As far as I’m concerned, there is only one dessert that singularly captures the carefree, sun-kissed essence of summer at the beach: the Balboa bar. This perfect treat—a rectangle of creamy vanilla ice cream dipped in melted chocolate and rolled in your choice of toppings—was invented on California’s Balboa Island in the 1950s and is made for eating while you stroll the boardwalk or sit your bathing-suited butt right in the sand. (Fun fact: the iconic shop that created Balboa bars is still serving them up today and was the inspiration for the Bluths’ frozen banana stand on Arrested Development.) You don’t have to ferry over to Balboa Island to get one though; you can easily make your own right at home. This version is based on the big, classic Balboa bars us SoCal kids grew up with.

DIY Balboa Bars

Makes 8 bars

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Let the ice cream soften on the counter for about 10 or so minutes. Line an 8″ x 12″ cake pan with plastic wrap so that you have a bit of an overhang. Spoon the softened ice cream onto the plastic wrap, pressing it evenly into the entire pan. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least a couple hours, or overnight.

2. Once the ice cream’s hardened, line a large baking sheet (or two small ones) with plastic wrap (this is where you’ll transfer the bars). Then use a sharp knife to cut the ice cream evenly into rectangles. Start by making one cut lengthwise down the middle of the pan, and another widthwise across the middle. Make two more cuts widthwise evenly on either side of the first cut so you have 8 equally sized bars, about 3″ x 4″ each.

3. Using the plastic wrap overhang, lift the whole cut slab of ice cream out of the cake pan (this will make it easier to separate the bars without smooshing their shape). Use a metal spatula to separate the cut bars and move each one to the baking sheet. Insert a popsicle stick into the

middle of one of the short sides of each bar, pushing it a little more than halfway in. Once you’ve prepped each bar, cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and return to the freezer for at least 2 hours but up to overnight. The more frozen your bars are, the better they’ll dip.

4. When you’re ready to start dipping, bring an inch or two of water to a simmer in a small saucepan. Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a heatproof bowl and set it over the saucepan—make sure the bowl fits snugly over the top without touching the water. Stir the mixture until it’s completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool for about 15 minutes.

5. While the chocolate mixture is cooling, prep your toppings by pouring each one onto a large plate or into a wide, shallow bowl.

6. Now it’s time to dip! Work with one ice cream bar at a time, pulling it out of the freezer and holding it by the popsicle stick. Dip one side and then the other into the bowl full of chocolate, holding it upside down to let the excess chocolate drip off. While the chocolate is still melty,

quickly press each side of the bar into your desired toppings (my favorite method), or hold it over the toppings plate and use a spoon to sprinkle your toppings onto each side. Eat immediately (the first bite when the chocolate is still hardening is heaven), or return to the freezer until all your bars are dipped and topped. Pairs well with the coconutty smell of sunscreen and the shrieks of summer fun in the background.

INGREDIENTS

1½ qt. classic vanilla ice cream (I like Tillamook’s Old-Fashioned Vanilla)

8 food-grade popsicle sticks

20 oz. high-quality bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips

(like Ghirardelli)

4 Tbsp. coconut oil

Toppings (rainbow sprinkles, chocolate sprinkles, and chopped peanuts are classic choices, but feel free to get creative. Crushed Oreos and toasted coconut are tasty too.)

PHOTOGRAPHED BY TORI DICKSON

The Inspiration Behind Detox By DeClue:

Ginger DeClue’s motivation to start Detox By DeClue stems from her personal struggle with chronic illness and her remarkable recovery journey. 

“In 2011, I woke up in the hospital unable to move my body.” says Ginger,  “It took another 6 weeks to diagnose me with encephalitis and an autoimmune disease.

Surviving this experience made me truly realize the value of health. Over the next 10 years, it was my mission to research answers to healing my own body.”

After suffering from encephalitis and spending a year learning to walk again, Ginger immersed herself in a decade of research, exploring various healing modalities, including Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and more. Witnessing the tragic health outcomes of her mother and grandmother due to poor dietary choices further fueled her determination to promote a healthier lifestyle. Ginger’s ultimate goal is to be there for her children and inspire others to do whatever it takes to live a fulfilling life.

A Unique Approach to Detoxification and Wellness:

Detox By DeClue stands out in the industry by offering an individualized approach to detoxification. Each student undergoes an “eye reading” which is  a one on one iris analysis consultation, which provides valuable insights into the body’s accumulated waste and determines the specific herbs and detox protocols that will best support their needs. Ginger’s philosophy revolves around the belief that eliminating toxins and environmental pollutants from the body can lead to the reversal of disease.

Iridology is an ancient practice, the study of a person’s eyes, specifically the iris or colored part of the eye, to determine any physical ailments that may be present in the body. The iris is one of the most intricate and fascinating tissue structures in the human body. 

The iridology report is the first step in the full body cleanse which is the D8 cellular reconstruction system. The iridology reading is delivered with marked pictures of the eyes and a 14 page written report during a 45 minute to one hour consultation.

Says Ginger “The mission is to teach people to cleanse each system of the body, and know exactly the steps to do that to heal and prevent disease in the future.” 

Detox By DeClue’s flagship program, the D8 cellular reconstruction system, is a comprehensive 16-week full body detox program. Led by Ginger and registered nurses, this live program guides students through a transformative journey of cleansing and detoxifying every system in the body. By fostering a supportive community environment, Detox By DeClue ensures that participants receive the encouragement they need to stay committed to their health transformation.

Safety, Effectiveness, and Scientific Research:

Detox By DeClue prioritizes safety and effectiveness by providing each student with a registered nurse for guidance, particularly if they are on medication or dealing with serious health conditions. Although large-scale studies on detoxification may be limited due to the pharmaceutical industry’s focus on long-term medication use, anecdotal reports, small scale studies, thousands of years of traditional medicine practices, such as Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, support the benefits of detoxification. With over 200 video testimonials and countless success stories, Detox By DeClue’s approach has yielded positive results for many individuals.

How this approach is Realizing Success: 

Detox By DeClue has transformed the lives of thousands of  individuals, as evidenced by a multitude of success stories. From shrinking fibroids, healing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and dissolving cysts to helping people overcome kidney failure and achieve remission from autoimmune diseases, viral infections, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and more, the program has brought hope and healing to its students. 

“Through my pain, research, and success, I have helped 1000+ people with their own chronic illness and disease.” says Ginger proudly. “Inside of Detox by DeClue my students are put on my signature D8 cellular reconstruction system which is a 16 week full body detox program. As of now we’ve had over 3000 students go through the program. We’ve helped people learn to get healthy and end addictions to food, cigarettes, alcohol and weed, but we’ve also helped people achieve remission from things like lupus, autoimmune diseases, viral infections,  arthritis, chronic pain, anxiety depression, fibroids, pcos infertility and more.”

What the future holds:

Detox By DeClue’s vision extends beyond its current impact. Ginger’s goal is to reach millions of individuals, particularly those from underserved communities. By leveraging social media platforms to share free educational content, Ginger aims to empower people with life-changing information. Additionally, the company plans to expand its scholarship program and use social justice impact funding to create awareness and provide employment opportunities, with a particular focus on underprivileged individuals.

Ginger draws inspiration from trailblazers like Serena Williams, who exemplifies the qualities of dedication and perseverance. She also considers her black mother from Camden, New Jersey, a hero, having witnessed the preventable tragedy of her mother’s early death due to a lack of dietary knowledge. These individuals serve as beacons of strength and motivation for Ginger as she strives to make a difference in the lives of others.

Detox By DeClue, founded by Ginger DeClue, stands out as a pioneer in the detox and wellness industry. Through her personal journey of healing and transformative experiences, Ginger has built a company that offers personalized detoxification and wellness programs. Detox By DeClue’s commitment to individualized care, supported by registered nurses and a strong community, has helped numerous individuals achieve remarkable results. With a focus on constant improvement, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, Detox By DeClue is poised to continue making a significant impact in the lives of people seeking to reclaim their health

For more information and to book a personal eye reading visit : https://linktr.ee/detoxbydeclue

Ashnikko

Weedkiller

(Parlophone Records)

Ashnikko has proven she’s an artist you need to know with her debut album Weedkiller. The album is filled with certified club bangers featuring her signature sound (somewhere between Grimes and M.I.A.) as well as mid-tempo, introspective tracks that demonstrate she’s an artist with range. The album is also unapologetically queer, with songs such as “Super Soaker (ft. Daniela Lalita),” an incredibly fun dance track that needs to be played at Pride this June. Album closer “Dying Star (ft. Ethel Cain)” is the collab of Gen Z’s dreams—its charming melody and sweet lyricism make it a must for your summer playlist. – emily lauletta

Kara Jackson

Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love?

(September)

Kara Jackson’s debut album tells stories to hear again. A former National Youth Po-

et Laureate, her lyrics are a dauntless, beautiful strata of humanity’s head and heart with sharp, tender details of the everyday. Jackson’s folk shines with inspiration from her family’s Southern roots, as on “curtains,” a gorgeous melancholy ride toward the sunset as the credits roll. The song “dickhead blues” opens sparsely with Jackson’s low, velvety voice and transitions through strings, jazz drums, and chimes before building in- to layers of swooning, swelling vocals. And it all feels so right together. Why Does will leave you feeling, laughing, and relistening. – carlee mcmanus

Draag

Dark Fire Heresy

(Self-Released/Anxiety Blanket Records)

Draag’s debut album is a trippy testament to healing and an occasional ode to vengeance. The L.A.-based shoegaze collective prismatically blends synth-rich layers of rosy dream-pop, warped tape samples, and outpouring catharsis. Vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Jessica Huang says Dark Fire Heresy came to fruition upon learning “how many still struggle with religious trauma and how similar our experiences are.” Sonically, it tickles the eardrums wide awake and gracefully rattles the nerves. Bound by formerly forbidden flashbacks and shared pangs of nostalgia, the DIY quintet’s experimental cleansing cascades in slow motion, ultimately possessing the room like a sentient strobe light for the eternally spiraling soul. – rachel reed

Top photo by Kara Jackson, Ashnikko, and Draag

From debut directors Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman and produced by and starring Ben Platt, the movie is a mockumentary-style record of a summer at a slightly slipshod theater camp in upstate New York called AdirondACTS. After the beloved director falls into a coma, her son—a comically straight financial vlogger—steps in to find the camp close to foreclosure and tries to set it right before he fully understands why it’s worth preserving.It’s through his confused eyes that the audience sees how wonderfully strange—and more importantly, safe—the camp is for the children who attend.

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A post shared by Theater Camp (@theatercampthemovie)

Half-campy comedy, half-earnest paean to difference, the film hits a few false notes, especially when the threat of a neighboring corporate camp looms cartoonishly villainous compared to the unacknowledged legislative threats of the real world and the precarity of trying to nurture kids and teens who have chosen to measure their lives in the adult world of the theater. Still, it’s hard to fault this film about safe spaces for being something of an Eden. Platt always wanted to go to theater camp himself, and it’s a treat to be in the audience for this fantasy.

The film hits theaters today!

Photo Credit: Romona Rosales; Top to Bottom: Lucy Dacus, Julie Baker, and Phoebe Bridgers. Gucci Pants; Dr. Martens Shoes; Trench and Top Hat: Stylist’s own.

THE ANNALS OF music history are filled with bands whose feuds are as famous as their biggest hits: Smashing Pumpkins, the Beatles, Guns N’ Roses, and a thousand more. boygenius (the name is stylized in all lowercase) has only been around since 2018, but it’s safe to say those in its ranks will never find themselves on a list of musicians who are also mortal enemies. The supergroup—which consists of Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, and Lucy Dacus—blows right past “getting along fine” into the realm of something that resembles true love.

When the trio Zooms in from Los Angeles for our inter- view, the three women are not just sharing a chat window— they’re sharing an antique-looking four-poster bed, feet tucked under them like they’re gearing up for a slumber party rather than their millionth press obligation of the week.

“I have actually never examined why we like each other,” says Bridgers, 28, when asked about their friendship. “And I don’t really want to. It was like hitting it off with somebody at a bar who’s not hard to talk to. You’re like, ‘Oh, alright, I wanna hang out with this person forever.’”

Their tale began in 2016, when Baker, 27, and Dacus, 28, became acquainted after sharing a bill in Washington, D.C. Both women had just released successful solo albums— Sprained Ankle for Baker and No Burden for Dacus—which were both hailed for their sharp, introspective lyrics that gave fans an immediate sense of intimacy with the artists.

Bridgers, meanwhile, was generating buzz after opening for Conor Oberst, and in late 2017, she released her own critically acclaimed debut, Stranger in the Alps. By that point, she’d met Baker, but the pair didn’t join forces with Dacus until 2018, when they found out they’d be sharing a triple bill together. They thought it would be fun to record a single as a group to promote the tour, but they found they couldn’t stop there—and boygenius was born.

One song became several, and in October 2018, they released their six-track EP under their new band name, which they chose as a play on the idea that mediocre male musicians get tons of praise for less than exemplary work. Their subsequent tour—which featured mini solo sets from all three, followed by all the songs from their EP that they performed together while wearing fancy jackets designed in the famous Western “Nudie Suit” style—is now the stuff of legend. If you were lucky enough to be at one of those few shows, then you likely remember the experience as something transcendent—and the band does, too.

“When we left the tour in 2018, I was like, ‘No way we don’t make music together again. We’re gonna do this again for sure,’” Baker recalls before Bridgers jumps in to say she was the lone skeptic in the crew. “They knew that, but I didn’t know that,” Bridgers explains. “I was like, ‘Well, that was a beautiful part of my life and it’s over.’”

For several years, though, it looked to fans like Bridgers was right. All of the women continued their solo careers after boygenius, but Bridgers in particular rose to a new level of fame. She released her second album, Punisher, in 2020, eventually becoming a person even your dad has heard of thanks in part to her viral guitar-smashing moment on Saturday Night Live. Also in 2020, she founded her own record label, Saddest Factory, which has become home to indie-pop ingenues Muna and the avant-rock act Sloppy Jane. The day we spoke, she made a surprise appearance—in the same NASA hoodie she wore during our interview—at a SZA concert attended by Justin Timberlake and Jennifer Lopez, and days later, she attended the iHeartRadio Music Awards, where she presented Taylor Swift with the Innovator Award.

Baker and Dacus, meanwhile, dropped Little Oblivions and Home Video, respectively, in 2021, scoring high-profile gigs at places like the Newport Folk Festival, and for Baker, as one third of the Wild Hearts tour with Sharon Van Etten and Angel Olsen. The members of boygenius teamed up again for a few of Dacus’ and Baker’s solo tracks, but a full-blown reunion was looking unlikely, especially after Bridgers landed a slot opening for some of the dates on Swift’s Eras tour.

“When we left the tour in 2018, I was like, ‘No way we don’t make music together again. We’re gonna do this again for sure,” Baker recalls.

Behind the scenes, however, the wheels were in motion. Like everybody else on the planet in 2020, the band was stuck in varying degrees of coronavirus lockdown for much of the year, unable to tour (and in Bridgers’ case, unable to participate in anything resembling a normal press cycle for Punisher). “I feel like it would have taken us eight years to make something if it hadn’t been for COVID,” Bridgers says. “COVID, for me at least, cleared the slate. I was supposed to do so much fucking work in 2020, and I still did, virtually, but my evenings were left to stare at my hands and think about what I wanted for my life, and it was to see my friends.”

Bridgers channeled that pent-up energy into songwriting, and she began dropping songs into Baker’s and Dacus’ inboxes, starting with “Emily I’m Sorry.” Within months, they had a shared Google Drive of new material and were well on their way to finishing what would become their debut fulllength, the record, which came out in March on Interscope and is the basis for the band’s huge spring and summer tour through North America and Europe.

Photo Credit: Romona Rosales; Top Row: Shirt and Tie: Stylist’s own; Jewelry: Model’s own; 2nd Row: Tyler McGillivary Top; Third Row: Joomi Lim Chocker; Sweater: Stylist’s own.

Photo Credit: Romona Rosales; Freak City Girls Shirts; Flip Flops: Stylist’s own.

The album has more bells and whistles than any of their previous work, and it’s the first major-label release for any of them. It was recorded at Rick Rubin’s Shangri-La studio in Malibu, and Kristen Stewart directed a short film promoting it that features three of their songs. It seems clear already that the record will surely end up on many “Best of 2023” lists, but in another world, it—and boygenius—might not have existed at all. Before the trio got to know each other, Bridgers was annoyed that people kept comparing their music because of some perceived connection between young female artists who write emotionally devastating lyrics. “Everybody was sending me Julien’s album and being like, ‘You’re gonna fucking love this and you’ll love this person, they’re exactly like you.’ And I was like, ‘Fuck you,’” she explains, adding that she was “resistant” to the notion that their music was similar. “It was all older white men be- ing like, ‘You’re gonna love this chick music.’ That’s the way I interpreted it. But it was actually so much sweeter than that. They were correct. I thought I was being profiled, and actually I was being known.”

Even now, their work gets lumped into an amorphous subgenre known as “sad girl music,” which is chiefly characterized by plaintive vocals, raw lyrics, and a fair amount of heartbreak. The term can be pejorative or complimentary depending on who’s using it, but either way, the members of boygenius are tired of being pigeonholed. Their band name is harmony, and lyrical vulnerability can’t be punk rock. This is perhaps one reason they were so delighted to work with Stewart—a world-class actor who spent years convincing the public
she was capable of making serious art—on the band’s short film. “We love Kristen,” says Dacus. “She put her whole essence into [directing] this. We care a lot—she cared so much more. She texted all of us all the time about minor details. She would go to sleep and wake up thinking about it.”

Stewart was also generous about sharing her acting expertise with her subjects, who cold-emailed her to ask if she’d be interested in directing their project. “Kristen is underrated, I think,” Bridgers says of the Oscar nominee. “It was so nice to be held by somebody who knows how humiliating it is to be in front of a camera.”

Like Stewart, boygenius isn’t afraid to speak out about issues that affect them and their fans. Each member of the trio is determined to use their growing platform for good, as evidenced by the way they’ve spoken out against various horrific developments in American politics. When the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade leaked in May 2022, Bridgers took to social media to share her own abortion story and encouraged her fans and followers to donate to abortion funds in states with already-diminished access to reproductive health care. “I had an abortion in October of last year while I was on tour,” she tweeted. “I went to Planned Parenthood where they gave me the abortion pill. It was easy. Everyone deserves that kind of access.”

Days before our conversation, Baker participated in Love Rising, a Nashville benefit concert organized in part
by Brandi Carlile to benefit LGBTQIA+ organizations after the Tennessee state government passed anti-drag and anti-trans bills. Baker, who like both of her bandmates identifies as queer, knows that other states would be less hostile to her identity, but she feels an obligation to make Tennessee— where she was born and raised and now lives—safer for her friends and neighbors. “I felt like it was important because a lot of the folks who played were Tennessee residents,” she says of Love Rising. “I stayed [in Tennessee] because I wanted to invest in making the place where I grew up—that informed all of my cultural sensibilities—[better]. I wanted to stay in Tennessee because that’s where my family is—my family as in the people who are related to me by blood, and also that’s where my chosen family is, the people I grew up playing music with in college and the entire queer community in Nashville and Memphis. I feel beholden to them to stay and work on cultivating something safer and more empowering for the queer community there.”

“Everybody was sending me Julien’s album and being like, ‘You’ll love this person, they’re exactly like you,’ And I was like, ‘Fuck you,’” Bridgers explains. “But they were correct. I thought I was being profiled, and actually I was being known.”

Dacus, who in 2021 wrote a beautiful essay about coming out for Oprah Daily, notes that having grown up in Virginia she, too, knows the importance of expanding your worldview within your own community. “I used to think terrible things,” she recalls. “I used to be in church thinking abortion was bad, and I don’t anymore, and that’s because of people having patience with me and probably having to hear a message over and over. Now I try to fundraise for abortions as often as I can.” (In 2021, she donated all proceeds from her Texas shows to local abortion funds after the state’s SB 8 law effectively banned the procedure.)

The band members’ willingness to share these kinds of personal stories in interviews and in their lyrics is part of the reason their fan base has grown exponentially over the past few years, especially among young women and LGBTQIA+ listeners. After the trio got matching wrist tattoos of a tooth (visible on the record’s cover) in a nod to their song “Bite the Hand,” their fans started doing it, too, and you can find countless photos online of homemade replicas of their 2018 tour jackets. It’s not unlike the devotion you see for artists like Taylor Swift or K-pop bands, only the idols in question are singing about battling opioid addiction (Baker) or their tumultuous relationship with their late father (Bridgers).

Bridgers, Baker, and Dacus absolutely love it when they see teen girls being escorted to their shows by their mid- dle-aged dads, a setup more commonly seen at, say, a Justin Bieber concert. “That breaks my heart and fills my soul,” says Dacus, who describes a Bruce Springsteen show she recently attended with her own father as “the third best night” of her life—surpassed only by the days her BFFs Baker and Bridgers were born. Bridgers agrees, adding that she loves seeing the way that these fathers allow their kids to lead. “Yeah, the dad with an armful of merch standing, like, 50 feet behind the five teenagers he brought to the show is [my favorite],” she says. “That’s, like, letting her decide what is cool in a way. Because my dad was like, ‘Do you wanna see Stevie Ray Vaughan?’ I was like, ‘No.’ But I was kind of forced to do that for him and be like, ‘It’s pretty cool guitar.’ I’m grateful for a lot of that [now], you know, like [learning about] Neil Young and shit. But, like, taking me to a concert that I wanted to see? Unheard of. So, it’s special to see it.”

The flip side of this intimacy with fans, though, is that some of their admirers—not all of them, boygenius is quick to clarify—interpret this as a green light for behavior that ranges from worrying to stalkerish. “I don’t love being idolized,” Dacus says. “Adoration isn’t really love. We’ve talked about people who have our faces as their Twitter profile pictures who are also mean. That’s adoration, but it’s not love. Not like I’m needing love, either. I would like respect.”

Baker has noticed fans coming up to Dacus and Bridgers on the street and touching them without permission, while she deals more with strangers throwing their darkest traumas at her unsolicited. Especially since the 2015 release of Baker’s gorgeously raw solo album Sprained Ankle, whose title track begins, “Wish I could write songs about anything other than death.” “There’s a type of guy who will come up to me and say, ‘Hey, just wanna let you know your music means a lot to me,’ and then he will tell me about his failed suicide attempts,” she explains. “And I’ll be like, ‘Yeah, I wrote music about that. But I’m buying a breakfast burrito.’ For a long time, I struggled with this because I was like, ‘It’s my duty as a performer in this world to inhabit that space for you,’ to be like, ‘Yeah, man, more than one person on Earth wants to kill themselves sometimes.’ That’s a fine thing, but it’s not the locale where that’s appropriate.”

Bridgers shares an upsetting story about a man in a car slowing down next to her as she walked around Nashville. He wanted to tell her his name was Scott, like her 2017 song “Scott Street,” but no woman alive would have initially assumed that man’s intentions were pure. “I was like, ‘OK, you just fucking terrified me,’” she says. “Never find out where we live and go there. Never send fan mail to my home if my address somehow ends up on the Internet again.”

As the most high-profile member of the group, Bridgers, an L.A. native who still lives in that area, also has to contend with a different kind of unwanted attention: paparazzi. Their interest in her stemmed in part from her relationship with Paul Mescal, star of Normal People and Aftersun. The duo kept their romance mostly private after going Instagram official in December of 2021, but fans speculated they were engaged before they split sometime in 2022. More recently, she’s been spotted with comedian Bo Burnham, leading observers—and the tabloids—to assume they’re dating. (boygenius declined to answer questions about their personal lives, but Bridgers told Rolling Stone in January that she is not engaged.)

The only relationship Bridgers is willing to discuss is the one she shares with her pug, Maxine, who makes occasional appearances in the photos she shares on social media. “She does this thing where she’ll snake up by me in the middle of the night to cuddle into my armpit, and then we roll over like a couple in the morning,” Bridgers says. Her bandmates light up, too, when Bridgers mentions Maxine, with Dacus saying she feels like the pup remembers her even when they don’t see each other for a while because she lives in Philadelphia. “I feel chosen by Maxine,” she says. “I think everyone feels like they’re her special little friend.”

Baker, for her part, has a dog named Beans, who has appeared on her merch and got a credit on Dacus’ last album. “Beans gives nothing, and I absolutely love it,” says Baker, who lives in Tennessee with her partner, Mariah Schneider. “My dog doesn’t give a fuck about me. My dog is trying to get her needs met.”

The women’s friendship—pet love included—is as much a part of their appeal as their music. It’s delightful to watch them finish each other’s sentences and burst into laughter at their inside jokes, cracking themselves up when they think they’ve said something too pretentious. When they hear this story is coming out in June, they ask if it’s related to Pride Month before launching into a riff on which month is “Shame Month.” (The consensus is something in winter, perhaps December or January.) Unsurprisingly, they’re super supportive of one another’s solo endeavors as well; Baker and Dacus assure me that they’ll be in the audience for at least one of Bridgers’ dates with Swift.

“There are reasons that it makes sense,” Dacus says of the trio’s deep connection to one another. “We have a lot of shared experiences, we have a lot of shared ideals and perspectives, and we have similar tastes. There are other people who I meet where all of that is true, too, but they’re not these guys.” Ultimately, what boygenius shares is a once-in-a-universe kind of love—and we’re all just lucky to be able to listen in.

“I don’t love being idolized,” Dacus says.

“Adoration isn’t really love.”

Photo Credit: Romona Rosales; Trenchcoat, Socks, Garters, Shoes: Stylist’s own.

Top Image: Photo Credit: Romona Rosales, Styling by Linsey Hartman; Makeup by Amber Dreadon; Hair by Dita Vushaj; Animal Crackers Neck Collars; Ties: Stylist’s own.

While the duo (made up of Blair Tramel and Connor Cummins) has been putting out music since 2020, Super Sn​õ​õ​per is the perfect culmination of their work so far, and a sneak peak into everything the band is capable of for the future. Blair Tramel’s vocals are remnant of that iconic 90s riot grrrl era, but of course, in her own unique style. Tramel’s voice isn’t the only similarity the duo shares with riot grrrl, their melodies reflect that unpolished-in-the-best-way sound that many punk bands tout. It should also be noted that this sound is entirely intentional, as Cummins and Tramel clearly demonstrate a mastery over their instruments. The duo are also excellent lyricists, with songs such as “Pod” addressing societal ills with lines such as “Who see’s society’s infection?” This is also Sn​õ​õper’s first official full-length album, and given that they’ve already knocked it out of the park with album one, we can’t imagine how they can go up from here (but we know they will).

Super Sn​õ​õ​per provides an exciting listen from start to finish, and it also provides the perfect soundtrack for screaming into your pillow or going to one of those garages where you can pay to smash things against walls. (You know what we’re talking about, right?). The album fills a noise-rock sized hole that seems to have been missing (or at the least, uncommon) from this decade of music. Fans of Le Tigre, Mommy Long Legs, and Hole will surely find a track they love on Super Sn​õ​õ​per.

This album definitely gets a 4 boob rating!

Be sure to listen to Super Sn​õ​õ​per when it drops on July 14th.

Photo by Monica Murray courtesy of the band

To celebrate the release of the new live-action Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie, we’re serving up big Barbiecore energy. The film follows Robbie (Barbie) after she gets banished from Barbieland for not being the perfect doll, so she packs all of her stylish outfits and heads off to the human world in search of happiness. Channel your own inner Barbie and play dress-up with these fun-in-the-sun picks.

POLAROID 600 MALIBU BARBIE INSTANT FILM CAMERA, $169, retrospekt.com.

DREAM HOUSE DRESS, $158, michelinepitt.com.

’80S LEOTARD, $50, etsy.com/shop/OneofakindcreatFinds.

MINI LOLLY SHOES IN PINK AND YELLOW, $399, fluevog.com.

SELF LOVE HEART HOOPS, $27, lechicmiami.store.

MALIBU BARBIE MOXI ROLLER SKATES IN TRUE BLUE, $349, moxiskates.com.

Top photo by Warner Bros. Pictures

This success isn’t new territory for Dani Doucette, last summer her singles “Craved” and “DITW” went viral on Avakin and TikTok, gaining 1.4 million impressions and 1.5 million views total. 

Doucette’s momentum continues with upcoming performances at Vegandale Festival in New York, LA, and Toronto alongside headlining artists Coi Leray and Rick Ross. Expect these performances to reverberate of Dani’s infectious energy. What we see in Dani Doucette is an artist who isn’t just producing music – she’s creating experiences. 

Take a listen to “Midnight Sunshine” for yourself, we’re sure it’ll be your go to song for the summer:

A clear nod to the genre’s tradition, she intertwines elements of high and low fashion, with symbolic colors, drag, wigs, and a free flow of footwear that comes in all shapes and sizes. Mimicking the out-of-ordinary formula art pop is known for, Roskamala’s sound is a genre-blurring cocktail of dark pop, R&B, rock, and soul, but it’s the raw honesty and candor in her narratives that set her apart.

Her debut EP, ‘Truth She Told, dives deep into the power of individuality, traversing through the terrains of love, identity, and the dawn of new beginnings. It resonates with the ethos of the pop art tradition in its rejection of conventional instrumentation and structure, with a liberal dose of synth-driven soundscapes and dance styles.

Working with wardrobe specialist Marquita Lopez, the music video starts off with Rose in a cyborg bodysuit looking for her morning coffee buddy, who’s in a room next door. Jumping into a fabulously hat-adorned room, she meets a certain “Nate Sutton,” who is identified as a workaholic wearing a slick black suit with fishnet stockings and ankle stilettos. Nate is in full stripper mode, dancing to Roskamala’s rhythm.

As she continues her search for the ultimate coffee mate, i.e., herself, Roskamala stumbles upon character no. 2, the rebellious teen. In the midst of an argument with her mother, Rose plays with the contrast in wardrobe between mother and daughter, highlighting the crop top fashion of the young rebel and the oversized cover-alls of the traditional “parent figure,” failing to understand their child. What’s absolutely lovely is that all of the scenes have matching wallpaper that seems to have been either perfectly picked and installed or a matter of perfect synchronicity.

Despite all of her characters refusing to hang out for a coffee, once Roskamala enters the rainbow room and they slowly start to pour in, they explode in euphoric dance following the lead of the video’s fully embraced drag queen in an electric pink corset and undergarment. The character pulls off the split and bounce and rocks a pair of hot pink stiletto boots. The matchup is magical. Even the boomer mom character jumps to dance, once she is greeted by the drag queen under the rainbow.

Musically, “Out of Maze” bathes listeners in vibrant pop landscapes adorned with soft and joyful melodies. Even in her video for “Loving Mess,”, the second track on the EP, she dons the guise of a Barbie-like character and steps into a colorful world of ice-cream & whimsical fashion statements. The intriguing, pop-art-infused storyline featuring three mysterious figures creates a compelling visual narrative that accentuates the song’s lyrical content.

With her EP, Roskamala proves that she is not just an artist but a storyteller echoing the postmodern ideation and sensible pop-art. She is an artist on the rise, delivering narratives about love, loss, empowerment, and community rights with remarkable authenticity and rawness, who is going to stop her?

‘Truth She Told’ is a must-listen for fans of pop art and beyond. Keep an eye on this rising star; her innovative approach and sonic sophistication are here to add some fabulous flavor to this industry.

Each section of the book goes through the four respective relationships of these remarkable women and gives multiple examples of their influence rubbing off on the guys. Personally I would love an entire book just about Anita, as to me she is the most complex and decadent of the four, but as a whole, the book makes its case firmly; these women helped the Stones create their bad boy personas that they became known for. It’s a lot of fun looking back at the fascinating 60s and 70s London music scene, (the book contains great photos) and this release clearly shows that even when women were powerful, intimidating, and deeply talented, their stories get delegated to just the “girlfriends,” yet their lives were just as, if not more interesting than the boys’!

Parachute Women, (Hachette Books)

(left to right) Marianne, Brian Jones, Anita, unknown. 1967 (Getty Images)

Marsha Hunt with her and Mick’s daughter Karis in 1972 (Getty Images)

Mick and Bianca on their wedding day 1972 (Getty Images)

Top Image: Anita and Keith in Cannes. 1967 (Getty Images)

All images courtesy of Hachette/ Getty Images

From its humble 1985 beginnings as a small surf shop in Brisbane Australia, City Beach has successfully cultivated a vibrant lifestyle brand, harmonizing beach culture, streetwear, and fashion. But City Beach doesn’t just sell clothes; they sell an immersive experience, embracing an ethos of diversity and individual expression that resonates with fashion-forward individuals globally. Today, we delve into the heart of City Beach and discover how this Aussie icon is empowering self-expression and individuality through fashion.

The Origins and Evolution of City Beach Australia

In a world brimming with fast fashion and fleeting trends, City Beach stands as a beacon of originality and authenticity. Their mission? To cement their place as a hub for youth culture, providing their customers with an ever-growing, ever-changing ecosystem of fashion and lifestyle products that serve their needs and wants. More than just a retailer, City Beach is a community where individuals of all shapes, sizes, and styles can find the perfect fit for their unique personalities. 

City Beach prides itself on offering an extensive range of fashion apparel, footwear, and accessories. Their product line is a carefully curated selection designed to empower individuals to express themselves freely. With a keen eye on the latest fashion trends, City Beach provides an impressive array of fashionable tops, pants, dresses, jackets, and more. The brand’s reputation stems from their commitment to quality, style, and functionality.

Discover the Unique Product Range of City Beach

Their footwear and accessories collection seamlessly blends comfort with the latest trends. From stylish sneakers and sandals to elegant jewelry and eye-catching bags, City Beach ensures that every woman can put her best foot forward. But perhaps what stands out the most about City Beach is their swimwear and activewear. Designed with comfort, functionality, and style in mind, their range caters to recreational and active individuals alike.

City Beach isn’t merely a clothing brand—it’s a lifestyle. Its 65+ stores Australia-wide create an immersive shopping experience, fostering a sense of community among its customers. The brand extends beyond retail, hosting thrilling events, partnering with local artists, and sponsoring contests that resonate with their customers’ interests. City Beach embraces an authentic lifestyle, creating a platform where women can express their individuality not just through their clothing but also their activities and interests.

However, what truly differentiates City Beach is their unique blend of iconic Australian fashion. With exclusive in-house private labels like Mooloola, Kaiami, Topanga, Ava And Ever, Lucid, Dexter, and Skylark, City Beach provides a fashion experience that you simply can’t find anywhere else. It’s like getting a taste of the vibrant Australian lifestyle, no matter where you are in the world.

Entering the US Market with Unrivaled Aussie Flair

This summer, City Beach is introducing their Summer range to the U.S: Swimwear, Dresses, Crochet, and Linen. These collections beautifully encapsulate the essence of the Australian summer. Whether it’s the carefree beachy vibes of the Swimwear collection or the breezy comfort of the Linen range, each collection tells a story that’s distinctively City Beach. 

City Beach has revolutionized the fashion industry by seamlessly integrating physical and digital channels. They have created an engaging omnichannel experience, blending online convenience with in-store engagement, ensuring that every customer can interact with the brand in a way that suits them best. 

In conclusion, City Beach Australia has not only captured the heart of the Australian fashion scene but has also become an international sensation, making waves in the US market. Through their diverse range of fashion offerings, the iconic Aussie brand continues to empower women to be true to themselves, fostering a culture of individuality and self-expression. City Beach is much more than a clothing store—it’s a lifestyle, a community, and a celebration of women’s fashion. 

“Because I was shot, I’ve been turned into some kind of villain, and he’s the victim. This has messed up my whole life. This whole situation in the industry is like a big boys’ club.”

–Megan Thee Stallion’s testimony in the assault trial of Tory Lanez

“This is what happens when you don’t recycle your pizza boxes.” –Greta Thunberg on Twitter trolling Andrew Tate after his arrest in Romania.

“The whole point of being creative is that you’re tapping into a time of reflecting society back to itself that it might not even be aware that it needs yet. That’s what the artist’s gift is.” –Danai Gurira in The Cut

“It’s been really healing for me to hear how many people have been affected by [my film Everything Everywhere All At Once]. So many daughters and mothers have been coming to me crying, saying, ‘I saw myself in the movie,’ or, ‘My relationship with my mother is just like that.’” -Stephanie Hsu In The New York Times

“I’m not a victim, and I’m not the damsel in distress. I’ve made my choices in my life. Some obviously were made for me, but I’ve always been able to find myself again.” –Pamela Anderson in Variety

Good News: 96 percent of women working in tech say their friends and families supported their choice to pursue careers in IT fields.

Bad News: 90 percent of women in tech have experienced microaggressions at work, and nearly 66 percent say they have been treated differently than their male colleagues.

STATS:

27: The percentage of 50-year-old women in Japan who never had children—the highest number in the developed world.

7000: The number of New York City nurses who walked off their jobs and went on strike in January 2023, advocating for safer working conditions, shorter hours, and more reasonable patient loads.

24: The percentage of U.S. employers’ bereavement leave policies that allow workers to take time off after having a miscarriage or a failed in vitro fertilization.

75: The percentage of surveyed Americans who say they are concerned that people who have abortions could be charged with a felony or go to jail.

PHOTOS: (GRETA THUNBERG) RAPH_PH, CC BY 2.0 VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS; (PAMELA ANDERSON ) 9EKIERAM1, CC BY-SA 3.0, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS; (MEGAN THEE STALLION) VALERIE

ALBERT, CC BY-SA 4.0 VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS, Nurse Photo by Rusty Watson on Unsplash, Silhouette Photo by Denis Oliveira on Unsplash

ON ARAME: GALAMAAR SWIMSUIT; PR SOLO EARRINGS.

ON ANJIA: AANOUKIS SWIMSUIT; GORJANA NECKLACE.

ON ANJIA: NATASHA TONIC SWIMSUIT; VINTAGE EARRINGS.

ON ARAME: GALAMAAR SWIMSUIT; PR SOLO EARRINGS.

ON ARAME: OSCAR DE LA RENTA SWIMSUIT; GCDS EARRINGS; VINTAGE BRACELET.

ON ARAME: GALAMAAR SWIMSUIT; VINTAGE SWIMCAP

Top Image: ON ARAME: GALAMAAR SWIMSUIT; PR SOLO NECKLACE, BRACELET, AND EARRINGS.

So take the initiative and send some of your favorite women a gift just for being them. Here are a few ideas that will please even the most opinionated women in your life. 

1. Encourage Relaxation With an At-Home Spa Basket

The at-home spa experience is a classic for a reason — what better thing to give your favorite woman than the gift of self-care? Hair care can sometimes be overlooked amid the lotions and bath beads in specialty spa assortments. That will make an at-home infusion hair treatment a much-appreciated component of the perfect spa basket. Try pairing the hair mask with a scalp massager to make her hair happy. 

Another key addition to the at-home spa experience? Moisturizer. Pair a soothing paraben-free moisturizer or massage oil with an exfoliator to make her experience feel deluxe. Dry brushing can be a great way to shed dry skin, encourage blood flow, and stimulate the nervous system. 

2. Give the Gift of Calm With a Weighted Blanket

There’s a reason that weighted blankets have become so popular. Their mental and physical health benefits are wide-ranging. Weighted blankets simulate the feeling of being held or hugged and mimic a therapeutic technique that regulates the nervous system. They’ve been shown to improve sleep quality, reduce anxiety, change the perception of pain, and relieve some symptoms of depression. 

When looking for a weighted blanket, you’ll find a variety of weights, colors, and price points. As a result, it shouldn’t be hard to find the right model for your friend or loved one.

3. Encourage Her Financial Independence

Money doesn’t have to be a taboo topic. Securing financial independence and cultivating a healthy relationship with money should be accessible subjects. “The Financial Feminist” by Tori Dunlap aims to help women overcome their fear of investing and shrink the wealth gap. 

Dunlap’s easy-to-understand guide can help the special woman in your life get out of debt, learn to invest, or shed negative money beliefs. Does a book not feel like the right gift-giving fit? Send her one of the author’s practical guides on crushing debt, budgeting, or investing instead.   

4. Support Her Favorite Cause 

Donating to a cause or organization that’s close to your loved one’s heart is a great way to show how well you know her. This is a great gift for the activist or socially conscious women you know. Most nonprofit and mission-driven organizations offer an online one-time donation or monthly giving option. Customize your donation with an “in honor of” message and forward it to her to show your appreciation. 

Not sure what the special woman in your life might choose? Think about the activities she loves or the values she holds dear, and you might find some clues there. You can always do some light research to see what top-rated nonprofits are in her community.   

5. Brighten Up Her Living Space With a Plant 

Want to give a special woman some mood-boosting home decor? Instead of sending flowers, consider a houseplant instead. Flowers might be beautiful, but they’re far more temporary than a houseplant. 

Not sure what type of plant to get? Head to your local nursery and ask for their suggestions. They’ll be able to recommend the best plant for your favorite female based on where she lives or her level of gardening experience. And don’t worry — there are plenty of plants that are easy for even the most beginner horticulturist to grow.

Can’t deliver your green gift yourself? No worries. Many florists offer a selection of houseplants that they will bring straight to her door. The same goes for a local nursery, which will likely be able to deliver her houseplant as if it were a bouquet.  

6. Satisfy Even the Pickiest Bookworm

Buying books for any avid reader can be a gamble. What if she’s already read your choice or doesn’t like the genre? That’s where subscription-based book memberships come in handy. Subscription book clubs let her choose from a monthly selection of newly released books or provide specially curated ones. That way you don’t have to worry that she won’t like your pick or wonder if she’s already read the book.

Would she rather listen to her latest read instead? Subscription services like Audible or Bookbeat let her choose from a library of audiobooks that she can listen to digitally. She’ll receive a set number of credits per month for a book (or more!) of her choosing.

7. Support Her Career Goals 

Giving a gift to someone who’s in the midst of a career change? Consider providing a one-on-one coaching session with a business consultant or the services of a resume writer/designer. Most coaching, consulting, or design services can easily be paid for in advance. Let a career coach or resume-building expert stoke her confidence as she looks for a new job. 

Does finding the right professional to work with her one-on-one feel daunting? Consider giving her a subscription to the paid features of LinkedIn. Transitioning between jobs — or professions — can be stressful, overwhelming, and expensive. Make it easier for the special woman in question by offering tangible support toward her goals. 

When it comes to treating the women in your life, don’t stress too much over finding the perfect gift. If something doesn’t catch your eye but you still want to show your love, send her an old-fashioned handwritten card. It really is the thought that counts when it comes to any gift-giving endeavor.  

I Got You, Babe

Bodycare brand Megababe (megababebeauty.com) saved my life and thighs. I never have to deal with painful chafing ever again thanks to Thigh Rescue ($14), a lightweight, easy to apply, ant-friction stick. It’s a year-round essential, but true savior during the sweaty summer months. –Marie Lodi

Conversation Starter

Seen on the hands of Gloria Steinem and Erykah Badu, the Clitoring (penelopijones.com) is a not-so-subtle way to show some love to arguably the best part of the snatch. Handmade in Brooklyn, the rings come in sterling silver ($157) and brass ($95). Get your finger on the pulse and become a member of the clitorati yourself. –Callie Watts

Vacation, All I Ever Wanted

I’m in love with the ‘80s-inspired sunscreen brand Vacation (vacation.inc). Every product is a delight, from the Classic Whip SPF 30 ($22), which looks like canned whipped cream, to the SPF 30 Baby Oil ($22), which is inspired by the questionable suntanning technique from our youth, but so much safer! –M.L.

It’s A Vibe

Shopping for a bathing suit can feel like visiting the fifth circle of hell because of frustratingly inconsistent sizing, but Kitty and Vibe (kittyandvibe.com, $58-$110) are changing the game. They’re the first brand to make bikini bottoms based on booty size, go up to a size 5X, and have small band options. Plus, the prints are gorg! –M.L.

All Clogged Up

I’m all about a comfy clog, but Hunter’s Unisex In/Out Bloom Clogs ($60, hunterboots.com) go beyond a good fit. They’re made from recycled materials and algae that’s harvested from cleaning up natural waterways. Not only do they work great in the garden, but they also come in a variety of fun colors. –Laurie Henzel

Top Image: Photo Credit: Ryan McGilchrist via wikicommons

John Waters is one of the most iconic film makers and mustache wearers of all time. The man that brought us Divine eating dog shit in Pink Flamingos and gave us Ricki Lake doing The Roach in HairsprayI. He often cast the same actors, known as the Dreamlanders and has famously filmed all of his movies in his beloved Baltimore. He has been called “The Prince of Puke”, “The Sultan of Sleaze”, “The Baron of Bad Taste”, and “The Pope of Trash,” and he is a filthy lil punk lover at heart. He has been hosting the Mosswood Meltdown festival for 7 years and is at it again this year. We chatted with him to discuss punk shows, banning drag and reading buttholes.

Callie Watts: How are you doing!

John Waters: I’m alright! I’m alright, here in Provincetown.

CW: Oh! Is it smoggy there?

JW: You know, I haven’t even looked outside; I’ve been working so hard. I never notice the weather unless it stops me. Gore Vidal once said ‘No one ever asks me about the weather, I’m too smart.’ which really made me laugh, it was such a snobby thing to say. I always feel sorry for doormen in buildings because everytime every person they know that lives in that building walks out they say ‘nice day!’ or ‘it’s raining!’ or something about the weather. It must be torture to talk about the weather if you’re a doorman, but you have to act nice about it.

CW: But this is a weird weather though, it’s like, yellow out. [this was during the Canadian wildfires]

JW: Oh I saw! I’m in Provincetown, I’m not in New York, so it’s weird because I’m way further north than you are, it’s foggy out but there’s no— I saw what New York looks like; you know, the end of the world, the Red Death or something. I get why you asked now, it looks like a horror movie.

CW: It’s not surprising to me that you’re involved with the music festival, given your spectacular albums and taste in music.

JW: Punk rock! They’re my people. this is the seventh year I’ve done it. It’s a group of people that I really like because they hate everybody in the world except themselves, and I find that kind of endearing. People say ‘oh, what’s that like? Is it crazy?’ I say, ‘no it’s almost more of a loving festival than Woodstock but everyone just pretends they’re angry and crazy.’ But they get along. It’s from ages 12 to 90. I mean, I’ve seen 80-year old drag queens gogo dancing. It’s pretty good. Really ample people stage diving, but they got a little heavier as they got older, and people drop ‘em.”

Punk rock! It’s a group of people that I really like because they hate everybody in the world except themselves, and I find that kind of endearing.

CW: Oh, I’ve definitely been dropped and I’m not even heavy.

JW: I’ve always said, ‘one year, I’m gonna stage dive.” But I have to have it so planned; it would really be shocking if I just ran off and jumped in while I was introducing one of the groups so maybe one year I’ll do it. Maybe I’ll do it when I’m 80.

CW: I saw Grace Jones do that two years ago, and… shirt off. She hit her face with the microphone…

JW: I know right, she’s great. She’d definitely do that.

CW: Her mouth was bleeding and I was like ‘there she goes… Tits akimbo, floating past us, in the sea covered in blood.’ It was epic.

JW: Grace has always been punk in a way, even though she was crazy disco, she was everything, but she was always a punk at heart. She still does shows that are great, she didn’t even have to reinvent herself. A lot of the punk people who are headliners, they never have to reinvent themselves. But they’re not ‘oldies but goodies.’ It never seemed sad to me when I see the punk rock people that [Mosswood] gets, and some of them haven’t performed in 10, 15 years…

CW: Bratmobile!

CW: Is there anyone that you’re particularly excited about for this festival?

JW: I like that it’s all women, almost completely this year. I love angry women, you know. And angry women, nobody hits on them, but they’ll hit you! So I think it’s gonna be a good year. And I just watch the crowd the whole time I’m there, that’s what’s really interesting to me. But I’ve seen some great shows there, so I’m definitely looking forward to it.

CW: So are we ever gonna get another album? Because we would listen in the BUST office, every year on repeat on the holidays, A Date With John Waters and A John Waters Christmas.

JW: Not that kind of album, but I had two grammy nominations! Make Trouble, which was my commencement speech. And then I did one last year called Prayer to Pasolini where I recorded at the murder site where Pasolini was murdered, and I pray and speak in tongues. That’s out and this year I had a record too, it was called It’s In The Book. I covered a novelty song that’s on Sub Pop records, it sold out right away and they just finally got it back in print. So I have records! 45s! I have a brown 45. And a gold one.

CW: How did I miss these? I love this.

JW: Yeah, so I have records out still! Now, the other ones I did were either soundtrack albums or they were, you know, my picks where I curated music.

CW: How did you develop your taste for music? Who were yoru influences?

JW: Well I grew up in Baltimore, which was the South. So it was country music, and rockabilly. It was mostly black music; rhythm and blues. I saw James Brown at the Royal when I was in high school, and I met him 40 years later in Bloomingdales of all places. And I said ‘I got beat up when I went to see you the first time, but it was worth it!’

CW: We like to ask people what kind of pop culture they’re into, what they’re watching.

JW: Well, I guess the way that this generation is rebelling more than anything than even my generation has a handle on is the trans/non-binary thing. It seems like every person’s child that I know is trapped in the wrong body, which I find delightful. It’s weird because now all the liberals are saying ‘just be gay,’ which is the opposite of when I was growing up. So I think now, that’s probably the new rebellion that is the most different for this generation. That is definitely the signature rebellion.

CW: I wanted to ask you about how you felt about all these drag bans.

JW: Well that’s the thing, just people being against drag, like that helps. Remember Anita Bryant? She made the whole gay movement start! So whenever somebody tries to ban something that’s already been accepted, like gay marriage or drag queens (made totally acceptable to Middle America by RuPaul, which, great work he did for that.) You can’t go backwards. It just strengthens them because people can make fun of you, you look like an idiot. To me, if you ban my book I’d be happy. Because then it’s in the front of the bookstore in a special ‘banned books’ section.

CW: And that’s how you’ve always felt about your movies too.

JW: Yeah it helps! It helps. If you hate something, shut up about it because then nobody will notice it.

CW: I was trying to show someone Pink Flamingos, they had never seen it, which I was appalled by. You can’t find that streaming online anywhere.

JW: Pink Flamingos got picked this year by the National Film Registry as a great American film by the Library of Congress. Even I think that’s crazy. And Pink Flamingos is worse if you watch it today than it was when it came out because of political correctness. But you know what? It’s joyous. I make fun of things I love, not of what I hate. And I’m not mean spirited. Unless it’s about Trump. You can find them all on the Criterion channel. They have Pink Flamingos, they have Polyester; I think you can find them pretty easy through Criterion. They have beautiful versions of Multiple Maniacs, Pink Flamingos, Polyester, and Female Trouble. They did beautifully restored versions of them. Serial Mom came out with another company, a beautiful 4K version of it. Cry Baby’s coming out again soon in another beautiful version. So they keep coming out in different prints and making them look better and better.

CW: Speaking of television and drag, have you watched Dragula?

JW: No, I haven’t seen that. I think the drag queens today, they’re all cool, they’re all hip. And I think that is Divine’s influence. When we were young, drag queens were so square. But today, they all have an attitude. I still think my favorite drag name is Urethra Franklin. It’s really a good one. I’m more obsessed with drag kings, and lots of drag kings ask me to sign their mastectomy scars. I have not signed bottom surgery yet, and I’m hoping that happens this year at Mosswood Meltdown.

CW: I started doing ball readings, where I read peoples balls like palm readings.

JW: Oh god, That’s different than, like, the cock book that Brigid Berlin did in the 60s. Or the Plaster Caster where they made casts of everyone’s penis, but that’s like teabagging leaves!

CW: I have a little box, and I make them sit it in the box.

JW: Well that’s good! How did you learn how to read balls?

CW: Well I knew how to read palms, and I figured ‘if i can read the palms, i can read those too.’

JW: Well it is a little more intimate; maybe you’ll find a little more secrets down there.

JW: How do you do it for women?

CW: I read their areolas. Otherwise, I’d have to get way up in there.

JW: Oh, okay. Well you can read everybody’s asshole.

CW: What I’d need for that is like a jewelers eye.

JW: Yeah, like a proctology kit.

CW: Well I will see you at Mosswood and maybe I will be reading balls.

JW: Alright. I’ll say hi, I’ll see ya. I’m walking around there.

We absolutely can not wait to hit Mosswood Meltdown this weekend. Head on over to their site to check out the whole line up!

Photo Credit For Both Images: Greg Gorman

Check out our previous interview with John Waters from 2016 here and 2000 here.

The original riot grrrl Brat pack is back! Bratmobile is set to play their first public show in 20 years at Mosswood Meltdown (hosted by John Waters- Check out our most recent interview with The Pope of Trash here) in Oakland on July 2nd. This is a ‘90s riot grrrl dream!!!

The line up will include the original vocalist Allison Wolfe and drummer Molly Neuman along with Audrey Marrs on keys, Marty Key on bass and Rose Melberg will be sitting in for original guitarist Erin Smith – who can’t join the reunion due to scheduling conflicts.

Bratmobile formed in 1991 when Wolfe and Neuman met at the University of Oregon and were later joined by Smith. The trio went on to become one of the original riot grrrl bands alongside Bikini Kill, Heavens to Betsy and other feminist punk bands of the ‘90s. We spoke with Wolfe and Neuman about the reunion, how feminism has evolved and what it was like touring in the ‘90s.

Callie: How did this epic reunion come about?

Allison: Well, the Mosswood Meltdown festival organizers have been asking us to play for several years in a row. And it didn’t really make sense for a while because Molly lived in New York, and I lived out here in LA. But since then, Molly’s moved to L.A., and we hang out a lot more now.

Molly: I mean we are in a different phase of life then we were in 20 years ago for sure. And I think it is important to me, and one of the things we have talked about a lot during this process, is it is important to see women in all phases of life having fun, being creative, celebrating themselves and being on stage. And I think that there is some certain anxiety about it. It’s almost like the way we started the band, if we don’t do it, nobody’s gonna do it. So let’s just do it. It’s also in the wake of some of these really horrible realities that we’re all experiencing. An antidote, you know, like that feels reasonable for us to be able to have.

C: Yeah, yeah. I mean, it’s like, we’re right back where you were in feminism in regards to abortion and…

A: Oh, no, we’re worse. In some ways. It’s worse.

M: We were born before Roe was decided, and now we’re living through it being taken away. Like, that’s fucked up.

C: BUST is turning 30. We just had our 30th anniversary issue come out. Bratmobile started in ‘91, BUST was ‘93. I know my feminism has changed a lot through the years. And I was wondering how your feminism has changed, if at all? How do you view the landscape of where feminism is at?

A: I think people change in certain ways, but then also, you’re kind of always who you always were, so I don’t know, I think it’s more like the landscape changes and the dialogue changes and things like that, whatever the circumstances are and what’s going on. That’s what changes, you know. I think a lot of things are being discussed more in the, I don’t want to say mainstream, but it’s just become more of the larger conversation now, due to social media and things like that.

M: I think we didn’t have the same conversation around intersectionality. I think we had the values of fighting racism, specifically, or the language and ideas. But I don’t think we had that kind of clarity that we should do it together. And, you know, certainly fighting for trans rights wasn’t part of the active conversation. When, when we were starting out, and obviously, the critical need for it is so important. I guess, I would say, personally, my feminism, I don’t think has changed, specifically, but we’ve expanded the way to apply that. And, and that certainly has evolved and it continues to with every painful new issue that we’re presented with.

Photo Credit: Pat Graham 1999

A: Riot grrrl was very gendered in conversation. Like, gender binary, and it wasn’t, something intentional, you know like “let’s leave trans people out”. I think we felt like it was us girls against boys, you know, looking back you can see how gendered the language was and how now you’re like, oh, well, that might exclude, or potentially alienate and be failing a lot of these people.

C: You had previously discussed how the media at the time was trying to take control of your own narrative. Has the way women are portrayed in the media now changed since then?

A: I think a lot of times back then the writers and editors didn’t get it. Or even if the writer did, the editor had so much control and would be like, well, where’s the conflict here? We have got to pit these girls against each other. I don’t really see as much of that happening, and not as much tokenization either, where it’s like, “Well, we already have that one girl band covered in this issue”. Also, their insistence on calling every woman in music in the ‘90s a riot grrrl, you know, then having all these other women mad at us because [they did not label themselves as that]. One thing about the media is that we didn’t necessarily feel like there was a need for [doing press] at first because the whole point of riot grrrl was, quote, unquote, taking over the means of production, to represent ourselves, right? That would be through fanzines, lyrics, all this kind of stuff, our voice on stage. We didn’t really see at the time how the press could get people to our shows or sell our records. It had been all word of mouth. I felt like they were really “defanging” and “declawing” our message.

C: I wanted to ask if you had any crazy or just memorable stories from the early days?

M: One show I missed was probably something I’ll regret for the rest of my life, which is when Babes in Toyland played in Seattle and Allison, and like a bunch of girls went up there. And there’s like a really great photo that you have, of you and Kat and all of the girls that went to the show. And like, you know, I’ve been thinking about that band a lot lately. And, the fact that I was like, whatever the fact that I had something better to do and then get to the show, I’ll regret that.

A: Yeah, that was great. Yeah, that is a great photo like Kat, surrounded by riot grrrls. I don’t know if she thought it was great. [laughs]

M: They were a band that got lumped into it, without wanting to be. They had their own identity and deservedly so.

A: That first tour in 1992 was kind of amazing. I was able to book it all from landline. Back then if you didn’t have a booking agent, so you’re booking the whole thing yourself. You get some kind of printout from the record label luckily, a potential people to contact. And then when you got off tour your whole thing was you were really supposed to report back to K Records or Kill Rock Stars or both? What’s changed? Like now who’s booking there? Or did they change their number. The whole trick is to call in the middle of the day when they had a day job, because then if you could get them to call you back on their dime in the evening, that saves money. And I confirmed all the shows by sending out a postcard to each place. You didn’t know at the time where you’re going to be staying necessarily. So then you had to call ahead the day of or day before to get directions to the next place. And you had to write them out by hand.

C: You essentially started a rumor that you were a band before you even played together?

M: Oh, yeah, we were a band in theory for quite a while before doing it.

C: And then it started with a zine essentially.

M: Yeah, Girl Germs. Yeah. Yeah.

C: All of a sudden, you were part of the birth of a movement. And at what point did you realize you were doing something so important?

A: Well, I felt like it was kind of right away. Even though we were kind of mostly talk for a while. I think we knew it was important. Grunge was huge in the Northwest at the time, we knew we’re up against some kind of long-haired sexism. And we also had Bikini Kill. We were in Eugene, Oregon, at university together. That’s where Molly and I met. But we would go up to Olympia, my hometown, on weekends, Once a month or so. And we would hang out with people like Tobi Vail and Kathleen Hanna, and they were super politicized and interested in community-building within the “punk girl scene” or getting a punk girl scene together really.

M: We were craving seeing women in music in some form, right.? Whether it was on a record or on stage. And for me that was the real impetus of “we’ve just got to do this”. Because there just needs to be more and there was no limit on trying. It was like, well, it’s literally better than nothing.

A: You have to kind of create or be part of the culture, you want to see. What you want and the community you want to be part of. And don’t just let someone Co-opt anything that you’ve ever been a part of, and then sell it back to you at some high price in some way.

We are highkey losing our shit over here for this reunion and the entire line up. Dust off your old fanzines and head over to Mosswood Meltdown to grab tickets asap because this festival is going to be soooo Cool Schmool.

Check out our previous interview with Allison in 20216 here and her interview with Liz Phair from 2018 here.

Top Image: courtesy of the artist

The one-sided feud between the two celebrities started when Scooter acquired the artists’ masters as part of the acquisition of her record label, Big Machine Records, back in June 2019. 

Swift has long claimed that she was blindsided by a deal, which involved Scooter and Big Machine Label Group (BMLG). It was owned by Scott Borchetta and… now we’ve learned Taylor’s dad.

A recent report by Music Business Worldwide (MBW) found that there was more to Borchetta’s claims about Taylor Swift’s father being a BMLG shareholder than meets the eye. Not only was the outlet able to verify Mr. Swift’s role in BMLG but also that he personally made $15.1 million from the deal.

Not only did Mr. Swift reportedly own over 5% of the company when the crown jewel of BMLG’s catalog changed hands but Ithaca Holdings, Scooter’s company, also approached Taylor’s management company in late 2019.

MBW obtained a signed “five-page NDA agreement between Ithaca Holdings and 13 Management LLC” that would be associated with a “possible transaction.” Jay Schaudies, one of Taylor’s closest confidants and manager, signed the NDA on behalf of 13 Management, with Scooter doing the same for Ithaca.

In the past, Taylor claimed that she was never given an opportunity to buy her masters from Scooter. Furthermore, she claimed there was never an NDA signed between the parties. The revelation of a newly surfaced NDA from 2019 shows that she either lied to her fans, or her team lied to her. Either way, it shows that Scooter had every intention of selling her masters to her. 

Despite Scooter’s overtures to Taylor and her team, her decision to focus her criticism on the music mogul led to speculation at the time. Not only was Scooter one of the many players involved but Taylor’s passionate responses to every action by her former label head, Borchetta or supporters seemed to come from a deeply personal, emotional, and hostile place.

While Scooter describes the star’s behavior as “friendly and kind” when they met in public, Taylor never tried to apologize or personally discuss the matter. In fact, she declined all of Scooter’s attempts for reconciliation, a resentful position she seems to hold to this day.

With Taylor’s fans becoming increasingly hostile as the artist refused to move on, Scooter eventually sold Taylor’s masters in 2020 for a now-reported $265 million profit. Not only did this seem to be a clear attempt to distance himself from a regretful situation but he also stated he still believed Taylor to be an ”incredibly talented artist” for whom he wished “nothing but the best.”

While social media users might not reach a consensus on who is in the wrong, MBW’s findings indicate that there certainly was much more going on behind the scenes than Taylor originally divulged. Whether the whole situation was a misunderstanding or the result of malice by the artist, an apology seems to be in order.

Unfortunately, the star’s refusal to open up on the matter in any way beyond unprovable claims makes such an event unlikely. For now, although Taylor might have massive success as a recording artist, it seems that a lack of accountability might follow the star for the rest of her career.

An incredible actor, dancer, and singer, Irene Cara—who died on November 25 at age 63—was the voice behind two of the most indelible movie theme songs of the 1980s. Think you know why her legacy is “gonna live forever”? Then take the quiz!

Irene Cara Escalera was born on March 18, 1959, in _______.

a. New York, NY

b. San Juan, Puerto Rico

c. Havana, Cuba

d. Topeka, Kansas

A performer since age 5, Irene finally hit it big in the 1980 film Fame, for which she both sang the hugely popular title song and played the starring role of _____.

a. Chi Chi Valenti

b. Boom Boom Mancini

c. Meow Meow Madden

d. Coco Hernandez

Irene won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for this film, becoming the first Black-Hispanic woman to win an Oscar in a non-acting category.

a. Fame

b. Flashdance

c. Sparkle

d. Killing ‘em Softly

In 1999, Irene formed an all-female band called _______.

a. Hot Chocolate

b. Hot Tamales

c. Hot Caramel

d. Hot 4 Teacher

Complete the following Irene quote: “I’m a woman with a mission. I’ve learned to believe in myself, my vision, and to do things the way I want them done. I don’t mean to sound immodest, but I never had any doubt that I’d be __________.

a. a feminist

b. successful

c. famous

d. happy

Give Irene Cara Her Flowers!

Answer Key:1.a, 2.d, 3.b, 4.c, 5.b

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS; PUBLIC DOMAIN

Years ago, Casey’s days were filled with calculations and analytics. Despite her success, she always had a creative passion and was eager to find a way to express herself artistically. Acting on this, Casey enrolled in a jewelry-making class, a decision that would irrevocably change her life.

As she delved into the world of jewelry, her creativity found its true home. The process of designing and crafting wearable art captured her imagination, and with it, her heart swelled with passion and purpose. Soon, her pieces began attracting attention, allowing her to combine her business acumen with her newfound creativity. From the confines of her garage, Casey began her artistic journey.

In those early days, her business was a small experiment on Etsy, a tentative step into an ocean teeming with potential. As demand surged, she built her website and a team that shared her vision. A bold leap of faith saw her leave her finance career, transforming Melanie Casey Jewelry into her full-time endeavor.

But the voyage wasn’t always smooth sailing. “Without challenges and obstacles, life would be dull,” she jokes. Then came the daunting task of carving a unique identity in an industry dominated by traditional brick-and-mortar shops and large jewelry chains. Despite her competitors’ substantial marketing budgets, Casey held her ground. Her secret weapon? Social media. Her delicate designs found a loving audience online, and her brand’s digital footprint expanded, gathering an impressive following along the way.

Recognition didn’t take long. In 2019, the Retailers Association of Massachusetts lauded her with the “Creative Concepts in Retailing Award.” Inc. Magazine twice named Melanie Casey Jewelry one of the fastest-growing private companies in America in 2020 and 2021. Yet for Casey, her real victories were not the awards. Her accomplishments were the growth of her team, the 400,000 Instagram followers, and the glowing reviews from customers who chose her creations for their cherished life moments.

Melanie Casey Jewelry is abuzz with plans for the future. As she continues to create masterpieces that touch lives, Casey plans to grow, extending her reach and creating more awe-inspiring pieces. Plans to open retail locations and integrate cutting-edge technology into the business are on the horizon.

At the heart of Casey’s dream is a commitment to exceptional quality and extraordinary customer care. She envisions Melanie Casey Jewelry becoming synonymous with exquisite, delicate, and beautiful pieces that grace life’s most treasured moments. Melanie Casey’s story is inspiring. It’s the story of a woman who dared to reimagine her life’s trajectory and, in doing so, brought a new sparkle to the world of fine jewelry.

At some point, especially during the last few years, we have all imagined moving into a cottage in the woods and getting away from everyone else. The reality, though, is a bit more nightmarish for Laura, the main character in Kathryn Bromwich’s enthralling debut novel, At the Edge of the Woods. Living alone on the outskirts of an Italian village where she is decidedly an outsider, Laura is a woman fleeing a wealthy and abusive French husband, who would rather see her dead than be denied an heir. And, aside from a waiter whom she takes as a lover, the villagers soon see her as a strega (witch) and plot to drive her out. The forest, however, has its own intentions, claiming Laura for its own as she finds her own uncanny strength within its depths. Through lush and sinuous prose, the novel similarly puts readers under its own spell. It demands that you reach out to others, no matter how isolated they are, and insist that they read what is sure to be an instant classic.

–RUFUS HICKOK

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Moby Dyke: An Obsessive Quest to Track Down the Last Remaining Lesbian Bars in America By Krista Burton (Simon and Schuster)

When Krista Burton was deep in the throes of pandemic lockdown, she realized there was nothing she missed more than “the feeling of being in a packed, sweaty dyke bar.” That moment of longing served as the catalyst for her first book, Moby Dyke, in which Burton sets off on an epic quest. You see, there are less than 20 lesbian bars left in the United States, and she’s on a mission to visit them all. Burton’s cross-country trek takes her from Wild Side West in San Francisco to the Cubbyhole in N.Y.C. and all the gayplaces in-between (including a pit-stop at the Pearl Bar in Houston for Dildo Races). Along the way, she learns how each spot survived the “dyke bar apocalypse.” The book is a celebration of these places that have long served as safe havens for the lesbian community. But Burton’s stories about her own life also shine—she brings the introspective and observational humor that made her blog, Effing Dykes, so popular. Moby Dyke will make you want to get a dildo charged up and go off to the races. –MARIE LODI

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Boys Weekend By Mattie Lubchansky (Pantheon)

Boys Weekend is a graphic novel centered on Sammie, a newly-out trans femme. When their best friend from college, Adam, announces his upcoming nuptials and invites them to a bachelor party on a lawless, futuristic, Vegas-like island, Sammie feels obligated to attend. Despite being out to Adam and his tech bro friends, they still find Sammie’s gender identity confusing, often making them the butt of jokes or asking idiotic questions. Meanwhile, Sammie suspects something nefarious is afoot once they notice that their trip coincides with a conference for a suspiciously cultish organization. While a horror story about gender identity might not seem like an obvious fit, it actually is symbolic of the price one must pay for societal conformity. The tech bros at the center of the story seem representative of those cishet men who hold tightly to archaic gender norms—even when they lead to their own suffering. Author Mattie Lubchansky cleverly spins horror tropes to send up toxic masculinity and tech bro culture. They also cast a critical eye at the systems that continue to enforce a strict gender binary. Boys Weekend is compelling and hilarious with plenty of food for thought. –ADRIENNE URBANSKI

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SARAH MILLICAN

Why we love her: This British comic has been honing her overtly feminist, observational comedy craft since 2004, but her latest tour, Bobby Dazzler, really helped her level up in the U.S. this past spring. “I stopped buying women’s magazines a few months ago. It just feels like there’s nothing there for me. Why would I buy anything where the only time I ever see anybody who looks like me is underneath the word, ‘Before’”?

JENNY ZIGRINO

Why we love her: Whether she’s breaking down dating while fat or dishing about balls and bidets, Zigrino’s hot takes are pure hilarity. Checkout her special, Jen-Z, on Comedy Central’s YouTube page. Choice quote: [On a partner who thought she’d had an orgasm because she was wet.] “Dude, soup is wet, but just because it is on the stove,that doesn’t mean it is done cooking. Get back in there, chef.”

KARINDA DOBBINS

Why we love her: Dobbins takes audiences on an aspirational “trap yoga” journey, digs into lesbian weddings, and sends up hiking while Black. Find her comedy album, Black & Blue, wherever you stream. Choice quote: “We’re never going to have common sense gun laws so we’re going to have to make a smart gun with a psychiatrist Siri [in it who will] ask you a few questions before you are allowed to fire. ‘Do you live in your mother’s basement? Have you ever written a manifesto? Are you a white male aged 19 to 95? Is this the most intimate conversation you have ever had with a woman?’”

MAE MARTIN

Why we love them: Raised by hippies, this Canadian Comic breaks down the gender spectrum and calls out stand ups who just don’t get it. Find their special, SAP, on Netflix.

Choice quote: [Reflecting on a conversation with their dad about the night they were conceived.] “‘Yes, I remember it well,’ he said. ‘The moonlight shone over your mother’s bottom.’ I now know the position I was conceived in. I am horrified. No one wants to be conceived doggystyle. It is so bleak. You want to be conceived face-to-face, eye contact at the moment of ejaculation—not, like, biting the pillow.”

IRENE TU

Why we love her: This self-proclaimed “Beethoven of Cumming” will have you doubled over, even when she’s talking about eating babies or her favorite dictator. Her album, We’re Done Now, is available on iTunes. Choice quote: “Usually I go to the ladies room, but whenever I go in there, someone will always look at me, and then the sign, and then back at me as if I can’t read—drawings. We all saw the little triangle, that is a skirt, I know. I have worn a triangle before.”

PHOTOS: (SARAH MILLICAN) MATT CROCKETT; (IRENE TU) MATT MISISCO; (KARINDA DOBBINS) JENNIFER GRAHAM PHOTOGRAPHY; (JENNY ZIGRINO) STEPHAN JAHANSHAHI; (MAE MARTIN) JOSEPH SINCLAIR.

More than anything, it’s about celebrating togetherness and showing gratitude for earth’s bounty. So bring some Midsummer magic into your own life by breaking out the drinks, lighting up a bonfire, and gathering friends for a game-filled dinner party.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs3kDnnBGE6/

Origin Story

Midsummer originates from Scandinavian pagan traditions that welcomed warm weather and fertile fields. Celebrated with the summer solstice, it always falls on the Saturday between June 20 and 26 (though epic festivities stretch across the whole week). Pagan Swedes believed early summer to be inherently magical and used the time to gather healing plants, decorate their homes with greenery, and even deck themselves out in ferns to become “green men.”

Smaklig Måltid!

Eats and drinks are central to the fun. Pair pickled herring and cured salmon with crackers or mustard and mayonnaise for dipping. The libation of choice is aquavit—a distilled herbal spirit Swedes call “snaps” that’s been produced in Scandinavia since the 15th century. Serve it chilled in small tulip glasses. No Midsummer feast is complete without jordgubbstårta. Whip up this strawberry cake by mixing cut strawberries into vanilla cake batter, then top your creation with ricotta cheese (really!) and strawberry slices.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CtBIIArIF1F/

Game On

The maypole is a Midsummer staple. The huge wooden pole decorated with flowers and leaves serves as the centerpiece for traditional folk dances, including the Små grodorna, which has participants hop around while singing about tiny frogs. Outdoor games are a given (especially after a few rounds of snaps) and range from sack races to fiskdamm, where kids use sticks to “fish” for prizes behind a raised fabric. (Just whip out an old bed sheet, buy some candy, and boom: fiskdamm complete.) Another popular activity is a good old-fashioned taste test. Fill Mason jars with unlabeled herbs, beers, or even aquavits to see who can guess the most correctly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on9PLzlY0Ww

Nature, Naturally

The Midsummer “look” isn’t complete without a crown of freshly picked flowers. Shape a piece of flower wire into a circle and use green floral tape to secure leaves and foliage as your base. Then beautify your crown with flowers (those with stems at least three inches long are easier to tape). After the festivities, dry and store the flowers, then display them during winter to ward off bad spirits. Oh, and if you fancy an energizing start to your day, another tradition is to wash one’s face with morning dew just as the summer sun rises. Early risers rejoice!

Gemini:

Five of Wands

MAY 21 TO JUNE 20

Stand up for yourself, Gemini. Even when it might be slightly uncomfortable, conflict is an unavoidable part of life, and just pretending like everything is fine is not actually working anymore. Considering your current circumstances, it’s time to get more confident about discerning when it really is for the best to let something go versus addressing it head-on. There is nothing wrong with pushing back from time to time.

Cancer:

Queen of Wands

JUNE 21 TO JULY 22

It’s your time to shine, Cancer. Go ahead, take your space in the spot- light because you have every reason to feel confident and radiant. This

is an excellent time to take major creative leaps and express yourself in novel ways. Dress how you want to dress, be who you want to be, live boldly and courageously because it is so wonderful to be wholly and unapologetically you. All eyes are on you, so dazzle them with a show!

Leo:

Justice Reversed

JULY 23 TO AUG. 22

Show some accountability, Leo. We all make mistakes, but how we handle them shows our true character. It looks like something went

sideways here, so stop trying to justify your actions and just own what you did! There’s still time to clean up this mess and make things right before it gets any worse or leads to something far more problematic than necessary. An apology is a lovely place to begin.

Virgo:

Two of Swords Reversed

AUG. 23 TO SEPT. 22

Choose wisely, Virgo. Should you do this or should you do that? You really cannot go wrong here, and the decision is up to you, but please make a choice and stick to it! If you get too caught up in overthinking the possibilities, a fantastic opportunity could slip through your fingertips. Let your intuition guide you before time runs out.

Libra:

Four of Pentacles Reversed

SEPT. 23 TO OCT. 22

Loosen your grip, Libra. It’s wonderful to hold high standards, but it’s something else entirely to hold yourself to unrealistic expectations

that are impossible to meet! You know that there is no such thing as total perfection, right? You can- not control every little detail because it will only make your head spin, so allow yourself to get a little messy and have some more fun, because life is for truly living!

Scorpio:

The Star Reversed

OCT. 23 TO NOV. 21

Face the facts, Scorpio. It’s wonderful to remain hopeful and to see the best in a situation, but it’s a whole other notion to live in a complete

fantasy world! Expect to have a major reality check that supports you in seeing your current circum- stances with radical clarity. When something truly isn’t working, the best move you can make is to just let it go and move on. Something far better awaits.

The Magician

NOV. 22 TO DEC. 21

Have faith in your abilities, Sagittarius. When a dream opportunity presents itself to you this season, you should absolutely take it without hesitation! Try not to let the self-doubts creep in to psych you out and knock your confidence. You never know what will happen unless you try, and it would be a shame to let this moment pass you by when you have so much talent to offer.

Capricorn:

The Chariot

DEC. 22 TO JAN. 19

Stay determined, Capricorn. You are embarking upon a major endeavor right now that will require your full attention, so do yourself a favor and give this moment your all. Don’t let any distractions or silly time wasters cause you to lose sight of your goals, because the sacrifices you make in the name of this opportunity will ultimately be worth it as you travel the road to success.

Aquarius:

The Moon Reversed

JAN. 20 TO FEB. 18

Listen to your intuition, Aquarius. Your inner wisdom is a powerful tool that is always available to you—have you forgotten about that? The lack of clarity is not the issue here; rather, it’s the part of you that’s not believing your instincts that’s causing you problems. You know exactly what your gut has been telling you, yet you seem to be talking yourself out of what you already know to be true. Let’s just stop that right now!

Pisces:

Six of Swords Reversed

FEB. 19 TO MARCH 20

What are you waiting for, Pisces? The winds of change are rustling, but it feels like you have been trying to resist what you already know is true:

everything has gotten a little too comfortable lately, and it’s beyond time to expand and grow to seek out your next challenge! Don’t be afraid to explore your options and just try something (anything!) new. Every adventure requires taking a first step.

Aries:

Death Reversed

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 19

Embrace what’s next, Aries. It feels like you have outgrown your current situation, and it’s time to make some necessary changes

right now. It’s totally understandable to be a little leery or full-on frightened, but I assure you that this

is for the best! Why avoid the inevitable? What awaits could be far better than you had ever previously imagined! You owe it to yourself to go for it.

Taurus:

Page of Pentacles Reversed

APRIL 20 TO MAY 20

Learn from your mistakes, Taurus. Not everything goes according to our plans, but it doesn’t mean that a miscalculation or a lapse in judgment equals an epic failure! What’s done is done and cannot be undone, so what is the point of beating yourself up here? Everything is a learning experience, so focus your energy on the future and what you can do differently next time to ensure your success.

Top photo from Onmi Tarot Deck by Olivia M. Healy

Though Montañez’s claims have since been contested, the controversy does not diminish the joy of Longoria’s film. It’s a story of an immigrant’s triumph in a society where the odds are always systemically stacked against him. Thanks to his grit and ingenuity, Richard (Jesse Garcia) finds a way to make some banging snack dust, with loving scrutiny and support from his rock of a wife, Judy (the excellent Annie Gonzalez).

Flamin’ Hot is a feel-good, rags-to-riches film that takes leaps of logic and glosses over nuances—the usual stuff of films where things work out for white American entrepreneurs—but this time, it’s an erstwhile drug dealer from a community stereotyped for its laziness who’s setting the record straight. The American snack industry would probably be much less profitable without the likes of Richard. Like Longoria’s documentary La Guerra Civil, Flamin’ Hot is a celebration of American barrios, Mexican immigrants, and the ways they make the country more and more delicious every day.

Top photo by Flamin’ Hot Searchlight Pictures

For those new to outdoor activities and wanting to spend more time outside— whether trying new hiking locations, venturing into climbing, or learning how to safely camp— most necessary information is not readily available, and quite frankly, the outdoor community can be quite exclusive and elitist. Although it may seem easy to “get outdoors,” the reality is that gear is expensive, knowledge of your surroundings is necessary, and the great outdoors are not always safe to explore alone. This makes the outdoor community typically white, affluent, ableist, and exclusive. It also makes it difficult for people to try new outdoor activities. But Unlikely Hikers is here to change that.

According to their website, “Unlikely Hikers is a diverse, anti-racist, body-liberating outdoor community featuring the underrepresented outdoorsperson… Unlikely Hikers is for adventurers who are plus-size & fat, Black, Indigenous, People of Color, queer, trans and non-binary, disabled, neurodivergent and beyond.” They were founded by Jenny Bruso and exist as an online community, with a podcast, and even meeting up IRL for group events.

On their Instagram, they connect their community, and pass along essential outdoor information. They uplift stories of incredible adventures from Unlikely Hikers, sharing what is possible for all folks. From humor to how-tos, they share posts such as how a backpack should fit, and their incredible journeys as a group.

Unlikely Hikers gather throughout the United States to do group hikes with the motto, “no hiker left behind.” They recently met up in southeastern New York at the Minnewaska State Park Preserve and have hikes scheduled throughout the summer with different focuses. On June 17, Unlikely Hikers hosted a Queer Pride hike with the Venture Out Project, exclusively for 2SLGBTQIA+ hikers, and an Accessible group hike on June 24 in Portland, specifically for those with disabilities.

As Unlikely Hikers states on their website, “If you see yourself as an Unlikely Hiker, then you are.” So if you’re excited to get outdoors, there is a community waiting for you wherever you might be starting.

Top Photo by Ameruverse Digital Marketing Media: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-standing-in-front-of-pine-trees-1687514/

Ignite Digital brings innovative AI-driven solutions that help businesses leverage their reach and visibility while optimizing performance across multiple channels. 

From content optimization to advanced link-building strategies, our team of industry experts is ready to provide comprehensive SEO services tailored to each business’s unique needs! 

Get ready to embrace the power of organic search marketing and take advantage of our expertise today!

Unlock the Benefits of SEO to Boost Your Online Presence

In today’s digital age, developing a strong online presence has become a crucial aspect of every business. The competition is high, and standing out from the crowd requires tactics that can bring traffic to your website. This is where Search Engine Optimization (SEO) comes in. 

By optimizing your website, you increase your chances of ranking higher in search engine results pages, which ultimately leads to higher traffic. SEO is a cost-effective and long-term solution for businesses seeking to build a robust online presence. It offers numerous benefits, including: 

• Increased brand awareness
• Customer engagement
• Lead generation

To unlock these benefits, businesses must invest in SEO and adopt best practices to stay ahead of the competition.

Utilize Keywords to Get Found on Google

With millions of websites vying for top search engine rankings, it’s crucial to ensure your website is getting found on Google by your target audience. To do this, incorporating relevant keywords into your website is vital.

Essentially, the search engine relies on keywords to index your content and match it with search queries. Therefore, optimizing your website content with the right keywords will help:

• Increase your visibility
• Drive traffic
• Improve your search rankings

But remember, the use of keywords must be natural and align contextually within your content. So, research your niche and determine which keywords can best describe and attract your audience. 

It may take some trial and error, but incorporating effective keyword strategies into your website’s content can lead to significant results.

Establish a Solid Content Writing Routine

Creating a solid content writing routine is essential for any writer looking to boost their SEO rankings. The process may seem daunting, but with these few simple steps, you’ll be on your way to producing quality content that is optimized for search engines. 

• Research your keywords and determine which ones are most relevant to your topic
• Create a content calendar to plan out your topics
• Ensure consistency in your posting schedule
• Focus on crafting high-quality content provides valuable insights for your readers
• Incorporate internal and external links to further enhance your SEO efforts

By implementing these steps into your routine, you’ll be able to produce quality content that is optimized for SEO and attracts more traffic to your website.

Create a Link Building Strategy that Works

Link building is an essential aspect of any successful digital marketing campaign. A solid link-building strategy can direct more traffic to your site, improve your search engine rankings, and ultimately increase your revenue. 

However, creating an effective link-building strategy requires careful planning and execution. It’s not simply a matter of acquiring as many links as possible, but rather targeting high-quality, relevant backlinks that add value to your site. 

You can create a link-building strategy that works and delivers measurable results by:

• Analyzing your audience
• Identifying your industry’s authoritative sources
• Developing creative outreach tactics 

With a little effort and expertise, you can bolster your online presence and build relationships that will benefit your business for years to come.

Optimize Your Website for Mobile Devices

In today’s digital age, having a mobile-friendly website is essential for any business looking to reach a broad audience. 

As more and more people use their mobile devices to access the internet, it’s important to ensure that your website is optimized to perform well on these devices. This means taking into account factors like:

• Page load times
• Image sizes
• Mobile-friendly navigation

By taking the time to optimize your website for mobile devices, you’ll be able to provide a seamless and user-friendly experience for your visitors, which can ultimately lead to increased engagement, higher conversion rates, and a boost in overall business success.

Analyze Your SEO Results and Make Adjustments as Needed

As a website owner, your SEO performance is what determines your online visibility and ranks you in search results. Analyzing your SEO results gives you insights into how your website is performing and where you need to improve. Utilize SEO tools to:

• Measure your website’s traffic
• Identify keywords that bring visitors to your site
• Evaluate your conversion rate

With these metrics, you can identify patterns, trends, and opportunities to tweak and optimize your website’s content to attract more visitors. 

Regular assessments of your SEO results ensure that you are providing relevant and engaging content for your audience, which will boost your website’s traffic and search engine rankings. 

By making adjustments as needed, you can keep ahead of the competition and remain relevant in the ever-changing digital landscape.

By getting an expert SEO team on your side, you can now confidently enter the world of digital marketing and take advantage of all the advantages SEO brings. As you prepare for 2023, make sure to remember the tips mentioned above to help maximize your reach and visibility. 

When investing in SEO services, choose a reliable partner who follows guidelines closely and is experienced in the field. With the right support, SEO can become a powerful growth engine that will drive unstoppable success. 

Don’t wait any longer, reach out today and discover how Ignite Digital can help put your business on the path to success!

The women met attending Rockford Female Seminary (now Rockford University) and connected over similar progressive upbringings and worldviews. Before eventually becoming the first American woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931, Jane Addams had already racked up a long list of accomplishments. A progressive feminist and peace activist, Addams used her privilege and influence to advocate for the rights of working-class, primarily immigrant citizens. She wrote and spoke publicly across the nation, and solidified herself as one of the most prominent social workers of the time. She was a founding member of the National Child Labor Committee, a leader in the women’s suffrage movement, and an early member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (The NAACP.)

Ellen Gates Starr, was a progressive leader in her own right and viewed art and literature as crucial parts of humanity’s wellbeing and dignity. As a civil and labor rights activist, Starr protested against police violence and also helped start an Illinois branch of the National Women’s Trade Union League. In 1916, Starr ran for alderman of the Nineteenth Ward of Chicago—just two years after women had earned the right to vote in Illinois. She lost, but the campaign was as much a sincere bid for aldermen as it was an opportunity for Starr to raise awareness about social issues in the neighborhood.

A photo of Ellen Gates Starr next to a newspaper clipping about her recent arrest for picketing alongside striking clothing workers. Photo taken at the Hull-House Museum.

Perhaps the most significant accomplishment of both women, though, is one they achieved together: founding the Hull-House. Around the time Addams and Starr had first met, the settlement house movement was beginning to form with the 1884 founding of Toynbee Hall in London. Settlement houses were social reform spaces where educated, higher-class citizens could “settle” in newly-industrialized, urban, working-class neighborhoods. There, they would volunteer their time and resources to the community they were residing. The intention was to create a space for scholars to study poverty and how to remedy it while simultaneously providing community support.

On one of her many trips to Europe following her graduation from Rockford, Addams visited Toynbee Hall and was inspired. Shortly after, she crossed paths with fellow avid traveler, Starr, and shared intentions to recreate a similar idea in America—a communal space where they could share art and literary knowledge with those who might not otherwise have access to such things. Little did they know, they were about to found one of the most influential settlement houses in the United States. Together in 1889, Addams and Starr leased an old mansion in the Near West Side neighborhood of Chicago, and the Hull-House was born.

The original home and dining hall are all that remain of the settlement’s thirteen buildings, and have since been turned into a museum dedicated to the history of the settlement. But what exactly was the Hull-House and what impact does its incredible history have today?

Photo taken at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum of a loom and an advertisement for weaving lessons being taught at the settlement.

In the late 1800s, the area around Hull-House was primarily populated by European immigrants and, in the 1920s, families of color began to move into the neighborhood as well. The Hull-House remained a vital community resource for the systematically disenfranchised citizens of Chicago. During its peak years of operation, the settlement was seeing nearly 10,000 people a week from the surrounding neighborhoods.

The residents of Hull-House were educated, upper-class, citizens of Chicago who lived, worked and paid rent at the settlement. They contributed by preparing meals, running a daycare for children of working parents, and teaching classes and practical skills like theater, arts, sewing, English language, literature, music, and more. The Hull-House also had a library, a kindergarten, an art gallery, an employment bureau, and served as a meeting place for a myriad of clubs and community organizations. Most importantly, it was a space to share physical, emotional, and intellectual resources with neighbors.

Photo taken at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum. An upstairs room displaying pottery made between 1927 and 1937 by participants of the Hull-House Kilns program created by Myrtle Merritt French.

Addams and Starr couldn’t have provided such impactful community support without the help of other progressive women of the time. Florence Kelley was an ardent advocate for labor rights who came to Hull-House after fleeing an abusive husband. She eventually founded the National Labor Committee and was Vice President of the National American Woman Suffrage Association. Alice Hamilton, another resident of Hull-House, was an anti-Nazi activist who used her degree in medicine to advocate against industrial poisoning of the lower-class and call attention to the physical toll of poverty. Her work was fundamental in creating labor laws and employee protections that we now take for granted. Hull-House was also host to Dr. Rachelle Slobodinsky Yarros, a reproductive rights activist, physician, and professor of obstetrics and gynecology. She created what was called the Birth Control Committee of the Chicago Woman’s Club, which you may know now as Planned Parenthood of Illinois. Her work laid the foundation for the reproductive rights movement we see today.

Along with the tremendous residents of the Hull-House, the settlement left an indelible mark on our modern society. Some of the greatest social movements in American history were either birthed at Hull-House or touched by it at some point in their progression. A testament to the power of investing in society’s most neglected and systematically oppressed, the story of Hull-House is one our current leaders could take more than a few notes from.

The Hull-House Museum is free to visit with a reservation and a suggested donation. Don’t live in Chicago? Check out the virtual tour!

“True peace is not merely the absence of war, it is the presence of justice.” – Jane Addams

Top Image Credit: Jane Addams speaking with children at the Hull-House in 1935 via Wikimedia Commons

But as heartwarming as that sounds, the movie is more in the vein of The Sweetest Thing and Bridesmaids than The Joy Luck Club, the 1993 film based on Amy Tan’s bestseller about four Chinese-American women and their mothers. Lim, 47, says that when she was writing Joy Ride with her co-writers, Cherry Chevapravatdumrong and Teresa Hsiao, the working title was “Joy Fuck Club.” It was a saucy wink towards the first major studio film with an all Asian-American, mostly female cast.

But there are no tiger moms in Joy Ride. The movie is rife with raunch; the members of Lim’s character’s squad find themselves in one outrageous scenario after another, including a chaotic threesome, drug smuggling, and one shocking K-pop rendition of Cardi B’s “WAP.” These types of shenanigans are something never seen before in a film with four Asian women/non-binary leads. “Each one of these characters is inspired by ourselves and our friends,” says Lim. “But we also have a couple of friends who have stories that are actually nastier than what we could put into the movie.”Growing up in Malaysia, the idea of working in Hollywood was something Lim never considered. “You might as well have said you wanted to be an astronaut,” she says. “It just wasn’t in our vernacular.”

Lim’s parents, who had worked in advertising, thought she could be a copywriter. It wasn’t until she attended Emerson College in Boston that she realized working in show business was an option. “That was the first time I thought, ‘I’m in a country where young people feel like this is something that’s a possibility,’” she recalls. “‘And if it’s a possibility for them, why not me?’”

After graduating, Lim moved to L.A., where she still lives, eventually writing and producing shows like One Tree Hill, Life Unexpected, and Private Practice. Since then, Lim’s played a pivotal role in bringing Asian-centered stories to the big screen. She co-wrote 2018’s blockbuster hit, Crazy Rich Asians, famously turning down the sequel due to a massive pay disparity between herself and the film’s white male screenwriter. In 2021, she penned Raya and the Last Dragon, which featured the first Southeast Asian Disney princess. But Lim hopes Joy Ride ends up being “one brick in the road” on the journey towards normalizing Asian stories that resonate with everybody.“Our mothers and grandmothers went through so much so we could be here, living our best, ridiculous, messy, thirsty lives,” Lim says. “It’s not about proving ourselves to anyone other than ourselves. And it’s not about struggling to survive. We’re finding joy and reveling in our own messiness, just like in any other white guy’s R-rated comedy.”

Hair & Makeup: Tiffany Lee, Photographed by Kelsey Wagner

Kid Sistr consists of Becca Webster on drums, Sabel on guitar and vocals, and Sara Keden on bass and vocals. Sara and Becca met as children while playing music together at an after-school program. Later while at the University of Miami, Sara met Sabel and the two booked a hometown show with Becca. Immediately, they realized they had found something special and continued to book hometown shows during college breaks.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kid Sistr took to TikTok where they performed covers of songs and gained a cult following.

“Around that time we started using social media as a tool to reach more people… We were posting on TikTok funny short clips, and we did this series covering songs from movies that we really liked… to show our personalities,” Becca said.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, they released their first original songs together. Their lighthearted and welcoming personality as a band continues to shine both on social media and on the road; they distinguish themselves by giving away friendship bracelets with phrases like “ur mom” on them to fans. Taking fan interaction from social media comments to interacting with them on tour has been “really, really exciting,” Sara explained.

Kid Sistr pulls a lot of their inspiration from their move to Los Angeles from the East Coast two years ago, and being “very online,” said Becca. Sabel said that her own inspiration came from finding a talented musical community at college. In the bleak days of the pandemic, it is easy to see how their energetic sound drove fans desperate for lightheartedness and connection to their music.

As for the name Kid Sistr, it comes from the oldest-sister role that bonds the three band members. “We want to be like a big sister figure to any other young kids that want to get into music or are intimidated by it. I feel like growing up as the oldest sister, you take on that role at the beginning. We’re all very close with our siblings,” said Sabel. “It’s just down to the core of who we are because didn’t have the older sister to say, ‘you can do this.’”

Becca added, “In terms of our songwriting and storytelling, I feel like that aspect is really important… As eldest sisters, you take on this role where you’re experiencing everything first and you’re setting examples…You are able to help your younger siblings through it.” They are simultaneously the role models who normalize all the awkward parts of growing up, and the indescribably cool girls— with shimmering makeup, patterned clothes, and bright-colored Instagram feeds— we all would have looked up to.

“We try to tell stories with our songs and express feelings and desires, and various emotions that come with being women in this world. Really, it’s for all of the young people so they can feel a little less alone,” Becca explained, and for them to “have a big sister.”

Their debut single, Little Sister Song, seems to sum up their identity. The song serves as a letter to their little sisters about being between childhood and adulthood. The lyrics state, “She walks like a woman and talks like a little girl,” which touches on the often dark realities that exist between these phases and the impact of the world’s perception on them. They often poke fun at these serious themes, while simultaneously acknowledging the gravity of the reality needed to share these sentiments and their reactions. They normalize the part of change that must be grappled with in all of its pitfalls and glory. It paints a realistic portrait of their identities and their relationships (especially with their own sisters), all while reminding us how much fun we can have relishing in womanhood.

“I was thinking a lot about representation… I like to trick myself sometimes and pretend and step away from the politics of it all,” Sara said.

“I can pinpoint the point in my childhood and adolescence where I saw myself represented, and I remember those to this day. [For example,] being 10 years old seeing a girl play guitar. I remember those moments,” Sara said. “I think it’s a great privilege to be part of the lineage of women creating, and queer women creating.”

“We’re definitely in a vulnerable spot being all women,” Becca said, “But at the same time I’ve had so many musical experiences where I was the only girl in the room and those were so uncomfortable for me. I felt like I couldn’t really be myself and I had to put on this weird masculine front.”

Kid Sistr discussed with BUST the inevitability of always getting asked about being women in music and the double standard that men are not forced to discuss their gender alongside their talent.

“​​Now, I do feel [that] I love getting that question because it’s very important to acknowledge it. It is more of a rare occurrence. Women in music are the minority,” said Sabel. “We are acknowledging it, and we’re talking about it, because it’s important and cool.”

Regarding representation, BUST asked Kid Sistr about having to step into the role of being a figure for others to look up to while simply trying to do what they love.

“Really, we’re just three girls having fun doing stuff,” Sara told BUST. “But the reality is that they are forced to be the representation that is so desperately needed of women in the musical world.” We also discussed not having the choice of wanting to serve as a representation of women in the musical world but still having to act upon that role.

“I think for me, it’s very liberating,” Becca responded. “I feel like I spent a lot of my childhood and adolescence as a musician covering up that fact and trying to fight it. And trying to make myself fit into these very male spaces, especially as an instrumentalist. Especially as a drummer… I feel like I kind of was always trying to hide that part of myself. Now, being able to talk about that has made me feel a lot more comfortable and feel like I’ve been able to kind of express my femininity even while tearing up the drum kit. There’s a duality there. But I really, really love and really value that.”

Another important element is their humor. On X-Tape, their latest song, they were able to “build a complete world around” the song with its accompanying music video, according to Sara. They poke fun at the traditional classroom setting and instead teach a sex-positive sex-ed class in the video, to lyrics that state “I’m just a girl and I’ll do what I want.” This matches their merchandise, where they sell birth control cases with “Kid Sistr <3’s Safe Sex” written on the front.

From the Kid Sistr Store.

As an independent band, they are “working girls,” and have huge dreams for what’s to come next. They do not appear to be limiting themselves to a singular identity or genre anytime soon, as slower song “Dallas” and their punk-inspired vocals on “X-Tape” prove their vast range of ability.

Sabel said, “We have big aspirations and we love music, and love writing. We’re definitely not going to slow down.” They use humor, irony, and joy to discuss huge themes such as humanity, misogyny, friendship, queerness, and even more. These layers are evident in their willingness to experiment and venture into the unpredictable and unknown. So keep an eye out for Kid Sistr, either on their current tour or along for the ride on social media. Be sure to stream their songs as they redefine the musical universe and maybe even invent their own.

Top photo by Emily Entz.

The controversial series is centered around the young, rising, Britney-esque popstar Jocelyn (Lily-Rose Depp) and, typical of a Levinson production, includes lots of sex, drugs, and out-of-pocket material directed against women. In the first scene, Jocelyn is being photographed and told to make faces for different concepts: doe eyes, laughing, pure sex, vulnerable, and emotional. This was already an indication of how the women are going to be depicted in the show.

Jocelyn, after losing her mother, is said to have gone through a psychotic break which immediately labeled her as a fragile character around her staff. Her managers describe her as a “young, beautiful, and damaged icon”, and when a horrifying scandal breaks out over the internet, everyone is worried about how she is going to react.

The way that mental illness gets exploited and romanticized through the show’s concept is offsetting to watch and to listen to (explicitly referring to the “mental illness is sexy” line…sigh).

Jocelyn’s character is focused on the vulnerability of women in the music industry rather than promoting their resilience. There is the floating idea that unattainable women, like Jocelyn, won’t have sex with men unless the woman is mentally ill. Jocelyn’s image needs to be a tease for men that can’t have her and an idol for women who want to be her. However, Jocelyn’s target audience is also geared towards tween, middle-school-aged girls. The Live Nation representative in charge of Jocelyn’s upcoming tour (Eli Roth) shows up and says how his 13-year-old daughter showed him the viral picture of Jocelyn with cum on her face.

Even though Levinson denied the rumors, with her image, her mental illness, and her target audience, Jocelyn seems to be a forced character trying to represent the rise and fall of Britney Spears.

Tesfaye comes into the picture as Tedros, a popular owner of a hot downtown L.A. club, and is shown in the teasers as this self-help guru/cult leader. His character immediately puts an uneasy feeling in viewers (with or without the rattail) and is expected to brainwash Jocelyn as she prepares for her tour. When Jocelyn’s best friend says that he seems “kind of rapey”, Jocelyn’s response was “I kinda like that about him.” The writing that Levinson gives to his female characters only puts them in a position to promote harmful and dangerous expectations about sex. Having a beautiful, young woman talk about how she is turned on by rape culture only gives men who watch the show more leverage about what they believe girls want. Soon after, Jocelyn is seen masturbating in her room and choking herself in order to have an orgasm.

In multiple interviews, Lily-Rose Depp mentions that she actually enjoys working on The Idol. The 23-year-old model and daughter of Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis actually lives a life that is quite the opposite of who she plays on screen. “My parents protected my brother [Jack] and me from [fame] as much as possible,” she tells ELLE. Depp does not own Twitter and only uses her Instagram to promote her upcoming brand events. She explains how she likes to stay out of the social media spotlight, but her role as Jocelyn has given her a reason to think about how aware the public eye is — and how hungry they are for something like a cum-shot scandal.

Even though the show is turning heads with negative reviews, HBO is sure that the ratings will start to skyrocket on Max as they expected with Euphoria, which has won 28 awards and is the second-most-watched show in HBO history. With a total of 913,000 viewers for The Idol’s first episode, trends in past HBO hit shows have created high (possibly unattainable) hopes for the growth of The Idol’s viewership.

The Idol is scheduled to release 5 more episodes on Max every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET. The newest one, “Double Fantasy”, is out now.

Top photo by The Idol on Max.

Erykah Badu—the queen of neo-soul and arguably one of the coolest women on the planet—is hitting the road this summer on a 25-city tour starting June 11. Can’t wait to see her go on and on (and on and on)? Go to unfollowmetour.com to find out if she’s hitting a town near you.

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2. The Blackening

Photo Credit: Glen Wilson

Co-written by Tracy Oliver (who previously brought us Girls Trip), this horror/ comedy flick follows seven Black friends who go away for a weekend in the woods where there’s a killer on the loose. They can’t all die first, so they rank their Blackness and use their knowledge of horror movie tropes to survive. Piss your pants laughing when it comes to theaters June 16.

3. TLC Forever on Lifetime

Photo Credit: Dennis Leupold

Which one are you? Crazy, Sexy, or Cool? Follow the drama and tragedy that came with fame for TLC’s Left Eye, Chili, and T-Boz as they become one of the most iconic girl groups of the ’90s in this Lifetime documentary airing June 3.

4. Survival of the Thickest on Netflix

Photo Credit: Winnie Au

Michelle Buteau stars in this Netflix series based on her autobiography. Written and produced by Buteau, the show, which hits the small screen July 13, follows her as she goes through a breakup, gets her styling career off the ground, and plunges back into the dating pool with help from her two besties.

5. Ahsoka on Disney+

Photo Credit: LUCASFILMS

Star Wars fans first met Rosario Dawson’s character, Ahsoka, in the second season of The Mandalorian, and now she’s back in her own series premiering in August on Disney+. The story follows the former Jedi knight as she tries to save the galaxy. Fingers crossed we get another Lizzo and Baby Yoda moment!

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6. I Inside the Old Year Dying by PJ Harvey

Photo Credit: Steve Gullick

Indie-rock goddess PJ Harvey is bringing her spooky vibes, unique voice, and harrowing lyrics back to the mic with her 10th studio album, I Inside the Old Year Dying. Bask in her melancholy magic when it drops July 7 on Partisan Records.

7. The Story of Art Without Men by Katy Hessel

For as long as humans have been making art, there have been women artists. Yet, until recently, they were glaringly excluded from history. This bothered Katy Hessel, so in 2015, she launched the IG account @thegreatwomenartists and then a podcast of the same name. Now, her new book from W.W. Norton & Company is continuing this important work by digging up all the forgotten women who mastered their crafts and finally giving them their due.

A teaser of the book debuts on her podcast: Listen now

8. Mosswood Meltdown featuring Bratmobile and John Waters

Wow, wow, wow! The legendary riot grrrl band Bratmobile is reuniting after 20 years at the Mosswood Meltdown festival in Oakland hosted by John Waters. The lineup also includes BUST faves Le Tigre, the Rondelles, and Gravy Train!!!!, so grab tickets for the July 1 and 2 dates asap at mosswoodmeltdown.com.

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9. Pageboy: A Memoir by Elliot Page

The Umbrella Academy star is speaking his truth. This memoir, out June 6 from Flatiron Books, takes readers from Elliot Page’s breakout role in Juno to being forced into the Hollywood starlet mold to his transition—allowing him to finally navigate Tinseltown on his own terms.

10. “It’s Pablo-matic: Picasso According to Hannah Gadsby”

Photo Credit: Ben King

Hannah Gadsby shot to fame with her groundbreaking one-woman show, Nanette, and now she’s sticking it to the man. Well, one man in particular—Pablo Picasso. Opening at the Brooklyn Museum on June 2, this exhibit, co-curated by Gadsby, will feature works by Picasso alongside those by feminist artists, including the Guerrilla Girls and Cindy Sherman, and plenty of pointed commentary.

Check out Hannah Gadsby introducing “It’s Pablo-matic” on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/brooklynmuseum/hannah-gadsby-picasso-introduction?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Top Image: Photo Credit: Fred Yonet

BUST has been a home for many incredible stories over the years, and has held a special place in the hearts of many over the decades. (If you’re feeling sentimental, check out this retrospective we did for our 25th anniversary, where readers share their favorite moments about the magazine.) As time passes and the social landscape changes, BUST has continued to publish fresh and innovative features on the coolest feminists of today.

BUST, like boygenius, was formed independently by a trio of badass women. BUST started out as a homemade zine in 1993. The first few issues were photocopied, stapled together, and distributed by its three founders, Laurie Henzel, Debbie Stoller, and Marcela Karp.

In those 30 years, we’ve created a bi-annual craft fair, published several books, and have had over 10,000 subscribers as of 2018. For our 30th anniversary issue, we decided to celebrate with boygenuis, the indie-rock supergroup that’s taking the world by storm.

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boygenius is composed of indie-rock singer Julien Baker, viral folk sensation Phoebe Bridgers, and singer-songwriter Lucy Dacus. In our summer issue, released on June 1st, the trio discussed their rise to being one of the most influential feminist supergroups of the modern age. The members of the band talk with BUST about their blooming friendship, their (sometimes rabid) fanbase, and Kristen Stewart, who directed the band’s short film. They also discuss their debut studio album, The Record, which was released earlier this year on March 31st.

Dacus and Baker had previously been acquainted since they both performed together in Washington DC back in 2016, but after performing on the same bill in 2018, all three women got together to record a promotional single for the tour. They decided that they were having too much fun to stop, and later that year, they released their first official EP as boygenius. How did they land on their unique and discordant name? How did the COVID-19 epidemic affect their success? How do they feel about their adoring fans? And who the hell is Maxine? You’ll just have to pick up our newest issue to find out!

But boygenius isn’t the only thing we’re highlighting this summer. Here are some other cool things to look out for in the 2023 Summer issue.

Check out our feature on Malaysian film producer and screenwriter, Adele Lim. Lim talks with us about her new R-rated comedy, Joy Ride, which came out June 7th. Joy Ride is the first major studio film with an all Asian-American (and predominantly female) cast. The film is raunchy, delightful, and diverse. Lim was open with BUST about the real-life inspiration behind Joy Ride, Asian-American representation in media, and her lengthy list of credits (including Disney’s Raja and The Last Dragon, and Crazy Rich Asians). “We’re finding joy and reveling in our own messiness, just like any other white guy’s R-rated comedy.” Succinct, substantial, and chock-full of intersectional feminism, Adele Lim’s feature is a must-read.

But that’s not all the intersectionality we have to offer; check out the other pieces on writer and activist Rachel Cargle, and our feature on comedian and “cat daddy” Marc Maron.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Caren

This issue is also full of fun treats for those long hot summer days, like our recipe for grilled peaches, and DIY Balboa Bars. The only thing better than enjoying a cool homemade treat on a hot summer day is looking cool while you do it. Take a look through our ‘Looksee’ feature, where we list all the things we’re into this season, like this cutely packaged sunscreen, these size inclusive swimsuits, and unique sunnies to shield your eyes from the sun’s rays. There’s more cool attire featured throughout; our Get The Look section highlights several Malibu Barbie-themed accessories, like these Moxi roller skates, and this vintage polaroid film camera. But we’re just as comprehensive about our fashion coverage as we are with our anthropology.

This summer’s issue is also full of cool cultural pieces and historical topics, like the extensive feature on the lives of women in the rural mountains of Tibet. The story, written by Eleanor Moseman, details Moseman’s time spent with Tibetan villager Jamyang Tsomo and her family. It covers Tsomos daily chores, which include tending to yaks, harvesting barley, and looking after her family. Jamyang Tsomo’s story is a phenomenal glance into the lesser covered fierce women of the modern world. And she’s not the only cool cultural feature we have. This Summer’s issue also has an inside scoop on “one of the Middle Ages most fascinating figures,” visionary St. Hildegard of Bingen, written by noted historian Dr. Eleanor Janega.

So if you haven’t subscribed already, you’re definitely missing out. There’s something so special about receiving a physical print publication in the mail. It’s nostalgic, and reminiscent of the simpler bittersweet days of adolescence. Relieve the days of reading horoscopes aloud to your bestie and skimming the pages of a magazine for cute summer accessories. Alternatively, indulge your curiosity for knowledge by checking out our features on the historic town of Dublin, or the origins of Midsummer (the Scandinavian Pagan tradition, not the Ari Aster film!) And of course, as always, there’s way more!

We here at BUST are proud to provide a platform for everything; and our digital articles are no different. From updates on the new Barbie Movie, to abortion rights, and from Taylor Swift & Ice Spice collaborations, to coverage on an all girls robotics team in Afghanistan, there’s always an exciting online feature for you. Sounds enticing? Keep an eye out for us on your news feed, as well as on your local newsstands. Here’s to another 30 years. And 30 more after that!

Subscribe now to get your hands on this 30th Anniversary issue!

Top Image: Photo Credit: Ramona Rosales

One of those additions includes establishing a coordinator to “lead the charge” against banning books in schools who will serve under the Department of Education. While it appears this role is still in the planning stages (and therefore vague) their overall role seems to be educating schools on the emotional, intellectual, and societal harm that book bans cause.

This, of course, comes after the rise in book bannings that the country has seen over the past few years. In fact, the amount of banned books in US schools has increased by 30% just over the last year. According to President Biden’s domestic policy advisor Neera Tanden who spoke on the issue on a call with reporters, The Biden administration’s approach to this role is to consider the fact that the growing number of book bannings “may violate federal civil laws if they create a hostile environment for students.”

Banning books is a social justice issue, especially when we consider that many of the books that have been banned include queer characters. Specifically, according to PEN America’s Index of School Book Bans, more than 25% of books that have been banned by US schools either include queer themes or characters. Per PEN, “within this category, 68 are books that include transgender characters, which is 8% of all books banned.” It is also important to note that 30% of banned books in this country include themes of race and/or racism.

Some of the most banned books in the country include Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe, Flamer by Mike Curato, and The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison.

The creation of this new role was the main story of Biden’s new plan, however, he also introduced other protections to the LGBTQ+ community including:

• “a community safety program from the Department of Homeland Security to work with LGBTQI+ community centers, clinics and small businesses like restaurants and bars to provide training for bomb threats, active shooters and cyber threats
• an advisory for mental health care providers from Health and Human Services to help provide evidence-based care for transgender youth
• regulations to protect LGBTQI+ kids in foster care and place them in safe and appropriate homes”

While change seems to come very slowly in this country, these new measures definitely show promise. A public declaration of how the federal government intends to protect the LGBTQ+ people in this country is critically important given the increase in violence against LGBTQ+ communities.

Top photo: kazuend on Unsplash

The single’s repetitous melody is an excellent back up to Violet’s saccharine-sweet vocals, building gently, keeping tempo, creating tension until Violet’s explosion of “my god! my god”! (This song is about sex, folks!) MY GOD! has all the elements of a hit pop single: an inescapable ear worm of a melody; catchy, sexy and easy-to-belt-out lyrics, and a nice and healthy dose of queer joy.

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Violet spoke with Flood Magazine about her inspiration for the song.

“I saw a TikTok video posted by a queer woman,” she shared, “where she said, ‘When you have sex with a girl who’s only been with men before it can really be a sexual awakening because for the first time she’s thinking, what does sex look like to me if i’m not absolutely prioritizing my partner’s pleasure over mine—or sometimes at the cost of mine?’ It made me think about how heterosexual women have so often been conditioned to prioritize a man’s pleasure to the point of being out of touch with their own desire. What would that look like to honor your desire? It was a whole awakening for me.”

Violet’s not-so-subtle lyrics celebrate the euphoria of prioritizing your pleasure, but it’s more than just great sex– it can often be a spiritual experience as well. Violet’s cheeky play on religious regalia in her photos (and upcoming music video) and her frisky devotional lyrics prove that sexual joy is truly a transcendent experience.

Two hearts electric and eager/one touch and I’m a believer,/ you got me coming all undone/ baby, I’m confessing/ like how you undressing/ it could be a blessing/ if we do it ri-i-i-i-ght. If you keep it up imma see the light/ open up the gates to my paradise/ like MY GOD! MY GOD!

Tessa’s last album Bad Ideas came out in 2019 and several songs on that LP including Crush, I Like The Idea of You, and Bad Ideas encompass similar topics. Violet is not afraid to unabashedly ask for what she wants, speak openly about what turns her on, and be all around a sex-positive role model.

Not only are these messages still salient four years after their release, her sound is just as fresh and dialed in as it was when her last album came out. Violet has a tangible grasp on what works in the digital space– her messages are thoughtful and clear, her hooks are fetching and the overall production has all the elements of virality.

MY GOD! comes fresh off the last single, YES MOM, which became a viral TikTok sensation. Recognize these lyrics?

Bet you’ve been a fan of me/ See me in your fantasies / Everything I got, I got working for me so/ Eat that, peep that, I’m the one to beat, yeah (yeah)/ I’m the one to beat, yeah/ I’m the one to beat, yeah

MY GOD! will be released in its totality on July 14, and Tessa Violet will be hitting the road on a nation-wide tour shortly after. Check out her dates to see if she’s coming to a town near you!

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Top photo: by Sarah Pardini, courtesy of Tessa Violet

This upcoming live NYC concert will feature a full band. Ms. Danilova is an exciting and powerful performer. I can attest to this having seen her live a several times and highly reccomend attedning this upcoiming show. It’s gonna be a hot one! 

For more information about both video and live show please visit zolajesus.com and Le Poisson Rouge’s website, lpr.com.

Photo credit: Shervin Lainez

The EP, released on May 26, features tracks that explore themes of love, heartbreak, struggle, and perseverance. From the ethereal melodies of “Sunrise” to the poignant collaboration with David Ramirez on “Mint Gum”, Cliffs + Caves create a unified emotional masterpiece that fosters empathy and human connection. Each song is a testament to the duo’s commitment to truth-telling and providing solace to those in need of healing.

The title of the EP, Lost The Trail, speaks volumes about the beauty and heartache that intertwine in our existence. It serves as a reminder that we are never alone in life’s complexities and encourages us to embrace the wilderness, even when we can’t see the path ahead. Lindsey and Claire understand that life itself is a journey of unknowns, and their music reflects the courage to navigate uncharted territories with the grace of acceptance.

Moreover, Lost The Trail tells the tale of Lindsey and Claire’s evolution as both a family and artistic duo. Their bond has deepened, now that they are musicians working together, and as Claire enters young adulthood, their relationship will take on new dimensions that they both are ready to embrace. The EP serves as a testament to their shared experiences, the highs, and lows they’ve faced together, and the honesty that permeates their music.

Inspired by modern alternative music icons such as Maggie Rogers, Phoebe Bridgers, Boy Genius, and Noah Gundersen, Cliffs + Caves have carved out their unique sound, which they describe as “Indie-Americana”. Their music blends seamlessly with outdoor adventures, whether you’re floating down a river or hiking up the majestic Grand Tetons. With a perfect balance of chill and uplifting vibes, Cliffs + Caves provide the ideal soundtrack for your sweet summer escapades.

Cliffs + Caves, with their deeply personal and relatable stories, have become synonymous with Contemporary Americana music in their home state of Texas. Their musical ingenuity shines through in their previous releases, such as their 2017 debut EP, ‘Hold On,’ and their sophomore EP, ‘Capsize.’ With each project, the duo’s collaboration flourishes, blending intimate lyrics with captivating melodies.

With anticipated excitement, the duo is set to release a music video for the EP track “The Coop” in the coming months. This visual accompaniment promises to enhance the immersive experience of their music and captivate audiences with their storytelling prowess. Additionally, Cliffs + Caves have exciting partnerships and announcements in the works, hinting at a bright future for the duo.

The duo’s evolution into a more alternative sound is evident in their latest release. While still rooted in Americana, their music draws inspiration from artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Lake Street Dive, and Patty Griffin. Claire’s multi-instrumentalist abilities and knack for songwriting contribute to the duo’s musical mastery, as they continue to push boundaries and explore new sonic landscapes.

As Cliffs + Caves embark on this new chapter in their artistic journey, listeners are left eagerly anticipating what’s to come. With their emotive storytelling, sincere lyrics, and unwavering connection, Lindsey and Claire Justice have created an enchanting world within Lost The Trail. Their music invites listeners to embrace the unexpected, to lean into the unknown, and find solace in the beauty that arises from life’s unpredictable moments.

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Featuring some of our fave queers including Roxane Gay, Carrie Brownstein, Jane Lynch and many others, this fictional auditory adventure brings the “strange world of semi-suburban sapphics seeking out a deviant existence in the shadows of decent society,” to life through a series of episodes available on Audible.

The story starts in June of 1987, Ronald Reagan is president, the Iran-Contra hearings are all over the news, it’s “ten years before Ellen, five years before the founding of the lesbian avengers,” and while some of the references may be a little old school, the concerns, the controversies, the political climate (unfortunately) and the emotions are all still incredible relevant for modern queer audiences.

The main character Mo, who is voiced by the acclaimed Carrie Brownstein, starts the series off by looking for love (or maybe, just a little fun) while exploring vulnerability. In the era of Reaganism, her “hypersensitive moral compass” has caused some friction between her and her peers. She knows that queer is more than just an orientation, it’s a basis of intersectional liberation from poverty, war, racism, and capitalism, but can’t turn off the lecture when her friends just want to have fun. “If you think assimilation is liberation, you’re either delusional or a sell out,” Mo says to her friends during the Pride Parade.

“When I was young and freshly out, I pored over my paperback copies of ‘Dykes to Watch Out For,’ dreaming that I would one day get to live in a world as progressive, funny, sexy, and frankly dykey as the incredible community Alison created,” said Madeleine George, who wrote the adapted script. “Spending time immersed in this world has been like getting to move into my dream world. To hear the beloved characters brought to life by this gang of superstars has been too good to be true.”

Dykes to Watch Out For ran from 1983-2008 in Funny Times and various lesbian newspapers and online. According to the New York Times, Bechdel herself has called the strip “half op-ed column and half endless, serialized Victorian novel.” Full of cultural reflection, social commentary and political references, the strip built a semi-fictional world for lesbians to engage in, reflecting the everyday conversations that were happening in queer circles. Bechdel, who is also known for her books Fun Home, Are You My Mother, and The Secret to Superhuman Strength has spent decades capturing her iteration of the queer experience, sharing it with eager audiences from across the country.

Dykes to Watch Out For by Alison Bechdel

She is also the creator of the Bechdel Test, a media evaluation method that analyzes how well a work of fiction represents women characters. The criteria includes: at least two women are featured, these women talk to each other, and they discuss something other than a man. That’s it– just three small objectives that a surprising number of films, books and television shows completely miss.

“I am blown away by this podcast; it’s such a great gift to hear the characters and their world come to audio life, talking and kvetching and playing softball and going to marches,” said Bechdel in a press release. “Often when I was drawing the comic strip I would wish it could have the extra dimension of a soundtrack – and now it does. The podcast is set back in the day, 1987, which makes it a fun history lesson, but at the same time, it’s a completely contemporary-feeling romp. I’m absolutely speechless and fortunately these actors have plenty to say, and they do so with dykey aplomb.”

All episodes of Dykes to Watch Out For are now available on Audible!

Top Photo is a screen grab from “Jane Lynch and the Iconic Cast of ‘Dykes To Watch Out for’ in Conversation” from the official Audible Youtube channel

1.) Join a Queer Book Club (Or start your own!)

Literature has been a powerful part of queer history since its inception. Sapphic authors, like Eva Kotchever and Radclyffe Hall, were both persecuted for their literary works, which contained overt lesbian themes. For a wonderfully chill and bookish Pride celebration, host a book club to honor one of these infamous queer writers. We suggest Hall’s most controversial novel, The Well of Loneliness, which was the subject of obscenity trials in both the US and UK. You can also join a queer book club, like Sapphic Lit, which is a literary pop-up held in over 55 countries. Sapphic Lit is hosting events all over the globe for Pride month this year, including pop-up bookstores and book swaps. Check out their full list of events here.

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2.) Have A Queer Movie Night

Whether you’re looking for a quiet night in with your favorite queer rom-com, or a fun interactive night out with your peers, LGBTQIA+ cinema is a unique way to celebrate Pride this year. Organizations like The Bush Cinema Club, New York City’s Dyke Cinema Club, and Toronto’s Queer Cinema Club host monthly intimate screenings of queer films. The screenings are small, seating only around 50-100 people. They’re sometimes even held in private West Village lofts, or barely known dive bars. The events are usually accompanied by themed refreshments, and the occasional aphrodisiac popcorn. Annual film festivals like the Queer Vision Festival in the UK are also holding screenings of independent queer films all throughout Pride month. Can’t make it to Toronto, New York, or Great Britain? Audience participation isn’t the only way to get involved: you can also donate your time to any local queer-owned cinema organization. You can even hold your own private cinema screenings with your friends, and include some fun treats of your own. Check out volunteer opportunities for The Bush Films here, and check out our list of sapphic movies written by women here!

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3.) Go To A Silent Disco

When you’re queer, dancing is a revolutionary act of defiance. Throwing on some Jessie Ware tunes and letting loose is a great way to get down this Pride season. It’s no secret that Disco served as a safe haven for queer individuals, both out and closeted. Disco also provided a platform for queer people of color, something that remains few and far between to this day. But long gone are the days of sweat-stained velour and Studio 54. And because roughly 60% of all LGBTQIA+ individuals experience anxiety, a packed room full of blaring music might be the last place you want to be this Pride. Luckily, there’s a loophole. Silent discos have been cropping up, and they’re a great way to experience a fun night out ​​— without all the overwhelm. For a small fee, attendees rent a pair of headphones with several “music channels” that can be switched over the duration of the party. Most silent disco events are operated by Silent Events. The rental company crafted the multisensory experience as an alternative to the loud, anxiety-inducing environment that clubs and concerts foster. It’s a low pressure way to enjoy cool, queer tunes with friends. You can check out their nation-wide list of upcoming events here.

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4.) Start a Riot

Pride wouldn’t exist without riots. The first Pride parade was a riot. If it weren’t for Marsha P. Johnson throwing the first brick at the Stonewall Inn (and the infamous riots that ensued afterwards,) it’s hard to believe that we’d have the agency that we do today. Maybe don’t put yourself in danger of being arrested, but see what local protests or grassroots movements are going on in your area. New York City’s Queer Liberation March would be a great start, as they initially organized to reclaim Pride from corporations by honoring the initial intent of the Stonewall Riots. And if you can’t make it out to the East Coast, QLM offers livestreams of all their events. Additionally, the website pridefinder.com is a marvelous multipurpose resource for finding a myriad of queer events, parties and protests alike. It’s global, and even includes a list of welcoming queer cities across the world. Check out their list of upcoming event pride events for 2023 here.

5.) Support Your Local LGBTQIA+ Historical Site

Museums with queer exhibits, going on LGBTQIA+ historical walks, and speaking with elder queers in your community are all great ways to immerse yourself in the more historical aspects of Pride this summer. There are plenty of amazing museums across the world that are full of rich archival history, like the Leslie-Lohman Museum, nestled in the streets of NYC’s SoHo. The museum houses a small gift shop, a private event space, and a collection that spans over 300 years. But you don’t have to be in the city of the Stonewall Riots to explore the historical significance of the event; There’s a whole museum dedicated to the Stonewall Riots in Fort Lauderdale, of all places. The Stonewall National Museum & Archive was initially a small queer library that has since grown into a museum that hosts movie nights, tours, and fundraisers for the local LGBTQIA+ community. They even have a digital collection if you can’t make it in person. There’s also the ONE Archives in Los Angeles, California, which is known to be “the oldest active LGBTQ organization in the United States,” and hosts the Circa Queer History Festival every pride month. To find a comprehensive list of LGBTQIA+ historical museums across the world, check out this travel list.

Whether it’s supporting queer-owned artists, flipping through a book, or watching a campy queer flick with your friends, we hope you find some informative, eccentric, and innovative ways to honor your LGBTQIA+ community this summer. Don’t be afraid to break tradition!

Top Photo Credit: Norbu Gyachung via Unsplash

Centered around the sex lives of four high-profile women living in Manhattan, Sex and the City, created by Darren Star and co-produced by Sarah Jessica Parker (Carrie Bradshaw herself), ended up with 94 episodes over a six-season run, 2 movies, 2 television spin-offs, 18 awards, and too-many-to-count high fashion props chosen by the award-winning stylist, Patricia Field.

SATC celebrated its 25th anniversary on Tuesday, and the cast found creative ways to commemorate the milestone.

Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon, and even Kim Cattrall showed small tokens of appreciation for their legendary roles through social media.

Kristin Davis, who plays Park Avenue princess Charlotte York-Goldenblatt, wrote on Instagram: “It is impossible to believe it has been 25 years! I consider myself the luckiest person in the world to be a part of this story that connects so many of us together. It has and continues to be a JOY!”

Cynthia Nixon, a.k.a. Miranda Hobbes, Esq., also shared a nostalgic piece on Instagram with photos of herself from season one of SATC and a recent photoshoot taken during the filming of And Just Like That…Part of the caption reads: “How it started how it’s going for Miranda Hobbes ”

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As well as a recent photo of her and Davis captioned, “Here’s to 25 years of incredible friendship!”

And Sarah Jessica Parker who plays the quintessential New York City columnist and renowned shoe-a-holic, Carrie Bradshaw, shared her own memorable moment by posting a photo of her signature gold “Carrie” necklace saying, “It’s our silver anniversary but the memories will always be gold.”

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And even though Kim Cattrall is still keeping her distance from the show, our mother Samantha Jones still acknowledged the occasion by liking a tweet posted by the original author of the series, Candace Bushnell, as well as a fan-made appreciation tweet for Sam Jones.

The rest of the cast decided to show the hit series some love as well.

The official Instagram account for And Just Like That… made a “25 years of fabulous” post captioning the clips of the youthful and smiling quartet with: “And here’s to more fabulous years to come.”

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In a video posted by HBO, Nixon, Parker, and Davis thanked all the fans for showing love and gratitude to them and the show for all these years. “We just want to say thank you for supporting us because that’s how come we’ve been able to do it for so long,” Davis said while hand-in-hand with Parker.

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And Mario Cantone, who plays ours and Charlotte’s favorite wedding planner Anthony, also shared the trailer to And Just Like That… to celebrate “a happy 25” for SATC.

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The second season of the latest spin-off And Just Like That… will premiere on June 22 exclusively on Max and will continue to follow the provocative, gossip-filled lives of Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte (and this time with a word from Samantha).

Top photo by Martamenchini, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

“Maintaining the ‘kid-ness’ was paramount,” Gerwig told Architectural Digest. “I wanted the pinks to be very bright, and everything to be almost too much.”

Rosco was founded in 1910 and has collaborated with Hollywood producers for over a century. They provide sciencic paints, fog machines, color filters, lighting systems and other products that help to build the environment of a film. They have won four Academy Awards and one Emmy Award for their innovative products and techniques. But Roscoe leaders share that the Barbie production wasn’t the only reason they ran out of the hue.

The production designers were challenged to bring the Barbie Dreamworld to life on a set. According to AD, Gerwig used the phrase “authentic artificiality” to serve as a goal post when designing the world, which was built on set in England.

“There are no walls and no doors,” Gerwig told AD. “Dreamhouses assume that you never have anything you wish was private—there is no place to hide.” And the team created this illusion largely by hand, hand-painting the backdrop rather than CGI to capture the sky and the San Jacinto Mountains.

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Lauren Proud, Vice President of Global Marketing at Rosco, told the Los Angeles Times that there were multiple circumstances that led to the Barbie production using up the entire reserve of the specific shade of pink, including supply chain challenges that arose during the pandemic and the Texas deep freeze of early 2021 that damaged a lot of materials that were used to create the paint, meaning the company was already short in supply.

“There was this shortage,” Proud told The Los Angeles Times. “And then we gave them everything we could– I don’t know if they can claim credit.” In another statement, she said, “they used as much paint as we had.”

Well we’re just tickled pink by this news! See all the beautiful sets in action for the release of the Barbie movie on July 21!

Top photo: screenshot of the Barbie Main Trailer from Warner Bros. Pictures Youtube

DEFINING WHAT “HOME” means for herself, and finding homes for underrepresented creative work, are both recurring themes in Tessa Thompson’s life. The 39-year-old actor is literally building a home (her first) in Los Angeles (her hometown). She’s also continuing to establish herself as a producer through her company, Viva Maude Productions, where she’s developing projects by folks who audiences don’t usually see—and stories that affirm through real representation rather than by adhering to the politics of respectability. And now, with her latest big-screen blockbuster, Creed III (out March 3), Thompson is returning to the eight-year-old Rocky-spinoff franchise that helped make her a household name. “It feels like coming home,” she tells me.

When I catch up with Thompson on Zoom, she’s not quite settled into the new digs she shares with her dog, Coltrane. The Internet is a little wonky and there are various people coming in and out—making deliveries and placing things. “It’s still kind of a work in progress,” she says of the home she purchased in the early days of the pandemic but was only recently able to begin fully renovating due to work and waiting for permits. But Thompson—fresh-faced and glowing with her waist-length braids half up in a top knot—doesn’t seem at all stressed about the process. Her vibe is extremely chill. “This home has been such a pleasure to build,” she says. And it’s been more than that. “It’s basically a gut renovation, so every inch of the house is an extension of things that were once ideas in conversations and then suddenly on paper, and then blueprints. I think the past couple of years have been, for me, about creating the architecture, not just for this place that I’m currently in, but of this company that I’m building. It’s been nice to have this outward reminder of what’s possible—that we can have ideas and make things. I’ve always kind of known that, but it’s been crystallized in a way with this process of having this home.”

Building the home of her dreams in Los Angeles is particularly significant to Thompson. Born and raised in the city, she grew up in apartments with her mother and sister and spent her school vacations in New York with her dad and his kids from his second marriage, a sister and brother. (“We’re a deeply blended family, I suppose. For me, it feels quite normal,” she says.) Since taking off in the mid-aughts with the beloved TV shows Veronica Mars (in 2005 and 2006) and Grey’s Anatomy (in 2006), and then with such notable movies as Mississippi Damned (2009), For Colored Girls (2010), and Dear White People (2014), Thompson’s career has sent her all over the world. “Because of my line of work, I’ve been so nomadic,” she explains. “I’m based where the work is, and that changes. It has sometimes served me well to not have a concrete home to miss when I’m away. I’m totally a millennial—this idea of renting someplace and having something that’s yours but also not yours didn’t really bother me.” Over the last couple of years, though, Thompson has spent more time in her hometown than anywhere else, and much of her scattered family is now finding its way to the West Coast as well. “Almost all of my family is in L.A. now,” she says. “It’s the first time in my life where that’s been the case. It’s been really incredible to put down roots in a city that I already feel rooted to and also to get to really build something.”

Thompson, whose father is a musician, grew up destined to be an artist. “Everyone in my family makes something,” she says. As evidence, she holds up a ceramic bowl made by her mother, who also draws and hand-makes jewelry. “When I first started thinking around being a creative person in pursuit of a career—watching my parents, and really everyone in my family—I always thought of it as something you just sort of do. My family feels intensely creative. I was raised with the idea that there’s no one way to do that ‘right’ or ‘successfully.’”

Rodarte Dress and Sweater; Lillian Shalom Ring; Necklaces: Thompson’s Own.

Anonlychild Jacket, Skirt, Leggings, and Top; Giambattista Valli Shoes; Socks: Stylist’s Own

Freedom to create isn’t the only privilege Thompson was afforded by way of her bohemian upbringing. She’s also felt free to be herself in other ways. In 2018, the typically private star shared with multiple media outlets that she is attracted to both men and women. “I hadn’t thought about it as ‘coming out,’” explains Thompson, who’s been romantically linked to Janelle Monáe and left curious tongues wagging when photographed getting close to Taika Waititi and Rita Ora. “It wasn’t a deliberate effort, but there’s something powerful about seeing some part of yourself reflected in the media. In that way, I think the more that we tell our stories, and the less afraid we are to be honest about who we are and who we love, the more we help other people do the same thing. I’m really lucky in the sense that I grew up inside of a community and inside of a family where it’s not been hard for me to do that. But I acknowledge that for so many people, it is really hard, and that’s not to be taken lightly. If being able to talk authentically about who I am helps other people do the same, then I’m grateful for it.”

Although Thompson performed in several school plays, pursuing a career in acting wasn’t a given. “Growing up in Los Angeles, something about proximity to [the industry] made me sort of take the idea for granted and not consider it seriously,” she says of making it in Hollywood. “It makes total sense to me that people come to L.A. from different parts of the world with this dream—and maybe I would have been one of those people had I not grown up in L.A.”

Now Thompson—who, before embarking on her Hollywood career at 22, studied cultural anthropology at Santa Monica College and wondered if there was “more important work” that she might enjoy—seems to have not just found, but also created, the perfect career for herself. Not a stereotypical scene-stealer, Thompson has become known for performances that are often understated—neither boisterous nor loud, but imbued with an ineffable allure that makes it impossible not to focus on her extremely expressive face when she’s on screen. Her diverse résumé includes standout roles as a civil rights hero (Selma, 2014) and a villainous robot (Westworld, 2016 to 2022). And she’s as acclaimed for her work in blockbusters like Marvel’s Thor films (2017 to 2022) as she is for indies like Sorry to Bother You (2018) and Little Woods (2018).

“I want to do things that excite me and scare me and also things that are fun,” says Thompson when asked how she chooses her projects. “I like to take risks, and I feel really varied in terms of my interests. I have seen so many folks in the course of their careers be able to traverse really varied spaces, but I just don’t know if that opportunity has been afforded to talent of color in the same way.”

In Creed III, she returns as Bianca, one of her most beloved characters, the girlfriend-now-wife of the franchise’s titular Adonis Creed, played by her close friend Michael B. Jordan, who makes his directorial debut with this third installment.

“I just love making these movies,” says Thompson. “It always feels like a homecoming. Over the eight years that we’ve been working on this series of films, there’s a familiarity that has been established, particularly between me and Mike. We have such a shorthand. We both have grown so much since the first time around. With Mike at the helm, it was so exciting to see someone I love so much actualize something that’s been a dream—and then see him do it so well.”

Adding to the familial vibe on set is the fact that much of the crew has worked on all three films. “You get to see everyone’s growth,” says Thompson. “Over the years, many of them have had families and there’s something that feels really special and rarefied about that. You typically have that in television, but not so much in the movie-making process.” The third installment also adds Lovecraft Country’s Jonathan Majors, who Thompson calls “a chameleon and fantastic actor,” to the mix as Adonis’ childhood friend-turned-rival. “These movies are, of course, very masculine in that they are about dudes fighting,” says Thompson, “but there’s so much at the heart of the film that is actually unpacking the toxicity of masculinity.”

Along those same lines, as a producer, Thompson says multidimensional characters who defy stereotypes always dominate the stories she wants to tell. “With a project like Passing, for instance, there was this fundamental idea at the core of that film that none of us fit squarely into the boxes that we sometimes try to stuff ourselves inside,” says Thompson of the 2021 film, adapted from the 1929 novel by Nella Larsen, which she both starred in and produced. A story about two Black women friends who lose touch and then reconnect in New York where one of them is pretending to be white, Passing earned Thompson a BAFTA nomination for her performance and a reputation as a producer who is unafraid to tackle challenging material. “It really strikes to the heart of something that I think is doubly true for some of us, depending on our particulars,” she says of that film. “In Hollywood, there are these very small boxes that we have been given to exist inside.”

Since creating her own production company in 2021, Thompson has announced planned adaptations of three more books—Nnedi Okorafor’s Afrofuturist novel Who Fears Death; short story collection and National Book Award finalist The Secret Lives of Church Ladies, by Deesha Philyaw; and Luster, a sexy, yearning novel about a young woman who becomes entangled in an older couple’s marriage. “You know when you read something, or you see something, and it feels like it’s yours? It feels like it’s speaking right to you, personally?” Thompson asks. “But then you have conversations with other people and you realize you’re in this community of people who are thinking and feeling the same way?” Thompson says this is true of Luster, a book notable for its main character, who is both imperfect, and at times, unlikable, a freedom rarely afforded to Black women protagonists. “Luster felt like an important story that should be told, but not in a medicinal way,” explains Thompson. “It’s not political, it’s just delicious.”

If not political, deliciousness on its own can certainly feel liberating. “I want us to be seen, not as a monolith, but for all the things that we can be,” says Thompson about Black representation on screen. “That’s been an aim of mine personally. The altruistic reason is that I want to be able to advocate for my community. And my less altruistic reason is it’s just more interesting and more fun that way. Both reasons—the altruistic one and the less altruistic one—keep me inspired to chart that course. I ask myself a lot, ‘Where have we not been before?’ And that’s not just about Black women, necessarily; it’s thinking around all the pockets of folks who maybe haven’t gotten the opportunity to be seen in really varied ways in media and in popular storytelling, and just thinking, ‘How do we get us there?’”

It seems inevitable that as a natural-born artist, Thompson will expand even further beyond acting and producing as her passions continue to develop. “I’ve been working on an adaptation of my own,” she reveals. “I have thought about writing and directing for a while and I’ve even written stuff that I just never showed anybody because it was more an exercise for myself. I’ve been really waiting for something to strike me—something that I could adapt that felt like I had skin in the game, where there’s something fundamental about myself that I also get to explore in the piece. I’m really excited that I feel like I have found that thing. It’s really been a gift.”

Though she’s mum on specifics, we can expect the work to be consistent with her overarching philosophy: “The thing that has become a real aim in the work that I do,” says Thompson, “in whatever my small contribution is to Hollywood or film iconography—I want to expand the way that a woman like me is perceived.”

Simone Rocha Dress; Paris Georgia Jacket; Balmain Shoes; Lillian Shalom Ring; Necklaces: Thompson’s Own.

Top Image: COLLINA STRADA DRESS; NECKLACES: THOMPSON’S OWN

BY SABRINA FORD

PHOTOGRAPHED BY Phylicia J. L. Munn

Styling by Wayman + Micah // Makeup by Nina Park

Hair by Lacy Redway // Nails by Zola Ganzorigt

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Ramsey, who uses they/them pronouns, admitted that their decision to submit as an actress for this year’s Emmys came after a lot of deliberation, and some discomfort. “The categories at the moment feel extremely gendered with the language around them,” they said. And while they’re “uncomfortable” fitting into either a male or female lead-acting nomination, they decided to move forward in the female category because they deserve to see their hard work honored.

“I don’t want the limitations in terms of the language in the categories to be a reason that nonbinary actors like me can’t be celebrated,” Ramsey explained to Vanity Fair. “And it can open up a conversation about how it feels—as long as I’m aware of the fact that it’s not ideal, but also that finding alternatives is really complex.”

This is not a new discussion, Ramsey is the latest non-binary celebrity to voice concerns about the gendered categories of awards ceremonies. A few weeks ago, Liv Hewson of Yellowjackets withdrew their Emmy nomination because there are no categories for non-binary performers.

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“There’s no place for me in the acting categories,” Hewson told Variety. “It would be inaccurate for me to submit myself as an actress. It neither makes sense for me to be lumped in with the boys. It’s quite straightforward and not that loaded. I can’t submit myself for this because there’s no space for me.”

This movement seems to be in the zeitgeist. As more performers come forward and demand non-gendered categories, the pressure builds for institutions including the Academy Awards, The Emmys, The Tonys, and other arts and culture award ceremonies. According to Vanity Fair, celebrities like Emma Corrin (The Crown) and Asia Kate Dillon Billions, Orange Is the New Black) are calling for non-gendered performance categories.

And it really makes sense. Outside of lead and supporting performers, generally, award categories are not gendered. Academy Award categories like Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, and Best Director are not gendered– they simply celebrate the best talent. The only gendered categories in the Tonys are Best Actor/Actress in a Musical or Play and Best Featured Actor/Actress in a Musical or Play. There are 28 non-gendered Tony awards.

It’s possible that there was a time where these gendered categories helped to ensure that women were not being consistently snubbed. And it’s true that in non-gendered categories, men continue to dominate, while women are continually either excluded, or not awarded. In fact, according to a study by Medium, only 16% of ALL nominees since the beginning of the Academy Awards have been women– this number includes nominees for “best actress” and “best supporting actress.” Lack of recognition continues to be an issue for women. How can these institutions ensure women are represented without forcing non-binary performers to succumb to gendered nominations?

According to Vanity Fair, “The Film Academy is said to be researching the matter while allowing nominees to request gender-neutral wording on their awards; the Tonys more seriously considering imminent gender-neutral adjustments; and the Television Academy emphasizing the new option to adjust the language on an Emmy trophy or nomination certificate, from actor or actress to performer.”

“Eliminating two of the acting awards doesn’t sound like a movement in that direction,” said Josh Welsh, President of Film Independent to Vanity Fair. “Award shows generally don’t want to lose acting categories. People are most excited about actors.”

While it would seem like a major change for these legacy institutions, the solution likely lies in expansion, not elimination. While this year’s awards season may go on as it always has, sooner or later these powerhouse institutions will have to come forward with a solution.

We have to agree with Liv Hewson here– “I very gently and respectfully ask that people get their gears turning a little.”

Top photo: courtesy of HBO

The report was written by the White House Gender Policy Council, which was created by President Biden after he signed an executive order in 2021.

Ending gender-based violence has been a key issue of President Biden’s platform for years now. Specifically since he authored the Violence Against Women Act in 1994. This particular plan includes what the administration refers to as the seven main pillars: prevention; support, healing, safety and well-being; economic security and housing stability; online safety; legal and justice systems; emergency preparedness and crisis response; and research and data. This may result in “providing more support for survivors of gender-based violence, addressing online harassment and abuse, and conducting more robust research as well as collecting additional data on gender-based violence.”

While it seems like politicians are always more talk than action, one promising aspect of this plan is that survivors of domestic violence were actively involved in its creation. According to the White House, “the plan is guided by the lessons learned and progress made from the “leadership” of survivors, advocates, researchers, policymakers and community members who lead efforts to prevent and respond to the violence.”

The White House Gender Policy Council also seems to have an active plan on implementing the above-mentioned seven pillars. The plan will require the involvement of several federal government agencies, who will meet regularly in a Federal Interagency Working Group to discuss the steps of the plan. The four methods of which these agencies will roll out the plan include strategic planning and budgeting, policy and program development, measurement and data and management, and training.

While the national action plan to end gender-based violence is still in its infancy, The concrete steps the council have laid out as well as the knowledge that the plan has been guided by those most affected by this issue gives us hope that its implementation will be effective.

Of course, gender-based violence is not an issue that will be solved overnight, advocates to end DV and gender-based violence have been working hard to dismantle this form of systemic violence one step at a time, and we’re very thankful for that. Action plans such as these are becoming increasingly more important as violence against women remains a huge problem, and violence against trans people is on the rise.

Top photo: Caleb Perez on Unsplash

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Arlo Parks

British musician Arlo Parks already has grammy-noms under her belt from her debut album Collapsed in Sunbeams. The bisexual artist JUST released her sophomore album, My Soft Machine on May 31 (stay tuned for a BUST review)! “My queer identity has always made its way into my music because it’s who I am,” Parks told The Pink News. “I remember the first time I heard somebody singing a song about being queer and using pronouns that I felt I could apply to love stories that I had been through, then also wanting to give that back to people. A big part of encouraging people is making them feel less alone.”

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girl in red

Norwegian indie pop singer Marie Ulven Ringheim aka girl in red, has reached cult-status for young lesbians and other WLW. The artist, who originally identified as gay, now calls herself queer, an umbrella term that not only encapsulates the identities of LGBTQ+ people, but also represents the spirit of the community too. “I think having all this queer art and music and movies and photography and paintings, it’s so important and all that shit is gonna help this world move towards a better place,” Ringheim told Gay Times. “Seeing all these girls and boys making them gay tunes, I’m just like, ‘Yaaas!’” girl in red’s biggest hit (so far) is her song I Wanna Be Your Girlfriend, a tune chocked full of young and eager longing: “I don’t want to be your friend, I want to kiss your lips. I want to kiss you until I lose my breath.”

Brittany Howard

The Alabama Shakes frontwoman with an impressive solo career and some ethereal vocals, Brittany Howard, didn’t become fully aware of her lesbian identity until her mid-twenties, according to The Independent. Howard grew up in the religious south, a place with no representation of who she was: a young Black queer girl. While talking about a same-sex crush in her song Georgia, she told Vulture: “When I was younger, I wish I had a song like that. To be represented by someone who thinks more like me, rather than being represented by these giant images in the media, like, ‘This is what it looks like to be gay…’ I don’t look anything like that.”

Syd

Musician Syd (formerly Syd tha Kyd) has had a long career in music, though she just entered her thirties. The musician started turning heads at age 16 when she was a part of the collective Odd Future with artists like Tyler, the Creator, Earl Sweatshirt, and Frank Ocean, then went on to start her own band The Internet. Syd, who is gay, tries to balance bringing her queerness to the forefront of her public image. “ I’ve always made it a point to just be gay,” she told The Guardian. “It was just like: ‘Look, there’s a girl in the video with me. What else do I need to say?’” Syd is a frequent collaborator with Kehlani, another gay artist with impeccable vocals check out their beautiful vocal blending on the song Birthday.

Rina Sawayama

The gorgeous and talented Rina Sawayama has had a jam-packed career, as a triple-threat: actress, musician and model. Her 2018 track Cherry exploded on the scene and was a song that openly discussed her pansexual sexuality. “I guess people find bisexuality harder to identify with,” Rina told Gay Times. “Gay male culture is very strongly represented, and lesbian culture is represented too, but bisexual culture is still in a formative stage where people are still learning to own it and making it what it is. I know it makes me sound really old school, but pansexual is a new word for me,” she says. “I grew up identifying as bisexual, because even maybe four or five years ago the language just wasn’t there, I don’t think. It’s such a new thing, so I’ve been getting used to my new identity.”

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Top photo: screenshot of “Lipstick Lover” Music Video from the official Janelle Monáe YouTube Channel.

Alongside the most beautiful rendition of Part of Your World, the Grammy-nominated R&B singer managed to perfectly juggle regality as one of the princesses of the sea, as well as being a young girl just trying to find her place in the world.

One of the distinctions that made Bailey’s version of Ariel so unique is her hairーand the importance of keeping her identity through it.

Camille Friend, the head hairstylist of the movie who worked her magic behind the scenes, revealed that around six figures were spent on Bailey’s hair transformation.

“I’m not guesstimating, but we probably spent at least $150,000 because we had to redo it and take it out,” Friend told Variety last week. The hair guru also explained that for Bailey, keeping her natural hair was very important to her. Friend, who has been Oscar-nominated for her excellent styling choices in movies such as Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, explained that after meeting Bailey’s family, she saw her vision for Ariel.

“I went to meet with Halle’s family. Her mother is spiritual, and they’re a kind family. I started to understand who she was and why the natural hair element was important to keep.”

According to Friend, Ariel’s signature “candy apple red” color was never in the question since Bailey is not a cartoon. The stylist wanted to use a shade of red that complimented the young actress’ skin tone and eyes. Four different shades were wrapped around this princess’ natural locsーand it looked amazing.

When it came down to Ariel’s iconic hair flip, the budding actress admitted that it took an entire day to perfect it. In a promotional trailer released about two months ago, she revealed the act almost “broke her neck.”

“That scene was so fun to do. It was definitely hard, though, because my hair was really, really heavy. I have my locs, which are my favorite thing. I’ve had my locs since I was 5. It feels like wool when it’s wet. So it gets heavier. It kind of almost doubles the weight when they’re heavy,” she explained in an interview.

And after watching the magical moment reveal itself on the big screen, it’s safe to say her hard work paid off.

As the first Black princess in a Disney live-action, Bailey also talked about how this has been a life-changing role for her.

“It just makes me cry,” she shared with E! News. “The fact that all these little Black and Brown babies are going to be able to feel like they’re being represented is really special to me. I know that if I had that when I was younger, it would have changed a whole lot for me and my perspective on who I am as an individual.”

Friend’s vision of trading in a wig for Bailey’s long locs marked a significant moment for the representation of Black heritage and solidified the importance of the younger generation being able to see themselves and their own features on-screen early on. The film not only lets children but also adults who were robbed of that experience witness the most beloved mermaid fairytale in a fresh, innovative way.

Top photo by The Little Mermaid on Youtube

Posted on TikTok by Movie Maniacs, the video clip, which was originally taken in 2015, captured Rodriguez giving her opinion on minorities playing superheroes roles. “Because of this whole, like, ‘minorities in Hollywood’ thing… stop stealing all the white people superheroes,” she said in the paparazzi-captured video. “Make up your own, you know what I’m saying, like what’s up with that.”

Since the circulation of this clip, many people are having mixed feelings about Rodriguez’s opinion. Considering that there are 12 movies total in the Fast & Furious franchise, some are finding a large sense of irony in her words. Those agreeing with her, however, say that her words are being taken out of context, and that Rodriguez is advocating for not only more originality in the superhero world, but also better representation of minorities.

When the video was originally released, Rodriguez set the record straight as to what her words truly meant in a Facebook video post, “I stuck my foot in my mouth once again. I said people should stop trying to steal white people superheroes. And I guess it got taken out of context, because a lot of people got offended,” she began, apologizing for her habit of “speaking without a filter”.

She went on to state that instead of forming new ideas, Hollywood enforces having minorities fit into already existing stories rather than creating new roles and franchises that can better represent their culture. “I’m just saying that the different cultures from around the world that aren’t Hollywood – Latin, black, asian, and so on and so forth, are considered ‘minorities’ because there aren’t a lot of writers representing them,” Rodriguez said, stating that this should become a priority.

The three-minute video response cleared up a lot of questions as to what Rodriguez truly meant, and she ended her statement by stating: “It’s time to stop. Stop trying to take what’s already there and fit a culture into it. I think it’s time for us to write our own mythology and our own story – every culture. So that’s what I meant. And I’m sorry if it came off rude or stupid, that’s not what I meant. Cheers.”

Having the full picture of Rodriguez’s words, and also taking into consideration that her opinion was provided to us in 2015 – her words are ahead of her time. It wasn’t until three years later that one of Marvel Studios gems, Black Panther, was released representing the black community and African culture. More recently, Marvel represented the Asian community in 2021 with the release of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings; moreover, Rodriguez had a point.

The Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves actress has been a large advocate for more representation of minorities and women in the movie world. In a 2016 interview with CBS News, she discussed how Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign would be opening a door for the feminist movement to enter Hollywood. “The symbolism behind a woman leading the country is so powerful,” said Rodriguez, “I promise you if Hillary Clinton becomes president, Hollywood is going to be all over the feminist movement,” and she proceeded to explain how despite how sad it is that women have to wait for an opportunity like this, it is still an opportunity at the end of the day.

While this video circulates around once again, it’s not only important to remember the importance of ensuring that celebrities’ words aren’t being taken out of context, but also that Michelle Rodriguez is a supporter of minorities in Hollywood. Her words have truth behind them, and hopefully it can be another wake-up call for Hollywood to bring more originality that better represents minority cultures.

Top image: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Specifically, she asked, “How is Lizzo still THIS fat when she’s constantly moving this much on stage?! I wonder what she must be eating.” Ugh. Barf. Other people then decided to chime in on an issue they know nothing about and debate whether or not being fat was a part of Lizzo’s ‘brand.’ How can your body be your brand??”

Lizzo saw these comments, because even though some people seem to think differently, Twitter is a publicsocial media platform. The singer responded by stating, “Y’all really need to touch grass… I’m not trying to BE fat. I’m not trying to BE smaller. I’m literally just trying to live and be healthy. This is what my body looks like even when I’m eating super clean and working out! Y’all speak on shit y’all know NOTHING ABOUT and I’m starting to get heated.” While her statement was perfect, it’s annoying she still has to comment on this kind of awful behavior at all.

Lizzo went on to state, “ALSO: to the people who haven’t had an original thought or fresh air in years… BEING FAT ISN’T MY ‘BRAND.’ BEING FAT MY BODY LOOKS [LIKE]. THAT’S IT. THAT’S ALL. My ‘brand’ is FEEL GOOD MUSIC. My ‘brand’ is CHAMPIONING ALL PEOPLE. My ‘brand’ is BLACK GIRL LIBERATION.” Once again, an incredible statement by Lizzo that we wish she didn’t have to make.

Recent hateful comments about her body have also made Lizzo speak up about her hesitancy to continue in the music industry. The singer stated, “Y’all don’t know how close I be to giving up on everyone and quitting and enjoying my money and my man on a FUCKING FARM…” While we’d be devastated to see her go, we can’t blame her for wanting a more quiet life away from people who feel that they have the right to comment on another person’s body.

Thankfully, many fans have come to Lizzo’s defense. With one fan tweeting, “It’s ridiculous that Lizzo has to login everyday and see think pieces about her body. She’s performing a sold out tour, serving face, on a tv show every other night. Instead of talking about her success, people are constantly trying to steal her light.”

Another fan summed up this issue perfectly, stating, “I wish y’all would just be honest and say what really bothers y’all about Lizzo. She makes you feel bad because you’ve lived your whole life attaching yourself worth to thinness and to see her live bold and talented in a big Black body bothers you.”

While we hope Lizzo doesn’t quit music, we also fully support the icon in whatever decision will lead her to the happiest life. After all the joy she’s created for us, she deserves to feel the same joy in return!

Top photo: Screen grab from Lizzo – Tina Turner Tribute & Like a Girl – Phoenix, AZ 5/24 from Garrett Harer on YouTube

According to Good Morning America, HBO has confirmed that Samantha Jones will indeed be featured in the second season of And Just Like That…. In the beginning of season one, we learned that Samantha Jones moved to London to continue her career as a publicist. We also found out that Samantha and Carrie had a falling out.

“I told her because of what the book business is now, it just didn’t make sense for me to keep her on as a publicist. She said fine. Then she fired me as a friend,” said Carrie in an episode to explain the character’s absence. The spin-off series has received mixed reviews, but no matter how nostalgic it is to get the gang back together, it just isn’t the same without the show’s (arguably) most beloved character.

At the end of season one, Carrie was in Paris and we see her having a text conversation with Samantha. “Want to talk?,” Carrie texted Samantha. “Soon,” she responded. Carrie then went on to ask if the following night would work to meet for a cocktail and reconnect.

However, it seems like they won’t be meeting for that drink after all, they will reconnect via a telephone call. According to Variety, Kim will “appear in one scene” that she filmed in March without speaking to any of her former co-stars, including Sarah Jessica Parker. Variety states that Sex and the City costume designer Patricia Field styled Samantha for the scene, and we cannot wait to see how incredible she looks in her new life.

While we’re bummed we won’t get to see the gang back together on our screens, we’re happy enough that the Sex and the City universe will once again be complete, even if it’s just for a minute!

PS: If you’re missing Kim Cattrall like we are, check out this unforgettable vintage video of her scatting over the upright bass:

Top photo: Canadian Film Centre from Toronto, Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Eilish isn’t happy with the comments she’s receiving as she transitions from her baggy t-shirts and basketball shorts to a more feminine-punk style. Eilish began the clapbacks in a series of Instagram stories by stating the following: “I spent the first 5 years of my career getting absolutely OBLITERATED by you fools for being boy ish and dressing how i did & constantly being told i’d be hotter if i acted like a woman.” She calls out those accusing her of being a “sellout” for her change of style, calling them “bozos”.

Billie via her Instagram story! pic.twitter.com/n62AQyr8ar

— Billie Eilish Tours (@billieeilishtrs) May 27, 2023

The Grammy-winning singer has openly expressed the reasons as to why she selects certain aesthetics. In a 2019 Calvin Klein campaign, she explains that she donned her old baggy style to avoid comments and attention about her body, “I never want the world to know everything about me. I mean that’s why I wear big, baggy clothes. Nobody can have an opinion because they haven’t seen what’s underneath.”

But as Eilish spiced up her style, hate still came into her life. Just one year after the Calvin Klein ad, paparazzi captured the singer in a more form-fitting (yet comfy) outfit that revealed her figure. This resulted in an abundance of sexualized commentary about her body, and Eilish responded to them by reposting on her Instagram a TikTok by Chizi Duru in which the blogger asks for society to normalize real bodies, “Guts are normal; they’re normal. Boobs sag, especially after breastfeeding. Instagram isn’t real.” And this is only one of the many times that Eilish had to defend herself and stand her ground.

That same year, the “Bad Guy” singer posted a short film titled “NOT MY RESPONSIBILITY” which she also utilized to kick-off her shows during her 2020 Where Do We Go World Tour. The empowering video shows Eilish removing her staple oversized zip-up to reveal her figure, saying “We make assumptions about people based on their size. We decide who they are. We decide what they’re worth.”

She ends the video with a series of rhetorical questions, asking “If I wear more, if I wear less, who decides what that makes me? What that means? Is my value based only on your perception? Or is your opinion of me not my responsibility?” This eloquent short-film transcended Eilish further into her search for authenticity and expression through her fashion.

But calling the critics a bunch of “bozos” wasn’t all that the singer wanted (and needed) to say. Eilish continued on to give us a little “fun fact” saying, “did you know that women are multifaceted!!!!!??? shocking right?? believe it or not women could be interested in multiple things.” Say it louder for the people in the back, girlfriend!

Stating that femininity doesn’t equal weakness, Eilish voiced her opinion of self-expression, “totally unheard of and insane to want to express yourself differently at different times.” If Billie wants to wear an oversized tee, then let her. If she wants to wear a dress, then let her. She can rock it all, and that doesn’t make her a “sellout.”

We’ve seen Billie transcend many different styles over the years, from her neon-green hair roots to her iconic blonde girl era and to many, many more – her self-expression through her looks is one-of-a-kind (and never a miss). And while it may be draining to do this repeatedly, we are proud to see Billie dismissing the haters and setting her boundaries. Needless to say, she slays in anything she wears.

Top image: Screen grab from “Billie Eilish – NOT MY RESPONSIBILITY” on YouTube

This summer, BUST is turning 30 (OMG!), and we’re thrilled to be celebrating with our favorite supergroup, boygenius—aka Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, and Julien Baker—on our cover! Inside, we’ve got feminist firebrand Rachel Cargle, Crazy Rich Asians screenwriter Adele Lim, standup and podcasting giant Marc Maron, and much more!

And Get Ready For Even More Tasty Tidbits, Including:

• Middle Ages visionary St. Hildegard of Bingen
• Slammin’ summer nail art
• DIY Balboa ice cream bars
• Women’s lives in rural Tibet
• Sizzling summer swimsuits
• And More!

FEATURES

30 Years of BUST! Commemorating our big-ass birthday with some choice memories penned by our famous friends. By Erykah Badu, Amy Sedaris, Parker Posey, Kathy Griffin, Big Freedia, Carrie Brownstein, and more!

Genius of Love The secret to indie-rock supergroup boygenius’ success is the magical bond between Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus.
By Eliza C. Thompson

Life in the Clouds A surprising glimpse at the daily joys and struggles of a young woman living with her family in the mountains of Tibet. Story and Photographs by Eleanor Moseman

Medieval Woman Hildegard of Bingen may be the most important mind of the Middle Ages you’ve never heard of. By Dr. Eleanor Janega

She’s The One That We Want Catching up with one of BUST’s besties for decades—the incomparable Margaret Cho. By Jennifer Chen

Pool Party! Sizzling swimwear to suit the whole squad. Photographed by Brittany Bravo, Styled by Kaitlyn Lusk

On the cover: boygenius PHOTOGRAPHED BY ramona rosales; styling by Lindsey Hartman; makeup by Amber Dreadon; hair by Dita Vushaj; Animal Crackers Neck Collars; Ties: Stylist’s Own.

BROADCAST

Joy Ride director Adele Lim; mechanical mastermind Simone Giertz; our favorite up-and-coming comedians; and more.

The Hotness Summer’s slickest pop-culture picks. By Callie Watts

Pop quiz Irene Cara’s Fame will live forever.By Emily Rems

Bra-ometer Feminist news at a glance. By Solange Castellar

Boy du Jour Marc Maron is the cat’s meow. By Emily Rems

REAL LIFE

Frosty, fun Balboa bars; celebrating Swedish solstice; Foley artist Sanaa Kelly; and more.

You Go, Girl Double your pleasure, double your fun, in Dublin. By Holyn Thigpen

Good to Know Tidbits and treats for making life better. By Lisa Butterworth

Caking Bad The Teaches of Grilled Peaches. By Terry Hope Romero

LOOKS

Fashion advice from stitchy woman Tabitha Sewer; a sunset manicure; plus-size badassery from Proud Mary; and more.

Get this look Barbie buys for living dolls. By Callie Watts

Looksee Little Bits About Things We Dig. By Marie Lodi, Callie Watts, and Laurie Henzel

Booty Call Throwing shade with signature sunnies. By Marie Lodi

The BUST Guide

Music Reviews; plus, a Le Tigre reunion!

Movies There was a Flamin’ Hot Birth/Rebirth at Theater Camp.

Books Reviews; plus, feminist “Auntie Supreme” Rachel Cargle!

SEX FILES

Sex Files Tits & Clits Comix; and more.

Answers from the Queen Solving sex after 50. By Dr. Carol Queen

One-Handed Read A Prized Throat. By Grace Ballard

THE BACK

Tarotscopes Find out what’s in the cards for summer. By Sarah Potter

x games “Witch’s Switches.” By Tracy Bennett

Parting Glance “Before the Victory.” By M. Florine Démosthéne

Never Have I Ever Season 4 – Available June 8

Netflix’s most popular coming-of-age series is set for its fourth and final season starting June 8. Follow Devi (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) around for the last time as she navigates through her confusing, sometimes cringe, but heartstopping moments in Mindy Kaling’s fan-favorite high school rom-com.

Amy Schumer: Emergency Contact – Available June 13

The Emmy award-winning comedian returns on June 13 with a new stand-up special coming to Netflix. Schumer intends on getting real about life after 40 which includes postpartum sex, secret insecurities, and discovering her “widow’s hump.” The self-produced show marks the third Netflix special under Schumer’s belt and is a highly anticipated act from one of Hollywood’s most unhinged icons.

Black Mirror Season 6 – Available June 15

Be prepared to escape reality on June 15 as Black Mirror finally releases its newest season exclusively on Netflix. This must-watch consists of five new psyche-thrilling adventures. Even creator Charlie Brooker said he “surprised himself” this time around. With a show full of recognizable talents including Salma Hayek, Ben Barnes, and even Michael Cera, Season 6 is sure to not disappoint.

Grown-ish Season 6 – Available June 28

Hulu’s Emmy-nominated spinoff is also set for part one of its final season to air on Freeform and Hulu on June 28. The college-based comedy will pick back up on the Cal U crew including Zoey (Yara Shahidi) and the rest of the Johnson family as they explore the pillars of every good tv show — sex, drugs, and long-distance relationships.

And Just Like That… Season 2 – Available June 22

HBO’s exclusive sequel featuring the iconic Sex and The City gals is back for another season (and still without our queen Samantha). Much like the original, the show still follows Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte through their lives as high-powered women in their 50s living in a Gen-Z-coded Manhattan. Tune in for new flings and lots of fashion inspo with another juicy season of And Just Like That… premiering on Max.

Check out a full list of what’s coming to Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and other streaming services all this June.

Top photo by Never Have I Ever on Netflix.

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Pictured here is Chloe Cherry, the actress that has been hailed as the poster child for “lobotomy chic”, due to her detached gaze, coquettish photoshoots, and surreal posts.

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A post shared by Allison Harvard Burke (@alliharvard)

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Alison Harvard, a model formerly known as “Creepy Chan,” has also been mentioned within niche “lobotomy core” communities. Her unnerving, doe-eyed stare coupled with her white vintage clothing, and often darkly eerie backgrounds incite feelings of “psychiatric-ward chic.” Although Harvard herself has never expressed support for or associated with the trend, she’s become imperative to understanding the romanticization of the “hysterical woman.”

The term “dissociative feminism” was coined by Emmeline Clein in 2019 in her article, “The Smartest Women I Know Are All Dissociating.” The word “dissociative” was specifically chosen to describe a social experience unique to women, and how we’re often pushed to utilize extreme levels of detachment in order to cope with the ramifications of living in a patriarchal society. Personally, I remember the day Roe V Wade was overturned, and the collective fugue state that I witnessed myself and many women entering as a result of watching our rights slip away with a couple of signatures. Clein describes dissociative feminism as the act of “interiorizing our existential aches and angst, smirking knowingly at them, and numbing ourselves to maintain our nonchalance.” It’s characterized by a “sarcastic” and “deadpan” approach to misogynistic rhetoric and patriarchal standards. Dissociative feminism gives a name to the increasing number of women who have decided to give up any hope that socio-political dynamics will improve. Instead, there’s a new call to embrace nihilism. Dissociative feminism is the belief that, just like everything else, advocacy is mindless and arbitrary.

As a direct result of this cultural shift amongst women, there’s been an uptick in tongue-in-cheek aesthetics like the “dissociative pout,” and “lobotomy chic.” But what even are they? The term was coined and popularized by essayist, activist and socio-political writer, Rayne Fischer Quann, in her 2022 essay “The Cult of The Dissociative Pout.” The term “lobotomy chic” was used satirically, both critiquing and bringing attention to “the new duckface.” Quann describes the new trend as an unusual performance of detachment. But it’s since been taken at face value, and has become a caricature of itself.

“Lobotomy core,” or “lobotomy chic” is pouty lips and vacant eyes. Its floral dresses and dirty white stockings. It’s characterized by a strange juxtaposition: an uncanniness or a wrongness coupled with a docile, empty gaze akin to that of lobotomy victims. It’s an even more twisted version of the subservient nymphette looks that were popularized on Tumblr in the early 2010s. It’s hypothesized that “lobotomy chic” is a direct response to and rejection of “girlboss” feminism: we’re tired of proving our capability and fighting for our rights. Now all we want to do is detach from the need to obtain them. “Being stupid and hot” is in vogue.

But does this disengaged approach contribute to the same dehumanizing standards it aims to critique? Are we just romanticizing misogynistic history? The verdict is still out. But one thing is for sure: these trends provide crucial insight into societal behaviors. There’s no denying the recent nihilistic cultural shift that’s permeated every aspect of our society. The mere existence, ironic or otherwise, of trends like “lobotomy chic” indicate an ever-growing hopelessness with the state of humanity.

Some activists are getting tired of having the same conversations about equity, and are instead choosing to forfeit entirely. In a sense, the appeal is palpable. Dissociative feminism laid the framework for “lobotomy chic.” Mentally detaching yourself from the patriarchy by ascribing to the horrific ramifications of it serves as a form of escapism; a surrender to the very oppression you’ve lost sleep over fighting against. But are we really too exhausted to continue our advocacy efforts? This type of ironic postmodern feminism has gotten more and more popular as oppressive legislation regarding abortion rights and LGBTQIA+ equality increases. This has been the driving force behind a new collective sense of resentment and fatigue, which are two paradigms “lobotomy chic” would not exist without.

Top Photo Credit: PlacidPlace via Pixabay

In real life, Catherine the Great was born Princess Sophie of Prussia in 1729 and managed to eventually steal the throne, becoming the longest-ruling empress of an entirely different country to which she had no actual claim. Hulu’s The Great toys with the historical details of this incredible tale, but there are a few things they pull straight from the history books. Here are five fascinating facts about Catherine the Great that The Great gets right:

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She really did stage a coup and usurp her husband’s throne.

The real Catherine the Great did indeed successfully stage a bloodless coup and steal the throne from her husband Peter III. This is the major plotline of The Great’s first season, where the audience watches Catherine realize her husband is a certified idiot, and that she is much better suited as leader of Russia.

In real life, Peter III held his seat as Emperor for only six months before abdicating the throne to Catherine. Peter suspiciously died in jail eight days after the coup due to what was ruled a “hemorrhoidal colic,” but his sudden death birthed rumors of assassination. There is no proof Catherine knew about any plot to murder the former emperor.

Catherine the Great was known for her dedication to the arts, sciences, and philosophy.

The real empress’ own art collection was so expansive that it eventually became what is now the second largest art museum in the world, the State Hermitage Museum. During her reign, Catherine also commissioned many artistic and cultural projects, campaigned for a new and improved education system, and even kept in touch with the famous philosopher Voltaire. She also founded elementary schools, libraries, and other educational institutions. She was known at the time and remembered by historians as an enlightened leader.

The Great uses this fact often, as we see Fanning’s Catherine meeting resistance from nobles and advisors over her progressive ideals—especially her plans to abolish serfdom.

She inoculated herself with smallpox and encouraged the Russian people to do the same

Catherine was known to be an early proponent of inoculation against smallpox, just like viewers see in episode seven of the first season of The Great.

The real empress and her son were some of the first people in Russia to be inoculated against the disease, which involved making an incision on the arm and placing small amounts of smallpox pustules into the open wound. This exposes the person to the virus so their bodies can fight it off later. Her willingness to undergo the inoculation before the public was respected by many and likely inspired more Russians to get themselves inoculated, too.

Catherine the Great by Fedor Rokotov via Wikimedia Commons

There really was a rumor about her and a *ahem* horse, but it wasn’t quite how the show made it look.

Much like today, slut shaming was many peoples’ weapon of choice when attempting to discredit a powerful woman in the 18th century, and Catherine the Great was not immune. This was made even more complicated by the fact that Catherine, like just about every male ruler known in human history, was known for the many lovers she had throughout her life.

While there were tons of rumors about her sexual life throughout her reign, the one most prominently featured in The Great is the rumor that she had sex with a horse. We see Elle Fanning’s Catherine begrudgingly deal with this gossip during her efforts to seize the throne.

The real-life version of this rumor is that this sex act actually was the cause of her death, but it is just that: a rumor and an attempt to discredit the legacy of a formidable and influential woman. In actuality, Catherine died from a stroke in 1796.

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She kind of invented the roller coaster?

In season two of The Great, Catherine hosts a science competition to symbolically and literally bring innovation and modernity to Russia. An early version of a roller coaster is presented during the competition, which resonates with the true origin story of the now popular amusement park ride.

In 18th century Russia, large ice slides that people would ride down in sleds were a major attraction. In 1784, the real Catherine the Great decided to build a wooden track with grooves and carts with fitted wheels, thus making the roller coaster possible without the icy Russian winter. She even had one built at her summer palace.

Catherine the Great lived a life larger than fiction. As one of history’s greatest rulers, and the longest-ruling empress of Russia, she is largely responsible for solidifying her country as a major, modern world power. Hulu’s The Great authentically captures all the grandeur of Catherine’s story with a modern twist. All seasons—including season three—are out now on Hulu! Huzzah!

Top Image Christopher Raphael/HULU

H.E.R

Grammy-award winner H.E.R aka Gabriella Samiento Wilson started her musical career incredibly young. The multi-instrumentalist was only 10 years old when she performed live on the Today show, playing the piano and singing Alicia Keys’ If I Ain’t Got You, demonstrating her rich vocal chops and setting the stage for what would later become a full-fledged musical career.

H.E.R is a Black and Filipina American, who was recently on the cover of Vogue Philippines, talking about her family’s history, favorite Filipino foods, and how she tries to connect to her culture in unique ways. While reprising the role of Belle for the live-taped performance of Beauty and the Beast (alongside Josh Groban and Rita Moreno) she paid tribute to her Filipino heritage by having an artist write out the name “Belle” on her costume, using the Filipino pre-colonial writing system called Baybayin.

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Japanese Breakfast

Indie-pop sensation Michelle Zauner, aka Japanese Breakfast, took the music world by storm with the release of her debut studio album Psychopomp. The Korean-American artist has not only gained critical acclaim for her music (she won Record of the Year at last year’s Libera Awards for Jubilee), she also penned the #1 New York Times Bestseller memoir Crying in H Mart, chronicling her experiences growing up in a Korean-American household, the death of her mother and the “reckoning with her identity that brought her to reclaim the gifts of taste, language, and history her mother had given her.” The incredible dream-pop artist is going on tour this summer, so check out her website to see if she’s performing near you!

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Olivia Rodrigo

Disney-darling and queen of teenage angst, Olivia Rodrigo, has made herself a household name over the past few years. The Filipina-American musician has won over 60 awards across the country for her music and is only just beginning. Her debut album Sour is the longest-running debut album in the Billboard 200 Top 10 in this century! Not only is she a songwriting prodigy, she’s also an inspiration for other young Asian American girls looking for more representation in their media. “I sometimes get DMs from little girls being like, ‘I’ve never seen someone who looked like me in your position,'” Rodrigo shared in an interview with VMagazine “And I’m literally going to cry, like just thinking about it. I feel like I grew up never seeing that.”

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Hoku

Hoku, born Hoku Christian Ho, is the soundtrack of every 2000s girl’s stroll down memory lane. The Native Hawaiian pop singer was responsible for some of the era’s most persistent ear-worms including her debut single, Another Dumb Blonde, that was released in 2000 and was the theme song to the Snow Day.

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Hoku’s most iconic tune Perfect Day was the introduction song on Legally Blonde, it was the background to Elle Woods getting ready, the start of one of the most important films in cinematic history. While her singing career was short lived, her impact lives on!

Jay Som

Bedroom-pop baby Melina Mae Cortez Duterte aka Jay Som rose from her DIY roots into stardom after the release of Everybody Works in 2017. The daughter of Filipino immigrants, Jay Som cites her culture and family history as an influence on her music. “I am Filipino-American, both of my parents moved from the Philippines to live here. I grew up in a very obviously Filipino household with those cultural customs because my mom is just like that,” she told She Shreds, “I was supportive because I knew they understood their position in the US, like everything wasn’t going to be handed to them, they knew they had to work hard and they did work very hard when I was growing up. At a young age I really understood that, it definitely tied into my views of music.” Jay Som’s dreamy vocals are always backed by a dreamy mix of electric and slide guitarlayerd with other sparse elements that create her addicting cinematic soundscapes.

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Raja Kumari

Raja Kumari, born Svetha Yallapragada Rao, is an Indian-American rapper and classical dancer, trained in Kuchipudi, Kathak, and Bharatanatyam styles. After discovering the Fugees’ album The Score in fifth grade, the world of hip hop opened up to her. By the age of 14, she was a recognized freestyle MC and has blossomed an incredible career in the years since. She has collaborated with musicians such as Fall Out Boy, T.I., Gwen Stefani, Fifth Harmony as well as solo career. In 2020, her single Attention Everybody was released, where she performs in her native language, Telugu. And if that wasn’t incredible enough, last year she started her own independent record label, Godmother Records.

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Karen O

It’s hard to get more iconic than Karen O, the Korean-American lead vocalists of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Born in Seoul, Karen O moved to New Jersey and later attended Oberlin College and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she and her future bandmates formed the band that would go on to be colleagues with legends such as The Strokes, The White Stripes, and other aughts garage/post-punk revivalists. With hits from every album including Heads Will Roll, Maps, Gold Lion and Date With the Night, Karen O is responsible for some of the era’s most memorable tunes.

While interviewing Japanese Breakfast for Interview Magazine, Karen O stated, “There was no one out there I could relate to in that specific way. There were definitely a few mega inspirations and influences, and I was trying to think of some who aren’t white, because the entertainment and music industry is highly populated by white folks. I remember seeing Kazu Makino, from Blonde Redhead perform, just whipping herself across the stage, and I felt this envy, like, ‘Man, I want to be able to do that.’ There were no Korean or Korean-American rockers I could turn to, but there were a few Japanese girls, like in Cibo Matto, that were pretty awesome. But what really drove me towards music was the misfit mentality.”

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Hayley Kiyoko

Lesbian queen Hayley Kiyoko, started her career off strong– with pop-star Vitamin C asking her to join an all-girls singing group, The Stunners. That band created a number of songs, including Let’s Hear it for the Boy which was featured on the iCarly soundtrack. After an impressive stint in acting, the Japanese-American singer released her debut EP A Belle to Remember, kicking off her solo musical career. Hit singles including Girls Like Girls, Demons, Cherry, and What I Need has cemented her role as a pop star.

“Growing up biracial — my mom’s Japanese Canadian and my dad’s Caucasian — it took a long time for me to really connect and embrace my Asian heritage,” Kiyoko told PEOPLE. “I was never white enough, I was never Asian enough, but I also was never straight enough. For most of my adolescence, my sexuality kind of took over my struggle with fitting into society, and then as I was able to learn and accept myself, later in life, I started to unpack my culture and my roots.”

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Raveena

The hypnotizing Raveena released her second album Asha’s Awakening last year, a concept album from the perspective of a Punjabi space princess. The album received a lot of critical and mass acclaim– with Eric Torres from Pitchfork describing her sound as “like slipping beneath a down blanket at the end of the night.” Raveena’s parents are Indian Punjabi immigrants who moved to Connecticut to raise their family. Raveena’s ethereal vocals are so stunningly crisp, her recordings sound like they’re being played right in the room with you. Just last year, she became the first Indian woman to play at Coachella, stating “absolutely nuts that it took that long for an Indian to be invited to play there.”

“I hope I can push the ways in which South Asian artists are received in the West,” said Reveena in an interview with SheThePeople. “ We are sensual, beautiful, and talented and have so much to offer in high art spaces. Our art is truly magnificent and so many of us need more chances to shine on the world stage. I hope I can be a small part of that eventual cultural shift.”

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Mitski

Mitski Miyawaki, known by her mononym Mitski, is a Japanese and American singer-songwriter that has climbed the ranks in the last decade. After releasing her first two albums while studying at the SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music, she graduated, moved to the city and released her third album Bury Me at Makeout Creek on Double Double Whammy records in 2014. That album, and the next album Puberty 2, garnered critical acclaim from around the world. Just last year she won “Best Live Performer” at the AIM Independent Music Awards. While talking to Dead Oceans, she reflected on feeling “half Japanese, half American but not fully either” – an idea she confronts on the clever ‘Your Best American Girl’ – a super-sized punk-rock hit created to deconstruct and poke fun at that genre’s surplus of white males. “I wanted to use those white-American-guy stereotypes as a Japanese girl who can’t fit in, who can never be an American girl,” she explained.

Stream These and Other Incredible Asian and Pacific Islander Musicians Below

Top photo:Ebru Yildiz via Pitch Perfect PR

But it wouldn’t be a celebrity tell-all without a bit of drama. According to Page Six, production of the book has been put on hold indefinitely. Some of the more raw stories might paint certain A-list celebrities in an unflattering light, which has caused them to send “strongly worded legal letters” to the book’s publisher, Simon & Schuster.

“Britney is brutally honest in the book — there are a lot of nervous A-listers,” a source told the US Sun reporters. “There’s a fair amount of throwing people under the bus, [as well as] talking about past relationships, some of whom will be revealed for the first time ever.”

We can already think of several individuals who would object to a Britney Spears tell-all. First and foremost, The entire Spears family. Perhaps Justin Timberlake, Kevin Federline, Christina Agulera, P!nk, Colin Ferrel and plenty of other notable names would also be vehemently opposed to a Britney-lead exposé.

However, last week, Britney shared that she has reunited with her mother after three years, and that they have begun to make things right.

“My sweet mama showed up at my door step yesterday after 3 years … it’s been such a long time … with family there’s always things that need to be worked out … but time heals all wounds !!! And after being able to communicate what I’ve held in for an extremely long time, I feel so blessed we were able to try to make things RIGHT !!! I love you so much !!! Psss… I’m so blessed we can have coffee together after 14 years !!! Let’s go shopping afterwards !!!”

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We’ve been following Britney’s journey for years, and look forward to learning the perspective that’s been hidden for years— her own. Maybe this part of her new journey will be the happy ending for the book, and for the singer herself.

“Britney wants this to be her moment to set the record straight,” the source shared.

The original release date was supposed to be this past February, but the legal letters, amongst other delays, have pushed the release date back to the Fall of this year. Regardless of when it will be released, I think it’s safe to say the world is ready to hear Britney’s side of the story.

Top Image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rhysadams/, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Swift made the announcement on her official Twitter page on May, 24th. In just over 24 hours, the post had nearly 60 million views. This is one of the many recent developments for Swift, who is currently on the road for massively popular eras tour, and planning to release a re-recorded version of her earlier album Speak Now on June 7th. But there’s a huge elephant in the room; Taylor Swift’s alleged new beau, Matt Healy has had a nasty track record of problematic offenses, including a situation regarding some disparaging things said about Ice Spice. And many are starting to speculate that Swift’s cacophonous collaboration with the rapper is a performative attempt at damage control.

Matt Healy is the lead singer for the popular indie group The 1975. If you were on Tumblr circa 2014, then you’re probably familiar with the band, as they were a pinnacle in the soft grunge/post-hipster aesthetic that was popular at the time. And now many are speculating that he and Swift are an item. Although the two haven’t outright confirmed their relationship, both have made appearances on each other’s tours, with Taylor appearing onstage at the 1975’s UK tour this January.

But Healy has been in hot water for numerous problematic comments over the years, and his podcast appearance on the Adam Friedland Show this past January definitely didn’t do any favors for his already questionable public image. The contents of the episode became the subject of some murky controversy that is only now reentering the pop culture stratosphere as a result of Swift’s collaboration with the Ice Spice as well as Swift’s budding potential relationship with Healy.

The remarks made were so offensive, that both Apple and Spotify pulled the episode from their platforms. When discussing Healy’s attempt to “slide into the DMs” of rapper Ice Spice, hosts Adam and Nick stated that she “sounded like a chubby Chinese lady” and an “Inuit Spice Girl.” whilst simultaneously mocking Asian accents.

Healy even made a half-hearted public apology to the rapper earlier this year while on stage performing with the 1975 for their tour, where he stated that he was “kind of a bit sorry if i offended you”.

The Internet has been clamoring over the podcast appearance for months, but could the controversy merely be a result of misinformation? The comments are undoubtedly explicitly racist. All members of the podcast, ironically are not, are punching down; using their platform to spread derogatory remarks about people of color. That being said, there’s quite a bit of controversy surrounding not only what was said, but who said it. When listening to the episode (which is still available on Youtube), it’s apparent that the tasteless and racially motivated comments regarding Ice Spice weren’t actually made by Healy. Although he did find it humorous — and enthusiastically participated in the conversation — the most offensive parts of the show were spearheaded by the hosts, Nick Mullen and Adam Friedland. The hosts of the show thrive on the use of “ironic offensiveness,” which many have argued contributes to the same problematic behaviors they are aiming to criticize.

It’s also pretty par for the course. The Adam Friedland Show thrives off of its association with the “dirtbag left” socio-political movement. People have criticized the show extensively; there are even petitions to get the show removed. It’s full of vapid lowbrow half-attempts at sophomoric comedy, which is unsurprising, considering the fact that the show was originally called “C**Town”. The most liked comment on the episode featuring Matt Healy reads: “This is one of the tamest episodes of [this podcast].” which is saying quite a lot, since the episode also contained references to Japanese concentration camps and hardcore torture porn (which Healy admitted to watching, and describes the girls as “getting absolutely brutalized”). As a result, many people are questioning Healy’s association with the podcast, and ergo, Swift’s association with Healy. And in light of this new, seemingly random collaboration with Ice Spice many are starting to re-evaluate the authenticity of Swift’s activism, since she’s never once collaborated with a woman of color.

Although there is merit to the level of cultural insensitivity and brash vulgarity displayed by both parties, to vilify Healy, and thus Swift for this would be misguided. It would be much more apt to do so for the problematic things Healy has actually said, because this certainly isn’t the first time he’s been under fire for his offensive comments. In 2019, he faced an outpour of backlash for the islamophobic and anti-theistic rhetoric he voiced in an interview for Brut, where he states: “You can’t criticize Islam as a set of ideas… because you’re inherently criticizing people. But that’s a problem with society because Islamophobia does exist, people are bigoted. But what that really is is thick, bigoted people not liking brown people. Whereas I love people, I love brown people. I just don’t know when I’m allowed to be offended. Religious people are always allowed to be offended…”

Although it’s not Swift’s responsibility to account for a man’s disparaging comments, many are still dubious about what this could all mean for her fanbase. Many Swifties are finding it hard to believe that Swift is associating with Healy at all, much less dating him. Others are speculating that Swift is using Ice Spice for what might be a transparent attempt at damage control. Regardless of if it’s a PR stunt or not, the unexpected collaboration is on everyone’s mind.

And since this Ice Spice-Taylor Swift collab has only been out for a day, it’ll be interesting to see how this Healy-Spice-Swift drama will all unfold.

First, it’s been revealed who will be featured on the films’ soundtrack. And the star-studded list of contributing musicians has made us even more certain that Barbie will deliver. Some of the artists listed include Charli XCX, Haim, Lizzo, PinkPantheress, and Tame Impala. You can pre-order the album (along with 8 options of colored vinyl!) here.

Dua Lipa also dropped the first single from the Barbie soundtrack on Thursday, which coincided with the film’s first full length trailer. The tune, “Dance the Night” is sparkly and upbeat, which perfectly matches the aesthetic of the trailer. The song also came with an accompanying music video, which features Dua Lipa and her dancers dressed as disco balls. There was even an appearance by the film’s director, Greta Gerwig.

Rappers Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice are set to join forces with 90s hyperpop group Aqua to put their own spin on the iconic (and aptly named) song “Barbie Girl.” Given how legendary the duo’s last collab was on “Princess Diana (Remix),” we’re sure their take on “Barbie Girl” will quickly become the song of the summer. Not to mention, Mattel originally sued Aqua (and lost) for “Barbie Girl” when it originally came out in 1997. so the fact that Aqua is now returning on the official Barbie soundtrack is pretty iconic in it’s own right

The new trailer proves that we’re in for a fun, fabulous, and potentially existential ride with Barbie. The film is inspired by the journey girls go through once they hit adolescence; Margot Robbie, who plays the titular doll, stated, “They’re funny and brash and confident, and then they just—stop. All of a sudden, she thinks, ‘Oh, I’m not good enough’.”

Barbie has been the center of myriad feminist debates since her debut in 1959. While some see Barbie as a feminist icon given her design as a woman who can do any profession she imagines (from astronaut to President), others see her as a contribution to a harmful beauty standard. It appears that Barbie is ready to address both sides of this debate, all while providing us with plenty of outrageous and heartfelt moments (and Ryan Gosling as Ken) along the way.

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The powerful film, directed by David Greenwald, focuses on the story of five incredibly talented high school girls from Herat, Afghanistan who prove that working hard is sometimes not enough for women in a country where men dictate the rules. Courage, ambition, and optimism for the future of Afghanistan helped to encourage Fatemah Qaderyan, Lida Azizi, Somaya Faruqi, Kawsar Roshan, and Saghar Salehi into becoming the most famous all-girls robotics team.

The story of The Dreamers began five years ago at Mehri Herawi High School in Herat. The girls realized their passion for science and technology, and after becoming finalists in a province-wide exam, the Afghan Girls Robotics Team was born.

After getting their Visas denied twice with Donald Trump spewing his executive action on new measures to “keep radical Islamic terrorists out of the United States”, the team’s persistence gained the attention of the entire world.

“We’re not terrorists who Americans should be afraid of,” Fatemah said. “We just want to show our abilities.”

Eventually, they boarded a plane heading to the States to participate in their first overseas competition. The doors to opportunity were held wide open for them after that. They had become the faces of resilience after their Visa battle and proved to the world how talented they are by winning silver at their first international robotics competition. Over 500 girls in Afghanistan signed up to join the robotics team after their return.

Their new fame gained the team invitations to compete in many other countries including Mexico and Dubai. During competitions, they created prototypes of robots that could pick up plastic colored balls to represent cleaning debris from the ocean and met tons of influential icons, including Anousheh Ansar, the first Muslim woman to visit outer space. However, the girls and their families worried more about their safety back home.

“It’s important to remember that when these girls were born, women were not allowed to get an education in Afghanistan,” said former California Representative Susan Davis.

The majority of Afghanistan citizens still hold onto preconceived notions about women and their role in society which offered some cruel and upsetting feedback that these teenage girls had to endure. With fear, doubt, and grief surrounding their everyday lives, The Dreamers continued to pursue their goal of creating a better future for their country through the power of technology.

However, Taliban supporters were definitely not rooting for these women in S.T.E.M. no matter how gifted or hardworking they proved to be. After they reclaimed Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban ended up banning girls over the age of 12 from going to school, erasing almost 20 years of progress toward women’s rights in an instant.

The film provides a visceral feeling of watching a hopeful generation starting to grow in a developing nation before chaos completely shatters their dreams.

The Islamic fundamentalist group seized control over the Afghan military and deemed The Dreamers as infidels. They decided the girls should be killed and have been searching for each of them. As a result, the girls were forced to escape their homes and live abroad with their locations undisclosed to protect their safety.

“We know things are difficult. Don’t lose hope. We’ll raise our voices on your behalf, and fight for your freedom” is the last message The Dreamers sent out for all of the girls and women that are currently living under Taliban rule in Afghanistan. Even though the documentary does not offer a traditional happy ending, the journey of The Afghan Girls Robotics Team should be shared everywhere in order to emphasize courage among all women and shine a hopeful light on the next generation in Afghanistan.

On Wednesday, May 24th, Turner’s official Instagram page announced her death with a tribute post, stating the following, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tina Turner. With her music and her boundless passion for life, she enchanted millions of fans around the world and inspired the stars of tomorrow. Today we say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us all her greatest work: her music. All our heartfelt compassion goes out to her family. Tina, we will miss you dearly.”

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A post shared by Tina Turner (@tinaturner)

The two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and 12-time Grammy winning artist passed away peacefully in her home near Zurich, Switzerland after publicly battling several health issues, including intestinal cancer, a stroke, and kidney failure.

Born Anna Mae Bullock in Nutbush, Tennessee in 1939 to a poor family, her parents split and she was raised by her grandmother. Turner spent her teenage years immersing herself in the music scene, mainly performing at Club Manhattan, where she eventually met Ike Turner in the 50s. Together, they became known as the Ike and Tina Turner Revue, performing together for nearly 15 years and achieving great hits such as “River Deep – Mountain High” and “Proud Mary.” In 1969, they also toured as the opening act for The Rolling Stones. The couple got married in 1962, but the relationship was tumultuous, leading to Turner slowly building her solo career after she disbanded in 1976 from Ike’s constant, violent abuse. This inspired her iconic comeback during the 80s with the release of her album Private Dancer, exploding her back into the music industry with hits like “What’s Love Got to Do with It.”

Turner embarked on her solo journey during the late 70s amidst the sexist and racist industry that she was determined to prove wrong. She was the first female black artist to be on the cover of Rolling Stones and in 1975, she played the role of “Acid Queen” in the award winning musical film Tommy. In 1981, an interview with People Magazine marked the first time Turner ever openly discussed her abusive relationship with Ike Turner.

In 1986, Turner published the powerful autobiography, I, Tina, where she extensively described the abuse she suffered during her 16-year marriage with Ike. Since then, Turner not only became one of the most valued musicians of her time, but she also created a much-needed platform for saving survivors of domestic abuse.

Over the years, Turner had been candid about her battle with mental health issues, which included a suicide attempt in 1968. She was also transparent about her struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the abusive marriage. In recent years, along with her health issues, she hd faced even more tragedy, including the deaths of two of her four sons in 2018 and 2022. In 2021, Turner bid her final farewell to her fans with the release of HBO’s documentary TINA, where she vulnerably explores her life, recounting her harrowing past, and entering a more quiet chapter of her life.

With her strong voice and fierce attitude, Turner created a long-lasting legacy for herself as a musical heroine, winning awards like the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a Guinness World Record Award for the largest paying audience during her 1988 tour. Turner has inspired millions through her extravagant life and numerous talents, and she will forever be recognized as one of the world’s most loved and cherished musicians. To honor and remember her legendary reputation and vitality, here are ten of our favorite Tina Turner songs to play on repeat to bid her a loving farewell.

“All I Can Do Is Cry”

“Proud Mary”

“Private Dancer”

“What’s Love Got to Do with It”

“We Don’t Need Another Hero”

“Typical Male”

“The Best”

“I Don’t Wanna Lose You”

“I Don’t Wanna Fight”

“It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll (But I Like It)” feat. Lisa Fischer

No one can deny that Tina Turner established one of the most powerful and inspiring legacies in not only the music industry, but across the world. It’s hard to say goodbye to the “Queen of Rock n’ Roll”, but her music and story will further live on as we cherish all of her accomplishments.

I began to do a lot of research, but I also decided to have fun with my alopecia and got the bald spots tattooed. One of the tattoos was inspired by The Omen. I’m a huge horror movie nerd, and since Damien had the 666-shaped mark of the beast birthmark on his head, I thought it would be a fun tribute.

Homemade Hair Oil Serum for Hair Growth

My research led me to a recipe for a homemade hair oil serum to help stimulate the hair follicles for regrowth. I mixed a bunch of plant oils—½ cup jojoba, ½ cup grapeseed, 20 drops rosemary, 30 drops lavender,16 drops thyme. and 30 drops cedarwood—and funneled the result into an old tincture bottle. Before I went to sleep, I’d put the oil on the bald spots, rub it in, put on a cap, and leave it on for eight hours. I also took a double dose of biotin daily. Biotin is a vitamin that helps your hair, skin, and nails grow healthy and strong. Doubling up on it boosted the thing my body wasn’t producing.

I learned that rosemary in particular helps stimulate the hair follicles, which in turn helps them to grow. And there’s science to back it up. According to Dr. Rae Lynne Kinler, a hair transplant surgeon in Greenwich, CT, rosemary essential oil extract works as a protectant against hair loss with pattern alopecia. “There is a study comparing it to Minoxidil for stimulating hair growth that has shown promising results,” she says. “Incorporating it topically is a good support player in this process.” So I started using a rosemary shampoo and conditioner and making my own hair spray with 80 drops of rosemary essential oil and 8 ounces of distilled water, which I still use daily. I spray it on my hair and gently rub it into my scalp; this way I can stimulate those follicles.

How to Reduce Your Stress Levels To Regrow Hair

But one of the most important things I had to do, and definitely the hardest, was to lower my stress levels. Dr. Kinler says that the elevated stressors to our cells, both from short-term hyper-stress spikes and long-term chronic stress, trigger increased cortisol secretion, which promotes hair loss. I know lowering stress sounds impossible, especially when you are stressed about the stress. I tried many different things: yoga, meditation, walks in the woods, but the thing that really worked for me was exercising every day. I started with 15-minute workouts every morning, and then I would make a healthy breakfast and jump into my studio and make art. I developed a routine of going to bed at a certain time and making sure I was out of bed at 9 a.m. I also turned off notifications on my phone during bedtime. Just being able to sleep through the night with no distractions was a big deal.

One of the most important things I had to do, and definitely the hardest, was to lower my stress levels.

After three years, my hair finally grew back completely, but with many more gray hairs. I’m assuming the stress turned my hair gray, but I don’t know that for sure. Whatever the reason is, I’m not mad about it.

Overall, I found that what really worked best for me was managing my stress. Working in my art studio, screen printing, and making jewelry for my company, Feral Hag—that was my zen. I also did everything in baby steps so I didn’t overwhelm myself. For instance, when I started working out, I started with very simple stretches. I’d also do something for myself once a day, whether it was looking for bones in the woods for my jewelry, taking a bath, or baking cookies. I made sure I always did something that made me happy.

When you think of cake, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s that Fudgie the Whale ice-cream cake you got for your 10th birthday, or the mind-bending Louis Vuitton handbag cake you just saw on TikTok. For professional baker Tanya Bush and writer Aliza Abarbanel, cake is the perfect device for examining society at large. The duo launched their indie print mag Cake Zine in spring 2022 to do just that, with surprising essays, provocative photography, recipes, comics, and even poems, after the Instagram-to-IRL friends identified a mutual appreciation for the dessert dominating their feeds.

Tanya Bush and writer Aliza Abarbanel

“Cake is this very nonessential but also very essential food item, in that no one can exist off cake by itself,” Abarbanel says, “and yet, there are also so many occasions in our lives—like weddings, birthdays, and even funerals—where cake is such an essential part.” That cultural and personal significance, as well as cake’s boom in popularity online, make it ripe as a conduit for contemplating deeper subjects, and their ‘zine is the proverbial cake stand it deserves. “Contemporary food media is trying to do everything everywhere all at once, and dessert feels like something that has been bypassed and sidelined,” says Bush, who is also behind the existentially minded baked goods IG account @will.this.make.me.happy. “This is a way of reclaiming its significance and using it to think about unexpected themes.”

The first issue, “Sexy Cake,” explored the erotic side of cake (see: Abarbanel’s interview with artist, sex worker, and cake sitter Lindsay Dye); “Wicked Cake,” the second installment, grappled with cake’s perceived evils in essays like KC Hysmith’s “On Being Bad and Snacking Well.” For its next act, Cake Zine will turn its lens on another classic dessert in an issue they’re calling “Humble Pie,” out this spring.

The success of Cake Zine, which has prompted well-attended events and cake-related merch, is indicative of an interest in art that explores the ordinary in unusual ways, says Abarbanel: “People are hungry to be doing creative collaborative work right now, and I’m inspired by that.”

McClain, a native of Greenville, Texas, grew up in a Southern Baptist community’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” environment. This veil of silence ignited her determination to expose the hidden struggles that many silently bear. “There are far more people out there who internally grapple with issues like anorexia than who feel empowered to voice their struggles,” McClain shares. Her latest release, “Creature,” co-created with Alexander Tyler, reflects her anorexia’s stark reality—a creature she barely recognized in the mirror.

Embarking on a journey of creative exploration and self-discovery, McClain’s debut album marked a significant career milestone. It not only allowed her to collaborate with industry stars like Richard Harris, Lucas Sader, and Myah Marie but also received positive feedback from BillboardSound and CelebSecrets. Yet, the soul of her work lies not in accolades but in the candid stories she shares through her music.

McClain’s journey has been laden with hurdles. Alongside her anorexia, she battled a life-threatening infection known as C. Diff. The battle scars from these experiences forged her into an advocate for education on lesser-known but deadly illnesses and deepened her commitment to addressing eating disorders in her music.

Despite her trials, McClain radiates wisdom and resilience. Her advice: “Be open to learning and experiencing new things,” highlights the therapeutic potential of expanding one’s comfort zone. Through her own journey, she hopes to inspire others to listen, learn, and evolve.

Looking ahead, McClain dreams of touring and performing the music that has been “locked away in Dropbox these past 2 years.” She’s also excited about the possibility of creating an empowering clothing line with one of her favorite designers, Garbage & Glitter.

At the core of her work is her personal narrative. Her new single, “Creature,” is a brave revelation of her anorexia struggle. More than a heartfelt song, it’s a mirror reflection of the creature her disorder sculpted. With its release, she’s not merely sharing her story but extending a hand to others navigating similar turbulent waters, assuring them they’re not alone.Stream “Creature” now, and follow Kacey McClain on TikTok, Instagram, Spotify, and YouTube for updates on her music and journey. As she unveils her truth one song at a time, McClain continues to break the silence, note by note. Her work serves as a poignant reminder of music’s power to heal, connect, and shed light on our shared human experience’s darkest corners. “Creature” is a beacon of hope, a call for understanding, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

She Altered The State of Pop Music With Her 1981 Album, Nightclubbing.

Nightclubbing was one of those rare albums that defined an era.Its addictiv melodies and avant-garde visuals were unlike anything  that had ever been seen before. Pitchfork stated that Nightclubbing is “a record that further cemented her iconic status in pop culture.” And we have to agree. Jones is still active in the music scene; in fact, she was included as a feature on Beyoncé’s song “MOVE” for her 2022 album Renaissance.

Her Subversive and Androgynous Style

Grace Jones is much more than an incredible performer, she’s also a style icon. In fact, She influenced the cross-dressing movement of the 1980s. As stated by The New York Times, “her predatory, androgynous style subverted notions of race and gender.” This couldn’t be more true. Some of her most iconic looks include a blue and red jumpsuit (with matching red glasses of course) which she wore to a book release party for Madonna in 1992, and a bustier made to look like a woman’s chest which she wore at a performance in Amsterdam in 1981. Many of your favorite stars such as Lady Gaga and Rihanna have also been influenced by Jones’ unique and trendsetting style.

#OTD Grace Jones (May 19, 1948) Jamaican-American model, singer/songwriter, producer, actress. Jones influenced the cross-dressing movement of the 1980s & has been an inspiration for many artists including Annie Lennox, Lady Gaga, Rihanna & Solange.

Sexuality#History pic.twitter.com/5mdLekaKJO

— Jazz the Professor (@LikeButta3) May 19, 2023

She Had her Own Exhibit at the Museum of African Diaspora in San Francisco

The exhibit in question was titled The Grace Jones Project, and it ran from April to September. The Grace Jones Project was “a collection of more than 20 contemporary artworks interspersed with vintage album covers, videos of her performances, and wall text detailing Jones’s global influence.” The exhibit also showcased work by artists who had been influenced by Jones over the years. Most of the art pieces dealt with the themes of Black identity, queerness, and how these idnetities intersect with art and self expression. 

She’s a Knight

It’s true! Jones has obtained Knighthood status via the Order of Jamaica. Not only this, but she received the honor in style. As stated in an article written about the event, “As she glided up to the platform where Governor General Sir Patrick Allen stood waiting for her, her wide brimmed hat and A-shaped dress stood out.” Iconic.

happy 75th birthday to the iconic Grace Jones, who i just found out has knighthood with the Order of Jamaica. i see you, sista secret agent, i see you. pic.twitter.com/IEq33rBFnG

— upfromsumdirt (@upfromsumdirt) May 19, 2023

She’s Served as Inspiration for Multiple Superheroes

It’s been rumored that the creator of the X-Men character Rogue asked an illustrator to design the heroine in Jones’ likeness. Unfortunately, the illustrator then just drew a white character with a flattop. *Sigh*. That being said, apparently the first iterations of the X Men character Dazzler also had some character design inspo from Jones. 

Wow, Grace Jones really inspired a lot of comic book artists. https://t.co/Zwxa3wISDJ https://t.co/Sz64IhU4au pic.twitter.com/8jOttFEJZH

— Craig Seymour, Black gay music critic (@craigspoplife) May 11, 2023

She’s Always Taken a Progressive Stance on Gender Expression 

In a 1984 interview with Interview Magazine, Jones stated “The future is no sex. You can be a boy, a girl, whatever you want.” The quote was in reference to the fact that she often presents in an androgynous fashion. This also wasn’t the only time Jones commented on gender issues and gender fluidity, in a 2018 interview with W Magazine, Jones stated “I think the men that embrace their female side are the stronger men.” Clearly, Jones has been progressive and open-minded on gender for years now (and continues to be) which we love to see.

“The future is no sex. You can be a boy, a girl, whatever you want.”

Grace Jones, 1984 im „Interview Magazine“ pic.twitter.com/XIdPuLEFTv

— Rolf Saxer (@rolf_saxer) May 11, 2023

Her Hula-Hooping Act She Does at Her Shows

One thing Grace Jones has never been not, is boring. Ever. At her headlining performance for 2015’s Afropunk, Jones appeared on stage donning a tribal print that was designed for her by artist Keith Haring. During her grand finale, Jones performed her song, “Slave to the Rhythm” while both topless and hula-hooping. It was truly a sight to behold. Performers take note: there is no excuse for a boring performance, especially when Grace Jones literally hula-hooped for over three minutes straight while singing! (AND she does this at many of her shows!)

Grace Jones has truly had a legendary first 75 years. We’re wishing her a very happy birthday, and we can’t wait to see what she has in store for the future!

Top photo credit: Gary Friedman, Los Angeles Times, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Tiktok sensation and everyone’s favorite Indian auntie Zarna Garg’s first ever hour-long special, was just released on May 16 through Amazon Prime. In the special, titled Zarna Garg: One in a Billion, she discusses topics like  motherhood, the life of an immigrant, and how being one in a million isn’t all that special when you’re from a country with a population of over one billion.  

@zarnagarg IT’S LIVE!!!!! Please take a moment to watch the special in full, and leave an honest review on IMBD! It would really mean the world to me! I think you’ll definitely enjoy the special, so share with everybody you know! Can’t wait for you to see it!!! #zarna #zarnagarg #indianlife #india #comedy #jokes #family #kids #womenincomedy #browncomedy #aapi #aapiheritagemonth #mothersday #mothersday2023 #standupcomedy ♬ original sound – Zarnagarg

 Zarna Garg’s path to stardom seems like it was right out of a fairy tale. The quippy comic moved from the Indian city of Mumbai to the suburban American city of Akron, Ohio. Garg made the life-changing move as a teenager in an effort to avoid an arranged marriage, which was organized by her father after her mother’s death. Her life and career developed somewhat traditionally; she went to undergrad at the University of Akron, then law school, and became a lawyer. She met her husband through a personal ad she published, had three children, and soon became a stay-at-home mother. Despite having her life path pretty much laid out for her, raising children and living in New York, fate had its own plans. 

@primevideo She’s got a point, though #ZarnaGarg #OneInABillion #PrimeVideo #OneInABillionPV #HotTakesOnly #apahm #apahm23pv #apahmpv ♬ original sound – Prime Video

Though Garg has been in the States for decades, she still sees things from a different perspective. “You know when you’re outside this country looking at life in here, everything looks so much more fun,” Garg says in her special. “Like people frolicking in hot tubs, jacuzzis, bubble baths! In India, you get water in a bucket. There’s buckets in America too, but they’re filled with fried chicken! A shower doesn’t stop here until you stop it. People fill gallons of drinkable water in a bathtub, and just sit in it, because they’re sad.”

Garg’s natural comedy chops were developed in her own household; her children encouraged her to pursue comedy, and without them, she may have never developed an actual set. Garg performed her first open mic in New York City back in 2018, and it was the first step of many that would develop her one-of-a-kind comedy career. When Garg took to social media in 2020, she immediately found an eager audience. Her comedy translated so well to social media, and she grew her following significantly; she now has 15.6 million likes on her TikTok channel! 

Garg didn’t  get her own special just because of her social media fame. She’s also taking the traditional route to comedy stardom. According to her rep, Garg has performed up to 15 times a week at the Comedy Cellar in New York, cutting her teeth on new material in front of an ever-changing crowd. 

If you’re looking for your next laugh, check out Zarna Garg’s comedy special, Zarna Garg: One in a Billion, is now available on Amazon Prime.

Top photo: screen grab from Zarna Garg’s instagram

Bloody Mary

The legend of the Bloody Mary game derives from three possible sources. One source is Queen Mary I of England, or “Blood Mary.” She got that moniker the hard-won way, ordering hundreds of Protestants burned at the stake. At first, she was only trying to scare them. You know…a little “look what happens to the neighbors when you don’t practice Catholicism” sort of lesson. But the bloodshed only made Protestants ornerier and more determined to practice their religion. Her half-sister, Elizabeth I, was later forced to clean up the mess and keep a tense peace.

Mary Tudor, 1554; Antonis Mor, Public Domain, Via Wikimedia Commons

Another possible source is the equally tragic Mary, Queen of Scots—cousin of Elizabeth I. Mary was foolish enough to lay claim to the English crown while it was still sitting firmly on Elizabeth’s head. Mary’s second husband, her cousin Henry Stewart, along with Protestant nobles, stabbed Mary’s Catholic secretary 56 times. Mary was then allegedly involved in Stewart’s murder. After Mary was forced to abdicate her throne to her infant son after being abducted by her next husband, James Hepburn, who was a suspect in Stewart’s murder, she fled to seek sanctuary with Elizabeth I. Elizabeth then had her arrested rather than offer her sanctuary. Elizabeth imprisoned her for 18 years. Mary got bored, plotted to overthrow and assassinate Elizabeth, and was executed for treason.

The third source might be the most probable since it was, according to local legend, directly tied to witchcraft. In the 1860s, Mary Worth led a reverse underground railroad north of Chicago. Mary would lure unsuspecting runaway enslaved people to her home under false pretenses and then collect her bounty once she sent them back to enslavement in the South. Rumors abounded that Mary was practicing the dark arts, and worse—using herbal medicines, sacrificing animals, and torturing and killing enslaved people for rituals. The townsfolk eventually grew tired of her machinations and lynched her. Other accounts claim she was burned alive. However, there’s not a single newspaper record of a woman burned alive as a witch during this time, and that is the kind of story that makes the local paper. But whether she’s Bloody Mary, Mary Worth, Mary Whales, or someone else, the real reason for the appearance of her spooky apparition isn’t due to spirits, but science—the Troxler effect.

The Troxler effect is an optical illusion in which fixating on one portion of an image for an extended time causes it to fade or distort. The phenomenon happens because our brains have adapted to filter out unnecessary information. In one study, researchers tested the Troxler effect by having participants stare into a mirror in dim lighting for 10 minutes. About 66 percent of participants saw their faces deform, 28 percent saw an unknown person, and 48 percent saw monsters in the mirror.

Those results would make any self-conscious teen think twice before taking another bathroom selfie.

Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board

This game begins with the cheery exercise of choosing someone to die. The chosen corpse lies on the floor, prone, encircled by each of her friends. Each girl then puts two fingers under the supposed dead girl and tries to lift her with only delicate fingers. Chanting helps. The one I remember goes like this:

“She’s looking pale.
She’s looking worse.
She’s dying.
She’s dead.
Light as a feather, stiff as a board.”

It’s a pretty morose game. Unsurprisingly, it has an equally dark past. In 1665, diarist Samuel Pepys witnessed the ritual enacted during a plague outbreak. He described one instance where four little girls each placed one finger under a boy pretending to be dead. The girls each whispered into each other’s ears and then levitated the boy with each of their four tiny fingers.

Still from The Craft depicting the game Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board, 1996; Maximum Film/Alam

Of course, Pepys believed it was a parlor trick, but the real magic was in physics. If the person playing dead stayed still enough, their body weight would be evenly distributed between the people lifting. For example, with an 80-pound boy, the girls would only have to lift 20 pounds with each of their fingers—close to the weight of most childrens’ backpacks today.

Although young girls are not exactly known for their grip strength, fingers are stronger than they appear. Steve Keeler (U.K.) holds the world record for lifting with one finger—129.50 kg (285.49 lb). And strongman Louis Cyr could lift 500 pounds with one finger.

Physics aside, the game must have also assuaged fears during plague outbreaks. Although we have few records of how children responded to plague deaths, we can imagine that making a pretend dead person levitate off the ground must have felt empowering during such a powerless period. And who needs drugs or alcohol when you can levitate your friends?

Ouija Board

Communing with the dead didn’t die with spiritualism’s raps and knocking. It just took on a more utilitarian spin. No one wanted to sit around a table waiting for spirits to knock out a Morse code message. Even 19th-century people had better things to do. Seeing an untapped market for convening with the dead quicker, Charles Kennard started the Kennard Novelty Company with investor Elijah Bond, a local attorney, Col. Washington Bowie, and medium Helen Peters. Unfortunately, the crew ran into some snafus when trying to patent their new “talking board” invention.

Now, we have all been to that sleepover where everyone accuses the other person of moving the planchette—the pointer thingy that picks the letters. Well, Kennard had the same problem. To prove that the Ouija board worked, he had to demo it to the chief patent officer.

Legend has it that no one knew the chief patent officer’s name but the helpful spirit who spelled it out. And that was proof enough that their “toy or game” was the real deal.
On February 10, 1891, the Kennard Novelty Company was awarded a patent for the first Ouija board.

Vintage illustration depicting Ouija board players

For another century, the Ouija board was good, old-fashioned fun for the whole family. It provided comfort to those who had lost loved ones and a way for bored teens to turn
ghosts into pen pals. All that changed in 1973, however, with the movie release that would give teens nightmares during sleepovers for generations—The Exorcist.

In this movie, a young girl named Regan becomes possessed by a demon after innocently playing with her Ouija board. A lot of levitating and head spinning follows. Suddenly, this child’s toy was not so childish. The devil had come to collect and turn America’s toy into a talisman of evil.

Today, Ouija boards continue to terrify us because they work. But it’s not spirits making the planchette move. It’s the ideomotor effect—our unconscious, involuntary physical movements. When you ask the board questions, your hand moves the planchette to spell out the answers in words, numbers, yes, or no. (Or, if you have a grumpy spirit,
“goodbye.”) Your brain isn’t aware of these movements. In other words, when we think about an action, our hand follows that action.

These involuntary movements make the Ouija board work best for kids. When a subject believes the planchette is moving by itself, it is more moveable. Consequently, as the board begins to spell out the first letters of a word, our minds fill in the rest, and the hand follows. Our subconscious often gives the answer we most hope for or fear.

In essence, the Ouija board predicts our anxiety levels. And those levels are often high at your typical sleepover. But aside from anxiety levels, Ouija also taps into a part of our brains we often ignore—our intuition. In one study, blindfolded participants were asked trivia questions. In one round, they answered questions without help from their spirit guides. In the next round, the participants used Ouija to answer the questions. During the study, the blindfolded participants believed their teammate was moving the planchette with them when they were moving it themselves. The researchers found the participants got more questions right when using the Ouija board than when not.

So, when sleepless girls across America huddled around Ouija boards asking questions about their futures, the Ouija probably gave them better answers than their friends ever could. Or perhaps the board game gave them the answers friends could not speak out loud.

Top photo: Dialog Center Images, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Nebraska’s Republican state legislature is trying to strip away the rights of many Americans with the power of one devastating bill. The bill in question is LB 574, and while LB 574 was initially intended to restrict access to gender-affirming care (which is already bad enough), it has now evolved into a bill that bans abortion after 12 weeks as well. The bill adopted the 12-week ban after a vote on Tuesday night.

LB 574 must undergo one more round of debates before it’s ultimately voted on again. The scary part is that this could happen as soon as Thursday afternoon— and it appears that the bill might already have enough votes to pass legislation. 

Despite the prevailing circumstances, lawmakers that are against this bill won’t go down without a fight. Nebraska Democratic Senator Machaela Cavanaugh has been filibustering this bill for weeks on end now.

On the recent developments, Cavanaugh stated, “You are willing to drive this state into the ground. You look ridiculous. Women will die, children are dying, and you are responsible.” And she’s right, restricting access to healthcare, whatever form it may be in, has the potential to do harm to a countless number of people in this country.

The Republican lawmakers responsible for pushing this bill forward seem to be extremely aware that their actions have upset those who believe in human rights— they just don’t seem to care. After the vote on Tuesday, many Republican congressmen left the chamber through back hallways in order to avoid the gathering of protestors, indicating that they know what they’re doing is wrong.

If LB 574 passes its final vote, Republican Governor Jim Pillen has said he will sign the amended bill into law. The bill also includes an emergency clause, meaning that as soon as it is signed off on by Governor Pillen, it will go into action. 

LB 574 is just one more example of the influx of anti-trans and anti-abortion legislation that has been cropping up around the country. It’s a scary time for many of those whose rights are on the line. However, knowing that there are elected officials such as Cavanaugh that are willing to do whatever it takes to protect our rights helps us sleep just a little better at night. While it may seem like there’s not much to do but sit and wait at this time, don’t let that deter you from taking action. Write to your local members of Congress, join a protest, or donate to pro-trans and pro-abortion organizations such as OutNebraska and Nebraska Abortion Resources (NEAR). If the government wants to take away our rights, we’ll just have to fight harder to keep them.

Top photo by Ethan Gregory Dodge on Unsplash

Tabitha Soren Interviewing Liz Phair 

MTV News was the perfect intersection between music and hard-hitting journalism. Their extensive coverage of independent, underground artists via innovative interviews helped usher in a wave of new artists into the mainstream. One of our favorite instances of this is Tabitha Soren’s interview with grungy DIY singer-songwriter Liz Phair, for her 1993 album Exile In Guyville. Most interviews at the time took place in quiet, professionally lit rooms, but this one took place in the chaotic land of Luna Park. While laying on the beaches of Coney Island in New York City, the two explore what it means to be a woman in the 90’s. In between lounging on the sand and riding rickety roller coasters, Soren and Phair discuss feminism, sexuality, losing your virginity, and the raw content of Phair’s self-distributed debut album. This is monumental; MTV News saw the importance in covering a feminist-centered artist that wrote realistic (and thus subversive) lyrics about sex, heartbreak, and the limitations of the patriarchy. When Soren asks, “Do you consider yourself a feminist? Post-feminist? Post-post feminist?” Phair promptly responds, “If labels matter I consider myself all of the above; all I care about is that women have a better life in the near future. That includes everything: legal, social, emotional, sexual… It’s all part of it.” 

Madonna Rocks The Vote

Rock The Vote is a non-profit political organization that aims to increase awareness about issues in youth culture via political action like voting and protesting (they even founded the first ever telephone voter’s registration system!).  According to their mission statement, the organization was created by Virgin Music executives Jeff Ayeroff, Beverly Lund, and Jordan Harris in an effort to advocate against censorship in popular music. It has since grown into a massive grassroots movement that has maintained its popularity since its inception. Rock The Vote’s first ever partnership was with MTV, and with a little help from Madonna draped in almost nothing but an American Flag, they aired their first PSA in 1990. 

“Dr King, Malcolm X, freedom of speech is as good as sex! …Don’t give up your freedom of speech, the power of the people is in our reach!” Madonna says, before “de-flagging” to reveal a scandalous red lingerie set. This was incredibly powerful imagery at the time, as Madonna was often mocked for being outspoken about sex and politics. A couple years later she would be eviscerated in the press for her album Erotica, and the accompanying book Sex. Voter turnout was a topic that was rarely ever applied to younger demographics before Rock The Vote, but with the aid of these PSAs, along with MTV News, Rock The Vote managed to involve generations of young adults to go out and vote. Madonna even reshared the 30-year old video during the 2020 election season, with the hashtags #vote2020, and #nationalvoterregistrationday. 

#Vote2020 leading up to Election Day and #NationalVoterRegistrationDay https://t.co/WWWEeqezoJ#jose #luis pic.twitter.com/Q8wwlLhawq

— Madonna (@Madonna) September 22, 2020

MTV News Unfiltered

MTV News Presents: MTV Unfiltered (often shortened to ...MTV Unfiltered, or …Unfiltered) was a reality news series hosted by MTV News anchors Serena Altschul and Alison Stewart, and has been described as a DIY approach to local news. The short-lived show was a news segment program that featured a series of calls, video clips, and interviews from real-life teens, and offered news coverage for small-town, community based issues. …MTV Unfiltered shone a light on issues major news networks weren’t covering, like oppressive dress codes, LGBTQIA+ cruising, getting cancer, celibacy, and suicide. One such segment started with a daring phone call; a Penn State college student demanded something be done about the sexist hazing traditions on campus, stating: “I absolutely believe that this is institutionalized sexual harassment on the part of the university’s administration.” 

MTV News Presents: MTV Unfiltered was groundbreakingly revolutionary for its time, and was pivotal in showcasing real-life issues that young women and teens everywhere were struggling with, and it’s all the more proof that MTV was always for and about youth culture. MTV News gave many important topics —including feminism— a larger platform through ...Unfiltered, and we think that’s pretty badass. Check out this archival clip uploaded by Jess Weiner, the Penn State student who contacted MTV about sexual harassment on her college’s campus. 

The “Choose or Lose“ Campaign 

In 1992, MTV launched a now-defunct political news campaign designed to encourage youth participation in democracy, called Choose or Lose. This was different from Rock The Vote, which was initially focused on eradicating censorship limitations. Choose or Lose was a recurring news special hosted by MTV News for several election years up until 2012, when the network decided to ditch the slogan in an effort to more accurately reflect the increased cynicism within youth culture. But in its heyday, the Choose Or Lose special was hosted by former MTV News anchor Tabitha Soren, and through specials, conferences, and mobile organizations, the campaign encouraged youth voter registration turn-out. Through these televised specials, young people were often encouraged to ask politicians questions, including Senator John Kerry. 

One of the more notable moments was the Enough is Enough special’s interview with Bill Clinton, which went on to make headlines in news outlets like Time Magazine, and the Chicago Tribune. Many have argued that MTV secured the youth vote for Clinton’s presidency, including the Baltimore Sun in 1992. Even Soren speculates that MTV’s Choose or Lose Campaign widened access to media regarding the political landscape while setting the foundations for the current cultural climate in her 2016 article for the New York Times, titled Hilary Clinton and the Ghosts of MTV.  Check out this #ThrowbackThursday post Tabitha Soren shared the night before election day in 2018. One comment on the post, which praises the MTV News’ correspondents for their impact on youth culture, reads “Y’all indoctrinated me as a 9 year old [into thinking] that voting was cool, sexy, queer-adjacent, and somehow related to liking Nirvana and REM. Job well done.”

Although it’s difficult to see past MTV’s current non-stop bombardment of Ridiculousness and Teen Mom reruns, the channel used to serve as a launchpad for progressive and cutting edge entertainment. Women’s rights were a hot-button issue that MTV News made an effort to cover, and these clips are essential in preserving the history of third-wave feminism. MTV News made a point to uplift unheard voices through political campaigns, PSAs, and the overall power of music, and even though we’re sad to see them go, their legacy will always remain. 

Top Photo Credit: Screenshot from Madonna’s Twitter: Rock The Vote PSA, circa 1990.

The prestigious Cannes Film Festival started this past Wednesday, and a jury media conference with Brie Larson has been sparking up conversations. The Oscar-winning actress was involved in a tense exchange with a journalist after being asked if she would be seeing the premiere of Johnny Depp’s new film, Jeanne Du Barry.

The journalist asked Larson, who is an outspoken advocate for Time’s Up and the #MeToo movements, for her opinion on Depp’s film opening the Cannes festival, and if she was planning to watch it. Larson seemed taken aback, responding with “You’re asking me that? I’m sorry, I don’t understand the correlation or why me specifically.”

Brie Larson was surprised to be asked about Johnny Depp’s opening film: “You’re asking me that? I’m sorry, I don’t understand the correlation or why me specifically.” https://t.co/5Ec2S23051 #Cannes pic.twitter.com/QPfO1Yb4qS

— Variety (@Variety) May 16, 2023

The journalist tried to explain his question by referring to the infamous John C. Depp, II vs. Amber Laura Heard case that were held from April 11 to June 1 in Fairfax County, VA. The case ruled against Heard, and in favor of Depp’s defamation allegations against her.

After describing the case as “very well-played out in American and national media,” the journalist refers to the controversy of Depp’s film being chosen to open the film festival, and that he was merely curious about the Marvel actress’ opinions on the film. 

“Well, you’ll see, I guess, if I’ll see it, and I don’t know how I’ll feel about it if I do,” responded Larson, trying to avoid going into detail about Depp’s 2022 case. Depp’s film, while opening the festival, is not playing in competition. So, as a Cannes juror, Larson is not required to view it. 

The twitter video, released on Variety’s account, has reached almost 15 million views in one day, and the comments highly supported the actress’ evasive answers. Captain Marvel News responded to the video, “Absolutely correct! Perfect answer to an unnecessary question.” 

Absolutely correct! Perfect answer to an unnecessary question.

— Captain Marvel News (@CaptMarvelNews) May 16, 2023

Other commenters were infuriated by the journalist’s question, feeling that it was an attempt to catch her off guard and paint her in a bad light. One user, @Particles343, tweeted “Lets drag this innocent woman Brie Larson into an argument that has nothing to do with her to sell article clicks. That’s all the reporter did. I love Captain Marvel don’t f that up for me.” 

Another user, @queenfeyree, commented “she was like that has nothing to do with me and i can respect that, such a good answer. like talk about something else maybe like films she’s doing atm.” Let’s talk about her upcoming The Marvels movie coming up in November.  

Lets drag this innocent woman Brie Larson into an argument that has nothing to do with her to sell article clicks. That’s all that reporter did.

I love Captain Marvel don’t f that up for me.

— Particles ? (@Particles343) May 17, 2023

she was like that has nothing to do with me and i can respect that, such a good answer. like talk about something else maybe like the films she’s doing atm

— feyre’s gf ? (@queenfeyree) May 16, 2023

Cannes is one of the most highly-anticipated festivals in the movie world, and Larson’s position as a juror is thrilling for her career. We hope to see her answer more relevant questions throughout the week, or continue to gracefully pivot away from unnecessary ones.

Top image: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Some inky sweat may be running down the face of former New York City Mayor, Rudy Giuliani, this afternoon. Yesterday, Noelle Dunphy, a former employee of Giuliani who had worked with him from January 2019 through 2021, filed a lawsuit that outlines some disturbing abuses of power including wage theft and making constant sexual demands that were “an absolute requirement of her employment and his legal representation.” 

Dunphy and her legal team cataloged the scathing details that accuse Giuliani of being constantly drunk, taking Viagra regularly, demanding sex at any time, grooming and pursuing other women employees and more. After Dunphy was hired in 2019, Giuliani is said to have immediately isolated her in the back of the company car, kissing her and asking her if he could enter his home. After she declined, he asked for “flirtatious photos,” the first of what will be dozens of instances of harassment and assault, according to the lawsuit.

Dunphy goes on to outline several aggravated allegations of assault including forced oral sex, insisting on working from his apartment so he could “easily transition from work, to demanding sexual gratification, and back to work.” The legal document describes that Dunphy had to work knowing that Giuliani may initiate sexual contact at any moment, including demanding oral sex while on the phone with then-President Trump, forcing her to acquiesce and taking Viagra to prepare.

All of this was happening as Giuliani withheld Dunphy’s wages, according to the 70-page lawsuit. Giuliani allegedly told Dunphy to expect a $1 million salary, which he then avoided paying because he was going through a messy divorce and was afraid that his ex would “retaliate” against any female employee he had hired. The complaint says, “Giuliani promised Ms. Dunphy that his divorce would be resolved “any day now,” and therefore the deferral of her pay and the need to keep her employment secret would soon end.” 

This lawsuit takes place not even a week after a jury found that former President Donald Trump sexually abused E. Jean Carroll, and she was awarded $5 million for battery and defamation. Could the tides be turning for “good ol’ boys”? Could the formerly untouchable now have to come to terms with their crimes and pay the price? There’s not a lot of good things happening in this country, but this is a promising trajectory. 

Spokespersons for Giuliani said to The Independent, “Mayor Rudy Giuliani unequivocally denies the allegations raised by Ms Dunphy. Mayor Giuliani’s lifetime of public service speaks for itself and he will pursue all available remedies and counterclaims.”

Not only is Giuliani being accused of large swaths of sexual assaults, Dunphy also describes the generally hostile and bigoted work environment she became accustomed to. “Ms. Dunphy was subjected to a severe and pervasive discriminatory work environment where she was not only abused based on her gender, but was also forced to endure offensive racial, antisemitic, and misogynistic slurs directed towards women, including herself and other women,” the complaint details.

Phew! That’s not even half of it. Read through the official complaint to learn more about the allegations against Giuliani. Like E. Jean Carroll and so many others, we thank Noelle Dunphy for bravely coming forward and sharing her truth with the world. We wish her swift justice.

Top photo: Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

When it comes to writing, half of the struggle boils down to capturing the right “voice.” Do you sound smart? Approachable? Hilarious?

Samantha Irby is one of those rare writers who has conquered all three categories, gaining an impressive following over the past decade with laugh-out-loud essays that make you think, “this person is really funny and not at all afraid to talk about poop.” When I call her at home in Kalamazoo, MI, I ask Irby, 42, what it’s like to be the kind of author who is so relatable, people would love to call her a friend. “I wish I could be everyone’s friend,” says Irby, “but then they’d realize how bad I am at texting back and they’d be, like, ‘Let’s just keep this relationship on the page.’”

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by samantha irby (@bitchesgottaeat)

It all started in 2009, when she created her Myspace blog, “Bitches Gotta Eat” (the now-iconic story is that she did it to impress a dude). Her writing snowballed in popularity, leading to her 2013 debut essay collection, Meaty, which introduced readers to a few major facets of Irby’s identity, including her battle with Crohn’s disease and the loss of her parents at 18. But these struggles are secondary to Irby’s most defining characteristic: the fact that she can find humor in almost anything.

In the years since Meaty, Irby published three more books, the most recent of which, Wow, No Thank You, shot to the top of the New York Times bestseller list as soon as it was published in 2020—and there’s every reason to believe her newest book, Quietly Hostile (Vintage Books), will do the same when it’s released on May 16th. But the last few years have seen not just her publishing career level up, but her personal life as well.

Irby married her wife, Kirsten Jennings, in 2016, and they set up a household with Jennings’ two teenage kids and a “lesbian amount of pets,” as Irby puts it, including a dog named Abe and four cats. She also made major career strides as a TV writer/producer, racking up credits on Shrill, Work in Progress, And Just Like That…, and Tuca & Bertie.

Meanwhile, “Bitches Gotta Eat” was upgraded into a Substack newsletter, which she describes as “Judge Mathis recaps + occasional sad garbage.” Through it all, Irby has continued to write about what she knows best—from public bathroom mishaps to delving deep into The Real Housewives universe. “Life is so short,” she says. “I just have to do what I can to make myself feel good. And if I tell people and they think I’m a moron, then fine, I don’t care. I’m not reading the ‘smart’ book.”

As a consummate over-sharer, Irby is a magnet for similar types of revelations from her fans. So, it should come as no surprise that strangers often want to tell her about their diarrhea and other deeply personal trials—and she welcomes it all. “Any time someone is honest about a thing they’re struggling with, I feel something unlock within myself,” says Irby. “Like, ‘OK, I don’t have to act like I have it all together. I don’t have to grit my teeth and just tough it out.’ If I can provide that for someone, that makes me happy.”

Her latest collection of confessional essays captures the ways in which the author dealt with the challenges of the last three years, from domestic squabbles to grappling with an unprecedented global health crisis. And compared to her other books, Irby says that Quietly Hostile stands apart as a chronicle of a very strange and specific time. “A feral maniac wrote it,” she says. “A person who didn’t say hello to anyone who didn’t live in her house for a year wrote a book. I hope it resonates with people.”

Top photo by: Ted Beranis 

Stewart, who is best known for her dining and lifestyle brands, has worked as a model since the age of thirteen. According to a Vanity Fair interview, Stewart worked as an in-store model for Bonwit Teller department store, and modeled in television commercials for Clairol, Lifebuoy soap, and Tareyton cigarettes. And while she developed a career unrelated to her modeling, she clearly has had the chops since birth! 

Stewart shared a photo of the cover on her instagram saying, “I am so thrilled to be on the cover of the @SI_Swimsuit issue! My motto has always been: ‘when you’re through changing, you’re through,’ so I thought, why not be up for this opportunity of a lifetime? I hope this cover inspires you to challenge yourself to try new things, no matter what stage of life you are in. Changing, evolving, and being fearless – those are all very good things, indeed.”

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Martha Stewart (@marthastewart48)

Sports Illustrated recorded a behind-the-scenes video with Stewart, talking about her experience on set and her feelings about the historic cover photo. “Usually I’m motivated by pay,” said Stewart in the video (a truly iconic line– us too, Martha!) “But this time I was motivated by showing people that a woman my age can still look good, feel good, and be good.” 

The cover shoot was photographed back in January. Stewart was photographed by artist Ruven Afanador in the Dominican Republic, and had about ten outfit changes.

“When I heard that I was going to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated swimsuit, I thought, ‘oh that’s pretty good,’” Stewart said. “I’m going to be the oldest ever on the cover of Sports Illustrated. I don’t think about age very much, but I thought this was kind of historic, and that I better look really good!” 

I don’t think there can be any more proof– women do not suddenly stop being hot after age 40. Age, wisdom, success, and a life full of adventure sure looks good!

Top photo: Photos of Martha Stewart, screengrabs from the Martha Stewart instagram, photographed by Ruven Afanador. Background photo: Leonardo Rossatti via Pexels.

Is It Right?
2020 Manhattan.
The sirens are omnipresent. Every five minutes, sometimes less.
Is It Right?
Our neighbors wheeled out to the ambulances, some of them not even making it and dying in the street.
Is It Right?
And us, stuck in the apartment.
The virus takes us, swarms us, shifts the very foundations I thought I knew best.
The fever lasts 51 days.
The trauma longer.
Is It Right?
When the thermometer finally reads 98.6 the world is still shut down. There is abject panic, a kind I have never known before and hope to never know again. There are also life saving grants, a vision of a new life in Europe, a kernel of hope.
(All of those things can be true together, after all)
Is It Right?
Trauma.
It shifts us, shapes us, changes us.
Makes us into an ever changing mosaic, a composite of the pieces we keep putting back together.
Is It Right?
2021 Amsterdam.
We live here now, healing one beautiful bike ride at a time.
I continue a song I started in Manhattan, based on a simple question.
Is It Right?
The song comes quickly. I lean into the question, grow with the acknowledgment of uncertainty.
Is It Right?
2021 Giverny.
2022 Manhattan.
With the song’s music video I try to honor the disorienting, isolating and ultimately empowering experience of it all.
Is It Right?
The gauzy safety I found in Europe.
The gorgeous shocking clarity of my beloved New York City’s skyline.
The dizzying disorientation of those two together.
Is It Right?
For this I bring in Dutch director Lyon Pol and one of my oldest friends, Joseph DiGiovanna, a brilliant artist who among many other things deals with long COVID to this day.
Is It Right?
2023 Los Angeles.
May rings in Mental Health Awareness Month.
Do I have any answers?
Is It Right?
(What is right, after all?)
I am grateful to be alive and still considering.
Is It Right?
I shift, grow, expand.
Center my own mental health without seeking an arbitrary finish line.
Is It Right?
I know better than to rely on rigid concepts like “right” or “wrong” now.
Know better than to look for answers.
I treasure, instead, the ability to question.

Photo by Janette Beckman

Weight loss is a hot topic, and with so many different diets to choose from, it can be tough to know which one to follow. While some diets promise quick and easy weight loss, they may not always be the healthiest choice. In fact, recent research has shown that two of the most popular weight loss programs are also two of the unhealthiest. These diets may help you drop pounds fast, but they can also cause serious health problems down the road. So, before you jump on the latest fad diet bandwagon, it’s important to take a closer look at what you’re really getting into.

Read the full article on our sister site, the Irvine Weekly, here.

Our fashion dreams of shopping in a celebrity’s closet have finally come true. This past Sunday, quintessential 90s “it” girl Chloë Sevigny cleared out her closet, inviting anyone and everyone to sift through her one-of-a-kind wardrobe for a closet sale – and the outcome was mind blowing. 

The actress and fashion icon partnered with The RealReal for a curated sale that she deemed to be the “The Sale of The Century.” Fashion enthusiasts came to pluck away at her wardrobe, finding everything from “everyday staples, Victorian to indie sleaze, designer & tons of denim. Something for everyone.” Held at the St. Peter’s Youth center in downtown Manhattan, the proceeds from the closet sale will benefit the Hetrick-Martin Institute, a New York non-profit LGBTQIA+ youth foundation.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Chloë Sevigny (@chloessevigny)

The event was a part of Vogue writer Liana Satenstein’s Instagram series #NeverWorns, where Satenstein interviews style icons about their personal attire, and encourages them to clean out pieces they’ve never worn. There are many notable fashion figures that have participated in the series, like fashion editors Sally Singer and Lynn Yaeger. However, Sevigny’s supreme style was the main attraction – and fans did not disappoint when it was time to support. 

The line to enter the pop-up shop was as long as the waitlist for Taylor Swift tickets – it wrapped around several blocks. Fashionistas came from far and wide to wait in line for hours in the hopes of catching a glimpse of Sevigny’s wardrobe, and the videos of those waiting in line are astounding. On Twitter, user@StormDorm411 uploaded a 17-second, sped up video of those waiting in line. Just when you think it’s going to end, it doesn’t. 

y’all have fun pic.twitter.com/I75WgneTXD

— ghetto drab art fag? (@StormDorm411) May 14, 2023

Fans could buy anything they found during the sale, and many took to social media to revel in their purchases. From Prada handbags to Gucci toothpaste, it was a fashionista’s wonderland. TikTok user Mandy Lee (@oldloserinbrooklyn) posted a daily vlog of her going to the event, as well as a try-on of the pieces she found. While describing the sale as a “madhouse” for the insane wait, she mentions that “it was really organized, the staff was great, really helpful, the prices were amazing, and the inventory was…I have no words.”

@oldloserinbrooklyn Come with me to Chloe Sevigny’s closet sale in NYC. Got some forever pieces i will treasure #nyc #chloesevigny #closetsale #samplesale #saleofthecentury ♬ original sound – Mandy Lee

I won the Chloe Sevigny storage sale pic.twitter.com/xdH6ANQxTo

— asherah (@e_asherah) May 14, 2023

yeah i bought the gucci toothpaste at the Chloe Sevigny sale… pic.twitter.com/DSaHadV3OF

— Charlotte Rose Benjamin (@charlobenji) May 14, 2023

Nevertheless, it was well worth the wait. Not only were exciting pieces purchased, but friendships were also formed while the sun’s heat blazed down on those New York City streets. Everyone was committed to entering the “Sale of the Century,” and Satenstein posted photos she took of those waiting in line on her Instagram, in all their fashionable, unique glory.  

my new best friends and i leaving the Chloe Sevigny closet sale after learning each others names at 9am pic.twitter.com/6ug7fIM7WQ

— Fallon? (@ifallonthebunny) May 14, 2023

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Liana Satenstein (@liana_ava)

Sevigny’s closet sale was a haute couture paradise; the support Sevigny received as a quintessential fashion symbol was extraordinary. We’re thrilled to see these high-end, barely worn pieces make their way to a new home, to be styled and worn by hundreds of unique souls.

Top photo: by Guy Aroch, from the BUST archives (June/July 2007)

FreePeopleSearch.io is a free people search directory that offers access to billions of daily updated records. The site’s search engine is designed to make finding people online fast and simple. So whether you’re looking for a former classmate, a long-lost relative, or even someone you met at a party, FreePeopleSearch.io can help you find them in seconds.

The site’s database includes a vast collection of public records, including phone numbers, email addresses, social media profiles, and more. All of the information is kept up-to-date, so you can be confident that the results you receive are accurate and current. And best of all, the site is entirely free to use.

The site is also straightforward—the search engine is intuitive and user-friendly, with a simple interface that anyone can navigate. And because the site is free to use, there’s no need to worry about hidden fees or charges. As a result, you can search for as many people as you like, for as long as you want, without ever having to pay a penny.

One of the standout features of FreePeopleSearch.io is the fact that the site is updated daily with new data. This means that if the person you’re looking for has recently moved, changed their phone number, or even just created a new social media profile, you’ll be able to find them on FreePeopleSearch.io. This exceptional level of accuracy and up-to-date information sets the site apart from its competitors.

Of course, building a website that offers access to billions of records is no easy feat. The team behind FreePeopleSearch.io faced some significant challenges along the way. First, they had to figure out how to collect and organize such a massive amount of data. They also needed to design a search engine that could quickly and efficiently sift through all of that information to deliver relevant results to their users.

The team invested in the latest data collection and analysis tools to overcome these challenges. They also worked closely with data management and search engine optimization experts to ensure the site’s performance was up to par. And through trial and error, they fine-tuned the site’s algorithms to deliver faster, more accurate search results.

FreePeopleSearch.io is making a significant difference in the world of people searching. The site has revolutionized how we find people online, and it’s quickly become the go-to resource for anyone looking to reconnect with someone from their past. With its commitment to accuracy, up-to-dateness, and user-friendliness, FreePeopleSearch.io is a game-changer in the world of people searching.

“The book was just the start,” exclaims Avni Parekh, an award-winning, Indian-American author whose unique, highly-rated self-help book, Be The Bigger Person: Scenarios & Solutions to Better Yourself, was recently named a winner of the honorable 2023 Human Relations Indie Book Awards.

Talking to her over FaceTime on a bright, weekday afternoon in May, it’s evident the creative wordsmith is an overachiever by nature and always thinks outside of the box as a way to reach the masses. Earlier this year, Parekh launched an athleisure clothing line under the same name — Be The Bigger Person. “The clothes we wear serve as a powerful tool for self-expression; more importantly, they can reflect the beliefs and values of the person wearing them. Today, more and more people are expressing themselves through their clothing to make a statement in support of kindness and compassion. My athleisure garments are simply an extension of the book’s key messages come to life.”

Since its 2018 debut release on Amazon, Parekh’s efforts have paid off as her intriguing guidebook for millennials, Generation Z, and their respective families, have impacted thousands of readers.

To add to that, her brand’s popular slogan, “be the bigger person,” has gone viral on Instagram Reels with millions of users viewing popular influencer video content expressing how they’d rather be spiteful than magnanimous. As a response to that reaction, the understanding scholar explains; “We all need someone to help remind us to be the bigger person during our most emotionally vulnerable moments in life. And, now more than ever, I think we all need reinforcements in place that aid our well-being and peace of mind.”

Fixated on the goal of bettering herself and others, Parekh knew she had to reach more people in order to make a lasting impact. Name-dropping her book, Be The Bigger Person, on a nationally, Twitter-trending Bravo TV show, Parekh appeared on the third season of the popular network’s hit docuseries featuring the nation’s first ever all-Indian cast, Family Karma, and quickly became a fan favorite. Reaching millions of people through another medium, it’s obvious there’s no avenue the entrepreneurial-minded, long-haired beauty won’t explore to make sure the life-changing message she holds dear in her life is internalized by others in need of emotional support and guidance.

Prevailing over interpersonal conflicts by taking the high road, Parekh’s powerful brand came to life many years before Bravo’s uplifting show made its way onto television. Attributing the concept of her brand to an epiphany, Parekh tells me she was deeply inspired by being able to help others rise above life’s hardships with grace and wrote her well-received book in 30 days. As for the publishing process, she chuckles, divulging that it took four years from start to finish to make one of her childhood dreams a reality.

Parekh has made a name for herself in the indie-publishing world and is now carving one out in entertainment, as well as fashion. A voguish kid growing up, she confides that she “always wished” to have a clothing line. Parekh shares she got an early start in 2008 by designing and selling inspirational T-shirts as a hobby while handling the operations for a leading South Florida yoga studio. 

The enlightened writer and fashionista details how the incorporation of positive slogans in her gender-neutral athleisure clothing can inspire the person who wears it and elevate the spirits of anyone who reads the motivational messages imprinted on her unisex attire. “Athleisurewear that showcases positive affirmations and messages of peace can play a remarkable role in impacting people’s lives. It all starts with the power of visual cues,” implies Parekh. “When we see the same word or phrase over and over, it becomes imbued in our subconscious mind. After that, it begins to influence how we think and act.

Clothes with a positive message like ‘be the bigger person’ can serve as a reminder to ourselves and others to not give in to anger or any other negative emotion they may be feeling at the time, but instead, proceed with caution and try to be understanding.”

Thinking about the bigger picture, the well-versed author divulges that wearing clothes with a message of empathy and compassion can help to create a sense of community. For example, she states: “When we see other people wearing similar clothes to ours, we identify with them. What’s happening is, subconsciously, we start to feel a sense of kinship and unity. Eventually, this can lead to the break down of barriers and create a more inclusive society.”

Spoken like a true diplomat and humanitarian, Parekh also adds that clothes with the “be the bigger person” message can operate as “an antidote” to not succumb to negativity or hostility.

Wanting to create a ripple effect of peace to counteract the violence unfolding in the world today, it’s worth noting that Parekh’s mindful clothes hold the power to remind people to maintain their composure, especially during difficult moments that test one’s patience as her guidebook suggests. She wisely remarks: “When we encounter conflict or rudeness, it can be easy to respond with that very same ego and negative energy. But, say in that instance, you’re looking at or wearing clothes with a message of compassion, that could be a saving-grace moment by reminding us to take the high road by responding with kindness, instead of engaging in a tit-for-tat.”

Elaborating on the domino effect that her mindful apparel can have, Parekh passionately says: “When we act with compassion and understanding, others are more likely to do the same. This can create a chain reaction of kindness that can affect not only our personal relationships but also our communities and even the world.” So, next time you’re getting dressed, consider wearing something that sends a positive message says the author with a heart of gold, “you never know how much of a difference it might make.”

All photos of Avni Parekh courtesy of Marcos Ventura. Photo of Be The Bigger Person book courtesy of AvniParekh.com. Follow Be The Bigger Person on Instagram via @BTBPbook.

It’s hard to believe that the 90s were only 10 years ago…

Because they’re not. 30 years have passed since 1993! 

It’s been three whole decades since the rise of oversized flannel shirts, Doc Martens, the premiere of The X-Files, the inauguration of Bill Clinton, and the original launch of TY’s Beanie Babies. It’s also been about 30 years since we here at BUST began operations, and we’ve come a long way since that very first issue, (which was xeroxed and stapled together; can you believe it?!) In order to celebrate 30 years of publication, here are 7 feminist albums that are also celebrating their 30th birthday with us this year. Beware: some of the records on this list may surprise you!

Liz Phair – Exile In Guyville

Many know Liz Phair as the singer of the melodic and lovey-dovey pop song, “Why Can’t I?”, which makes sense considering the song was Phair’s only charting Top 40 Hit. But before hitting pop radio airwaves with boppy love songs, Liz Phair was a grungy lo-fi artist who wrote angsty songs about sex, isolation, and yearing on cassette tapes she passed out like candy on Halloween. Exile In Guyville is the debut studio album from the indie-rock singer-songwriter, who previously released cassettes under the pseudonym “Girly-Sound” (the Girly-Sound Tapes have since gained a massive underground cult following.) Exile In Guyville, which was a song-by-song response to the Rolling Stone’s Exile on Main St. has received tons of underground critical acclaim; publications Spin and the Village Voice: Jazz & Pop Critics Poll both named it the “Best Album of 1993,” and Rolling Stone ranked Exile In Guyville as 56th on their list for the “Greatest Albums of All Time.” Songs like “Fuck and Run” explore themes of craving intimacy through lyrics that oscillate between brash vulgarity and poetic vulnerability. Liz Phair’s music has had a major impact on third-wave feminism, and her song “Batmobile” was featured in the 1996-2000 riot grrrl documentary Dirty Girls. Just as recently as 2017, the aforementioned song “Fuck and Run” went viral after Phair performed it at a Planned Parenthood rally in 2017.

Björk – Debut

Icelandic experimental artist Björk changed the music industry forever with her 1993 debut album, aptly titled Debut. Before this, she had been part of the ‘80s band The Sugarcubes, but it was this solo album that really allowed her to make her mark. The album explores a variety of genres, including psychedelic rock, alternative dance, shoe-gaze, art pop, and electronic house. Debut ranked 31st on LGBTQIA+ magazine Out’s “Greatest, Gayest Albums of All Time,” and the hit single “Human Behavior” received a Grammy nomination for the “Best Video of The Year.” Despite paving the way for female noise artists and defying gender roles in her performances, Björk has had an up-and-down relationship with the feminist movement. In a 1996 issue of BUST, when asked if she was a feminist, she claimed that “feminists really… bore me to death.” She’s since expressed full support of feminism in recent years. That being said, Debut was the first in a long line of successes for Björk, who has since earned numerous accolades, awards, and even her own retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art in 2015. 

Janet Jackson – janet.

Janet (often stylized as janet.,) is the fifth R&B album from musician Janet Jackson. At the time of the sultry album’s release in 1993, Jackson had only recently switched record labels, and her new contract with Virgin Records made her the highest paid artist in the industry at the time. The album is a deeply erotic, experimental, and sophisticated masterpiece that focuses primarily on women’s sensuality paired with experiences of rage, lust, voyeurism, and longing. The album’s lyrics were primarily written by Jackson, who has claimed that janet. is her most personal album ever. Maturely romantic jams like “That’s The Way Love Goes” work in harmony with intense electro-rock dance songs like “If.” The album expertly showcases Jackson’s range, and reinvented her pop stardom image into that of an international sex symbol. It’s been speculated that the audacious sensuality displayed by Jackson in this era is responsible for an influx of sexual liberation within young women during the mid-90s. The infamous cover for both her issue of Rolling Stone and for her self-titled album features Jackson topless, with her breasts being held up by an obscured man (who was her then-husband at the time.) The cover stirred up major controversy, mainly amongst her deeply religious family members. But Janet Jackson’s bold embrace of black women’s sexuality was monumental activism in the 1990s; as she stated in the accompanying interview for her 1993 Rolling Stone Cover, “For me, sex has become a celebration; a joyful part of the creative process… You could say I’ve entered a happy phase of sexuality… Listening to my new record, [i think that] people intuitively understand the change in me.” 

Nirvana – In Utero

Nirvana is mostly known for bringing the grimiest underground movement of the 90s to the forefront of pop culture. Their hit 1991 song “Smells Like Teen Spirit” changed both the music and fashion industry for good. Happily, Nirvana has always been an outspokenly feminist band, and their 1993 album In Utero exemplifies that best. Tobi Valli of Bikini Kill was Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain’s close friend and partner before his relationship with Courtney Love. He was also good friends with Kathleen Hanna, who inspired the title for “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Valli was even the subject of the song “About A Girl,” which explores the complicated nuance of love and relationships from a humanistic (and thus subversive) standpoint. The emotional vulnerability and personal connection with the subject of the song was unusual for rock stars at the time, who usually expressed more misogynistic views. In Utero also features the song political anti-assault “R*** Me,” of which Cobain has had to clarify the intention numerous times: “…Having to resort to doing something like that is almost embarrassing… People didn’t understand the songs ‘About A Girl’ or ‘Polly’… So I decided to write this in a way that’s so blunt and obvious that no one can deny it.”

In 1992, Nirvana performed a benefit concert for the Opposition to Measure 9 (which was a bill that called for the cessation of the “promotion of homosexuality”), which the band publicly denounced. Stating, “Nirvana wants to do their part to end bigotry and narrow-mindedness everywhere.” They also turned down the opportunity to perform with Guns N’ Roses on their “Use Your Illusion” tour. When asked why, Cobain stated the following: “Those people are total sexist jerks, and the reason we’re playing this show is to fight homophobia in a real small way. [Axl Rose] is a fucking sexist and a racist and a homophobe, and you can’t be on his side and on our side.” This would be the last studio album Nirvana would ever record before the death of Cobain one year later, in April of 1994.

Ani DiFranco – Puddle Dive

Anti-corporate queen Ani DiFranco has been a mainstay in the underground alternative scene since she created her independent record label, Righteous Babe Records, in 1990. DiFranco is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and an outspoken anti-consumerist activist. In 1993, long before her Grammy nomination for “Shy” and right around the release of BUST’s first ever issue, she released her fourth studio album titled Puddle Dive. The folk-rock album channels the bleakness of touring through the country and dives into DiFranco’s relationships on the road. The album embodies a twangy and upbeat sound, which is contrasted with poetry-beat lyrics that express disquietude, rage, and contemplation. This is best exemplified in the song “Blood In The Boardroom”, which recounts her experience with unexpectedly getting her period at an uppity boardroom meeting. “It ain’t no hassle, it ain’t no mess/Right now it’s the only power/That I possess/These businessmen got the money…/But I can make life/ I can make breath/Sitting in the boardroom/The I’m-so-bored room/I didn’t really have much to say… So I just left a big brown bloodstain. On their white chair.”

PJ Harvey – Rid Of Me

This dynamic album from punk blues singer-songwriter PJ Harvey took the world by storm nearly 30 years ago. The album features outstandingly raw and grungy hits like “Man-Size,” which explores themes of toxic masculinity and Harvey’s desire to be “set free” of girlhood. The album is characterized by askew time signatures and heavy guitar riffs, which are accompanied by Harvey’s primal and ethereal vocals. Simon Reynolds for The Guardian has said that he was “immediately struck by how thunder-quakingly Led Zep the drums [in Rid of Me] sounded.” When asked by BUST in 2004 if she was a feminist, Harvey responded by saying “I mean, it doesn’t cross my mind. I certainly don’t think in terms of gender when I’m writing songs.” PJ Harvey collaborated with another artist on this list; she and Björk joined forces to perform a haunting cover of “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” at the 1994 Brit Awards.  

Four Non-Blondes – Bigger, Better, Faster, More!

Bigger, Better, Faster, More! Is the only album ever released by the 90s alternative-rock band, Four Non-Blondes. The album was home to their biggest hit, “What’s Up?” and the song was even listed on Harper Bazaar’s 53 Greatest Feminist Anthems of All Time. That’s no surprise, considering that the lead singer of Four Non Blondes, Linda Perry, is an outspoken feminist and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She even created her own record label, We Are Hear, which has signed popular artists like Imogen Heap, Dorothy, and Natasha Beddingfield. Perry has also been inducted into the “Songwriters Hall of Fame”, and has been nominated for 5 Grammys. Although many have written off the band as a one-hit wonder, real ones know that the impact of both Linda Perry and the Four Non-Blondes remains pertinent today. 

It’s been a wonderful 30 years. Here’s to (at least) 30 more.

Top Photo Credit: Mick Haupt via Unsplash

After five long years without a new music release, fans of Janelle Monáe will be pleased to hear that the actress and singer is finally back in the recording studio. The “Pynk” singer just released her newest single and dropped a video to go along with it. “Lipstick Lover” is the second single off of Monáe’s newly announced upcoming album, The Age of Pleasure, which is set to be released on June 9th. 

The single feels like what summer would sound like if it was a song. Monáe is the queen of blending elements of funk, R&B, and disco to create pop perfection, which is exactly what she did on “Lipstick Lover.” Its’ message of queer joy and catchy refrain make this a must-add to your Pride 2023 playlist. 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Janelle “Jane” Monáe (@janellemonae)

The video is as vibrant as the single. Directed by Alan Ferguson and Monáe herself, it follows Monáe as she navigates through an exuberant (and delightfully gay) summer pool party. The song and video also explore themes of both community and self-love, in all definitions of the term. These are not new motifs for Monáe, who has been consistently honest and wonderfully experimental in her music over the course of her career. Her 2018 album Dirty Computer featured songs that explored queerness, community, and self-love, similarly to “Lipstick Lover.” Though the production, instrumentals, and general vibe of the album’s first two singles (the first of which being “Float”) introduce new musical elements that lead us to believe that The Age of Pleasure will be something we’ve never heard before.

Monáe has clearly stayed busy since the release of Dirty Computer. She’s appeared in several blockbuster films including Glass Onion and Antebellum, and she’s consistently been one of the best dressed at the Met Gala for the past few years. That being said, we’re so excited to see Monáe returning to music. Her joyful, quirky, and sweet melodies truly make her an important and distinctive queer voice in the music industry.

Top photo: Screen grab from “Janelle Monáe – Lipstick Lover [Official Music Video]” from @janellemonae on YouTube

Spooky season is going to come a little bit early this year with the release of Emma Stone’s (La La Land, Superbad, Cruella) upcoming film, Poor Things, on September 8. The trailer, which was released last night from Searchlight Pictures, features a recently deceased Bella Baxter, played by Stone, who was brought back to life by an eccentric and god-playing doctor, Archibald McCandless, played by Willem Dafoe (The Lighthouse, Boondock Saints, The Northman). In a gnarly change from Frankenstein, this monster wasn’t just resurrected– her brain was replaced with that of her unborn child.

The trailer shows a pale, dark-haired Stone in an aesthetically surreal Victorian-era environment, seemingly enjoying life as it was her first time through. “I am finding being alive fascinating,” she says in the trailer, right before a shot of her spitting out her food and slapping her love interest, Duncan Wedderburn, (played by Mark Ruffalo) across the face. 

The film is based off of a 1992 book of the same name written by Scottish author Alasdair James Gray. It’s apt that Gray is a Scottish writer, because the plot is heavily influenced by Mary Shelley, the English author of Frankenstein, which is said to be the first-ever science-fiction novel. 

Screengrab from the Official Teaser of “Poor Things,” from the Searchlight Pictures Youtube.

The film isn’t just filled with visual intrigue– it also has a feminist edge. The book, and likely the film, gives narrative control back to the woman, letting her tell her own story. For example, after hearing Dr. McCandless’ side of things. Baxter, in spite of being literally created for companionship, breaks out of expectations and forges her own life, even if it is a strange one.

An overtly feminist spin on the Frankenstein tale is apt, as Mary Shelly was the daughter of Mary Wollstonecraft. Wollstonecraft, who was also a writer, died giving birth to Shelley. She was deeply feminist, and even wrote a book that later became the foundation of the Women’s Rights movement called A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. The themes of birth, death, motherhood and the patriarchy were alive in Shelley’s Frankenstein, and Wollstonecraft’s messages seem to be honored in this Frankenstein spinoff.

Screengrab from the Official Teaser of “Poor Things,” from the Searchlight Pictures Youtube.

The adaptation was written by Tony McNamara, and helmed by beloved Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster, Dog Tooth, The Killing of a Sacred Deer). This will be the second time Stone and Lanthimos team up– they worked together on the 2018 film, The Favorite, another Victorian-era dark comedy. 

Other knockout actors involved in the film include Jerrod Carmichael as Harry Astley, Ramy Youssef as Max McCandless, Christopher Abbott as Sir Aubrey de la Pole Blessington, Margaret Qualley and Kathryn Hunter. 

We are marking our calendars for this one! Poor Things will be in theaters on September 8. 

Top photo: Screengrab from the Official Teaser of “Poor Things,” from the Searchlight Pictures Youtube.

Lana Del Rey gave fans a treat on Wednesday with the music video release of “Candy Necklace” featuring Jon Batiste. The 10-minute greyscale video showcased a very glamorous Del Rey as she transformed into some of Hollywood’s most famous female icons, including Marilyn Monroe, Veronica Lake, and Elizabeth Short (known as ‘Black Dahlia’).

“Candy Necklace” is featured on Lana Del Rey’s ninth studio album Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd.  While this isn’t the first time Del Rey has paid homage to classic Hollywood, this music video features a personal touch as we watch her go from blonde to brunette, from pearls to diamonds. 

The video starts with a natural and excited Del Rey on her way to Los Angeles, symbolizing the start of her career. By the end of the video, she returns to film on the same set, but her appearance is completely different, including the car she’s in, the necklace she wears, and the fact that her career ends up killing her. 

In her first tribute scene, she wears a classy, Marilyn-coded look with a short, blonde wig to tie it all together. She is shown to be comfortable around the cameras, and she’s no longer in pearls. She’s accepted Hollywood, and based on the flashy diamonds around her neck, Hollywood has accepted her as well. She says to her team “I don’t know how to not be a robot…it’s not working anymore for me” as she is seen on different cameras putting on a show and having fun. The juxtaposition of the scene was a direct tribute to Monroe and could even be attributed to the starlet’s last interview with Life Magazine in 1962.

In the video, Del Rey describes just exactly what the message behind the music video is, saying, “all these women who change their name, change their hair like me—it’s like they all fell into these different snake holes—the whole point is how you learn from that and not fall into your own thing.”

The behind the scene shots of her as Veronica Lake are among some of the best. At this point, Del Rey is no longer a timid, people-pleaser in the industry. She flips the camera off and yells at the staff to “get out of the shot”. She’s bold, glamorous, and holds the perfect amount of “Hollywood-spoiled”. She becomes the object of the male gaze and then comes the perfect transition to the Black Dahlia which foreshadows Del Rey’s death at the end of the video. Surrounded by the bright camera flashes from the swarm of reporters, Jon Batiste is shown grimacing at the casket referencing Black Dahlia’s mutilated death. 

All of these women that Hollywood created and destroyed were perfectly reflected through Del Rey and caught beautifully on camera by director Rich Lee. The video ends with an artistic shot of an actual candy necklace, diamonds, and pearls falling into a pool of blood. Del Rey is seen on the Hollywood Walk of Fame where she gets her own star. Cameras are still surrounding her, and she smiles with the crowd, but her neck is bare which symbolizes her death. The video fades into color and represents her name continuing to live on in the present—like Monroe, Lake, and Black Dahlia.

Top photo by Lana Del Rey on Youtube. 

There’s no denying Doja Cat is an icon. From consistently pushing the boundaries of fashion, to dropping some of the most anthem-worthy tracks of the 2020s, Doja has earned her place in the limelight. But unlike other mega-celebrities, Doja is online; communicating with her fans and, dare we say, sometimes being a bit of an internet troll. 

 

 

 

 

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On Tuesday, Doja took to the internet to announce the name of her new album. But the title reveal isn’t what makes her string of tweets so memorable– she also told her fans that her two latest albums were just “mediocre pop” that she made to profit, and that all her fans were fooled. 

“Planet Her and Hot Pink were cash-grabs and yall fell for it,” she penned on Twitter. “Now I can go disappear somewhere and touch grass with my loved ones on an island while yall weep for mediocre pop.”  

planet her and hot pink were cash-grabs and yall fell for it. now i can go disappear somewhere and touch grass with my loved ones on an island while yall weep for mediocre pop.

— DOJA CAT (@DojaCat) May 9, 2023

After tweeting about her last two albums, she shared that fans were wrong about the title of her upcoming album. “It’s not called hEllMoUth either it’s called ‘First of All‘ and yes I’m announcing the album title right now,” she tweeted.

its not called hEllMoUth either its called “First of All” and yes I’m announcing the album title right now.

— DOJA CAT (@DojaCat) May 9, 2023

Some fans didn’t care, and just wanted her to quickly drop the album, while others were still reeling about her “mediocre pop” comments, hoping that she was trolling about that assessment.

i am not letting my granny out until you drop it pic.twitter.com/3ZYusp95vJ

— alex (@greedyforlove) May 9, 2023

Now, Doja is feeding off the feedback and haters. Just hours ago, she returned to twitter to let her fans know she’s reading through everyone’s comments. 

“Everyone so angyyyyyyyyyyy MUUUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHHA,” she tweeted. Following up with “My stage name is no longer doja cat its Emcee Flapchunks the 3rd and youll address me as such” 

everyone so angyyyyyyyyyyy MUUUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHHA

— DOJA CAT (@DojaCat) May 11, 2023

My stage name is no longer doja cat its Emcee Flapchunks the 3rd and youll address me as such

— DOJA CAT (@DojaCat) May 11, 2023

This isn’t the first time Doja took to social media to share her goofy and unfiltered thoughts with the world, or even just to play a little trick on her audiences. Not even a month ago, Doja went on Instagram Live to “preview” her new album, where she played one second snippets. As fans rolled into the live, and asked her to hear more, she went on Youtube to just play a bunch of random beats and songs, laughing while reading comments. A lot of her fans got in on the joke, asking her to freestyle or laughing with her, but others not so much. “Bro, are you okay?” one instagram user asked. 

Doja’s candor and presence on social media leaves her vulnerable to lots of negativity, bad takes, and unwanted feedback about her music, her talent and her choices. While Doja is rolling with the punches, it may be the haters that fuel some of her more troll-like takes– or at least that’s what we’re hoping, because we’re big fans. 

Hot Pink and Planet Her were both award winning albums that had several viral singles including Get Into It (Yuh), Kiss Me More, and Ain’t Shit from Planet Her and Say So and Like That from Hot Pink. Maybe Doja is just trolling for more exposure, but Doja says that these albums were mediocre– well, we’re excited to see what could possibly come next. 

Top photo: screengrab from Doja Cat’s Instagram

Calling all 90s and 2000s babies! The sequel for Freaky Friday is officially in the works. Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis are ready to swap bodies again 20 years after the iconic remake hit theaters. 

Both Lohan and Curtis reunited this week for an interview with The New York Times, where they discussed their fortune cookie-cursed roles for Disney’s remake of the original 1976 comedy, based off of the 1972 Mary Rodgers novel of the same name. The two actresses have been hinting about their interest in reprising their iconic roles, and Disney has now confirmed that a sequel is in the early works, with Elyse Hollander writing the screenplay.

The 2003 hit followed Anna (Lohan), an Avril Lavigne-inspired, punk-esque teenager, and her mother Tess (Curtis) as they entered the tumbling phase of teenagehood. The film became one of the most iconic teen films of the early 2000s, and some of the most memorable scenes continue to replay in our heads. Remember when Jamie Lee was rocking out on the guitar? That lives in our heads rent free. 

While promoting her 2022 horror film Halloween Ends, Curtis told the New York Times she’s received endless questions about a potential Freaky Friday sequel, “Something really touched a chord. When I came back, I called my friends at Disney and said, ‘It feels like there’s a movie to be made.’”

“Jamie and I are both open to that, so we’re leaving it in the hands that be,” added Lohan during the interview. “We would only make something that people would absolutely adore.” We would adore seeing anything that involves our icons.

Fans of the movie and the actresses are buzzing with excitement. One fan by the username @xcinemilfs tweeted, “FREAKY FRIDAY SEQUEL WITH JAMIE LEE CURTIS AND LINDSAY LOHAN COMING BACK WAS JUST CONFIRMED LETS GOOOOOO.” The attached dancing video is exactly how we looked when the news came out. 

FREAKY FRIDAY SEQUEL WITH JAMIE LEE CURTIS AND LINDSAY LOHAN COMING BACK WAS JUST CONFIRMED LETS GOOOOOO pic.twitter.com/IxIE3JeEHW

— storm (@xcinemilfs) May 11, 2023

https://twitter.com/xcinemilfs/status/1656501969446645766

Another user by the name @tinisavage posted a video of Lohan’s character rocking out with her band to the song, “Take me Away,” which made the film even more notorious, captioning “lindsay lohan you will always be famous.” Don’t mind us while we jam out to this banger. 

lindsay lohan you will always be famous pic.twitter.com/r7PXeh5L3Z

— ??‍ (@tinisavage) May 11, 2023

Lindsay and Jamie have kept in touch over the years, and that thrills us to know that we get to see them reprise their roles. And hopefully we get to see them jam out in front of an audience one more time.

Top image: Screen grab from “Freaky Friday – Take me Away (Official Music Video) ft. Lindsay Lohan” on Youtube

For centuries, monarchies have been a defining feature of global politics and culture. From the British Royal Family to the King of Thailand, the world is still home to a number of ruling monarchs. While many countries have transitioned to democratic forms of government, several nations still have a king or queen who serves as the head of state. These regal figures are often steeped in history and tradition, with their roles ranging from purely ceremonial to more active involvement in government affairs.

Read the full article on our sister site, the Village Voice, here. 

I NEVER WANTED to meet Mary. Sure, I had heard about her. We had all heard about her. My teenage friends called her “Bloody Mary,” “Mary Worth,” or “the Witch Mary.” She passed through mirrors on mischievous nights when girlish giggles and flickering red candles tempted her out of the darkness. But during one childhood slumber party, my 11-year-old girlfriends and I took turns gazing into the bathroom mirror while chanting, “Mary Worth. Mary Worth. Mary Worth. I believe in you, Mary Worth.”

I really did not believe in Mary Worth, so I volunteered to go first. I was the most incredulous of our clan and the least likely to cower in a dimly lit bathroom with only a candle illuminating my craven reflection. Perhaps Mary sensed my fearlessness, too. Because after 10 minutes of chanting, spinning, sweating, and trying to sound badass, a murky image appeared in the mirror. When I narrowed my eyes, I saw her face, pale and turgid, with long dark hair and eyes blackened by malevolence. I screamed loud enough to shatter every mirror in the house. Hindsight bias might have distorted some of these memories, but I know what I saw. Something appeared in the mirror. But what I remember most about that terrifying moment was my girlfriends gathering around me and holding my shaking body. We laughed about it later. And we never played that damn devil’s game again.

Of course, young girls love to freak each other out. And chances are, you played Bloody Mary at your girlhood sleepover, too. Other popular and creepy games involved levitation (aka Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board), séances (or Ouija board), or MASH (“mansion, apartment, shack, house”). What may surprise you, however, is that your mother, grandmother, and possibly your great-grandmother likely played the same games at their sleepovers, passing them down from generation to generation like a distorted “telephone” game. But while slumber party music, etiquette, food, and sleepwear may change over the decades, the emotions do not.

Confronting fear—especially fear of the supernatural—is an adolescent rite of passage. Psychologists refer to these ages between 9 and 12 as the “Robinson ages”—the awkward liminal stage when children crave and fear danger. This testing period ripens our imagination with creative storytelling and risky dares that heighten a child’s sense of identity. And let’s face it, it’s far easier to stare at mirror ghosts while we have the support of our friends.

Unfortunately, at times, this sort of supernatural experimentation has had terrible consequences. In 1692, in Salem, MA, several young girls held nightly séances before laying their heads to rest. Those nightly séances led to over 200 people being accused of witchcraft, of which 20 were executed and 5 died in prison in what is known today as the Salem Witch Trials. Many scholars have posited that the girls’ claims of demonic possession were a way for disenfranchised teens to rebel. It makes sense. If you were a woman growing up in Salem, you wouldn’t have had any more rights than a milk cow. Sowing discord in a sleepy New England farm town would allow a young girl to plant roots in the patriarchy that starved her of light.

FOX SISTERS, PUBLIC DOMAIN VIA LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

A few centuries later, in 1848, 11- and 14-year-old sisters Kate and Maggie Fox convinced their family they could speak with spirits by rapping a Morse code with the great beyond. Their sleepless high jinks spawned a cult follow- ing of knockers communicating with the dead and also helped give rise to the Spiritualist movement. (After be- coming national celebrities, the sisters admitted that the entire spectacle was a hoax.) But while the Fox sisters may have brought the occult to the masses, kids have toyed with the supernatural for thousands of years. For example, folklorist Bill Ellis writes: “Traditions surrounding Stone Age monuments… repeatedly allude to customs involving trips by courageous youths to challenge the power of the supernatural. Thus, we can trace a lengthy history of occult play activities like Ouija boards and séance rituals.” 

The History of Slumber Parties

While sleeping in the same room might seem innocuous today, it has fallen in and out of fashion throughout history. In medieval times, necessity required people to huddle together on the floors of drafty castle halls, with only straw-stuffed sacks and neighboring bodies for warmth. By the 18th century, beds became more luxurious. It might seem improper today, but in the 18th century, a woman’s bedroom was the place to greet visitors and have long intellectual discussions while sipping tea. Then the Victorians made bedrooms private and killed all the sleepover fun (at least with aristocratic children).

As cholera and tuberculosis ran rampant through nurseries, doctors recommended children have separate bedrooms to contain diseases. To the Victorians, sleeping was serious business, and only the undead stayed awake. For this reason, young women infected with tuberculosis were believed to be victims of vampires who fed on their blood while they slept. But the real reason why you won’t find many accounts of sleepovers before the 19th century is that sleepovers led to the scariest Victorian bugaboo—masturbation. Nineteenth-century American physician William Whitty Hall warned parents that boys and girls learned how to masturbate by co-sleeping. As a result, Hall condemned sleepovers because they caused children to “waste away the vigor and flesh and strength of the body.”

We can partly thank Sigmund Freud for girls getting their sleepovers back. Freud taught that masturbation was a part of childhood development and only problematic if a child did not outgrow it. One of the earliest references to slumber—or “bunking”— parties the way we know them today can be found in 1896. “A slumber party was given Monday night by Misses Taylor and Hawkins and was highly enjoyed by a party of seven,” the Marietta Daily Leader noted in a “Personal and Local” news item. Another reference appears the following year. “One of the novelties of the social season was a slumber party by the Kappa Gamma girls to their friends Thursday evening,” the Indianapolis Journal reported in a column dedicated to goings on at DePauw University.

COURTESY OF THE CHRIS HAIN COLLECTION

But these reports were rare—before 1900, only a very few mentions of “slumber parties” appeared in U.S. newspapers. By 1905, however, slumber parties had been mentioned in society columns 74 times. At first, folks found the phenomenon baffling. “A friend of ours who is not in society very deep wants to know what a slumber party is,” read an article in Mississippi’s Okolona Messenger of 1905. “He seems to have gotten the idea that the guests sit up all night with the hostess, and they talk and yawn and nod and gab and stretch their arms, and so on.” The paper attempted to set the record straight. “Our understanding of it is that people conduct themselves pretty much like people always do at a party, until late bedtime, when they go to bed in beds or on lounges or on palettes on the floor…and the next morning, a little before noon, they get up and eat breakfast, and then go home.” 

In the ensuing years, slumber parties stopped being a trend and became a tradition. Between 1911 and 1920, over 2,000 of them made it into newspapers. What actually took place at these early events is difficult to ascertain, although a big part of the action seems to have been the “midnight feast”—at which delicious treats were served during the witching hour. But here and there, a hint of darker goings-on can be found. 

For example, Wyoming’s Rawlins Republican of 1908 mentions a slumber party given by Miss Irene Daley at which fortune telling was one of the attendees’ activities. And Colorado’s Salida Mail newspaper recounted a 1909 sleepover where attendees told “awful ghost stories stored away in the memory of each girl, and which it is said they carried out in pantomine [sic] with the effect of frightening even themselves.” By 1920, other mystical activities begin to slip into these accounts. “Miss Olive Kay Waggener entertained with a slumber party in Warrington last Friday,” re- ported Florida’s Pensacola Journal. “The earliest part of the evening was spent in playing [card games], and as the midnight hour began to approach, the Ouija board was brought forth.” Sipping tea was out. Reading tea leaves was in.

COURTESY OF THE MISSOURI HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Slumber Parties and the Supernatural

While there is little hard evidence about what exactly happened at these earliest slumber parties (no TikTok or Insta!), folklorists have documented the fact that creepy games have been played at girls’ sleepovers for at least the past 50 years, and the phenomenon has been subject to a vast amount of research. For folklorists such as Elizabeth Tucker, these occult activities are more than mere games—they rise to the level of “ritual.” In discussing the levitation game Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board, Tucker writes: “As in many rituals, the order of events must be faithfully maintained, the tone must be solemn, and the outcome is expected to be something al- most miraculous.” But rather than simply recording these rituals, folklorists have tried to answer the most puzzling question: Why do young girls so commonly engage in occult activities at slumber parties?

Life Magazine Cover, 1945

Folklore scholar Alina Mansfield believes that slumber parties are not just rites of passage— they serve as particularly feminine rites of passage, marking the transition from girlhood to womanhood. Slumber parties, Mansfield writes, are “reminiscent of certain cross-cultural and historic initiation ceremonies or rituals, which, often in the case of females…[consist] of some form of enforced seclusion.” She finds parallels in traditions of the Indigenous American Hupa tribe, where young girls approaching puberty are sent to live in a special “moon lodge” where they ask their spiritual helpers for guidance and gaze into a “shell filled with water.” Could this be similar to a slumber party, complete with a version of Bloody Mary?

Another important connection for Mansfield between slumber party games and traditional puberty rituals is their dependence on “rhythmic and collaborative actions that may transport a cohort of friends into a state of trance.” For example, both Bloody Mary and Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board require those words to be chanted repeatedly. Even “the rhythmic spiral drawing used to divine in MASH” may have a transformative effect on the players, writes Mansfield.

SKYLARS CLUB, COURTESY OF MINNESOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

And above all, of course, there is the element of fear. Fear of the future. Fear of adulthood. And most importantly, fear of their changing bodies. One such bodily fear surrounds menstruation. Taking a more literal approach, researcher Alan Dundes posits that the Bloody Mary game serves the same purpose among American girls as puberty traditions in other cultures. Dundes notes the obvious connections: These rituals occur around the age when a girl first menstruates. They happen in a bathroom. And, of course, there is blood. 

These days, however, Bloody Mary is not just an American ghost. Ethnologist Petr Janecek notes that, through globalization, the same scary lady has made her way into Czech children’s folklore and appears as Krvavá Máří. In Sweden, she is known as Bloody Black Madame, White Ma- dame, Dirty Madame, and Creepy Madame. In Spain, girls must beckon Verónica. In Germany, she answers to Heilige Blutige Maria (Holy Bloody Mary). And in Russia, she is “the Queen of Spades.”

The End of an Era?

A few years ago, my teenage daughter returned from a sleepover, claiming she would “never sleep again.” Her friends had shared hyperbolic urban legends until the morning hours. For days she was afraid someone would steal her kidney while she slept. I was wary of ever allowing her to attend a slumber party again. I am not alone. The sleepover monsters under the bed today are much hairier than a hundred years ago. Before agreeing to a sleepover, parents must question the host about firearm security, vaccination status, access to online pornography, etc. There’s so much worry that the hashtag #nosleepovers has gone viral.

@sharon.a.life Replying to @marley._.spam1 #momlife #motherhood #sleepover #nosleepovers #childhoodtrauma ♬ original sound – Sharon.a.life

But keeping children home doesn’t necessarily keep them safe in the era of social media. And while confronting fear has always been a part of growing up, social media seems to have upped the ante, with users egging each other on to eat “chicken Nyquil” or swallow gobs of cinnamon.

Plus, the difference between facing the unknown alone or with a group is vast. When ghosts appear at sleepovers, friends wipe our sweaty brows and hold us close. Now, mirror ghosts have been replaced with social media mirrors. And the latter is always watching. Personally, I would rather take my chances with Bloody Mary, and my girlfriends.

Top photo by Sue Allen. 

Inclusivity within the beauty industry has come a long way in the last 20 years. While diverse models have been added and shade ranges have been widened, we still have a long way to go. Recently, the notorious makeup brand Tarte has proven as such.

Tarte has faced numerous discrimination allegations through the years. Notably, the racial transgression in 2018 regarding their lack of diverse shades; out of 15 of the shades released for their Shape Tape Foundation, only 3 were suitable for darker skin tones. The brand was completely eviscerated on social media following the release, and many called for more shade inclusivity within the brand. 

The tarte shape tape foundation shade range is LAUGHABLE pic.twitter.com/l2LSUFdoSG

— MAKEUP (@glowkit) January 13, 2018

Now the brand is in hot water once again after a video exposing the brand’s mistreatment of black creators went viral. Last week, social media influencer Bria Jones posted a now-deleted video on her TikTok detailing a negative encounter she had with Tarte. The result? Deactivated accounts, apology videos, viral tweets, and numerous hot takes.  

In the video, Bria explains how she was one of the many influencers invited to attend a Tarte-sponsored work trip held this past weekend. So what’s the issue? She notes that her itinerary was different from other creators, as she was being excluded from several events held during the brand-influencer trip. She ends the video with a powerful line: “I have worked too hard to get to where I am today and I will be damned as a black creator, if I accept anything other than equal treatment on these trips.” Initially, she appears to be one of the only black creators to be a part of this trip.

Tarte you will be dealt with! pic.twitter.com/gaajawW4H1

— TheeMarketingMamí (@WizMonifaaa) May 3, 2023

Shortly after the video was posted, Bria deactivated her account, likely due to the overwhelming influx of varying commentary regarding the post, some positive, and some in defense of the makeup brand. Tarte has since responded in a video that barely addresses Bria’s concerns. Tarte’s CEO, Marueen Kelly posted a TikTok on Friday that was half apology, half makeup tutorial, which many have since called  “imperceptive” and “disingenuous.” 

With statements like “Miscommunications happen” and “…The things that are important to me are maybe not important to everyone else”, it’s clear that both Tarte and Kelly’s attempt to rectify the issue was not only extremely inappropriate, but tone-deaf as well. The video has since been deleted, and another apology video (for the apology video) remains in it’s place.  

@itsmaureenkelly

My message to creators

♬ original sound – Maureen Kelly

Instead of an official press statement denouncing claims of racism, we’re instead given a thinly veiled makeup video disguised as an apology. There’s also a complete lack of acknowledgement of Bria herself; her name isn’t mentioned once during the ”get ready with me” video. 

There’s an uncanny disconnect in the way brands respond in the face of backlash. Brands like Tarte know that diversity and inclusivity is important to being well-received. By taking a look at this response, it’s clear that their attempts at diversity—and saving face—are rarely executed well. 

As a result of both Bria’s initial video, and Tarte’s “apology” video, social media has erupted in a frenzy. Other popular Black influencers who have spoken out in support of Tarte, like creators Fannita and Nike, have received an overwhelming amount of backlash for siding with a brand that has proven to be discriminatory on several occasions. Luckily, this scandal has opened up larger conversations about facing racism as a brand influencer.

We live in a post-modern, vaguely Orwellian society where social media is deeply intertwined with consumerism. But this Tarte controversy exemplifies that virality isn’t always the best thing for a brand. Being proactive, getting vocal, and being mindful about the brands you chose to support is an extremely efficient way to boycott brands that don’t prioritize inclusivity. Don’t engage with any of Tarte’s online posts, because in the age of beauty gurus and brand hauls, commentary is currency. 

Top Photo Credit: Mynocturnality via Unsplash

Anyone who has experienced trauma and adversity knows that it can leave deep scars. And in this darkness, Lora Kelley stands as a beacon of hope, helping individuals not just recover but thrive after experiencing life-altering events. As the founder of Storied Living, a trauma-informed story work and life coaching business, Kelley is dedicated to empowering survivors through narrative healing and executive function skills.

Kelley’s journey began in 2016 when she embarked on a path to certification in Narrative Informed Trauma Care at The Allender Center, located at The Seattle School of Psychology and Theology. This immersive training allowed her to delve into the transformative power of storytelling and trauma-informed care, laying the foundation for her future work. Later, she became a certified Master Life Coach through the Life Coach School, further expanding her expertise and providing her clients with a holistic approach to healing.

At Storied Living, Kelley works closely with trauma survivors, guiding them through the process of writing and engaging with their stories. By helping individuals shape their narratives, she enables them to heal and find strength in their experiences. Kelley’s unique approach incorporates trauma-informed practices, recognizing the impact of past events on present-day struggles. Through her life coaching and executive function skills, she empowers survivors to not only overcome their traumas but to thrive in their lives.

Kelley’s dedication to her craft extends beyond individual sessions. As a facilitator with the Allender Center, she shares her knowledge and expertise with a broader audience through Narrative Informed Trauma Training and Story Workshops. Kelley believes in the power of education and advocacy, spreading awareness about trauma and its effects to create a more empathetic and supportive society.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kelley is a multi-talented individual. She is a singer, songwriter, and poet, using her artistic talents as a means of self-expression and connection. As a wife of 14 years and a mother of three young children, she understands the importance of fostering resilience in the face of adversity. Kelley’s personal experiences and her commitment to her family further fuel her drive to help others navigate their own healing journeys.

Recently, Kelley launched her highly anticipated podcast, Storied Living. Season 1 covered an array of topics in the mental health and trauma-informed spaces, providing valuable insights and guidance to listeners. Her podcast offers a platform for survivors to explore coping strategies, understand the importance of mental health, and find empowerment through storytelling.

With a deep passion for her work, Kelley is dedicated to facilitating deep transformations in the lives of trauma survivors. Through Storied Living, she combines her expertise in trauma-informed care, life coaching, and executive function skills to guide individuals, couples, and groups toward healing and growth. Her unique blend of professional expertise, personal experiences, and creative flair make her a formidable force in the field of trauma recovery.

If you are ready to embark on your own journey of resilience, Lora Kelley invites you to join her. She believes that you were meant for beautiful things and that deep transformation awaits you. With her guidance, you can rewrite your story, heal your wounds, and thrive after trauma. Together, let’s embrace the power of narrative and embark on a path to resilience.

Dolly Parton made a promise that she would “earn” her place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame after her induction, and gee golly, she meant it. Her first-ever rock album, Rockstar, is officially on its way, and the tracklist will surely turn you into a rock fan, if you’re not already.

Joined by some of the most legendary rock musicians, Rockstar will include 9 original tracks and 21 rock anthems being reborn, and it’s going to rock our socks out when it’s released on November 17. 

“I’m so excited to finally present my first Rock and Roll album, Rockstar!” Dolly shared in a statement. “I am very honored and privileged to have worked with some of the greatest iconic singers and musicians of all time and to be able to sing all of the iconic songs throughout the album was a joy beyond measure. I hope everybody enjoys the album as much as I’ve enjoyed putting it together!” 

 

 

 

 

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After her initial request to be removed from the 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominations, and later humbly accepting the induction, it’s clear that Dolly has been working from 9-5 (and overtime) to give us an all-new version of the country singer/songwriter. 

But Dolly Parton can never let go of her glamorous, star-striking moves and…who could ever turn down the Dolly Parton? She asked for a Beatles reunion. She got it. She wants Lizzo to play the flute on “Stairway to Heaven”? You bet that she got that request. If Dolly wants to rock, she is going to rock hard, and the tracklist speaks for itself. 

Rockstar tracklist:

1. “Rockstar” (special guest Richie Sambora)
2. “World on Fire”
3. “Every Breath You Take” (feat. Sting)
4. “Open Arms” (feat. Steve Perry)
5. “Magic Man” (feat. Ann Wilson with special guest Howard Leese)
6. “Long As I Can See The Light” (feat. John Fogerty)
7. “Either Or” (feat. Kid Rock)
8. “I Want You Back” (feat. Steven Tyler with special guest Warren Haynes)
9. “What Has Rock and Roll Ever Done For You” (feat. Stevie Nicks with special guest Waddy Wachtel)
10. “Purple Rain”
11. “Baby, I Love Your Way” (feat. Peter Frampton)
12. “I Hate Myself For Loving You” (feat. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts)
13. “Night Moves” (feat. Chris Stapleton)
14. “Wrecking Ball” (feat. Miley Cyrus)
15. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” (feat. P!nk & Brandi Carlile)
16. “Keep On Loving You” (feat. Kevin Cronin)
17. “Heart of Glass” (feat. Debbie Harry)
18. “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” (feat. Elton John)
19. “Tried to Rock and Roll Me” (feat. Melissa Etheridge)
20. “Stairway to Heaven” (feat. Lizzo and Sasha Flute)
21. “We Are The Champions”
22. “Bygones” (feat. Rob Halford with special guests Nikki Sixx and John 5)
23. “My Blue Tears” (feat. Simon Le Bon)
24. “What’s Up?” (feat. Linda Perry)
25. “You’re No Good” (feat. Emmylou Harris and Sheryl Crow)
26. “Heartbreaker” (feat. Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo)
27. “Bittersweet” (feat. Michael McDonald)
28. “I Dreamed About Elvis” (feat. Ronnie McDowell with special guest The Jordanaires)
29. “Let It Be” (feat. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr with special guests Peter Frampton and Mick Fleetwood)
30. “Free Bird” (feat. Ronnie Van Zant with special guests Gary Rossington, Artemis Pyle and The Artimus Pyle Band)

November seems eons away after seeing all of these legendary musicians join forces with Dolly, but luckily we’re getting a little preview this week. The lead original track “World on Fire” is available on all streaming platforms May 11, coinciding with a world premiere performance of the song at the Academy of Country Music Awards (which she is also hosting! Again, she’s working overtime.) 

“This is a song I felt very inspired to write,” said Dolly in her statement. “I think it speaks about everything and to everyone this day and time. I hope it is something that will touch you and maybe touch enough people to want to make a change for the better.”

 

 

 

 

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Dolly Parton is the most iconic as they come, and her new album is a rebirth for several of the rock hits that shaped our musical generation. Now available for pre-order, Rockstar is going to send us back to those black leather, smoky cigarette days, and what better way to celebrate the fall season with some classic rock on our stereos. 

Top image: Curtis Hilbun, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Good news for fans of everything spooky: Beetlejuice 2 is finally happening, The news rolling in about the film is getting us so excited, we want to say “Beetlejuice” three times just to make the sequel arrive sooner. Not only is Michael Keaton returning to his famous title role, but it’s been confirmed that Tim Burton is returning to direct as well.

Of course, one of the best parts of the original Beetlejuice was all of the iconic women who were in it. Catherine O’Hara, Geena Davis, AND Winona Ryder? Truly a win for goth girls everywhere.

Although there hasn’t been any word on O’hara or Davis returning (we haven’t given up hope yet!) Ryder is set to return as the famous Lydia Deetz, and *drumroll please* everyone’s new favorite Scream Queen and Wednesday Addams herself, Jenna Ortega, is slated to play Lydia Deetz’s daughter. We couldn’t think of a more perfect casting. No plot details have been shared about the film, other than that it takes place years after the original. 

Fans are justifiably very excited about the new casting announcement, with one fan tweeting, “You couldn’t have built a better actor in a lab to be Lydia Deetz’s daughter in a “Beetlejuice” sequel than Jenna Ortega” True. 

EMBED TWEET1

Another fan tweeted, #Beetlejuice2 is coming out September 6, 2024 with Keaton, Ryder, & Burton returning! Jenna Ortega will play Lydia Deetz’s daughter. Perfect casting! This is how you do a legacy sequel / requel!” Couldn’t have said it better ourselves. 

EMBED TWEET2

The film is set to be released on September 6th, 2024, just in time for spooky season!

Top photo: Screen grab from “Jenna Ortega Is Reportedly Joining Beetlejuice 2! | E! News” from @enews on YouTube

MATERIALS

• Large-lidded glass jar
• Small saucepan
• Strainer
• Small bowl
• Small spray bottle
• Fresh petals from 3 to 4 organic roses
• 1.5 cups distilled water
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable glycerin
• A few drops of lavender oil or your favorite essential oil (optional)
• A few small raw rose quartz crystals (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Carefully peel the organic rose petals and place them inside the jar. (Any type of rose will work, but red roses produce the brightest color.)

2. Pour distilled water into the saucepan and heat until lightly boiling. Then add boiling water to the jar and close the lid.

3. Once the contents have fully cooled, gently shake the jar to mix the petals. Use a wooden stirring stick to further mix the contents, if needed.

4. Open the jar and pour the mixture into a strainer over a small bowl. Gently push down on the petals to squeeze out any remaining liquid into the bowl.

5. Add the vegetable glycerin to the bowl, gently mix, and then transfer the rosewater mixture from the bowl into a spray bottle. A funnel may make this step easier if your bowl doesn’t have a pouring spout.

6. You can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (we suggest jojoba oil for extra nourishment or lavender oil for an added calming effect).

7. As an optional last step, drop a few small pieces of rose quartz crystals into the bottle for an extra dose of self-love magic.

Big Tech has seemingly, and unfortunately, been on the wrong side of abortion rights for years now. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have been refusing to take down false information posted by fake abortion clinics, otherwise known as crisis pregnancy centers. Furthermore, social media platforms have been known to hide or “shadow-ban” valuable information given by real abortion clinics. Now, Google is the next big tech company that should be added to the list of corporations that appear to be aiding anti-choice legislators.

According to research from Accountable Tech, Google Maps is collecting data that shows people who have visited abortion clinics. This is disturbing news, especially given the fact that Google had previously committed to stop collecting this data.

Abortion providers have been concerned with Google’s role in abortion prosecution for a while now. As NPR reported shortly after Roe was overturned, the FBI has used Google to solve countless crimes. Law enforcement is able to use what is known as a Geofence warrant to “seek information about every device that has crossed into a defined location in a specific period of time, say a bank at which there was recently a robbery, a home that was recently burned down, or an abortion clinic following the Supreme Court ruling.” If abortion is considered a crime by several states’ legislation, there’s reason to believe it would be used to prosecute those who are simply trying to receive healthcare. 

Google’s tools such as Maps as well as search history can retain data that a patient has visited an abortion clinic, which is becoming increasingly dangerous in this country as anti-abortion legislation is on the rise. 

From period trackers like FLO to rideshare apps, tech has been an increasing area of concern for abortion rights and reproductive justice advocates. When data on a person’s menstrual cycle or healthcare appointment is stored, there is an inherent danger that that data will be used to harm a person who lives in a state with restrictive abortion legislation

Not only can this data aid abortion prosecutors, but those who live at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities will disproportionately face the consequences of Google retaining this sensitive data, as well as anti-abortion legislation. 

In a recent Instagram post, the feminist and reproductive rights organization UltraViolet stated, “Lack of data privacy has always disproportionately hurt BIPOC communities, LGBTQIA+ communities, immigrants, and poor/working class people. At a time where abortion seekers and those who support abortion seekers are criminalized or threatened to be, we don’t need Big Tech watching our every move, helping police and “body hunters” punish us.”

 

 

 

 

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You can join Accountable Tech in holding Google accountable to their word to stop storing abortion-related data by adding your name to their petition here.

Top photo by Gayatri Malhotra on Unsplash

If you (somehow) haven’t heard, The Writer’s Guild of America (WGA) is on strike, demanding better wages, more writers per show, shorter contracts and other conditions that can ensure television and film writers are fairly treated in the era of streaming, according to the Associated Press. The WGA isn’t just an association, it’s a union. And like all good unions, it uses the process of collective bargaining to negotiate better terms for union members. The guild has nearly 12,000 members, all writers who have not been compensated fairly and are demanding change, including redrawing how residuals work for shows in streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney, etc. Like the strikes in 2007 which lasted 100 days, this movement isn’t likely to go away any time soon. Here are ten celebrity women who are speaking out, joining the protests or otherwise supporting the writers strike.

Alex Borstein

Actress and comedian Alex Borstein (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Family Guy, Mad TV) has joined the strikes in Burbank, California to help the WGA leverage a new negotiation. Why is she striking? She told Deadline Hollywood: “I’m striking because writers have to get paid. You’re out of your freaking mind if you think you can make a show that isn’t written by a seasoned, professional writer. And the only way a person can become a seasoned, professional writer is if you pay them. Television is garbage without writers. I’m a proud television writer, I’m an actor too, but I’d say I’m a writer first, so let’s fucking do this.” Borstein also used the phrase “will slay for fair play,” which we hope will become the motto of this strike. 

WHY I’M STRIKING: “You’re out of your freaking minds if you think you can make a show that’s not written by a seasoned, professional writer…” – Alex Borstein, WGA, outside Walt Disney Studios in Burbank today pic.twitter.com/nD1Ng1Kw9t

— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) May 4, 2023

Quinta Brunson

“It girl” writer and actress, Quinta Brunson, showed her support for the writers’ strike by both joining the protest and speaking out on the red carpet. During the Met Gala she talked with The Associated Press about the impending writers’ strike. “I’m a member of WGA,” said Brunson. “I support them–us– getting what we need. No one wants a strike, but I hope we’re able to rectify this, whatever that means.” The actress later joined the protest, holding a sign that read “AI can’t write Tariq’s raps,” a reference to her show Abbott Elementary. 

Jennifer Coolidge 

Actress, comedian, and outright ICON, Jennifer Coolidge, voiced her support for the Writers Guild of America during her own acceptance speech when she won the “Comedic Genius” award at the 2023 MTV Movie and TV Awards. “Almost all great comedy starts with great writers, and as a proud member of SAG, I stand here before you tonight side-by-side with my sisters and brothers from the WGA, who are fighting for the rights of artists everywhere,” she said while accepting her award. “I think of the words of Shakespeare where he once said, ‘The play is the thing.’ Well, I don’t want to put words in his mouth or anything, but I think what he really meant was “it’s everything.” 

Thank YOU, @JENCOOLIDGE ??? Welcome to the Comedic Genius Award Club! #MTVAwards pic.twitter.com/CLH78d1bP3

— Movie & TV Awards (@MTVAwards) May 8, 2023

Mindy Kailing 

Backed by the opulence of the Met Gala, writer and actress Mindy Kaling (The Office, The Mindy Project, Late Night) talked to the folks at Variety about the writers strike. When asked if she had a plan for the strike, she said, “I’m reading all my emails from the guild, and I’ll do my part no matter what.” A few days later, she was found joining the picked line in Los Angeles in support of the Writer’s Guild. We’re so happy to see she lived up to her promise at the Met Gala! 

Shonda Rhimes

Where would modern television be without prodigy screenwriter, producer and author Shonda Rhimes? Responsible for breakout hits including Scandal, Grey’s Anatomy, Inventing Anna, and Bridgerton, Rhimes knows what it takes to bring an idea to life. ON May 3, Rhimes won BAFTA’s highest honor, a “Special Award” that recognizes her lifetime achievements and her several contributions to the television industry, Rhimes shared her support of the strike. “I really wish that we didn’t have to be on strike, and I feel the pain of the people who are dealing with the strike, but for me, for writers to get paid for what they do in a fair way is far more important. To have someone devalue art, it’s bad enough as it is right now– that’s happening everywhere. But for writers to not be able to make a living wage while making a television show or making a movie is a problem.” 

In the midst of the WGA strike, showrunner Shonda Rhimes is showing her support for writers #THRNews pic.twitter.com/P2yoUg3YsB

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) May 4, 2023

Cynthia Nixon

The Sex and the City actress who also ran for Governor of New York, Cynthia Nixon, showed up to share her voice in the New York strikes. Nixon told Hollywood Reporter, “[The 2007 strikes] were long strikes, I think that is one reason everybody is pouring onto the picket line to try and make as much noise as possible right at the beginning,” she explained. “We’re here, we’re not going to be broken. No one is budging. We’ve got to negotiate.” Nixon also took to social media to make sure the message is spreading. “I stand with the WGA,” she wrote on her instagram post. “Without writers there would be no tv or film– they deserve a fair contract now!” 

 

 

 

 

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Aidy Bryant

The brilliant SNL alum Aidy Bryant joined the Writers Guild strike in New York. She shared a photo on her instagram, holding a picket sign that reads “fair contract.” She wrote in her caption, “WGA Strong in NYC! I love my unions! And thanks to all the NYC bus drivers who honked in support, those honks had me JUICED!” As a result of the writer’s strike, Bryant’s former show, Saturday Night Live, announced that the show is (temporarily) canceled due to the strikes, and they will be airing repeat episodes until further notice. 

 

 

 

 

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Olivia Wilde

Outside of her role in pop culture drama, Olivia Wilde has directed some very memorable films in the last few years including Don’t Worry Darling and Booksmart. During last week’s Met Gala, she shared her support of the WGA and unions in general. “I support the writers and I think it will affect all of us, people in the industry and people beyond the industry,” Wilde told Variety. “But I think we need to stand up for our rights. I support unions, and they spent a lot of time thinking about what they deserve. I wish it didn’t have to come to this.” 

Illana Glazer

It’s no surprise that Broad City babe Illana Glazer joined the picket line in support of the Writers Guild. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Glazer had projects in the works that are now being paused until writer’s demands are met. She said, “We need living wages, our basic needs met, and the writing portion of TV and film has been squeezed and squeezed and squeezed over the last few years and it really shouldn’t be surprising to the big studios that the human beings who are creating this content, who are the beating hearts and minds of this art and content, want to be treated with basic dignity.” She also brought up the hypocrisy of the situation, and how this issue ladders up to larger, global issues. “For us to be creating formula based on stories already told deepens the systems of oppression that brought us here to fight today. This is conservatism, and it’s really directly related to the global threat of facism we’re seeing.”

 

 

 

 

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Natasha Lyonne

Longtime feminist actress and writer Natasha Lyonne (Poker Face, Russian Doll, Orange is the New Black, But I’m a Cheerleader) showed up to the Paramount offices in Los Angeles to join the protests. In further support of the Writers Guild, Lyonne reposted a hilarious speech about ChatGPT and the need for writers that she made during the Time 100 Gala last year. Hate to say it’s even more relevant today! Check out the amusing speech below:

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Natasha Lyonne (@nlyonne)

Want to Show Your Support? 

If you’re interested in supporting the Writers Guild of America, there are several ways to do so. If you’re in Los Angeles or New York, you can physically join the picket line and strike with the writers themselves. You can also show your support on social media (here is WGA’s social media toolkit) and speak out to your own audience. If you wish to support monetarily, you can donate to the Entertainment Community Fund. 

Top photos: screen grabs from Aidy Bryant’s and Cynthia Nixon’s instagram.

Today, in one of the few healing moments of the 2020s, a jury found that former President Donald Trump sexually abused E. Jean Carroll in 1996, and defamed her reputation after she came forward in her book, What Do We Need Men For?. She will be receiving a $5 million payout for both battery and defamation, according to CNN.

Carroll’s testimony brought up an important, and often overlooked, part of coming forward about abuse. When Trump’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, asked her why she did not scream during the assault, Carroll responded: “I’m not a screamer. I was too much in panic to scream,” she explained. “You can’t beat up on me for not screaming. Women who don’t come forward, one of the reasons they don’t come forward is they are asked why they didn’t scream. Some women scream, some women don’t. It keeps women silent.”

Carrol suffered through one of the most dehumanizing, agonizing and torturous experiences a person can go through, and much like thousands of other women across the world, she was asked “well, why didn’t you stop it?” For anyone who does not understand this yet: the onus is not on the victim to stop a crime. Every time this kind of question is asked, the victim’s testimony is questioned, their truth is sullied, and they are made to feel guilty about someone else’s horrific crime. As Carroll said, it’s one of many reasons that keep victims from coming forward about their experiences, and keeps men like Trump free–and oh yeah, in the highest office. 

When asked why she didn’t come forward when Trump first ran for President, Carroll responded with an appalling observation: “I noticed that the more women who came forward to accuse him, the better he did in the polls,” she said. Trump has so many sexual assault allegations, the allegations have their own Wikipedia page. 

Nearly 30 women have accused Trump of sexual assault, and he not only did he win the presidency in 2016, he has garnered a cult-leader status. Trump is (unfortunately) not just an exception. Justices Clarence Thomas and Brett Kavanaugh both faced high-profile sexual assault testimonies, and were still elected into the Supreme Court. Then there’s Senator Al Franken. And Roy Moore. And George H.W. Bush. And John Conyers Jr. And Dean Westlake. And Don Shooter. And Sebastian Ridley-Thomas. And Joseph Souki. And Dillon Bates. And Dan Kirby. And Bryce Marlatt. And Eric Schleien. And, and, and…

Because of the controversial nature of this case, with possibly the most controversial person in American history, Judge Lewis Kaplan advised the jury members to remain anonymous, even after the case was finished, according to CNN. “My advice to you is not to identify yourselves,” said Kaplan. “Not now and not for a long time. If you’re one who elects to speak to others and to identify yourselves to others, I direct you not to identify anyone else who sat on this jury. Each of you owes that to the other whatever you decide for yourself.”

Carroll, who is a successful journalist and author, had to publicly share the details of the rape that took place in a Bergdof Goodman department store. Though she is a Democrat, Carroll reassured the jury that this case was not due to her political leanings. 

“I’m here because Donald Trump raped me, and when I wrote about it, he said it didn’t happen,” Carroll said in her testimony. “He lied and shattered my reputation, and I’m here to try to get my life back. I’m not settling a political score, I’m settling a personal score because he called me a liar repeatedly and it really has decimated my reputation. I’m a journalist – the one thing I have to have is the trust of the readers.”

Trump did not attend the trial, and we’re thankful that Carroll did not have to relive her trauma in front of the man who caused it. We are so grateful to every brave survivor that comes forward to seek justice, especially when their abusers are famous, powerful and rich men. As women face blow after blow, these wins keep us hopeful for the future. Thank you Anita Hill. Thank you Christine Blasey Ford. Thank you Samantha Holvey. Thank you Jessica Leeds. Thank you Amy Dorris. Thank you E. Jean Carroll, and thank you to all the women who seek justice in a system that is designed to keep them quiet. 

Top photo: julieannesmo, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons 

IF YOU’VE GOT appliance questions, Renae DuHaime’s got answers. And the appliance repair tech–turned–social-media superstar will be your new best friend/home guru. DuHaime has been fixing washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, and other appliances in Southington, CT, where she lives, for the past six years. In 2020, she brought her wealth of wisdom—and hilarious delivery—to Tiktok (@renduh) where her response video explaining why another TikTok user’s freshly washed towels were still smelly (see “Use Less ‘Laundry Sauce,’” below) went viral. Since then, DuHaime has used her platform to dispel viral disinformation (do not wash potatoes in your dishwasher!), drop obscure appliance knowledge (did you know the Samsung washing machine song is actually a Franz Schubert composition?), and inspire women to pursue careers in repair (right now, they make up just 4.8 percent of the workforce).

Here are some of this sage’s top tips and tricks.

1. RTFM, or Read the Frickin’ Manual: When it comes to appliance repairs, the magic really is in the fine print. “Literally every single day, I have at least one person who
waited around for me to come out to their appointment, only for me to say, ‘Hey, you could’ve learned this from the manual,’’’ DuHaime says. If you don’t have a physical
manual handy, they’re almost always available online. Just make sure to specify the correct year and model in your search, as these factors can make a big difference.

2. Clean Your Dang Microwave: The plastic in microwaves is fire-resistant (thank goodness), but this also means it’s especially susceptible to wear and tear from oils and greasy foods. If you’re not treating your microwave to some regular TLC, you may have an imminent breakdown on your hands.

3. Use Less “Laundry Sauce”: Two tablespoons is DuHaime’s magic rule for detergent. “People are very, very used to how their parents taught them to do laundry grow-
ing up, and those were completely different machines,” DuHaime explains. Almost all washing machines made in the last 15 years are HE (high efficiency), and most detergents are now more concentrated to match. Using too much can
create problem-causing buildup.

@renduh #stitch with @kraftykayjaye I might be able to help with your towels! #Laundry #LaundryTok #clean #CleanTok #detergent #2tablespoons #2TbspDetergent ♬ original sound – Renae

4. Fabric Softener Is Not Your Friend: In fact, DuHaime says, fabric softener makes clothes a legit fire hazard. “It doesn’t actually make your clothes softer, it just coats
them,” DuHaime says. “It can also reduce the absorbency of a lot of different fabrics, and that buildup in your clothing can also irritate—or create—skin conditions.”

5. There Is, in Fact, a “Right” Way to Load Your Dish-washer: As DuHaime explains, almost every dishwasher has a motor at the bottom that pumps water up through spinning spray arms. For shiny, clean dishes, face your plates toward the center of the washer, make sure cups are face-down, and always remember to scrape large food pieces off your dishes before loading. – Holyn Thigpen

@renduh How to Load a Dishwasher 101, featuring my clear dishwasher service door! ? #LearnOnTikTok #dishwasher #HowStuffWorks #ApplianceRepair #WomenInTrades #Tradeswoman #CleanTok #cleaning #CleaningHack #CleaningHacks #machine #DishwasherHack #DishwasherPods #cleaning101 ♬ Vulf’s Back Pocket Regroove – Moods

Top photo by Renae DuHaime

This article originally appeared in BUST’s Winter 2023 Print Edition. Subscribe today!

The elder tree, Sambucus nigra, is associated with folklore, superstition, and medicinal powers. Thought of as a protective tree, the elder was believed to keep evil spirits from entering the house. The elder is also associated with fortitude and strength, yet under its protective canopy of light and airy flowers, one might find a sense of inner peace. Elderflower liqueur, an alcoholic infusion of the tree’s honey-scented blossoms, may possibly be one of the most delightful flavors that I’ve ever come across. It’s floral, of course, but also lightly citrusy and tart. This homemade version is satisfyingly delicious.

Ingredients

1½ cups vodka
10 cups of fresh elderflower blossoms

½ cup sugar
½ cup water
1-inch piece of lemon peel 

Instructions

Remove the elderflower blossoms from stems completely and allow them to wilt slightly. Add 4 cups of blossoms to the vodka, making sure that they’re fully submerged in the liquid. Cover and refrigerate overnight. 

Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the flowers from the vodka. Add 4 more cups of flowers to the vodka, and return to the fridge and allow to infuse again overnight. Pour the elderflower-infused vodka through a coffee filter to strain out any leftover debris. 

Over medium-low heat, cook the sugar, water, and remaining 2 cups of blossoms with the lemon peel until combined, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Once the syrup has cooled, strain the solids. Then combine the elderflower syrup and elderflower-infused vodka in a sealable glass bottle and shake. For best flavor, allow the liqueur to rest for a minimum of 12 hours. Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. 

Important note: Elderberries in their raw state, as well as the leaves, bark, and stems from the elder tree, are toxic and should never be eaten. 

Under My Umbrella 

makes 1 drink 

It’s said that one can get lost in their thoughts under the umbrella of the elderflower tree. One sip of Under My Umbrella and suddenly it’s spring, with all its charm and delight. 

2 oz. reposado tequila
½ oz. elderflower liqueur (recipe, above)
½ oz. elderflower simple syrup (recipe, below)

¾ oz. lime juice
2 cups of ice
Coarse sea salt
Lime wheel 

Prepare your glass by rubbing the rim with a lime and coating it with salt. Place in the freezer until ready to use. In a blender, combine tequila, elderflower liqueur, simple syrup, lime juice, and ice. Blend well. Pour into your prepared glass and garnish with a lime wheel. 

Elderflower Simple Syrup

Combine ½ cup sugar and ½ cup water in a small pot and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once the sugar has dissolved completely and the syrup has thickened, remove from the heat. Add 1 cup fresh elderflower blossoms and a 1-inch piece of  lemon peel, cover, and steep for 30 minutes. Strain, and cool completely before using. Store in the refrigerator and use within 1 week.   

Adapted and reprinted with permission from The Flower-Infused Cocktail: Flowers, with a Twist by Alyson Brown. Published by Globe Pequot.

Top image: Courtesy of Alyson Brown

The “Am I a Lesbian” Masterdoc, often referred to as just “The Masterdoc” is a document of questions and statements to consider if you think you might be a lesbian. The document covers topics like being attracted to fictional men, intimacy with men, conflicting feelings and preconceived notions about straightness. It was initially posted on the once-popular social media platform Tumblr in 2018 by the now-deleted account @cyberlesbian. The post blew up, and has since inspired numerous responses, think pieces, and YouTube videos, with many hailing the document for helping them discover and validate who they really are. And it’s important to remember how many people have benefited from using it to determine their sexuality. But as with many things that were initially progressive for their time, we need to question if they reflect our current cultural landscape. If not, it’s important to take the proper steps to avoid the spread of misinformation and erasure. Unfortunately the “Am I Lesbian” Masterdoc is no different. 

The document’s main focus is the topic of compulsory heterosexuality, or “comp het”, which is the theory that sexuality is influenced by societal factors. The document argues that “being straight is something our culture tries to force on us [which] causes women’s sexualities and identities to be defined by our relationships with men.” In a lot of ways, the document is correct. And it’s clear by looking at any sitcom, romantic comedy, or dating podcast, that we live in a society that thrives off of the internalization of very straight, very white, and very unhealthy relationship standards. 

From birth, women have been bombarded with the idea that our relationship status directly correlates to our worth. From crazy cat ladies to trophy wives, women are inundated with the relentless pressure to pursue relationships, marriage, and children with men, even if it isn’t in alignment with who they truly are. But this is an issue all women are subjected to, regardless of sexual orientation. To argue that it’s only exclusive to questioning lesbians is extremely misleading, as well as utterly perplexing. And it invalidates the gender roles that all women have felt pressured to adhere to. Furthermore, it entangles bisexuality with societal implications. TikTok user @feralfairy_ even has an entire playlist of videos dedicated to highlighting everything the Masterdoc misses. The document argues that if a queer woman experiences attraction to a man it isn’t valid; merely a result of being taught by society that it’s the correct thing to do. “Compulsory heterosexuality is what forces lesbians to struggle through learning the difference between what you’ve been taught you want (being with men) and what you​ do​ want (being with women), which is why so many lesbians have dated men at some point”  Following this logic, women who have previously dated men, and are likely to date them in the future, are all lesbians because they’ve been taught to possess a false sense of attraction to men. There’s actually a word for what the document is doing here: it’s called biphobia. And all 30 pages of the masterdoc are festering with it.

I understand that it’s for lesbians. pls understand that this tweet was for bi+ ppl who are questioning.

— jesse meadows (@slug_town) September 22, 2020

Although it’s unclear how many times this will need to be reiterated in order to be taken seriously, bisexuality is a valid and legitimate sexual identity. Bisexuals have been subject to erasure since the beginning of time. The master doc is no different. This statement, which calls for questioning women to examine the sexual fantasies they have about men, is an excellent example of how the document perpetuates biphobia whilst being extremely vague and contradictory about what it means to be a lesbian. “Your fantasies about men still somehow turn out to be a little gay. Maybe you’re penetrating him… you want a threesome with another woman, he’s very feminine, etc. It might be a ‘straight fantasy’ but you’ve altered it in a way straight people might not be totally interested in.” So by this logic, any woman who is interested in non-traditional sex must be doing so because she only enjoys having sex with women (???). We understand to some extent or another, that men who engage in “pegging” with women aren’t gay, because they’re still attracted to and having sex with a woman. Why isn’t that applicable to women who enjoy the same? It’s confusing to say the least; how could a woman who enjoys sexually fantasizing about men be a lesbian? Isn’t it more likely that she’s bisexual, or straight? Or is it more likely that the document is either intentionally or otherwise, exclusionary? TikTok user @pinkocean.mp3 highlights this, stating how problematic it is for being “incredibly self defeating [in the way that it attempts to] use compulsive heterosexuality as a framework for analysis.”

@pinkocean.mp3 i realize it was made by some random person on the internet but this bothers me bc it’s unfortunately been ingrained into the online culture #lesbian #lesbianmasterdoc #compulsoryhetereosexuality #comphet ♬ original sound – firoza ?

It’s important to acknowledge that the document has helped queer women determine their sexuality for years. Even Kehlani has cited the document as elemental in her coming out journey. 

Kehlani reveals that the ‘Am I a Lesbian Masterdoc’ helped them come into terms with their sexuality. pic.twitter.com/4LHXs1iKjH

— kehlani archive (@kehlanifiles) April 29, 2022

Although numerous women have found it helpful, that  does not nullify the numerous issues residing within the document and the way it’s being used. A lot queer women have attributed undue value to the document on the basis that it was imperative to their identity. Others feel as if it’s a gross oversimplification that excludes various factors, regardless of which end of the spectrum you’re on. Relation to the document requires a hyper-specific set of circumstances that may or may not be attributed to lesbianism, and overlap with behaviors associated with asexuality (feeling zero sexual attraction to either gender), transsexuality (wishing you were a different gender), sex aversion (being uncomfortable with sex in general), and C-PTSD (Being anxious around men). At its core, the “Am I a Lesbian” Masterdoc is little more than a 5 year old post made on a deactivated Tumblr account; it’s essentially a glorified and reductive “Am I Gay” quiz that’s being peddled as if it’s established academia. If that’s the approach we’re going to take, then we should at least look at it critically. 

Top Photo Credit: Alexander Grey via Unsplash

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is in full swing, and Cities are Competing to Make the Grandest Gesture as she arrives. What better way to keep track of the celebrations than by ranking them from the best to the lamest in a numbered list.

1. Tampa, Florida

Tampa didn’t play around. The mayor of the city, Jane Castor, made Swift the Mayor for a day, as well as presented her with a key to the city. In a one minute video for the star, Castor stated, “We know Glendale changed its name, Arlington made a street sign, and Vegas illuminated their Gateway Arches, but here in Tampa, we’ve got a reputation to uphold,” Castor said of the stunts pulled by other cities to make the “Eras” stops a little more special. “We want to go bigger. So I want to present you with a key to the city.” The mayor (Castor, not Swift) stated towards the end of the video, “Mayor Swift has a nice ring to it,” and we couldn’t agree more.

2. Glendale, Arizona 

Swift started her tour in Glendale, Arizona, and adorably, the city “renamed” themselves for Swift’s arrival to “Swift City.” While this was a sweet gesture, little did they know that they would now set a precedent for every city to follow. Glendale was really the OG in this hilarious competition, and having a city named after you, even if it was temporary, is a very warm welcome.

 3. Arlington, Texas

Swift’s next stop was Arlington, Texas, where she played three shows at the AT&T Stadium. Arlington truly went all out. The city had Swift-themed festivities going on all weekend, renamed a street to Taylor Swift Way, and, to top it all off, they gave Swift a key to the city. Given that there were multiple parts to this gift, our very scientific calculations place Arlington at number three.

 4. Nashville, Tennessee

Not only did Nashville Mayor, John Cooper, proclaim May 5-7, Swift’s performance dates, as “Taylor Swift Homecoming Weekend,” (Swift grew up in Nashville), but he also decreed a bench to the “Cardigan”-singer. The bench sits in Nashivlle’s famous Centennial Park, a reference to her song “Invisible String,” which also features the lyrics  “Green was the color of the grass where I used to read at Centennial Park.” Maybe not the grandest gesture, but it’s super endearing given Swift’s connection to the city.

Nashville has installed a bench in Centennial Park in honor of Taylor Swift, with lyrics from her track ‘invisible string.’

“For Taylor Swift, a bench for you to read on at Centennial Park.” pic.twitter.com/RRtcKUjThc

— Pop Base (@PopBase) May 4, 2023

5. Houston, Texas

Swift then traveled back to Texas for her Houston shows, and Houston was prepared for her. Harris County Judge, Lina Hidalgo, informed the public that NRG Stadium, where Swift was performing, would be renamed to NRG Stadium (Taylor’s Version) during the weekend she was performing. Banners and signs with the stadium’s new name were hung at the entrances. A very cute gesture, but a tad lackluster compared to some of the other cities. Isn’t everything supposed to be bigger in Texas?

thank you taylor swift for scheduling a concert in houston just for my birthday !! pic.twitter.com/MMqD2uBFMN

— Megan Menchaca (@meganmmenchaca) April 23, 2023

 6. Las Vegas, Nevada

After her opening shows in Glendale, Swift made her way to Las Vegas, Nevada, to play two nights at the Allegiant Stadium. In honor of Swift’s presence in the city, Vegas lit up their iconic Gateway Arches ahead of both of her shows. The arches’ colors were specially chosen to represent the popstars 10 albums. While this was a super cute move, the celebration unfortunately looked a little lame in comparison to some of the other city’s presentations.

Las Vegas will light up their Gateway Arches in Taylor Swift eras colors every night until she performs in the city on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/ojZEObZGgJ

— Pop Base (@PopBase) March 23, 2023

Top photo: Screen grab from “Taylor Swift invited to be honorary Tampa mayor ahead of tour stop | ANC” from @ANCAlerts on YouTube

Iconic actress Carrie Fisher was finally honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, six years after her death in 2016. Fisher’s daughter, Billie Lourd, alongside Fisher’s Star Wars co-star Mark Hamill, Billie’s father Bryan Lourd, and J.J. Abrams were in attendance, alongside hundreds of Star Wars fans, all there to honor the late actress. 

The ceremony took place on Thursday, May 4, the un-official Star Wars holiday due to some fun word play– “May the Fourth be With You” is a variation on “May the Force be With You,” Obi-Wan Kenobi’s seminal phrase. 

The actress was best known for her role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars series, including all three of the original films, a reprise in The Force Awakens (2015) and The Last Jedi (2017). The Rise of Skywalker (2019) was filmed posthumously, and utilized previously unreleased footage to include Princess Leia’s character. 

“No one will ever be as hot or as cool as Princess Leia,” said Lourd in her speech. “Leia is more than just a character. She’s a feeling. She is strength. She is grace. She is wit. She is femininity at its finest. She knows what she wants and gets it. She doesn’t need anyone to rescue her because she rescues herself and even rescues the rescuers. And no one could have played her like my mother.”

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the ceremony took place near the El Capitan Theatre. The star was the 2,754th addition to The Walk Of Fame, and was placed just a few feet away from Mark Hamill’s, across the street from Fisher’s starlet mother, Debbie Reynolds. Lourd was wearing a dress with her mother’s image on the skirt, and even donned a Star Wars-themed manicure. 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Billie Lourd (@praisethelourd)

During the ceremony, Lourd explained how she developed interest in the Star Wars series a little late in life, considering her mother played a lead role. It wasn’t until adolescence that she watched the film after realizing that her classmates and peers loved her mom’s character. Now six years after Fischer’s death, she is carrying the torch for her mother by continuing to share the joy of the Star Wars films with the world.  “I feel so lucky that even though they won’t get to meet my mom, they will get to know a piece of her through Leia,” said Lourd. 

Over the past several years Lourd has taken up the family business. She played the role of Lieutenant Connix in The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. She’s also become known for her roles in Scream Queens, as well as American Horror Story. 

“My mom used to say you weren’t actually famous until you became a Pez dispenser,” said Lourde in her acceptance speech. “Well, people eat candy out of her neck every day. I say you aren’t actually famous until you get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. My mom is a double-whammy — a Pez dispenser and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame now. Mama, you’ve made it.”

Top photos: From Billie Lourd’s Instagram 

“Whitewashing” is a term we’ve all heard before; it’s usually applied to POC characters in media that have been recast or re-designed to appear either more Caucasian or less ethnic. (I mean, look at how they massacred my girl, Orange Blossom.) 

Why did they whitewash Orange Blossom from Strawberry Shortcake pic.twitter.com/t1UdqilayN

— Momo ? Illustrator (@MomoSweetPeach) November 17, 2019

The term has found new meaning on Tiktok, and people are reveling in the discourse. “Whitewashing” is now being applied to black women who don’t ascribe to traditionally harmful stereotypes or preconceived notions about how black women should behave. “Whitewashed”, in this context, is a pejorative term used to describe people of color–namely black women–that appear to have assimilated to white culture. The term is also applied to black women who have a proximity to whiteness due to their friends, academic backgrounds, romantic partners, residential environments, or regional dialects. Black women who love coquette and cottagecore vibes, fantasy novels, alternative clothing, and preppy aesthetics are now being ostracized by other members of the black community; simply for being themselves by engaging in activities, aesthetics, and behaviors that are not traditionally associated with black women, mainly due to prejudice.  

Earlier this week, Tiktok user sexyrichlibra posted a rant on the platform stating her frustrations with being labeled a “whitewashed black girl,” namely by other black people. Black women who don’t adhere to stereotypes about themselves are somehow considered to be “less black” than those that do. And not only is that unnecessarily divisive, but it’s incredibly harmful on both a societal and personal level. For starters, terms like these reinforce preconceived notions about how black women should conduct themselves. The term also invalidates the experiences of blackness, racism, and discrimination that black women constantly go through, simply on the basis that they aren’t “black enough” to receive it. It’s also used to further villainize, isolate, and ostracize black women who don’t conform to prototypical racial characterizations. She states “Literally my whole life I’ve been told I ‘talk like a white girl.’ I dress like a white girl. My taste in music is ‘so white’, [purely] as a method of insulting me.” The video went viral, with over 4 million views, and 700,000 likes. 

@sexyrichlibra Here’s to being unapologetically ourselves all 2023 #chitchatgrwm #grwmmakeup #storytimemakeup #makeuproutine ♬ original sound – Bey ?

While the definition and usage of the term is fairly new, the idea behind it is not. Words like “coconut,” or “oreo” (foods that are “black on the outside, and white on the inside”) have also been used to demean black women who do not adhere to societal conceptualizations of blackness. The use of these terms are problematic in more ways than one. Many people who use this terminology either derogatorily or in jest, are other black people. And they don’t realize that they’re contributing to the same harmful stereotypes and systemic racism that they’re aiming to criticize. Just last year, social activism writer FeminismGoddess published a personal essay about the concept, stating the following: “I was STILL considered ‘whitewashed’ at the predominantly black school. That left me confused and very much lost. I didn’t know where I would fit in, and it’s no secret that society loves to put us in these little boxes. That leaves me with the question, Where do I fit in all of this? I just wanted to exist in a space where I was allowed to be me and not get judged for it… Do I go to a HBCU (Historically Black College/University) and get “in touch” with my blackness, or do I go to a PWI (Predominantly White Institution) where I would most likely fit it for the way I act but stand out due to my skin color?” 

The “whitewashed black girl” hashtag has taken Tiktok by storm, with many people pointing out how offensive and harmful it is. After a video of a black girl and her friends (who happened to be white) went viral, the internet was ablaze with criticism. One response from user swagmonkeypinkietoe highlighted an important point: Why do black women need to ascribe to a stereotype in order to be received positively, or even just accepted by the black community? 

@swagmoneypinkietoe #stitch with @thehannahleeyoder I HAVE SO MUCH TO SAY ON THIS TOPIC… #christian #racism #stereotypes #whitewashed #blackgirl #liberals #conservative #fyp #hottake ♬ original sound – aaliyah

As exemplified in commentary analyst Danisha Carter’s TikTok videos, Danisha is often called “whitewashed” in the comments primarily because of her elegant and verbose diction. But let’s examine this further: to call someone “whitewashed” for being educated is a show of internalized anti-blackness. If someone is “whitewashed” or “less black” simply for possessing eloquence, then by that logic, academia and eloquence can only be associated with white people. It draws the conclusion that it’s “unblack” to be educated, which is a racial stereotype that is a result of a larger systemic issue. Furthermore, adhering to alternative aesthetics, having white friends, or being well-educated doesn’t nullify experiences of racism these women are constantly subjected to. Danisha has also faced criticism for her appearance for wearing blue contacts, with people accusing her of “wanting to be white.” She addressed these comments with an admirable amount of poise and dauntlessness, posing the question: Must black women be criticized for everything we do?

@danisha.carter shop now bestiessss @desioeyes ? #makeup #beauty #fashion ♬ original sound – DANISHA CARTER

The term “whitewashed” sows the seeds of division within an already divisive community. Black people are villainizing other black people for not ascribing to their own preconceived notions on how their culture should behave. These preconceived notions about blackness are being used as a litmus test for who deserves to be considered an “accepted” member of the black community, yet those preconceptions are a result of both institutionalized and internalized racism. Institutionalized racism is why black women get made fun of for engaging in hobbies, dressing feminine, or being educated, and the black community only contributes to the system of internalized anti-blackness, division, and systemic racism by calling other members of their own community “whitewashed”. Earlier this year, TikTok user tiktoksbyalexa posted a video stating similar concerns, while highlighting the larger implications of what it means to be called  “whitewashed.” “We must broaden our horizons of what we expect and think black people should be.” And she’s right. Black people are not a monolith, and in an effort to thwart internalized blackness within the community, we’re just perpetuating more of it by pigeonholing ourselves into stereotypes.

Black women are constantly being criticized, whether or not they’re adhering to traditional ideas of what blackness should look like. As a society, there is little to no benefit from putting people in boxes based on how well they ascribe to preconceived notions about the communities they come from. These terms make it harder for us to make progress; we’re dividing the community and further isolating those who already feel alienated from their culture as it is. Blackness is not monocultural. Maybe the issue isn’t with black punks or lolitas, or with well-spoken content creators. Maybe the issue is just you and your own prejudice. 

Photo By Clarke Sanders Via Unsplash

(Note the above image was generated by feeding the headline of this article into Canva’s AI text-to-image generator)

In a not-so-surprising turn of events, futuristic synth-pop musician and Elon Musk’s ex, Grimes, is releasing an AI-powered music app. In a string of tweets, the self-proclaimed “A.I. Popstar for the Martian Ministry of Propaganda,” unveiled new software called Elf.Tech, where users can create songs using her voice. The songs that users make are completely “without penalty” and are safe for commercial use.  

I’ll split 50% royalties on any successful AI generated song that uses my voice. Same deal as I would with any artist i collab with. Feel free to use my voice without penalty. I have no label and no legal bindings. pic.twitter.com/KIY60B5uqt

— ?????? (@Grimezsz) April 24, 2023

The singer, who just parted ways with her label, Columbia Records, said “I’ll split 50% royalties on any successful AI generated song that uses my voice,” in a tweet. “Same deal as I would with any artist I collab with. Feel free to use my voice without penalty.  I have no label and no legal bindings.”

5 – we ask for 50% splits on master recording royalties in exchange for a grimes feat and distribution. There’s a *small* chance we can organize getting you publishing $ as well but we can’t guarantee this yet. But I hope we can!! Would be cool.

— ?????? (@Grimezsz) April 30, 2023

Elf.Tech was released following the controversial viral AI-generated song,
Heart on My Sleeve that featured the voices of The Weeknd and Drake. Though the song was taken off streaming platforms, the issue still lingers: How is AI-generated art going to be regulated? Who owns the copyright? Who owns the IP? How can you stop a speeding train? 

Several artists have come out against the use of AI-generated art, stating that the works, whether they be videos, voice clips, songs, illustrations, etc, are created using an amalgamation of existing artwork that were utilized without permission or compensation. Not only are these works created using unpaid art, they also create works in a real person’s likeness, profiting off of an actual human being without being legally obligated to compensate that person. 

I know people have been using AI of my voice to have fun, make my characters cuss or do other out of pocket things, etc. This is all done without my consent and it does feel extremely weird. If you see clips out there, please know it’s without my permission. Thank you.

— Cristina Vee Valenzuela (@CristinaVee) February 13, 2023

Grimes, however, is trying to get ahead of the machine through this new app. “I think it’s cool to be fused with a machine and I like the idea of open sourcing all art and killing copyright,” said Grimes in a tweet. “I’m just curious what even happens and interested in being a guinea pig.” 

Though copyright and compensation may not be a big concern for Grimes, it doesn’t mean that this technology won’t rob working artists of their likeness, and in ways, their autonomy. Cherie Hu, Founder of Water & Music, told Complex Magazine, “The concept at the core of why creative AI could be so disruptive is that the friction between having an idea, and manifesting that idea in the form of a creative work, has essentially gone down to zero. Barriers in distributing music have already been collapsing, with anyone now able to list their music on streaming services for free. To see the same barriers collapsing in the creative process means that the playing field of who can be an “artist,” in the sense of being an active participant in the music economy, will continue to increase dramatically.”

Elf.Tech users can either record directly in the app, or upload audio that will then be fused with Grimes’ likeness. The file can be registered with Grimes as the main, secondary, or a featured artist. Each AI-generated song that features her voice will ensure she has 50% royalty splits of the master recording, that can be released on platforms or used in commercial use, such as in a television show or commercial. 

Alongside Elf.Tech’s launch, Grimes announced two new AI-themed songs, “Music For Machines” and “I Wanna Be Software,” that will be released in the near future. And while the musician may be embracing the way of the machines, we’re not yet convinced. 

The trailer for Director Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two was just released and the world of Arrakis is expanding with some familiar faces: actors Florence Pugh (Midsommer, Little Women, Don’t Worry Darling), Austin Butler (Elvis, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, The Dead Don’t Die), and Léa Seydoux (No Time To Die, The French Dispatch, Blue is the Warmest Color) have all joined the cast, filling out the world of Dune and adding intrigue to an already complex plotline.

Dune is an epic sci-fi fantasy with an ecological message written in the 1960s by novelist Frank Herbert. It takes place on a desert planet called Arrakis that is ravished by famine, systemic inequalities and a failing government (sound familiar?) and is colonized by the Atreides family and crew. Factions clash as the Freman (people native to the planet Arrakis), fight for their freedom and autonomy. Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), despite being a member of the colonizing family, switches sides to fight alongside the Freman as he falls in love with native Chani (played by Zendaya). 

Dune: Part One starred Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Oscar Issac, Stellen Skarsgård, and Jason Momoa and was released in September of 2021. The film took on the first half of Herbert’s novel, and surpassed opening weekend profits, bringing in $41 million on opening weekend through just over 4,000 theaters. Reception was overall quite high, despite it’s nearly three hour run time, especially for fans of the novel who were eager to see a successful rendition after David Lynch’s panned Dune adaptation, and the failed adaptation attempt from Chilean-French director Alejandro Jodorowsky in the 1970s.

Now, two years after the release of Dune: Part One, Warner Bros. Pictures shared the trailer of Dune: Part Two, which is set to be released on November 3. Florence Pugh is introduced in the trailer, portraying Princess Irulan, a dominant character in the Dune series. The Princess plays an integral role in Paul Atreides’ hero’s journey. We see Irulan investigating the “fall” of the Atreides family, wondering if her family was involved in a plot against them. 

“In the shadows of Arrakis lies many secrets, but the darkest of them all may remain, the end of house Atreides,” Pugh voices in the trailer.

In addition to Pugh’s new major character, the trailer shows a growing connection between Paul (Chalamet) and Chani (Zendaya), a classic Montague and Capulet story, with Chani being a native member of the Fremen, and Paul being the son of a colonist who was sent to occupy Arrakis. The duo have a great and natural connection, developing an environment of love and hope in the otherwise bleak background of the sandy and arid Arrakis.

While Pugh is the most prominent of the new characters, we also get to see glimpses of Seydoux and Butler in the trailer. Seydoux plays Margot Fenring who is part of a secretive matriarchal order called Bene Gesserit, aka The Sisterhood, who have developed some pretty wild abilities including sexual imprinting, sexual seduction, control of her body chemistry and more.

We also see a disturbing glimpse of a bald Austin Butler, playing Feyd-Rautha, a power-hungry villain who is posed to be the antithesis of Paul Atreides. 

In a world full of questionable remakes and less-than-stellar adaptations, sci-fi fans are pretty excited about what director Denis Villeneuve is doing with Frank Herbert’s epic story. 

While we don’t know where the future lies for our friends on Arrakis, we’re excited to see this saga expand with some of our favorite actors. Dune: Part Two will be released in theaters on November 3. 

All photos from the official Dune: Part Two Trailer from the Warner Bros. Pictures Youtube Channel