Why Sophia Hernandez Is Keeping Pride Low-Key

For Pride Month, we’re spotlighting members of the extended Travel Agency community, including queer folks we’ve collaborated with and deeply admire. Our goal is to offer a softer take on Pride to capture quiet moments of joy, rest, and reflection.

Below, Sophia Hernandez (she/they) tells us about enjoying a quieter pride by banishing FOMO, prioritizing bliss, and flying solo. Follow Sophia Hernandez on Instagram and find our collab with her on The Travel Agency’s Instagram.

TTA: Pride can be loud, but it can also be quiet. What does a softer, slower Pride look like for you this year?

HERNANDEZ: For me, a softer, slower Pride means not going to every invite. It means just going to events where I know my friends will be. It means no FOMO.

TTA: How do you care for yourself — mind, body, spirit — during a season that asks you to be visible?

HERNANDEZ: Sometimes, I have to remind myself that bliss can be minding my own business. Practicing detaching, and focusing on Pride in a way of self-liberation.

TTA: What is your relationship to The Travel Agency? What about the brand connects to you?

HERNANDEZ: Everyone is genuinely nice and open. I like how diverse the staff is, too. Between that and how aesthetically pleasing the stores are, I appreciate that y’all are creating a safe space.

TTA: When you think about your wellness practice, where does cannabis fit in, and how does it support you?

HERNANDEZ: This goes back to my first time using cannabis. I was living in Florida. My friend had some weed, and I was so scared. I thought I was going to die… I wanted to seem cool, so I smoked some. I went through the five stages of grief in the car. 

I really thought, “Weed is for losers,” then [I got a bit older], and then 20 came lol. These days, every Monday, to beat the Monday scaries, I’ll smoke some indica, listen to some new music, unwind, and let go – trying to not think about everything. 

Cannabis can relieve anxiety, but it does slow me down, so I’m mindful of my relationship with it. I keep a balance with it. It can be as uplifting as going for a walk, but I can exist without it. 

TTA: Has cannabis ever shown you something about your identity, your joy, or your limits that has surprised you?

HERNANDEZ: With cannabis, I rid myself of social anxiety about how I’m dressing and presenting myself. I’m usually stoned getting ready. That helps me present more authentically myself because I can rid myself of anxiety and the MO of the event that I’m getting ready for.

Cannabis also showed me that I can be rapid and clever. I can do something creative and I can talk — I have the quickest thoughts ever. I’m just not blocked.

TTA: Describe a time when cannabis helped you come back to yourself. What did that look like?

HERNANDEZ: During my very daunting move to New York, I felt small again. In Florida, I was blowing up, but moving here was a major adjustment. With cannabis, I was able to remind myself that my thoughts are 100% me and real. It helped me look back and say “you’re not her anymore” to the version of myself that lived in Florida.

TTA: What does your ideal cannabis ritual look like, from setting to sensation?

HERNANDEZ: My ideal cannabis ritual usually happens when I’m home alone. It centers bliss, and probably involves a deep clean. I love a bath and bath bomb, a bowl of fruit — maybe mango or some super juicy strawberries or grapes. There’s usually a Canada Dry ginger ale nearby and my favorite playlist is on. I made my favorite playlist as a love playlist for a boy, but it was some fire stuff  like: Kelela, Prince, Alicia Keys, ABBA, Mary J. Blige, Aaliyah.

TTA: If your smoke sesh had a mood, a vibe, or a soundtrack, what would it be?

HERNANDEZ: ‘Gap Year!’ by Laila!. “Coupé DeVille” is my favorite song from the album. I also love “Grand Opening” and “Not My Problem.”

TTA: Do you lean more toward indica, sativa, or something else? How does that choice support your state of being?

HERNANDEZ: As of late, it’s been indica, but I used to swear by sativa. Indica forces me to really relax, but sativa can get me thinking if I’m alone. 

I hate smoking while out in the city, though. There’s so much stimulus and energy, and it’s sooo busy. 

Enjoy a quiet Pride with The Travel Agency

If you also prefer your Pride focused on R+R, swing by The Travel Agency for serene cannabis products including pre-rolls, whole flower, and high-CBD bath soaks. Choose weed delivery to maximize the chill vibes and travel right from home.