVintage coffee shop, Friends of Josie Club etc., you're in good hands! 

Where do you go when you want to be around people, but not overwhelmed by crowds?

What used to be a nice Saturday morning walk on Tompkins with friends has now turned into a quick pop over to Boyfriend Co-op or Glady's Bookshop, or a cocktail at Goto Niban. 

What does your perfect NYC day look like, from morning to night?

Catch a Bed-Stuy sunrise on our rooftop with coffee in hand. Make breakfast. Take Panda on a walk to Passionfruit coffee for my second coffee (judge ya mama), watch the neighbors play soccer and hoop at Reinado playground, while bopping a little to the neighbor blasting deep classic reggae cuts. Pop by BLKN Blend for a lentil patty and a peanut punch. Grab a pack of incense and cocoa butter from the street vendor on Broadway. 

How my night goes all depends on if I get a nap or not, but a day that's started like this is already PERFECT! So maybe a cute dinner at Ayat or Aunts et Uncles, and IF I got that nap, take me to a Descendants party after!