Search Results

Hope Jorgensen November 30, 2022 | 5:58pm EST While Halloween and October have come to an end, the season of spookiness doesn’t need to. November is a month of gray skies and rich autumnal hues, and what better way to spend those chilly November nights than with a horror novel? In my opinion, the only thing better is cosying up with a queer horror novel. Luckily, I have three queer paranormal novels in mind. My next recommendation for queer horror is “Summer Sons” by Lee Mandelo. “Summer Sons” is a queer Southern Gothic set in Nashville, Tennessee. The content warnings of this book include suicide, homophobia, violence, drug use, and racism. The story follows main character and narrator Andrew as he deals with the sudden suicide of his childhood best friend; Eddie. Andrew is haunted by both supernatural forces and his own grief as he navigates graduate school at Vanderbilt University. The ghoul of Eddie stalks his every move, and Andrew must learn to resist him and his past. As he struggles to understand new secrets of Eddie’s, he must also dive into his own complex feelings regarding Eddie and what these feelings truly mean. For those looking for an escape from a dreary, chilly November, this novel full of the ghouls of late summer is a perfect fit. The next novel I will be recommending is “The Taking of Jake Livingston” by Ryan Douglas. There are a few content warnings for this book that include school shooting, attempted sexual assault, suicide, homophobia, racism, physical abuse, and animal cruelty. The main character of the book is Jake Livingston, a queer Black 16-year-old boy and medium who lives in a world of ghosts and ghouls that no one else can see. Jake attends a predominantly white high school where he struggles to find true friends and succeed in school. After the sudden death of a neighbor, Jake becomes haunted by the ghost of Sawyer Doon, a school shooter. The book switches between Jake’s point of view and Sawyer’s past before he died. As the book progresses and the haunting worses, this becomes a fight for Jake’s very soul. The last book I will be recommending is “A Lesson in Vengeance” by Victoria Lee. Content warnings for “A Lesson in Vengeance” include child neglect, suicide references, and violence. The story is set at an all-female boarding school called Dalloway School. Felicity Morrow has returned to school after a year, having taken off after the death of her girlfriend. Returning to a dorm thought to be haunted by the ghosts of the Dalloway Five, Felicity meets Ellis Haley. Ellis is a prodigy author who draws Felicity into her research for her next book, based on the Dalloway Five. Reality becomes horror and horror becomes reality as Felicity searches for the truth. Truth not only about the ghosts, but her own haunted memories and what really happened the night her girlfriend died. For those seeking queer paranormal dark academia, this book is an ideal pick for a November read.

Jinger Callwood September 15, 2022 | 11:18pm EDT “My dreams were bigger than the fear.” (pg. 103) When Oscar-winning actress and producer Viola Davis debuted her book, Finding Me, in April 2022, it quickly became a New York Times bestseller and was elected as Oprah's Book Club pick. You may think you know the critically acclaimed actress, but in Finding Me, she reveals who the true Viola Davis is. 1. Overcoming Adversity Viola Davis’ childhood was plagued with abuse, poverty, mental illness and every ism out there. However, she did not allow challenges to define her and instead adopted a sink or swim mindset which instilled in her the strength to persist. Many fans only see the glamorous aspects of a celebrity’s life, but we very little get to see the raw and unpicturesque moments of their life. For The Woman King actress, there was nothing glitzy about her toxic family dynamic upbringing. Although she had limited resources, her motivation and talent prevailed. Davis described many nights without sufficient food and water, going to school in dirty clothes and living in a rat-infested home. Despite tremendous challenges, she always persevered. 2. Resiliency Upon graduation from Rhode Island College, Davis had her sights set on Juilliard, and soon enough— she found herself staring out at the program. However, her road to becoming an A-lister was far from easy. Many times Davis was told that she would never be good enough for Hollywood or that she didn’t fit the traditional beauty standards, yet that didn’t stop her from achieving her dream. Acting served as a form of escapism from the burden of the trauma Davis constantly carried around, and today she aims to inspire the younger generation of performers. 3. Personal Growth Even currently happily married to her husband of nineteen years, Julius Tennon who she shares a daughter, Genesis Tennon, with Davis admits that she still experiences insecurity and imposter syndrome and continues to work through setbacks and trauma. She highlights the importance of seeking mental health resources and making time for self-care. This book is about Davis taking ownership of her struggles and reflecting upon the hardships, achievements, and joy throughout her personal and professional life.

Ruby Voge April 24, 2022 | 7:30pm EDT A few weekends ago, I visited the digital art installation Pixelbloom, which aims to celebrate DC’s signature spring cherry blossoms. The minute I entered the main gallery, I was bombarded with a multisensory experience of bright color, moving graphics, and an instrumental soundtrack that seemed to wash over my body like a wave. Initially, walking across the gallery felt disorienting, like any minute I was going to trip over one of the animated branches and fall face-first into a giant tree just under my feet. Following the lead of almost everyone else, we made our way to an empty spot near a wall and lay on our backs, letting ourselves float through the flowers. In front of us, bright turquoise, pink, and purple petals swirled into abstract formations, like schools of fish swimming through the ocean. Then, dark brown branches lined with green buds and deep purple and lilac blossoms lined the walls. Cherry blossoms spun open and closed, quickly blooming then whizzing away, only to be replaced by another, even more beautiful image. After the shock of the scale and speed of Pixelbloom wore off and my eyes could unglue from the sea of pink surrounding me, I was able to look around at the other people enjoying the exhibition. Being an observer is always something that has come naturally to me, especially in public spaces with big crowds. I love noticing the small things that others don’t. Sometimes I point them out, but most of the time, the moments are so small that even a few seconds later they’re lost forever. Like a hesitant arm finally being placed around a pair of shoulders. Or the instant joy that comes with taking the first sip of a cup of coffee. Or even just the smiles plastered onto everyone’s faces on that first warm sunny spring day on campus. I watched as a small boy spun in endless circles, his eyes shining and a look of awe on his face. Then, his older sister, a little hesitant at first, began to spin and laugh as well. A couple lay on the opposite side of the room, transfixed, in the exact same position: one leg bent and one extended straight out, arms folded over their chests. Another couple, directly across from us, leaned against the wall, heads on each other’s shoulders. A young girl in a princess costume did snow angels on the ground, as her father watched on. Walking across the gallery almost in a trance, I watched a little boy tripping over his feet as he turned his head to stare at the swirling blooms. Sometimes, watching other people experience the art around you is even more meaningful than the art itself. Art doesn’t exist in a vacuum – it’s constantly reliant on the interpretations and reactions of those who view and consume it. It’s being at a concert and taking a break from screaming the lyrics to turn around and look at the dozens of people squished around you, clapping and jumping and bobbing their heads, the music taking over their bodies. You realize how much power music has, and how listening to it is such a communal experience. Or watching the way people laugh at a joke in a movie, their faces illuminated only by the light from the screen. Next time you go to a museum or a concert or even just a bookshop or a cafe where people are reading or listening to music, take the time to look at the people around you. Try to notice something new, push yourself to explore the world right from where you’re standing or sitting. Take a snapshot in your mind of each of these moments and you’ll always have them as memories to carry with you. A lot of the time, someone else’s enjoyment of art is all you need to bring happiness into your own day.

Bella Nathan April 24, 2022 | 7:56pm EDT Nothing causes more internet controversy and drama than the actions of female pop stars. One of the foremost examples of this phenomenon is singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey. Del Rey first came into fame with the release of her hit song and music video, “Video Games'' in 2011. Del Rey has been the poster child for controversy, from the release of her 2012 single “Blue Jeans” which features a man choking her in the cover art, to her ever-controversial lyric, “He hit me and it felt like a kiss.” Del Rey herself addressed the controversy she has faced with an Instagram post in May of 2020, asking why she faces so much hate and pushback for her expression of sexuality in her lyrics and videos. Del Rey is just one of many female pop stars who face constant controversy, and these controversies all contain some overlapping factors. Most of them focus on the actions of women, and many of them have to do with female sexuality and how women are choosing to express or not express their sexuality, like in the case of Del Rey. While it may seem like entertainment, these controversies represent an important conversation occurring on the internet concerning women’s behavior. As a listener of Del Rey, one of the biggest controversies I have heard is the accusation that Del Rey glamorizes abuse. As I said, Del Rey addresses this accusation herself in an Instagram post made in May 2020. Del Rey seems to have formulated a persona that embodies a soft interpretation of hyper-femininity and she has an interesting and nuanced perspective on men and the male gaze. Del Rey starts her post by calling out other popular sing-songwriters, including long-standing pop culture icons such as Beyoncé and Nicki Minaj. She asks why they can sing “about being sexy, wearing no clothes, f*cking, cheating etc-” but she can’t sing about being in love in an imperfect relationship or “dancing for money…without being crucified or saying that [she’s] glamorizing abuse?” Del Rey continues to complain that there is no place in feminism for “girls who look and act like'' her. She defines “girls like her” as girls who are soft and “delicate.” Del Rey references some of the criticism she has endured for her lyrics that explore the submissive role she takes with men in relationships. Del Rey seems frustrated by the fact that she faces criticism for her lyrics and aesthetic, while other female singers, like the ones named earlier, do not. It is important to recognize that the opinion that the other named singers don’t face criticism is only Del Rey’s opinion, and may not be realistic or accurate. Del Rey is frustrated that she is being criticized for her expression of sexuality, and from her perspective, she is being criticized more than other female artists because of the specific way that she expresses her sexual desires. Again, I do not agree with Del Rey that she is enduring more criticism than others, but it is true that the specific criticism that she is receiving is different from others due to the nature of the image that she is portraying. Del Rey talks about being in a submissive role in her lyrics, whereas other popular singers who speak of being sexual gravitate towards a more dominant role. While Del Rey’s desire for domination may seem different from the sexual expression of other female pop stars, the connecting factor can be found in the postfeminist framework. Postfeminism specifically promotes liberation, independence, and a renewed science of freedom and autonomy. This means that any form of female sexual expression is valid, be it submissive or dominant, as long as it is coming from the woman’s own choosing. This is what distinguishes Del Rey’s desire for domination from problematic male domination. The renewed sense of autonomy and freedom leads to a shift in the power dynamic in the sexual contract between men and women. I think the criticism that Del Rey endures comes from a lack of understanding that desired domination and submission are starkly different from undesired, and often problematic or hurtful domination. Similar to other female pop stars that express their sexuality in a more conventional way, Del Rey should be allowed to express her desires and sexuality without judgment. That being said, it is valuable to ensure that sexual roles are truly wanted by women, and not framed that way by male manipulation or social conditioning.

Haley Cronin April 20, 2022 | 3:40pm EDT Jurassic Park is by far my favorite movie of all time. I love the movie so much that I have made it a tradition to watch it every year on my birthday. Just as well, being an anthropology major, I enjoy fictional entertainment based on digging in the dirt for physical historical evidence. Thus, my passion for the franchise prompted me to read the novel that the movie was based on. Jurassic Park, written by Michael Crichton, was published in 1990. Upon reading the book, I was shocked at some of the key differences between the book and the movie. Some of the differences between the two works are so drastic that their plots become dissimilar. In this blog post, I would like to compare four different aspects of Jurassic Park that I feel are the most important contrasts between the book and the movie. Let’s begin with the relationship between Dr. Alan Grant and Dr. Ellie Sattler. In the movie, Grant, a paleontologist, and Sattler, a paleobotanist, work together on research in Montana. However, throughout the movie, we learn that the two are in some sort of romantic relationship with one another. While the relationship is not blatantly obvious, Grant makes certain that Dr. Ian Malcolm knows of his involvement with Sattler and thus that she is off limits, to Malcolm’s dismay. However, in the novel, Grant and Sattler are not romantically involved whatsoever. In fact, Sattler is a graduate student working under Grant, and it is even mentioned that she is engaged to another man. Next, let’s discuss Dr. Alan Grant’s relationship with the Murphy children. Much of Grant’s personality in the movie is based on his character arc of going from hating to loving children. When faced with the threat of death by the hands (or jaws, in the case) of the vicious Tyrannosaurus rex, Grant is forced to learn to survive beside Lex and Tim Murphy. Ultimately, the traumatic experience he and the kids shared helped him bond with the children and learn to appreciate children in general. However, in the novel, Grant does not experience this character arc whatsoever. It is stated early on in the book that Grant has always loved children. Thus, it was not a stretch for his character to put his life on the line for the children throughout the book. Next, let’s discuss the ages and personalities of the Murphy children. The characters of Lex and Tim Murphy are vastly different between the movie and the book. In the movie, Lex is the eldest of the two, and she is known to be a computer hacker. Tim, on the other hand, takes on the role of the annoying younger brother who has an infatuation with dinosaurs. However, in the novel, Tim is the elder sibling who is good with computers and Lex is the annoying younger sibling. Lastly, let’s discuss the fate of John Hammond. John Hammond, in both the movie and book, is the founder of Jurassic Park. While Hammond has no true scientific background, he uses his immense fortune to turn his dinosaur dreams into a reality. Hammond’s character in the movie, though, is vastly different from his character in the book. In the movie, the character of Hammond is fairly loveable; just an old and kind man who is in way over his head. However, in the book, the character of Hammond is quite disagreeable and very arrogant. In fact, towards the end of the novel, John Hammond is killed by the dinosaurs he created. In the movie, though, John Hammond escapes the dinosaurs with the rest of the main characters. With all of these differences between the book and the movie in mind, I truly do not know which form of the story I enjoy more. For one, the movie makes the character of Lex Murphy much more self-sufficient and intelligent than she was portrayed in the book. However, the movie makes the character of Dr. Ellie Sattler a bit more reliant on Dr. Alan Grant due to their romantic attachment to one another. Also, John Hammond is a more loveable character in the movie than he is in the novel. However, Dr. Alan Grant’s personality and relationship with the Murphy children is much more loveable in the novel than it is in the movie. Thus, both the Jurassic Park book and movie have aspects to be admired and appreciated.

Alexia Partouche April 15, 2022 | 2:53pm EDT Few things are as certain in the world of pop culture as this: Harry Potter is a cultural touchstone. Seven books, 10 movies (with an eleventh on the way this April), two theme parks, a play, and a sprawling list of video games, lego or otherwise, make up the globally beloved franchise, all from the mind of one of the most polarizing women on the internet. Rowling is a transphobe, that much isn't up for debate. How much her transphobia affects her work and our enjoyment of her work most definitely is. Maybe you hate Rowling and what she stands for. But you read the books way before she logged into Twitter. You've been a fan since you were a kid. You bought the Gryffindor t-shirt you're wearing years ago. And she's not even in the reunion special. Her cut of profit from Universal Studios isn't that big. Besides, she's so rich that whatever money you make her is dust in comparison to the rest of her wealth. Which is true. The thing is, the money isn't the problem. Rowling is rich, obviously. But more importantly, she is relevant. It's not through her money but through her sheer influence that she exerts her transphobia. When Rowling speaks (or tweets), it is not because her house is a tourist destination or because she is one of the richest authors in the world that people listen to her. It is because she wrote the series that defined people's childhoods — it was her brain that brought to life characters that served as role models and sources of comfort for those of all ages. That is what gives her words weight. It's tempting to argue that Harry Potter belongs as much to its fans as it does to Rowling. The 25 years since the first book was published have given ample time for an expansive fandom to emerge, one that has a tight grip on the source material. For many, Harry Potter isn't a franchise, it's a part of their life. They put their Hogwarts house in their social media bios, get the Deathly Hallows symbol tattooed on their body, rewatch the movies religiously. To them, Harry Potter is personal. And if it's personal, JK Rowling has nothing to do with it. Of course, it's not like Harry Potter itself is free of Rowling's beliefs — subtle hints of transphobia along with clear racism and antisemitism line the pages. But even if it was, this belief — that Rowling can be divorced from her brainchild because it has grown beyond her — isn't realistic. Harry Potter can not be separated from Rowling, because it is the single driving force behind her power. Without it, she's just another transphobe. With it, she's making headlines and dousing fuel all over the trans-exclusionary radical feminism movement. JK Rowling only becomes powerless if Harry Potter becomes culturally irrelevant. And that might be as unrealistic as keeping the two separate, but it's also the only real way forward with any meaningful effect. Which means not playing Hogwarts Legacy, even if you find a way to pirate it; not contributing to the already boundless library of fan content; not giving Harry Potter any more of your time, energy, and most vitally, your attention. It's true, this article does betray its very message. The irony is not lost. But as the person behind this article, I do exceedingly hope this is the last time I have to speak about Harry Potter. I also hope that soon, it will be the last time I have to hear about it.

McKenna Casey April 8, 2022 | 4:04pm EDT Over the last two decades, there has been an influx of queer fiction books hitting the markets and the New York Times Bestseller list. However, if you feel that the young adult queer books have been dominated by mlm (men loving men) books, I have just the list for you. Sapphic books are just as numerous (and good!) but often overlooked. Here are some sapphic books that I have read in the hope of bringing more attention and love to these great works! *openly identifying wlw author The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid CWs for abortion, abusive relationship, alcohol abuse, biphobia, cancer, car accident, cheating, death, divorce, homophobia, racism, sexism, sexually explicit scenes, smoking, statutory rape, and suicide (mentioned). Summary: The standalone is an adult contemporary fiction work that follows magazine journalist Monique Grant as she is offered the job of a lifetime - a chance to interview aging and reclusive Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo about her glamorous and scandal-ridden life. The reader is brought through Evelyn’s life from rising starlet in the 50s to film royalty through the 60s and 70s, a tale of ruthless ambition, friendship, hardship, and of course, the infamous seven husbands, none of which were the love of her life. Review: Unless you have been living under a literary rock since 2016, chances are you’ve heard of this book. I first read it this year, when I committed to only reading books with queer representation. I gave Evelyn Hugo three stars, mostly because it can be plodding and muddled on its way to the core moments and themes of the story. Also, the writer of this book is straight and white, which sometimes is uncomfortably evident in her description and/or treatment of characters of color or queer people. But there is no denying that it did, in fact, affect me enough to make me cry at the end. Monique Grant, who grounds the book in the present as the recipient of Evelyn’s life story, has very shallow characterization, but the true star of the novel is Evelyn, who is incredibly complicated. Love her, hate her, or some mix of both, the reader - and Monique, as our reader insert - feels something for the former starlet that propels the story forward. I found the novel moving and at times caught myself going to Google Evelyn Hugo or one of the other characters, too invested in the story to remember that they are not real. Cuban-American bisexual main character, lesbian love interest. Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan* CWs for abduction, abuse (sexual, physical, and emotional), caste system, death, genocide, harassment, murder, prostitution (forced), sexual assault, sexism, slavery, torture, and general violence. Summary: The first book in a trilogy of adult fantasy reads that follows Lei, a member of the lowest caste of the society, who is chosen as one of the Paper Girls, a group of girls who are trained as consorts to the king. It details her weeks of training in the opulent palace under the oppressive eye of her supervisors and the palace officers. However, she breaks all the rules when she falls for one of the other Paper Girls, and gets irrevocably involved in a plot to overthrow the monarchy and start a rebellion. Review: This is another book that made a splash when it came on to the sapphic literature scene in 2018. I gave it three and a half stars, but that is subject to change when I reread it in preparation for reading the sequel. Another example of rich and diverse world-building, this Asian-influenced fantasy combines political intrigue with themes of power and privilege, as well as the effects of systemic trauma. The romance helps balance out the darkness of this story as Lei finds comfort in her love interest. At times, I felt disconnected from Lei, as she was sometimes the least interesting character among the host of side characters, and at times I became overwhelmed by the constant trauma that the characters go through and had to take a breather (please familiarize yourself with content and trigger warnings before reading). However, it is overall a story of self-empowerment and survival, and I intend to finish the series. Sapphic main character and sapphic love interest.

Julia Kane March 28, 2022 | 5:48pm EDT “Plein air” is a style of painting outdoors that was popular in 19th-century French impressionism. These artists worked primarily in oil paint, but you can do plein air with virtually any medium. One of my personal favorites is watercolor. Though it can be daunting to try a new art style, especially if you aren’t in your own space, it is easier than you might expect. Keep in mind, there are no expectations of perfection. Many artists use this technique to sketch, brainstorm ideas, or keep a journal of things they see and places they go. From one non-expert to another, here is my unofficial guide to plein air watercolor. Before you go out, you’ll need to gather your materials. Pens and pencils- I like a regular mechanical pencil for sketching, and I sometimes use a fine point pen and/or a white gel pen for finishing details. Paints- I use a portable Lukas watercolor set with 12 colors. Brushes- I use Mimik Kolinsky travel brushes. I have a set of 4 different sizes, but will usually just use one or two. Another good alternative is a watercolor brush pen, which you fill with water so you don’t have to bring a water cup. Water bottle and cup Sketchbook/paper- I am trying out a new Handbook brand sketchbook, but I also like Strathmore visual journals. Paper towel/rag Optional items: Masking tape- I use Scotch brand washi tape to leave a white border on the page. Wax crayon/oil pastel- For making a wax resist to leave some areas white. This is my first time trying this; I’m using a transparent oil pastel. Folding chair/picnic blanket Once you find a spot with a nice view, the first thing you’ll want to do is take a picture. That way, if the light changes or you run out of time, you can finish your painting from your reference photo. I find this also helps me visualize what will be within the frame and what I should leave out. I had a hard time choosing what to include and ended up covering both pages in a sort of panoramic view. Now that I am set up, I will start with a sketch. I sketch lightly in pencil, then lightly erase the whole thing so that my lines are still visible, but won’t show through when I start painting. Then I used my oil pastel to create a wax resist for the cherry tree. Now we can start painting! I like to start with a wash, where I wet the paper and then apply color. This technique is good for filling large areas with a fairly uniform color, so I am using it for the sky, the buildings, and the windows. Just be careful that each wash is fully dry before you do the next one, because otherwise they will bleed together. For example, if I hadn’t let the sky dry before painting the buildings, I would end up with a murky light green where the sky and buildings meet. At this point, I started to get cold, so I moved inside. After the wash, I will add some details. I added some texture to the grass, varied the color of the windows to look more like an actual reflection, and added the lines and awnings on the windows. I also attempted (somewhat successfully) to scrub away the wax resist with my eraser so I could put details on the cherry tree. This was my first time trying the wax resist technique, and it didn’t turn out exactly how I wanted, so I ended up finishing the tree with white gouache. I also noticed that because this particular pastel was very sticky, it gummed up my brush a bit. Finally, I did the finishing touches with a white gel pen, 0.2 Micron pen, 0.5 Micron pen, and a dark green Flair pen. Some people would call this cheating, but I always enjoy adding outlines when I paint buildings, and I think the lines give a lot more character to the drawing. Plus, this isn’t something that’s going to hang in a gallery; it’s just for my personal enjoyment. All in all, I think I spent a little less than three hours on this project, but you could easily spend more or less time, depending on your preference. I hope this has inspired you to try some plein air of your own or another new style! Happy painting!

Anna Woodward March 28, 2022 | 1:32pm EDT One of the greatest things about music is the variety of genres, styles, and everything in between. Ironically enough with that in mind, it’s easy to get caught up in what you’re used to listening to. But, just as easy as it is to get caught up, it’s even easier to expand your music taste if you know where to start. Spotify’s “Discover Weekly” This feature is just like its name and updates every Monday. The “Discover Weekly” playlist is inspired by pre-existing data, introducing listeners to less-known music from their loved artists and completely new ones as well. By updating weekly, the playlist always stays relevant, especially as new music is released. You can find yours by searching “Discover Weekly” in Spotify’s search engine, or by visiting the Spotify homepage. Local Events and Venues There’s a reason why so many music artists come to D.C. on tour. But there are more venues besides Capital One Arena and The Anthem. D.C. is home to many smaller venues like Songbyrd Music House, which often hosts shows from lesser-known artists; Khalid and Lil Peep are some of the many that performed at Songbyrd and later went on to bigger venues. Even better, lots of shows at venues like this are free. This makes it accessible to get it on the metro, walk-in, and discover who might just be your next favorite artist. Local Radio Stations Finding your next favorite song can be as easy as turning on the radio during your commute. If you’re looking to expand your music taste from the comfort of your dorm, consider tuning in to WVAU and hearing who your peers are fans of. This outlet gives listeners the opportunity to listen to a variety of music, both old and new. Social Media This method is a bit harder to seek out, but just as effective. Many TikTok and Instagram creators are dedicated to making playlists and promoting independent music. I can personally say that I've found lots of great songs just by hearing a ten-second clip online and looking it up on Spotify. Similarly, Spotify’s “search” feature lets you search specific keywords and find playlists made by other users–which can be inspired by everything from books and films to certain emotions and even places. Expanding your music taste can be overwhelming, but a great way to learn more about other cultures, and find something new. It’s easy to feel like there’s not enough time to do so, or even articulate where to start. But expanding your music taste is something that is easy to integrate into your daily life and you benefit from it right away.

Eva Wallis March 24, 2022 | 4:20pm EDT People often view fashion as gendered. They pick and choose their clothes carefully, adorning themselves with accessories, fabrics, and colors to present the gender they identify as. Throughout history, women have worn gowns and men wore tuxedos. Little girls wore ballet flats while their brothers chased each other around in sneakers. Today, gender and sexuality are as fluid as ever. The World Health Organization defines gender as “the characteristics of women, men, girls and boys that are socially constructed. This includes norms, behaviours and roles associated with being a woman, man, girl or boy, as well as relationships with each other.” Gendered characteristics were forced into boxes that we have only just begun to open, and by breaking these stereotypes we can unearth a new, genderless world of fashion. While the line between masculine and feminine styles has recently become more blurred, it is not to say that there has been nothing but strictly gendered clothing up until now. During the 1960s, the designer Elizabeth Hawes attempted to revolutionize the rules of fashion by introducing skirts for men. An article written by Jennie Woodard in 2017 looks back on Hawes’ work and explores how she fought to oppose gender norms with clothing. “Hawes believed that men needed to be freed from the constraints of bulky woolen trousers and allowed to wear skirts…She aimed to design clothes that would achieve a unisex aesthetic and showcase fluid designs sanctioning free movement, symbolizing the emancipation of both sexes from the rigidity of traditional masculine and femininity,” writes Woodard. In 1967, Hawes’ skirts for men were featured at an exhibition from the Fashion Institute of Technology, and received both immense praise and criticism. Some predicted that the trend would surely catch on within the decade. In fact, little evidence of the movement even exists beyond the exhibition and a handful of letters to the designer, like one from Marvin Killinger, who “did not believe men could change for fear of losing masculinity.” Hawes devoted her life to social justice activism, specifically feminism, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights. Beyond her work at the exhibition, she demonstrated “an abject distaste for the structural power inherent within gender boundaries…[and questioned] why a person’s clothing choices were dependent upon a feminine or masculine identity.” Through her work as a designer and author, Hawes questioned the principles of fashion, arriving at the conclusion that the purpose of strictly masculine clothing “was to stamp out unwanted homosexuality and maintain the man’s status as breadwinner.” Let’s fast forward a few decades. In December 2019, Harry Styles made fashion history as the first man to appear solo on the cover of Vogue. In a baby blue Gucci ball gown and a blazer to match, Styles broke both the internet and the fashion rulebook. His outfit received attention from fans and critics alike. In a conversation with Vogue, Styles spoke about his fashion evolution: “Clothes are there to have fun with and experiment with and play with. What’s really exciting is that all of these lines are just kind of crumbling away. When you take away ‘There’s clothes for men and there’s clothes for women,’ once you remove any barriers, obviously you open up the arena in which you can play. I’ll go in shops sometimes, and I just find myself looking at the women’s clothes thinking they’re amazing. It’s like anything—anytime you’re putting barriers up in your own life, you’re just limiting yourself. There’s so much joy to be had in playing with clothes.” Sound familiar? Styles reignited the flame of genderless fashion that Hawes attempted years ago. His willingness to open himself to femininity inspired younger fashionistas to try something different, something not inherently gendered. His fashion choices have been heavily influenced by his stylist, Harry Lambert, the mastermind behind the Vogue cover and many other iconic outfits, whose fashion choices are daring and genderless. When asked about the political motivations behind his work in an interview with GQ, he answered, “I just think playing with gender stereotypes shouldn’t matter. Why should we give a shit what someone wears?” Not all are as open to effeminate menswear as Lambert, though. In fact, many critics took Styles’ look like a threat to traditional masculinity. Candace Owens, a conservative political commentator and author, tweeted about the photoshoot, stating “There is no society that can survive without strong men. The East knows this. In the west, the steady feminization of our men at the same time that Marxism is being taught to our children is not a coincidence. It is an outright attack. Bring back manly men.” Styles appeared unbothered, and responded by using Owens’ own words against her. “Bring back manly men,” he wrote in an Instagram caption, affirming his manliness with a light blue suit and half-eaten banana. If gender stereotypes are so unstable that they can crumble with one dress, why should we follow them? So, is the Harry Styles dress a revolution against the gender binary or a new trend in menswear? I think a little bit of both. “‘To me, he’s very modern,’ says [Olivia] Wilde of Styles, ‘and I hope that this brand of confidence as a male that Harry has—truly devoid of any traces of toxic masculinity—is indicative of his generation and therefore the future of the world…It’s pretty powerful and kind of extraordinary to see someone in his position redefining what it can mean to be a man with confidence.’”

Charlotte Van Schaack March 20, 2022 | 5:37pm EDT The reading scene in DC is about as packed as the shelves in any bookstore. After visiting a handful of bookstores over the course of Spring break, I present a brief review of the best-recommended bookstores that our lovely city has to offer. From west to east (because that is how I am listing these stores, geographically) every neighborhood bookshop has something unique to offer, and I hope that you, reader, get the chance to appreciate them all, even if your wallet is as empty as mine by the end. 1. Politics and Prose is a staple of DC. Politics and Prose also hosts many online and in-person events, which you can see on their calendar. Before even moving to DC I could recognize their iconic green awning and indie bookstore font. The Connecticut Ave location (the one I am most familiar with and will be reviewing) is composed of two stories and a cafe near the parking lot entrance. Despite a fear of sounding silly, I will say that one of the most significant details of P&P is that it feels very much like a classic bookstore. It is large and well organized and can absorb hours of your day. In addition to a vast selection of books, this store also sells CDs, calendars, journals, mugs, games, puzzles, tote bags, cards, and all of the nicknacks and bookstore paraphernalia you can imagine. The tables and shelves are always a joy to sort through. In doing so you may also be able to spot their box of signed bookplates, which are free to take. Addresses: 5015 Connecticut Avenue NW (North West Corner) 70 District Square SW (The Wharf) 1270 5th Street NE (Union Market) Website: https://www.politics-prose.com/ 2. The Lantern Bookshop is a Bryn Mawr bookshop, meaning that all proceeds are donated to Bryn Mawr College. All books in the shop are used, donations, or rare books. The bookshop is completely run by volunteers, many of whom are alumni of the college. They also accept donations of and sell other media forms such as DVDs, LPs, CDs, and books on tape. The shop itself is a narrow two-story building, with several rooms, nooks, and crannies aching to be explored. I only had a few minutes in the store but would love to spend much more time skimming the shelves and discovering all of the available works. Address: 3241 P Street, NW Website: https://lanternbookshop.org/ 3. Bridge Street Books has a similar setup to The Lantern and is located just 0.7 miles away. However, I would argue that the feel of this bookstore is noticeably different. For one thing, it feels neater and more polished, as would sensibly come from a new rather than used bookstore. The location and setup are very inviting, and, in my opinion, make a great location for a solo adventure or a trip with friends. In one of my most recent visits, I found a new graphic novel and book of poetry, which I have since been enjoying. Address: 2814 Pennsylvania Ave NW Website: https://www.bridgestreetbooks.com/ 4. I honestly could not tell you which I go to Kramers for more– books or brunch. With its constantly bubbly atmosphere and well-designed floor plan and traffic patterns, the store is instantly charming. Kramers is the bookstore that is bound to have any specific books you are looking for, as well as a handful of recommendations that are similar. Now, let me talk about the food. With indoor and outdoor seating, this is a fantastic place for any meal of the day and any day of the year. Their french toast is always my go-to, but anything from the all-day brunch menu is splendid. Recently, Kramers also opened up a coffee shop-esque side room that is available for a more casual experience. Address: 1517 Connecticut Avenue, NW Website: https://www.kramers.com/ 5. Located along the main drag of 18th Street in Adam’s Morgan, Lost City Books cannot be missed. The first thing you notice upon entry is the massive wall of fiction and poetry stretching along the right wall, leading customers back into the store and towards children’s books as well as books by independent publishers. On the left wall, a staircase leads up and doubles back, bringing you to non-fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, and graphic novels. On both levels, the store is divided into rooms through wide doorways and different level platforms. The space feels open and welcoming, but also manageable. Excellent selections of books across all areas entice any reader. Lost City of Books also hosts several book clubs, author events, and community events in the store, which you can learn more about on their website. Address: 2467 18th St NW Website: https://lostcitybookstore.com/ 6. Located in Adam’s Morgan, The Potter’s House is a non-profit bookstore, cafe, and community space. Need I say more? It was originally opened in the 1960s and after sustaining some major renovations in 2013, has been reopened for the past 7 years. Part of their work as a non-profit has included providing free meals to those in need, a program that has increased in use since March of 2020. Patrons are welcome to make donations towards this program in addition to making purchases. The bookstore itself has a wide selection of books that span all genres. I certainly found some recognizable titles and had to resist buying new, intriguing novels. The set up of the space is open and inviting, where visitors can see the whole room but there are also enough books to demand closer attention. The Potter’s House also serves coffee (as well as teas and hot chocolate, which I appreciated as a tea drinker) and food. All of which is currently available for take-out and to be eaten on the patio outside. If I am in Adam’s Morgan I will always want to stop by The Potter’s House just for the good vibes. Address: 1658 Columbia Rd. NW Website: www.pottershousedc.org 7. When I walked into Solid State Books I fell in love. The openness of the store immediately captivated me, and I was eager to look at the tables and tables of books on display. Even though I am nineteen years old, I was still delighted by the kids’ section, which is sectioned off from the front of the bookstore by a tall shelf with a child-sized doorway, leading to a reading nook. The middle grade, YA, and graphic novel sections located nearby were also thorough. The employees who I encountered were very enthusiastic about the store and helpful. I know I will certainly be returning for the good vibes and to try the coffee, which I saw they served as I was heading out the door. Address: 600 H St NE Website: https://www.solidstatebooksdc.com/ 8. Now is where I have to admit that I found East City Bookshop through TikTok. East City Bookshop is nestled away, partially underground, from the more busy block of Eastern Market. With a great selection spread over two floors, tables of bookish merchandise, and a wall of socks and cards, you could spend hours perusing. Located next to a game store, and just a few blocks from the Capitol, the surrounding neighborhood provides other interesting opportunities and adventures. Address: 645 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Unit 100 Website: ​​https://eastcitybookshop.com/ 9. Capitol Hill Books is a bustling bookstore located in a historic part of DC, just across the street from Eastern Market, and very close to the previously mentioned East City Bookshop. Capitol Hill Books is the tightly packed treasure of used books that any bibliophile romanticizes spending a day sorting through. Books are shelved and stacked all throughout this multi-storied building, while signs tucked here and there guide customers to their favorite authors. On the second story, in a room packed with poetry, you can also find crats of records at a reasonable price. As I said, this bookshop houses adventures ready to be made, so make sure to give yourself lots of time before you get swept in. Address: 657 C Street SE Website: https://www.capitolhillbooks-dc.com/ Bonus! Bookstores That I Recommend, But Have Not Thoroughly Checked Out Myself 10. Busboys and Poets Address: There are multiple locations Website: https://www.busboysandpoets.com/books/ 11. Second Story Books Address: 2000 P Street NW Website: https://www.secondstorybooks.com/ 12. Mahogany Books Address: 1231 Good Hope Rd SE Website: https://www.mahoganybooks.com/ 13. Carpe Librum Address: This is a wandering non-profit bookstore Website: https://www.facebook.com/CarpeLibrumDC/

Lily Billotti March 11, 2022 | 6:50am EST Before I came out of the closet, I had no idea what a wlw (wlw is shorthand for woman loving woman, a lesbian is any non-man loving non-man, it is not exclusive to wlw) relationship looked like, how it functioned, and whether or not it was supposed to feel the same as a heterosexual relationship. I had watched, But I'm a Cheerleader, a 1999 romantic comedy about a cheerleader sent to a conversion therapy camp, and appreciated The L Word, a 2004 drama about lives and loves of a group of lesbians and bisexuals in Los Angeles. That show was one of the first LGBTQ+ shows I had seen that normalized being gay in a way that made me feel comfortable in my identity. Both of these shows were problematic in their own way, as the late 90s and early 2000s media were, but I clung to the reality they created because I was unsure how to craft my own. At 18, I am more experienced in terms of understanding wlw relationships. Still, I knew that I was gay at 13, but I did not come out of the closet until I was 17; there is a reason for that. Modern media depicts wlw relationships as toxic and intense; women lie to each other, cheat, and are abusive. The representation I see on television and in film is a stereotype of my sexuality that does not come close to capturing reality. I can only imagine what this means for people who are 13 right now and trying to come to terms with their sexuality in this environment. Euphoria, the wildly popular HBO drama, is a prominent example that showcases the misconceptions producers hold about wlw relationships. Rue and Jules are toxic, they fight constantly, and Jules unknowingly fuels Rue’s drug abuse. In the last episode of season one, Jules leaves Rue sobbing on a train platform, mourning the departure of the woman she is in love with. In season 2, Jules cheats on Rue with their mutual friend, despite initially accusing Rue of being interested in him. The twists and turns of their relationship are anything but stable. While toxicity is not inherently tied to straight relationships, it is problematic that the only LGBTQ+ representation in this show depicts a violent, abusive co-dependency. While readers may think that the dark nature of Rue and Jule’s relationship is unique to the Euphoria universe, it is a common theme in LGBTQ+ media. In Duck Butter, a 2018 comedy, two women embark on a 24-hour date to create a new form of intimacy. The romance ultimately collapses when Naima, the feature film's main character, decides she cannot commit. She engages in a screaming match with her romantic interest and ultimately leaves without resolve. There is no happy ending. In, The Sex Lives of College Girls, each episode follows a group of roommates navigating their first year of college. Leighton, one of the leads in the series, unbeknownst to her friends, is a lesbian. She starts a relationship with another woman on the show, and the pair are happy; they go on coffee dates, share secretive glances, and enjoy the bubble they have created. However, the relationship comes to an untimely end when Leighton decides that she cannot come out. Her love interest does not want to go back into the closet, and because of that, the pair goes their separate ways. While there is no issue in not being able to come out, it is disappointing that, yet again, wlw representation is tainted by heartbreak, grievance, and secrecy. I will not go too in-depth but foreign movies are my favorite examples of wlw representation. A quick search in the LGBTQ+ genre on Netflix returns hundreds of foreign movies that depict romance and passion between two women in a way I am much more comfortable with watching. American producers struggle to grasp how to create a wlw relationship without making it an entire production. The relationships they create lack the normality that I have often found when dating women. I implore young people struggling to come to terms with their identity to take the time to look for meaningful representation; I encourage the same for those in adulthood who still have not come to terms with their identity either. At 13, I never imagined I would have a girlfriend I am in love with, who buys me dinner, makes me coffee in the morning and lets me cry into her shirt even if the tears are sticky and wet. She gives me everything I only imagined I could have if I chose to be in a heterosexual relationship. At times we bicker, but we know how to resolve conflict without screaming at each other and leaning into the abusive tendencies that media would suggest are common in wlw relationships. While it is hard to picture from the confines of a bedroom, a dorm room, or a small town, there is an entire world beyond the small wlw narrative media created as an afterthought.