[Image Description: Winter looks collage of celebrities - Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Bella Hadid, Olivia Palermo, Kim Kardashian and Ashley Graham ] via Instagram
When it comes to fashion, winter is my favorite season as I can create many everyday looks; be it for lunch dates or for work. However, some people really take the charm of winter away by becoming a human snowman. If you need help in the way of winter style, I have just the list you need to bring your A-game into play during those unforgiving days when you feel cold, but you want to dress up and feel fabulous.
Scroll through the 21 trendiest outfits as donned by celebrities from JLo to Cardi B:
1. That suit suits you
[Image Description: Janelle Monae in a suit] via Instagram
American singer and songwriter, Janelle Monáe is all about the tailored three-piece suit this winter. Pair it with a printed tie or a wide brim hat to stand out.
2. Strip a pinstripe
[Image Description: Lizzo in a VOTE dress] via Instagram
Bop star (as she likes to call herself) Lizzo is playing around with the stripes this season.
3. Keep it casual
[Image Description: Diane Keaton in casual jeans] via Instagram
Sure, dressing up can be fun, but what about those gloomy fall nights? Keep it casual like Diane Keaton by wearing a pair of boot-cut jeans and a cozy sweater.
4. Leather pants for the win
[Image Description: Margot Robbie in leather pants] via Instagram
Who said leather pants are too bold to wear to the office? Take note from Margot Robbie by finding the right cut for yourself. Ditch those shiny leather pants for a sleek, matte pair.
5. Pattern
[Image Description: Yuliet Torres in patterned crop top and tights] via Instagram
Yuliett Torres inspires us to wear bold prints with this patterned crop top and tights she’s sizzling in.
6. Check me out
[Image Description: Kristen Bell in a yellow checkered outfit] via OutfitID
You can never go wrong with the old school check print. Save this look inspired by Kristen Bell’s checkered outfit.
7. You are too cool for us
[Image Description: Kendall Jenner in a baseball cap] via Instagram
Play it cool like Kendall Jenner by pairing a casual outfit with a baseball cap.
8. Crop those dress pants
[Image Description: Meghan Markle in cropped dress pants] via Instagram
When the Duchess of Sussex gives you style inspiration, what do you do? You bow down to our style queen! For a chic office look, get your hands on these cropped dress pants to look professional and fashionable (and warm!) at the same time.
9. Sweater dress, whaaaaa?
[Image Description: Ashley Graham in a sweater dress] via Instagram
Can’t decide if you should wear a dress or a sweater? Ashley Graham makes the choice easy for us by channeling it all into a sweater dress.
[Image Description: Mary J. Blige in a white dress] via Instagram
Switch it up from the customary little black dress to a little white dress like Mary J. Blige. If it feels too simple for your style, pair your outfit with a hat or accessories.
11. Matching separates
[Image Description: Cardi B in matching separates] via Instagram
Would you dare stick to one pattern, from top to bottom, like the one and only Cardi B?
12. Reviving jackets and blazers
[Image Description: Yara Shahidi in a red jacket] via TopCelebsJackets
Actress Yara Shahidi pulls off the conventional winter wear with her striking red jacket.
13. Wrap me up
[Image Description: Selma Blair in a silk scarf] via Instagram
If you’re not too fond of a beanie or hat, wrap your hair in a silk scarf like Selma Blair – a trendy accessory this winter season.
14. Be right beret
[Image Description: Jennifer Lopez in a beret] via InstagramTo up your overall look this season, wear a beret like style diva Jennifer Lopez.
15. Retro racing
[Image Description: Zendaya in a retro outfit] via Instagram
Nostalgia will hit you hard during these long winter nights, so why not wear something retro to reminisce about those times? If you need inspiration, Zendaya is here to give us that 70s vibe.
16. Strike a balance and a pose
[Image Description: Chanel Iman in an oversized sweater] via Instagram
You might just want to wear an oversize sweater that makes you feel warm; both inside and out. For such days, take a tip or two from Chanel Iman to accessorize your outfit and boost your mood.
17. Skirts that pleat together
[Image Description: Olivia Palermo in a green pleated skirt] via Instagram
Taking inspiration from Olivia Palermo’s glamourous looks can help with your winter style this season. All you need is a pleated skirt and then watch the magic happen. Tuck in a knit, wear chunky bangles and a pair of heels and you’ll be the girl of the night for sure.
18. Put a bag on your shoulder
[Image Description: Kaia Gerber with a shoulder bag] via Instagram
Why put the weight of other people’s fashion blunders on your shoulder when you can easily swap that with a shoulder bag like Kaia Gerber?
19. Get me a statement piece
[Image Description: Rihanna in statement jewelry] via Instagram
Rihanna is known for making statements, both through her words and in the world of fashion. She is your go-to celeb for making sure you have the right statement jewelry piece this winter.
20. Puffer jackets will always stay
[Image Description: Gigi Hadid in a puffer jacket] via Vogue
Gigi Hadid can pull off a puffer jacket like no one else. If you’re into jackets, you sure as hell would want to invest in a puffer jacket to upgrade your winter style.
21. Back to the boots
[Image Description: Kim Kardashian in boots] via Instagram
Kim K is rocking boots this season and so should you. After all, who does fashion better than the Kardashians?
I have already started looking for hacks to get the winter style looks these A-listers are flawlessly donning this fall. I can’t wait to collect cheaper alternatives that are easy on the pocket, but will make me stand out when I dress to impress.
[Image Description: Adiba Jaigirdar holding up her book The Henna Wars in front of a bookcase.] Via Twitter
Adiba Jaigirdar is an Irish-Bangladeshi writer, poet, and teacher with an MA in Postcolonial Studies. Her latest book, The Henna Wars, is a poignant story about two Muslim girls falling in love.
Be sure to check out our live Instagram event featuring Adiba and our own editor, Shaima. We’re also doing a giveaway of her book, enter now!
Adiba Jaigirdar’s debut novel The Henna Wars stems from a genuine desire to inspire joy. She was drawn to “write a story that made [her] happy and that was funny to read and fun to write.” She settled on the idea of a romantic comedy with two teen girls with rival henna businesses while “attempting (and failing) to teach [herself] henna”.
Looking to up the stakes of the girls’ rivalry, Adiba imagined what it would be like “if the two girls were also romantically attracted to each other, and grappling with what that might mean.” From there, everything else came together to make this wonderful tale of love, longing, and growing up.
The Henna Wars revolves around themes of queerness, first love, culture, and family. Adiba interjects stories with themes that are relevant to herself and her life, and exploring them in the medium of storytelling.
If you'd told teen Adiba that one day she'd publish this book about a queer Muslim, Bangladeshi girl falling in love with another girl?? Yeah, she would not have believed you!
She recalls the first time she encountered a person of color writing about people of color in Malorie Blackman’s Noughts and Crosses (which we love!). Reading her stories made Adiba realize that it was possible to write about people like herself.
As a queer woman of color, she acknowledges that she has a responsibility to represent her culture, gender, and sexuality in her work. “There’s a lot of pressure, especially because there aren’t a lot of novels out there about Bangladeshi teens, and even fewer about queer Bangladeshi Muslim teens,” Adiba said. “Even though realistically I know that it’s impossible to represent everything as you write a single story, I still felt the pressure of that.”
To her, storytelling cannot be separated from politics. “Especially as a queer Muslim South Asian, there’s no way that what I write is not going to be political. My very existence is political.”
As she writes in the contemporary era, I was curious to see what she finds unique to the time that we are currently living in. To her, this time is a time of “rising up against oppression and attempting to enact change.” Yet, she believes this has been the case for a while, as “marginalized people have been fighting for our rights for a long time. We’ve come a long way, but we still have a long way to go.”
If this story were set in the future, she would love to say that the “characters like Nishat and Flávia wouldn’t have to worry about their sexuality, race, and culture making it more difficult for them to fit in.” However, she has her doubts. “I’m not particularly hopeful of that happening anytime in the near future.”
For the writers out there or those interested in what happens behind the scenes, Adiba admits that her writing process is “honestly a little chaotic.” When she first begins writing, she “usually have a very basic idea of the story I want to tell. I figure out the important bits that I need to be able to write the story—the beginning, the end, and bits and pieces in the middle. Then, I begin to write and it’s a process of stringing everything together. It’s a little like putting together a puzzle. Once it’s out there on the page, it’s time for me to begin revisions and shape it into something that really works.”
[Image Description: Book cover of The Henna Wars, two girls with henna reaching their hands out to each other.] Via TwitterThe scenes that she enjoyed writing the most were the Bengali wedding scenes at the beginning of the book. “Bangladeshi people are obsessed with weddings, and our weddings are a whole event. So it was nice to explore that aspect of my life through the lens of a character like Nishat, who is surrounded by the familiarity of a Bangladeshi wedding, while also stumbling across her childhood crush.”
As for how it feels to see her work being shared around the world, Adiba admits that “it still feels a little surreal.” Her dreams of being a writer when she was younger seemed to rely on her writing about straight white characters with whom she shared few experiences. Those were some of the only stories that she saw published or have mainstream success. “It was hard for me to imagine a world where someone like me could be writing stories about people like me.”
In the future, she hopes that The Henna Wars can allow queer brown girls to see a reflection of themselves in its pages, and that it can open doors for more queer brown people to write and publish more of their own stories.
For those that have enjoyed the latest book-to-movie adaptations likeTo All The Boys I’ve Loved Before or Crazy Rich Asians, Adiba shares that she would love to see The Henna Wars adapted for the big screen in the future. Especially if the potential adaptation stays true to the ethnicities of the characters.
As of now, Adiba is revising her second novel, which will be out from Page Street in spring 2021. It’s another YA romantic comedy which follows two girls—one Bangladeshi Bengali and one Indian Bengali—who have to start a fake relationship in order to achieve what they want.
Have you entered our Instagram giveaway yet? And if you absolutely cannot wait, get The Henna Wars on Amazon or on The Tempest’s own virtual bookshop supporting local bookstores.
[Image Description: Headshot of Janelle Monae, dressed as a femme robot with her face covered in a silver chain standing eyes-closed in front of a blue background with an orange sun in the center]. Via Atlantic Records.
Let me tell you the story of how Janelle Monáe’s Dirty Computer literally helped me come out.
“[Redacted] takes her straight (unless you have something to tell me) friends to Pride.”
When I saw the name of the group chatmy best friend had added me to organize a group of us “straight friends” to accompany her to Pride the summer after my sophomore year of college, I knew I had a decision to make.
I had first thought that I was maybe bisexual in late middle school or early high school – but I hadn’t had an oh shit, I’m definitely queer moment until I was surrounded by people who were openly queer and comfortable in who they were in college. Even then, I’d only said the words out loud once or twice, preferring to stay in the safer space of being a slightly too enthusiastic “ally” to the queer community on campus.
I knew I had a decision to make.
After mulling it over, I exhaled a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding and typed out a message to my friend: “Lol ok so…”
It was one of the best decisions I’ve made – having someone else to talk to about being both queer and Asian helped me find power in the intersection of my identities instead of conflict. Coming out to the rest of my close friends was easier after that. But I still wasn’t out out, and definitely not to the Muslim community. I had loosely toyed with the idea of coming out around graduation but hadn’t given it much actual thought.
That changed after I met Mohammed Ramzan, a fellow student who started as a freshman at Northwestern my junior year. Mohammed was loving, exuberant, intensely curious, and proudly Muslim. He was the first openly queer Muslim I’d met, and I found myself wondering why I was so afraid.
Being Muslim and being queer weren’t just not contradictory identities – they were complementary. They gave him a level of empathy for the oppressed and motivation to answer Qur’anic calls to strive for justice that was unparalleled. When he was taken from us in a rowing accident after just a few short months of our knowing him, I promised myself – for Mohammed, for myself, for my community – I was committing to coming out.
“Serendipity” is a funny word. It’s also exactly what I felt was at play when, in the spring of my senior year, just before my self-imposed deadline, Janelle Monáe dropped her iconic “emotion picture” album, Dirty Computer.
Monáe’s music had hinted at her queerness for quite some time, but her unabashedly sweet crooning about the raw power of vaginas on the album in songs like “Pynk” and “Django Jane” and her “Make Me Feel” video celebrating bisexuality left no room for questions.
I cried my eyes out watching Dirty Computer. Seeing Monáe boldly proclaim her Blackness and her queerness gave me the jolt I was waiting for. Listening to “Crazy, Classic, Life,” it felt like the burden of the many hyphens in my identity was weighing on me. Seeing friends I hadn’t come out to yet losing it over the energy of the album further pushed that weight damn near the verge of exploding out of my throat.
I finally did the thing and slipped my bisexuality in the middle of a Facebook post about my upcoming thesis poster presentation about a month after the album’s release.
Later that summer, I went to Monáe’s Chicago show, feeling immeasurably affirmed as she once again reiterated her messages of queerness being a central code in our makeup, and the pride we should take in being “dirty computers” in a country with leadership dead-set on viewing our identities as a “virus.”
Two years later, I once again find myself on a precipice.
I thought of Mohammed again and his firm belief that Allah makes no mistakes. No computer viruses, no mistakes – I came home and came out to a few cousins, and eventually my sisters.
Two years later, I once again find myself on a precipice.
I’m out to all the most meaningful people in my life, except for a few notable ones, including my parents. I sit next to them every night as we watch the news and listen to how our government is once again attacking the LGBTQIA+ community, which is particularly dangerous for my trans loved ones.
I talk to my dad about how we’re in the middle of a pandemic that is disproportionately affecting BIPOC, as the Black community rises up across the country to dismantle white supremacist institutions that have no regard for the humanity of queer people, in particular Black trans folks.
And I know that even as I have these conversations with my parents – who have been understanding and accepting of every point I’ve made so far – that I am not being entirely truthful because I am treating these discussions as hypotheticals, rather than as personal to me.
I’m, as Monáe sings, “So Afraid” – of hurting them, of losing them. But I’m also afraid now, more than anything else, of not honoring them by being my full self with them. I owe that to them more in this political moment than ever before.
So this strange yet momentous Pride – what was meant to be my fifth as a proudly queer, clinically depressed, Bangladeshi-Muslim-American woman – I’m removing the final layer of my privacy settings and publicly stating for the record: I am bisexual.
And I’m ready to fight for my communities and those of my loved ones.
I’m listening to Dirty Computer while I’m writing, actually – it’s taken four and a half loops through it to figure out exactly what I’ve been trying to say and how I want to say it because I’ve never fully taken ownership of my identity and written something about it with my name on it.
It’s terrifying because I know as soon as my editors hit “Publish” on this piece, it’s going to be out there, and there’s not really any going back from it.
I’m also afraid now, more than anything else, of not honoring them by being my full self with them.
But I also think that’s exactly what this moment in history needs more of: No more going back, just reckoning and honesty and difficult conversations, over and over, until we build anew. We’ll make mistakes – many of them.
But as Monáe herself says: “We need to go through this. Together… I’m going to make you empathize with dirty computers all around the world.”
[Image description: a collage of stills from various films]
If you’ve had the privilege of never experiencing discrimination or if you are a POC who doesn’t fully grasp the history and weight of racism, now is not the time to burden your black friends with the task of educating you, even if you have the best of intentions.
Now is not the time to be asking for free emotional labor from the black community, many of whom are already under emotional duress from the events of the past weeks. Racism has been long established as a tool of oppression on a global scale that it’s contributed to generational trauma. In fact, it’s been more than established, racism is a learned behavior that has been protected and enforced to this day. So while you’re donating and signing petitions, here are some works that break down systematic oppression.
1. Who Killed Malcolm X? (2020)
[Image description: Malcolm X standing at a podium, arm raised over microphones] Via Who Killed Malcom X?This Netflix mini docu-series is on the assassination of Malcolm X, a prominent black American Muslim Civil Rights Era activist. The series outlines some alarming evidence regarding his assassination in 1965 and explores the conspiracy that he was killed by white supremacists with the help of the government. After the docu-series was released earlier this year, the murder investigation of Malcolm X was put under review.
2. When They See Us (2019)
[Image description: A detective points a finger at one of the Central Park Five in an interrogation room] Via When They See Us A true-crime mini-series, this is the story of the Central Park Five, five teenagers falsely accused of the assault and rape of a white woman jogging through Central Park. The show follows their trial and wrongful convictions.
3. 13th (2016)
[Image description: Angela Davis, prison abolitionist, speaking in an old court room] Via 13thNamed for the 13th Amendment which abolished slavery in America, this documentary film traces the connections between the rise of mass incarceration in the United States and the justice system. It proves how slavery is alive and well in modern times through the prison-industrial complex and the disproportionate convictions of minorities. Netflix even uploaded the film in full to YouTube, so it would be accessible to everyone. You can watch it right here.
4. American Son (2019)
[Image description: Kerry Washington looking at a cell phone in horror with an FBI agent and a police officer] Via American Son Starring Kerry Washington, this film follows a mother anxiously waiting for news on her disappeared son in a police department. Racial tensions are discussed through conversations with her ex-husband, a white FBI agent. He is just as concerned for their missing son but doesn’t understand his ex-wife’s fear of police.
5. If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)
This film tells the story of Tish and Fonny, sweethearts since childhood, and of the racial discrimination they face. From being denied rent by New York landlords in the 70s to Fonny’s wrongful arrest after being falsely accused of rape. The film discusses abuse of power by the police as well as the flaws in the justice system.
6. Imperial Dreams (2018)
[Image description: John Boyega sitting with friends, looking at something out of view] Via Imperial SonStarring John Boyega, this film is about a reformed gangster, returning home after serving time in prison. Imperial Dreams discusses mass incarceration, racial profiling as well as the rehabilitation prisoners need after being granted their freedom.
7. Dear White People (2014)
[Image description: Tessa Thompson and cast staring directly into the camera] Via Dear White PeopleLater also adapted into an amazing Netflix show, this comedy film details the many microaggressions Black students experience at a fictitious Ivy League. The lead Samantha White, played by Tessa Thompson, is a frustrated student who begins a radio show to call out white people for their racist behavior.
8. The Great Debaters (2007)
[Image description: Denzel Washington and cast sit attentively, one holding a vintage camera] Via Great DebatersDenzel Washington plays a debate coach at a HBCU during the 1930s in the Jim Crow South. He is determined to elevate his team of students to the same stature as their white opponents. This film discusses the racism and segregation found in academia as well as the violence experienced by black students in the American South.
9. Seven Seconds (2018)
[Image description: A detective stands a snowy, blood spattered hill with the Statue of Liberty in the background] Via Seven SecondsThis show is about the hit and run of a young black boy by a police officer and how members of the Jersey City Police Department scramble to cover it up to “protect their own”. This limited series is crucial in understanding the way a police force operates like an elite gang, abusing their power and carrying out injustices.
10. The Last Black Man in San Francisco (2019)
[Image description: A young man stares up at a Victorian style house] Via The Last Black Man in San Francisco Jimmie Fails and his best friend Mont Allen spend their days roaming San Francisco, musing over the city’s changes due to gentrification and how it’s affecting the community. Jimmie dreams about reclaiming the Victorian house he grew up in and sees his opportunity when the current owners have a dispute over the estate.
11. Selma (2014)
[Image description: Crowds of marchers cross a bridge to advocate for black voting rights] Via SelmaA historical drama, Selma follows the voting rights marches lead by the revolutionary Martin Luther King Jr. in 1965. Directed by 13th’s Pea-body award-winning Ava DuVernay, this film centers on the political tensions and various threats King faced while organizing a march to register black voters in the state of Alabama.
12. BlacKkKlansmen (2018)
[Image description: Split screen of the conversation the Colorado Spring Police Force’s first black officer] Via BlacKkKlansmanDirected by Spike Lee, this film tells the story of Ron Stallworth, the first black officer in the Colorado Springs Police Department. It details the racial discrimination Stallworth faces from his coworkers and the undercover operation he begins to infiltrate a local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan.
13. Do the Right Thing (1989)
[Image description: A white man confronts a younger black man in Brooklyn] Via Do the Right ThingAnother directorial piece from Spike Lee, this classic dramedy outlines the rising racial tension in a Brooklyn neighborhood. The film focuses on the ethnically diverse neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant and the violence that erupts as summer temperatures rise.
14. The Hate U Give (2018)
[Image description: Amandla Stenberg, playing Starr, hands raised in surrender] Via The Hate U GiveIn this masterpiece film adaptation of the novel of the same name, after witnessing her childhood friend being murdered by a police officer, sixteen-year-old Starr, played by Amandla Stenberg is swept up in the national news coverage of the killing. Starr must decide if pursuing justice is worth destroying her carefully crafted image at her mostly-white prep school and having a police target on her back.
15. Whose Streets? (2017)
[Image description: Ferguson protestors standing with arms raised and megaphones] Via Whose Streets? This documentary follows the murder of Michael Brown and the Ferguson uprising. After Brown was killed by a police officer, Ferguson. Missouri was engulfed in protests and riots demanding justice. Documenting the protests this way, on camera, was intended to show what was really going on as print journalism was lacking in their coverage as the events in Ferguson unfolded.
16. I Am Not Your Negro (2016)
[Image description: A black man stares skeptically into the camera, surrounded by white men] Via I Am Not Your NegroInspired by James Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript, this film breaks down the history of racism in the United States by examining civil rights leaders like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, the documentary voices Baldwin’s personal thoughts on the American civil rights movement.
17. Freedom Writers (2007)
[Image description: A white teacher stands directing a classroom full of multiracial students] Via Freedom WritersThis drama film focuses on the lives of a highly diverse student body at the once prestigious Woodrow Wilson High School. Set two years after the Los Angeles riots, racial tensions are at an all-time high among rival gang members who attend the school. Freedom Writers outlines the racism and prejudice found among various ethnic minority groups.
18. Hidden Figures (2016)
[Image description: Taraji P. Henson, playing a black female NASA mathematician, stands in an office full of white men] Via Hidden FiguresDetailing the work life of the black women who worked at NASA during the Space Race, this film exposes the racial and gender segregation that dominated the space agency. Starring Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monàe and Octavia Spencer, the Academy Award-nominated Hidden Figures describes the life and important work of three black female mathematicians who rose above their white male peers’ perceptions of them.
19. Just Mercy (2019)
[Image description: Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx tensely sit in a courtroom] Via Just MercyStarring Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx, this film follows the pro bono work of Bryan Stevenson, freshly graduated from Harvard law and determined to free Johnny D. McMillian, a death row inmate who was coerced by police into confessing to the murder of a white woman. The film outlines discrepancies in the legal system and how it upholds racial bias in murder cases.
20. Get Out (2017)
[Image description: A conversation between two of the film’s characters in a forest] Via Get OutWritten and directed by Jordan Peele, this psychological thriller follows what happens when Chris Washington, played by Daniel Kaluuya, learns a horrifying secret about his white girlfriend and her family.
21. Zootopia (2016)
[Image description: Judy Hopp, a rookie police officer confronts fox Nick Wilde] Via ZootopiaLastly, this animated film educates audiences on discrimination and racial profiling. Following a rookie cop on her dreams of serving and protecting, Zootopia shows how perpetuated prejudice feeds into a flawed justice system. A perfect movie to use when educating the little ones on racial inequality.
[Protesters at a #BlackLivesMatter demonstration] Via Unsplash
Across the U.S., and even in many other countries, protesters have taken the street this week to rally against widespread police brutality, systemic racism, and to call attention towards the insufficient charges brought against not only the killers of George Floyd but also the killers of countless other Black victims of racial injustice. In every city protesters have been met by the local police force, in addition to the national guard, all making use of blunt, violent, and instigative tactics. Social media has also been full of callings for change, spreading knowledge or resources, and pointing out the many hypocrisies within our current system. Some of it, however, is performative. This means that some people, often celebrities, may be posting just to give off the allusion that they care, when in reality it is just empty support. One example is with the Glee star Lea Michele. Earlier in the week she tweeted this:
She was immediately met with backlash from a former co-worker who proved that her intentions could not possibly be genuine when those words did not reflect her actions in reality.
It also seems that Lana Del Ray has spoken out in support of the movement just days after posting one of the most problematic statements I’ve read in awhile that promotes a white-washed version of feminism. News flash: if your feminism isn’t intersectional we don’t want it.
Other examples of performative behavior appears through donations. I have seen some celebrities proudly post their $50 dollar donations to community bail funds, which is not a lot of money at all considering their celebrity status. In fact, I have even seen my own friends, who are 20-something years old and unemployed, donate more money. This kind of demonstration of support is insulting to the #BlackLivesMatter movement because celebrities are the ones with privilege and capital in our society. Yet, in cases like this, they are refusing to use it, even though they say on social media that they are all for equality and justice. #openyourpurse.
So you wrote all this just to justify donating 50 dollars……… open your purse 👛 pic.twitter.com/zqH52QTKr7
What I find to be the most dangerous, though, is celebrities who have not spoken up at all, or even worse, spreading the wrong message. Most of these people have a gigantic following, making the impression that they leave on the people that are influenced by them noticeable. It is an unfortunate truth, but celebrities set an example for A LOT of people on these kinds of things. So, it is important for celebrities to use their privilege wisely in times like these. They also need to show their activism, and then act on it, because they are the ones with the money to financially support a movement. In addition, celebrities, especially white celebrities, should make it their mission to amplify Black voices at this time, instead of raising their own. Let Black people grieve, vent, scream, and mobilize. It is up to the celebrity to make an effort to elevate their words because celebrities have the audience and the means to do so. And, let’s not forget that while at protests that same advice applies because white celebrities have the privilege of getting out of an arrest situation without serious repercussions, for the most part.
Among them, however are some celebrities who are doing it right. They have taken their actions way beyond social media and are showing their support for the #BlackLivesMatter movement through large donations and in person activism. I will say that this is by no means a celebration of these celebrities or celebrity culture, but rather a recognition of what should and could be done if done right. To be fair, I am also wondering where all those celebrities are who made the entire world cringe when they sang Imaginein March thinking it would cure coronavirus.
Halsey helped treat people at protests who have been injured after being shot at with rubber bullets.
— Timothée Chalamet Fans (@TimotheeUpdates) May 31, 2020
J. Cole has been attending #BlackLivesMatter protests since 2014.
J. Cole speaking with the organizer of the protest in Fayetteville, while standing with the people. He really practices what he preaches in his music. pic.twitter.com/XvORFUqr7q
Justin Timberlake donated to the Minnesota Freedom Fund
Please join me in supporting the Minneapolis protestors by donating to the @mnfreedomfund. The freedom fund is combatting the harms of incarceration by paying bail for low income individuals who cannot otherwise afford: https://t.co/tFr8Jh7TUX
Chrissy Teigen and John Legend made a $200,00 donation spread across 3 organizations.
Americans have the first amendment right to peacefully protest oppression and injustice. Chrissy and I will be donating to these 3 organizations which are organizing, supporting and defending those marching for justice: @Mvmnt4BlkLives@nlgnews@bailprojecthttps://t.co/whxOPQQuTu
Colin Kaepernick, NFL player and leader in a protest movement against police brutality and racism by kneeling during the national anthem at games, established a legal defense initiative for protesters. He will be providing free legal compensation for Minneapolis “Freedom Fighters.”
In fighting for liberation there‘s always retaliation. We must protect our Freedom Fighters. We started a legal defense initiative to give legal representation to Freedom Fighters in Minneapolis paid for by @yourrightscamp
In solidarity w/ our brothers & sisters in Minneapolis, KYRC + @kaepernick7 established our Legal Defense Initiative to support Freedom Fighters on the ground. If you, or a loved one needs legal assistance, or to donate, go to https://t.co/BQO5g9f5wb#wegotuspic.twitter.com/5g3wn1wXso
— Know Your Rights Camp (@yourrightscamp) May 29, 2020
These are only a handful of the celebrities that have spoken out and make a commitment to justice. They are not special, or needing of praise. In fact, their actions should be the standard. It is a shame, but not surprising, that other celebrities aren’t not taking advantage of their privilege is beneficial and productive ways. It is all of our duty to take care and to take a stand against the hate that is seemingly all around us. Check out our action guide if you want to know how you can demand justice for George Floyd by taking an active part in eradicating racial injustice. Read it, follow it, share it, and encourage your friends/family to do the same.
[Image description: Musician and actor Janelle Monae stands before a black and white background, with her hands clasped in front of her. She is wearing a long red suit-jacket with a white shirt and black statement collar, and is gazing to her left.] Via CelebMafia
Even at a glance, the contributions that members of the LGBTQ+ community have made to the fashion world are seemingly countless. In fact, it is fair to say that many of the greatest style icons, both past and present, have been part of the community.
As Pride Month begins to wind down, let’s take a moment to appreciate these pioneers of style, both real and fictional.
1. Billy Porter
[Image description: Billy Porter poses on the Met Gala pink carpet, wearing an elaborate metallic jumpsuit and gold accented headdress and accessories on his dark brown skin. His arms are outstretched, a gold feathery cape made to look like wings behind him.] Via Angela Weiss for AFP/Getty Images.If there’s one person who’s been blazing through the pages of every fashion magazine and the annals of social media these past few months, it’s the wonderful, multi-talented Billy Porter. From his incredible royal guise at this year’s Met Gala to the jaw-droppingly intricate suit-gown hybrids he’s worn on several red carpets, Porter stuns with ever-increasing frequency.
2. St. Vincent
[Image description: Musician St. Vincent sings into a mic while playing a brown guitar against a dark blue stage. Her black hair is teased up and spiky and she wears a fringed dark red and black dress.] Via Frazer Harrison for Getty Images for Coachella.The wildly creative musician Annie Clark, who professionally goes by St. Vincent, consistently brings that creativity to her style as well as her music. Sporting daring geometrical designs in music videos and on tour, St. Vincent manages to maintain a specific edge to her style without ever appearing stale or half-hearted. And of course, her greatest accessory is that beauty of an electrical guitar she carries everywhere.
3. Laverne Cox
[Image description: Actor Laverne Cox poses on a pink carpet, rosebushes in the background. She is tall and has deep brown skin, wears a voluminous black dress that curls around her head, and her sea green wig matches her eyeshadow.] Via Charles Sykes on AP.Since her groundbreaking roles in shows such as Orange is the New Black, for which she became the first trans person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award, Laverne Cox has been making waves in the fashion world as well. While she often sticks to her signature style of bold, colorful gowns and sleek hair, she definitely isn’t afraid to think out of the box with her looks. This was proven by her look for the Met Gala this year, where she appeared in an elaborate black dress featuring dreamy, uniquely colored accents.
4. David Rose on Schitt’s Creek
[Image description: A man with white skin and dark hair wearing a flower-patterned shirt speaks to a woman whose back is turned. He is saying the words “I like the wine not the label”.] Via Giphy.For the first fictional character on this list, it seems appropriate to honor David Rose, a character on the Canadian TV show Schitt’s Creek, played by Daniel Levy. There is much to say about how fashion is put to tremendous narrative use in the show at large, but David, who identifies as pansexual, possesses a style that is deeply distinctive yet consistently fascinating enough that it bears singling out. While he mainly wears shades of black, gray and white, David achieves some surprisingly unique and courageous looks within his limited color palette.
5. Janelle Monáe
[Image description: Actor and singer Janelle Monáe poses wearing an asymmetric black dress. She has deep brown skin and is wearing several black hats piled on top of each other on her head.] Via Style Blog.When it comes to exploring and expanding the bounds of artistic possibility, few are as practiced as musician and actor Janelle Monáe. This trait is incredibly evident in the ever-fresh and evolving outfits she wears to events as well as in music videos such as those for her last album, Dirty Computer. Although she was once well-known for her trademark sharp black and white suits, in recent years she’s been branching out. Her style can be summed up in a single word: fearless.
6. Samira Wiley
[Image description: Samira Wiley stands tall on the red carpet of the GLAAD Awards, wearing a two piece dress in a shiny green fabric with her midriff exposed. She is brown skinned and has short black hair.] Via D. Dipasupil on Getty Images North America.Another Orange is the New Black alum, Samira Wiley also plays a crucial character on The Handmaid’s Tale. She is married to a woman and forthright about identifying as a lesbian woman, as her OINTB character was. Wiley’s style is notable because she loves to play with texture and shape, from the eye-catching two piece dress above to more edgy metallic garb.
7. Bill Potts in Doctor Who
[Image description: A woman with brown skin and a black afro is dressed in a rainbow-striped blouse, blue-sheen bomber jacket and black pants.] Via Doctor Who 24/7.Although Bill Potts only appeared on the acclaimed British TV show Doctor Who for one season, she made a lasting impression. Played by Pearl Mackie, Potts was the show’s first openly gay companion, and she was deeply beloved by fans. Potts was visibly proud of her identity, often donning rainbow patterned clothing and accessories. Her outfits were always fresh – quirky, colorful and emblematic of the brightness of her character. It’s that radiance that cements her as one of the most fashionable characters on the show, and on television in general.
8. Vivek Shraya
[Image description: A woman with blonde hair and brown skin gazes into the camera. She is wearing a brown and black animal print dress, large white earrings and a black bindi on her forehead.] Via Susan Holzman for CBC.Vivek Shraya is a multi-talented artist and writer who currently works as a creative writing professor in Calgary, Canada. Due to her work as well as her evocative style, Shraya has been featured in multiple publications in recent years. Her near-constant application of the bindi is a lovely homage to her culture, and the extravagant jewelry she pairs with her colorful outfits is unforgettable.
9. Indya Moore
[Image description: A collage consisting of three photos of model and actor Indya Moore. They wear, from left to right, a shiny grey satin slip with heavy silver jewellery, a blue skirt with an oversized shirt, and a pleated white dress.] Via Teen Vogue.One of the breakout stars of FX’s Pose, which also features Billy Porter, Indya Moore has been blazing through appearances since they started on the scene. Moore, who identifies as non-binary and plays a trans woman on their show, was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in the World this year. And that influence extends to fashion, as their outfits at various events have been grandiose and intricate. Although they haven’t been working in Hollywood for very long, we’re sure they’ll only continue to wow us with time.
10. Syd
[Image description: Syd sings into a mic onstage, with purple lights behind her. She has closely cropped hair and deep brown skin, and she’s wearing gray overalls over a black hoodie, with only one side fastened.] Via Scott Dudelson for Getty.At first glance, popular musician Syd’s style of dressing may seem casual and rather effortless. Often, her tour outfits and appearances involve a simple white tee or a dark hoodie paired with jeans or sweats. But it’s the gravitas with which she wears these often simple ensembles that makes her image so compelling. After all, style isn’t just about being flashy or loud – sometimes it’s about looking just understated enough to spark interest. And Syd always manages to do that.
11. Jason Wu
[Image description: A tall, dark-haired model stands in front of a clothing rack as designer Jason Wu adjusts part of her black dress. He is also wearing black, and they stand close together in a white-walled room.] Via Masato Onoda for WWD.It would be truly remiss to compile a list like this without including any actual fashion designers. Jason Wu is a trailblazing designer who identifies as gay and, despite being only 36 years old, has established an international brand beloved by people such Michelle Obama and Meghan Markle. His designs involve classic and daring silhouettes alike, with a skillful selection of colors and shades for each garment. He’s an important representative of and for both the LGBTQ+ and the Asian-Canadian community.
12. Ezra Miller
[Image description: Ezra Miller is wearing a feathery, puffy white top and his black hair is teased up with silver on some strands, while silver makeup covers much of his face.] Via Samir Hussein on Getty Images.There’s an otherworldly sheen to Ezra Miller, a kind of cryptic gloss that is inextricable from his public appearances and interviews. This must certainly serve him well in his recent role in the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them franchise. It undoubtedly does when it comes to his outfits, particularly in recent years, as he’s become increasingly inventive not just with his clothing but his makeup and accessories as well. We can only look forward to whatever he’ll unveil next, a slight hint of anticipation in the air.
13. Raveena
[Image description: Raveena, a brown skinned woman with her black hair in several braids, looks into the camera, an orange background behind her. One hand is braced on her cheek and she wears orange eyeshadow, large circular earrings and a tikka, jeweled headpiece, on the center of her forehead.] Via gal-dem magazine.Raveena Aurora is an Indian-American singer based in New York City who identifies herself as bisexual. She recently released her first full-length album, entitled Lucid. Not only is she musically talented, Raveena also has an impeccable sense of style. Much of the clothing she wears on tour and in her music videos are made by her sister, Reena Aurora, and they are imbued with the same dreamy beauty that distinguishes her music. Effusive with bright colors and luxurious silhouettes, her outfits make the visual aspect of her performances deeply enjoyable.
14. Tessa Thompson
[Image description: Actress Tessa Thompson poses on a red carpet, holding her shimmering rainbow-colored dress. She has brown skin and short dark hair.] Via Twitter.Few actors in Hollywood have inspired the level of buzz Tessa Thompson has in the last couple of years, and with good reason. Not only is she extraordinarily talented, having taken roles in various culturally relevant projects, she’s a wonderful advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Many characters Thompson has played have had impressive wardrobes, such as Detroit in Sorry to Bother You (2018) and Valkyrie in Thor: Ragnarok (2017). But Thompson’s own style rivals theirs, as she consistently stuns in sleek, daring ensembles.
15. Keiynan Lonsdale
[Image description: Actor Keiynan Lonsdale stands facing the camera wearing a dark shirt and jacket. He has brown skin and a patterned bandana tied over his dyed pink-purple hair. A yellowish light effect obscures most of the background, but some greenery is visible in one corner.] Via Catherine Powell for NKD Magazine.While we love Keiynan Lonsdale’s characters, most notably Kid Flash and Bram in Love, Simon, we adore his off-screen persona even more. The imaginative way he uses fashion to reject traditional gender norms is an inspiration, both culturally and aesthetically.
16. Carol Aird in Carol
[Image description: A woman with short blonde hair and white skin smiles, tilting her head to the left. She is wearing a light green jacket with two long flowery brooches pinned to her chest.] Via Giphy.When you think about influential queer films within the last few years, it’s no surprise that Carol (2015) immediately springs to mind. The character of Carol Aird, played by Cate Blanchett has ensconced herself in the LGBTQ+ film canon, and with good reason. One of the ways Carol asserts her power in the film is through her impeccable, graceful wardrobe. It makes it all the more simple to fall for her along with Rooney Mara’s character, Therese.
17. Sarah Paulson
[Image description: Actor Sarah Paulson is pictured in a head-and-shoulders shot, wearing a red and black patterned dress. She has light skin, dirty blonde hair and is smiling.] Via Jean Baptiste Lacroix for WireImage.A familiar face to viewers of American Horror Story and Ocean’s Eight (2018), Sarah Paulson is a talented actor with a quirky yet elegant sense of style. She has a penchant for designs that might feel a little peculiar at first glance, and is not afraid to stray out of her comfort zone.
18. Big Freedia
[Image description: Musician Big Freedia stares off to her right, standing against a black and yellow and pattered background. She has brown skin and loose blonde curls, and she is wearing a silvery shirt and a black jacket with a multicolored shiny pattern.] Via Tim Mosenfelder for WireImage/Getty Images and Angela Hsieh for NPR.As the person credited with helping the genre of bounce music gain mainstream acclaim, Big Freedia is certainly accustomed to having a huge impact. While her forte is music, her sense of style also merits attention as she’s carefully cultivated a wonderful, eccentric image that brings the effervescent joy of her music to her appearance as well. We can definitely see why everyone from Beyoncé to Drake has been highlighting her influence in their work!
19. Tegan and Sara
[Image description: Sisters and musicians Tegan and Sara stand against a white wall. They both have pale skin, dark hair and are wearing black jackets, though the sister on the left wears a striped shirt while the other wears a white shirt. They are staring into nearly opposing directions and wearing heavy green and blue pigmented eye makeup.] Via Pamela Littky.A Canadian pop band formed by identical twin sisters, Tegan and Sara have cemented themselves in the annals of the genre with their irresistible hits and ever-relatable ballads. In addition to their prolific music career, they are both openly gay and support the LGBTQ+ community through various channels. The synchronization in their music crosses over to their style as well, since they often wear complementary outfits in public. With their trademark chic jackets and angled dark bobs, they have become iconic for exuding an effortless sense of cool.
20. Hayley Kiyoko
[Image description: A blonde woman on the streets, dressed in a bold patterned dress and jacket.] Via Trevor Flores on Harper’s Bazaar.Dubbed “Lesbian Jesus” by her fanbase, Hayley Kiyoko is one of those figures in pop music who make us glad to be living in this era. Since her hit Girls Like Girls was released in 2015, Kiyoko’s advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community has continued to grow. Her style is quirky and colorful with just enough edge to keep us guessing at what she does next.
[Image description: Close shot of Cardi B on the 2019 Grammy Award red carpet.] Via. Allure
Last week, the biggest names in the music industry came together for the long-awaited 61st annual Grammy awards. Childish Gambino, Cardi B, Dua Lipa, and Kacey Musgraves were amongst the night’s biggest winners, but these red-carpet attendees win a place on our best-dressed list.
1. Leon Bridges
[Image description: Leon Bridges at the 2019 Grammy Awards] Via. E! Online
Soul singer Leon Bridges was unmissable in this custom Bode suit that paid homage to his home state – Texas. The yellow corduroy suit was covered in hand-drawn images representing various aspects of his personal life. It’s a touching and memorable choice.
2. Ella Mai
[Image description: Ella Mai at the 2019 Grammy Awards] Via. E! Online
English R&B singer Ella Mai looked regal in this navy blue gown by Lebanese label Ashi Studio. The voluminous piece, paired with matching shoes and a subtle choice of jewelry and make-up—allows the 24-year-old to stand out in a way that remains classic.
3. Keiynan Lonsdale
[Image description: Keiynan Lonsdale at the 2019 Grammy Awards] Via. GQ
Keiynan Lonsdale is always a strong contender for the best-dressed list on any red carpet, and this year they didn’t disappoint. Photographed here at the Republic Records’ afterparty, Lonsdale’s outfit is a perfect mix of casual and dressed-up.
4. Cardi B
[Image description: Cardi B at the 2019 Grammy Awards] Via. E! Online
It’s the dress that has divided the fashion-world, and personally, I love it. Whatever you think of the vintage Thierry Mugler ‘oyster’ dress, there’s no denying that this iconic choice will be remembered for years to come.
5. Dua Lipa
[Image description: Dua Lipa at the 2019 Grammy Awards] Via. Popsugar
Dua Lipa’s understated silver gown is positively stunning. The glittering Versace dress forms a classic, yet slightly futuristic figure and paired with the singer’s minimalist make-up and hair choices, it is really able to shine.
6. Miley Cyrus
[Image description: Miley Cyrus at the 2019 Grammy Awards] Via. Yahoo
Miley Cyrus rocked the classic black tux look better than anyone on the carpet with this simple, yet chic number by Thierry Mugler. The understated suit was really elevated by perfect hair and make-up with a large helping of unusual, silver jewelry.
7. Jada Pinkett-Smith
[Image description: Jada Pinkett-Smith at the 2019 Grammy Awards] Via. E! Online
Meanwhile, Jada Pinkett-Smith brought us back to the roaring twenties with this period-inspired vintage Cavalli gown. A perfect choice of color, hints of silver and a dramatic, feathery train made this a dreamy and unforgettable look.
8. Kane Brown
[Image description: Kane Brown and Katelyn Jae at the 2019 Grammy Awards] Via. Twitter
Kane Brown and his wife Katelyn get points for the best-matching couple on the carpet. His gold-toned brocade shirt under a classic black tuxedo pair perfectly with her deep red gown.
9. Zuri Hall
[Image description: Zuri Hall at the 2019 Grammy Awards] Via. E! Online
Maybe pink really is the new black! This bold fuchsia gown paired with a subtle matching pink eyeshadow is my favorite look this evening. The combination of the sea-shell-like shape with a light, floaty material allows Hall to stand-out without being overwhelmed.
10. Alessia Cara
[Image description: Alessia Cara at the 2019 Grammy Awards] Via. E! Online
Alessia Cara breathes new life into the Little Black Dress and red lip combo. The modernized lace pattern and midriff cut paired with gold, hanging earrings is a stunning new look for the 22-year-old singer, who usually opts for a more laid-back style.
11. Tayla Parx
[Image description: Tayla Parx at the 2019 Grammy Awards] Via. E! Online
Another look that was featured on both best and worst-dressed lists this year, I think this ensemble looks absolutely adorable on Tayla Parx. It’s colorful, cute, and I am HERE for the silver hair-clips and eyeliner combo. This whole outfit is a pretty, girly dream.
12. Hennessy Carolina
[Image description: Hennessy Carolina at the 2019 Grammy Awards] Via. POPSUGAR Australia
Orange is a bold choice, and not many people could pull off this eye-catching look, but Hennessy Carolina makes it look easy. With sleeves and a bold hair-cut like that, Carolina looks like she is ready to take over the world!
13. Alicia Keys
[Image description: Alicia Keys and Swizz Beats at the 2019 Grammy Awards] Via. People
This girl is on fire! Alicia Keys is the queen of the no-makeup look, and here she reminds us why. It allows her stunning red dress to flourish alongside her simple, silver jewelry and makes the camera focus on the real star of the show—that absolutely perfect ‘do!
14. Kacey Musgraves
[Image description: Kacey Musgraves and Ruston Kelly at the 2019 Grammy Awards] Via. E!
The newest country music star to take the world by storm, this pretty pink princess gown by Valentino is inspired by her own album cover. The tulle, ballerina-like gown fans out at the top and her hair and make-up combo is a subtle nod to the seventies theme that would run through the rest of the night.
15. Chloe x Halle
[Image description: Chloe x Halle at the 2019 Grammy Awards] Via. Popsugar
The ethereal duo is stunning here in their classic black figure-hugging dresses, embellished with whispy, yet structural statement details. Halle’s cloud-like arrangements paired with a silky bow is heavenly, whilst Chloe’s geometric sleeves and silver earrings are equally dreamlike.
16. H.E.R
[Image description: H.E.R at the 2019 Grammy Awards] Via. E! Online
American R&B singer H.E.R was one of the big winners at this year’s Grammy awards, and her outfit choice was suitably fit for a star. From the purple glasses to the hoop earrings, and the shimmering, glittering, multi-colored jumpsuit, there’s nothing about this outfit that I don’t love.
17. Janelle Monae
[Image description: Janelle Monae at the 2019 Grammy Awards] Via. StyleCaster
Janelle Monae is the queen of many things, and haute couture is one of them. The bold, structured shoulders and asymmetrical hemline combined with soft pleats, make this one of the best looks of the evening. The hat, which is actually made with gold safety pins, and the dress pay homage to the classic 1950s ‘New Look’ whilst remaining thoroughly modern, and new wave. The gold, mismatched earrings elevate this outfit to perfection.
18. St Vincent
[Image description: St. Vincent at the 2019 Grammy Awards] Via. CelebMania
This brocade-esque cape dress is really elevated by the pairing of a holographic floral pattern and heels. The silky bow frames and draw attention back to their face, and that perfect red lip.
19. Tracee Ellis Ross
[Image description: Tracee Ellis Ross at the 2019 Grammy Awards] Via. E! Online
Tracee Ellis Ross is someone you can always count on for a solid red-carpet look, and she proves it once again with this Ralph & Russo number. Ellis-Ross is a master of the two-piece and this bold green and gold snake embossed choice is one few others could pull off.
20. Bebe Rexha
[Image description: Bebe Rexha at the 2019 Grammy Awards] Via. Mirror
After struggling to find a dress because designers dubbed Rexha ‘too big’, she wowed the rest of the carpet with this red taffeta princess piece by Monsoori. The statement drop-necklace is a perfect choice to pair with the grand gown.
21. Lady Gaga
[Image Description: Lady Gaga at the 2019 Grammy Awards] Via. E! News
Known for her bold fashion choices, Lady Gaga’s dress is understated, classic, and safe. But it works. Paired with a matching necklace and shoes, dark nail polish, a masterful smokey eye, and frosty hair, and lips, the look comes together perfectly styled and might be one of her most solid looks yet.
22. Blanca Blanco
[Image description: Blanca Blanco at the 2019 Grammy Awards] Via. UPI
American actress Blanca Blanco is known for her bold fashion choices, but this outfit combo is more reminiscent of some kind of fairy. Its light, airy fabric and pastel shades paired with subtle jewelry make this a truly dreamy look.
23. Margo Price
[Image description: Margo Price at the 2019 Grammy Awards] Via. People
Just getting shoes on while pregnant is hard enough, but Margo Price rocks this Renaissance-style dress by Kimberly Parker alongside her 6-month bump as if it were easy. The long, ruffled sleeves, heart-shaped neckline, and silver stars make this scarlet gown one of the red carpet’s most memorable looks.
Pynk Music Video by Janelle Monae [Image description: seven women dance together wearing pink skirts that represent the vulva] via Youtube
Didn’t you hear? Word on the net is that 2018 has been canceled, replaced by 20gayteen, which sounds much cooler and much more diverse. Jokes aside, this year counts many amazing contributions in the entertainment industry by queer artists and about LGBTQ+ narratives. They were much needed and will continue to be if we are to win the fight towards de facto equality. Yes, the road to equal rights is still long, and entertainment is by far less important than laws and policies, but it’s a step in the right direction.
How does a marginalized group come to be tolerated, accepted and finally beloved in society? A phobia always originates from ignorance. We fear what is different, what is unknown. As long as something is conceptualized as Other, there will always be a certain fear that translates into hatred. The necessary normalization should take place in common spaces that are constant sources of information for society: the easiest way to change people’s minds is to do it through entertainment.
Films and television have an almost omnipotent power that is expressed in a vicious circle: they are reflection of our society, yes, but our society also mirrors what it sees in the media. Therefore, without further ado, here’s a list of relevant media events that might not be perfect, but that are definitely helping changing people’s minds little by little.
1. Janelle Monae and her Dirty Computer
[Image decription: Janelle Monae wearing a rainbow gown at an event]Janelle has always been an outspoken activist. This year, she’s gone above and beyond to express herself in the most creative and artistic way, not only through her music, but visually as well, through videos and fashion choices. Her music video for Pynk is, quite literally, an ode to vaginas. It also teases a not-so-hidden jab at Donald Trump, with “pynk grabs back” written on panties. Iconic.Dirty Computer, her 46-minute dystopian sci-fi “emotion picture” companion to her album of the same title, is a metaphor for being Other in a white patriarchal heteronormative society that represses anything that is different. Janelle’s multiple identities conflict with the repressive societal standards: she is Black, wild, free, and in a queer polyamorous relationship with the character played by Tessa Thompson and a man. The futuristic visual vibes of her creations are always evocative and tell a story as beautiful as the lyrics.
2. Love, Simon
[Image description: two boys are about to kiss]
The film Love, Simon directed by Greg Berlanti, based on the book Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli was a real pioneer, as the first mainstream teen comedy about gay love. A globally acclaimed hit, it grossed $60+millions at the box office. The takeaway message from the film is that being gay really shouldn’t be a big deal in 2018, it should be normalized. See the hysterical sequence of Simon’s friends coming out to their families for being straight. In fact, the film was marketed not as a niche product for a specific audience of LGBTQ+ and allies, but as a story about love, the way all stories should be presented.
3. Hayley Kiyoko and her Expectations
[Image description: a woman sitting in a chair looks at a naked woman on the floor, who in turns look back at her]Everything our Lesbian Jesus does, every interview, every social media post is a blessing for the LGBTQ+ community. Expectations is Hayley’s first album and it is impossible to pick a favorite song or music video that she released this year. From the Pride anthem Curious to What I Need ft. Kehlani, and the less known tracks like He’ll Never Love You. Sadly, until recently, Hayley’s audience was limited to queer communities online. Now she’s finally being recognized by the media and even won the Push Artist of the Year Award at the VMAs in September. It’s only fair she’s finally made it into stardom. After all, she’s the one who came up with the hashtag 20GAYTEEN.
4. Bloom by Troye Sivan
[Image description: Troye sitting sideways in an armchair wearing an unbuttoned saffron shirt and turquoise feathers on his head]
Troye’s second album is full of beats, but nothing will be as aesthetically pleasing as the Bloom music video. Glamorously vintage, steamy, visually daring and stunning, Bloom also challenges gender norms, with Troye proudly wearing make-up and clothes that are considered feminine by heteronormative patriarchal society. As usual, he’s having none of that. He dances in bright red lipstick, skirts, dresses and sings in front of elaborate flower arrangements, because boys should be allowed to wear whatever they feel like.
5. Call Me By Your Name
[Image description: two boys are sitting at a table on a sunny day]The film by Luca Guadagnino based on the novel by André Aciman got four nominations at this year’s Academy Awards (including Best Picture) and brought home the award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Before you say that the age gap between Elio and Oliver is illegal, I’ll tell you that it’s completely legal in Italy, where CMBYN is set. This story had a powerful impact on thousands of people because it is a common tale about finding oneself in and through others. It’s about human connection and self-discovery, self-acceptance and – only at the end – romantic love, that just happens to be between two Jewish males. The film’s cinematography is one of the most beautiful of this decade, and it will make you feel nostalgic of places you’ve never been in a time you weren’t born yet.
According to you, what are the media events, films, videos, songs, television episodes, personalities, etc. that made 20GAYTEEN?Let us know by tweeting me at @ladymultifandom, and you could be featured in a future The Tempest article!
The queers thrived in the media in 2018. Let’s keep it up next year, shall we? Twenty-nineteen also rhymes with 20gayteen. Or maybe it’ll be twenty-bi-teen? And then, what, you ask? Twenty-gaynty anyone?
The day before I left for college, I chopped all my hair off and I’ve never looked back. For some reason, people still think this isn’t the norm and I get comments all the time. Here are 20 things you might have experienced if you’ve ever had a pixie cut.
1. That feeling you get the first time you cut your hair and wonder why you didn’t chop your locks off years ago.
Giphy
I had no idea my cheekbones were so amazing. I’ll just be over here taking selfies forever.
2. Everybody will ask you why you cut your hair as if you need to justify it.
Giphy
I cut it because it looks cute. End of story.
What are they expecting me to say? “I lost a great comrade in battle and I shaved my head to mourn his loss,” or maybe “I’m trying to break into the film industry by getting work as an Emma Watson body double.”
3. The feeling of satisfaction you get when you realize you never have to spend more than five minutes on your hair in the morning.
Giphy
I literally wake up like dis. Every day.
4. People will constantly assume that you’re queer.
Giphy
Sure, in my case, they’re totally right to assume that. But I know straight girls with short hair, too, I promise!
5. So much so that if you stand next to any other girl with short hair, people will assume you’re dating.
Giphy
Try to answer the age-old question, “Can women and other women with short hair ever really be friends?” Yes. The answer is yes.
6. Sometimes little kids will stare at you and shout “boy!!!”
Giphy
I know, I know, it’s confusing. I don’t have the hair length they associate with princesses they see in cartoons!
7. Even grown-ass adults will still call you “sir” sometimes.
Giphy
I am a feminine-looking cis female, and I still get misgendered sometimes. I can’t even imagine how exhausting it must be for trans and nonbinary folks to have that experience on a daily basis, just because someone arbitrarily decided that “long hair = girl” and “short hair = boy.”
8. When creepy dudes hit on you, they’ll say “I like girls with short hair.” As if you were waiting for their for their approval.
Giphy
Thank you, random dude standing in front of me in a coffee shop! I’m so glad you don’t mind when girls have short hair. I’ve been waiting all day for a stranger to validate my grooming decisions, and now that you’ve said something we can ride off into the sunset together!
9. People get you mixed up with anyone else who has a similar haircut.
Giphy
Sure, the girl you’re talking about has a completely different skin tone, features, and style than me…but I’m glad I remind you of her!
10. Hairdressers don’t trust you when you say you want it that short.
Giphy
“Really? That’s so short!” YES THAT IS KIND OF THE POINT.
11. People are fascinated by what you looked like before you cut your hair.
Giphy
I looked the same, but with longer hair. I can show you pictures, but it’s not that interesting.
12. People think you need to wear more makeup to make yourself look more “feminine” now.
Giphy
Once after a hairdresser finished cutting my hair, she added, “Now you just need some lipgloss!” Um.
13. That, or they give you every possible suggestion for what you can do to change your hair.
Giphy
“You should get a faux hawk!” “Why don’t you grow it out again?” “Have you ever tried shaving it all off?”
No, but why do you think you get input on what I do with my appearance?
14. You still try and proselytize the joys of having a pixie cut every time a friend says they’re considering it.
Giphy
Join the short-haired girls club! We have meetings every Thursday. You bring the chips and I’ll bring the cookies.
15. Because not only do you look awesome, but your hair never bothers you in the summer.
Giphy
Short hair, don’t care.
16. When you wait too long to get a haircut, people don’t believe you when you say it’s too long.
Giphy
It’s about the shape, not the length! It looks so much better when it’s not this awkward middle length. I’ll show you.
17. But when you finally do get it cut, you get so many compliments.
Giphy
Yeah, I look dope AF. I know.
18. Whenever you see another girl with an awesome pixie cut, you want to ask where they got it cut or take a picture so you can bring it to your hairstylist.
Giphy
Oh, you cut it yourself? That doesn’t help me!
19. When you wake up in the morning, you have these goofy pieces of hair sticking up.
Giphy
But don’t worry, they’re easy to fix.
20. Whenever anyone acts shocked that a celebrity looks good with a pixie cut, you’re like, “DUH.”
Giphy
I already knew pixie cuts were the best, and now the world is finally catching on!
Every February we get to experience the glory that is the Oscars. The glam and the glitz of the red carpet. The teary acceptance speeches. The cheesy host skits. And of course, the celebration of the power and impact of fine cinema. Each year the Oscars give us the opportunity to recognize the hard work of the people who entertain and educate us through film.
The Oscars also give us a great opportunity to blow up Twitter with our very own Twitter commentary. Here are some of the best tweets that happened throughout the night.
The Red Carpet
1. Things started off with Kris Jenner not understanding the ACLU ribbons
LOL Kris Jenner asked what the blue ribbon was for, said it was the first one she'd seen. She's WORKING THE RED CARPET.
24. Irania director Asghar Farhadi won for The Salesman and spoke out against Trump’s hate
Asghar Farhadi just won an Oscar for Best Foreign Film. He chose not to attend the ceremony in protest of the travel ban #Oscarspic.twitter.com/eKC87JjSQM
The Oscars were definitely a wild time full of triumphs, lows, and incredible surprises. Check back throughout the week for reaction pieces from The Tempest!
Before this year’s Oscar nominations came out, it felt like we were collectively holding our breath. Would the nominees be as white-washed as the past two years? Would we see another year of #OscarsSoWhite?
Giphy.com
Thankfully, this year diversity seems to have been recognized in the nominations. Movies starring, written by, and directed by people of color were phenomenal and have rightfully been recognized by the Academy. Here are just ten of the nominees that broke records for the number of nonwhite nominations.
Giphy.com
These nominations are truly historic. Black actors were nominated in every acting category for the first time in history. Writing, directing, documentary, film-editing, Best Picture, and cinematography also have Black artists nominated, some for the first time in history!
These nominations are for an assortment of genres, spanning more topics than typical for Academy Award nominees of color: narratives of slavery and oppression. 2017 nominations saw an expansion from cliche roles and a recognition of actors from diverse casts, playing complex roles and characters. Those nominated for behind the scenes work are some of the first to be recognized in fields generally dominated by white artists.
At the SAG Awards last night, many received awards for best in their field, some for the first time. Denzel Washington, for example, finally took home a SAG Award for Best Actor for his role in Fences after years of nominations. Hidden Figures took home Best Picture and Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. The speeches had political edges to them and the audience felt electrified all night by the long overdue recognition of talent from a much more diverse pool.
Giphy.com
But in all this excitement, it has become more obvious that while this is indeed a large step (and probably several steps) in the right direction, many still do not see their races represented or recognized by the Academy or Screen Actors Guild.
There weren’t many, or any for some, nominations for Latin American, Native American, Asian American, or Asian artists.
Outside of the acting categories, not many women were nominated. For example, there are no female directors nominated this year — or, for that fact, since 2008 when Kathryn Bigelow was the first woman to bring home the Oscar for Best Director.
Thankfully, this is not the end of the story. Promising words came from the Academy President, Cheryl Boone Isaacs. “This year, the goodness really has jumped out. What we have said all the time is this is about recognizing talent, in whatever form it comes—race, color, gender. This conversation will continue. The conversation becomes action. Action becomes fact.” Her vision for a more inclusive awards show is finally on the right track, but it seems to have far to go.
Representation in the movie industry is about more than just nominations. Opportunity and resources are not as readily available to directors, producers, screenwriters, and actors of color. This year, the pool of nominees reflected the rich contributions of African-American artists. There is still work to be done, but hopefully the widespread excitement over this year’s nominations will encourage the industry to provide more opportunities for artists of color.
For now, I am anxiously awaiting those acceptance speeches. You know they’re going to be powerful, pointed, and some literally for the history books.
As 2016 comes to an end, let’s recognize the women of color who work tirelessly to make our world a better place. We tried to round up 30 of the most badass, influential millennial women of color, however, due to the overwhelming number we found, we decided to go with forty. Oops.
If we learned anything this year, it’s that the future is not only female – it’s full of women of color. These are the trailblazers inspiring us now.
With that, here’s our inaugural class of #40WomentoWatch.
1. Amanda Nguyen
Photo from Boston Globe
Amanda Nguyen (@nguyen_amanda) is the founder of Rise, a national civil rights nonprofit working with multiple state legislatures and the U.S. Congress to implement a Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights. She works tirelessly to give rape survivors the rights they deserve.
In an interview, Nguyen told TheNew York Times‘ “Women in the World”: “We’ve worked extensively with people from all sides of the aisle to make sure that this bill addresses their critical voices. This includes law enforcement, defense groups, state and federal elected officials from both parties, including DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz and former RNC Co-Chair Ann Wagner, who are the lead sponsors of a U.S. House Resolution expressing support for our state bills.”
2. Issa Rae
Photo by Amanda Edwards/Getty Images
Issa Rae (@IssaRae) is the star, creator, and writer of HBO’s Insecure. The show focuses on hour long comedy segments that give a different voice to a stereotyped few. It’s honest, hilarious, and heartbreaking, in a wrap. Issa Rae is best known as the creator of the Youtube series, Awkward Black Girl. With her own unique flare and infectious sense of humor, Issa Rae’s content has garnered over 25 million views and close to 200,000 subscribers on YouTube. Rocking the game.
3. Franchesca Ramsey
Image from Twitter
Franchesca Ramsey (@chescaleigh) is the writer and star of MTV’s Decoded, which brilliantly breaks down stereotypes about race and racial issues. She was also a contributor to Larry Wilmore’s “The Nightly Show,” and was recently selected to be the newest ambassador for YouTube’s Creators for Change, an initiative that highlights people tackling social issues and promoting awareness.
4. Sara Minkara
Photo from “Empowerment Through Integration” series
Sara Minkara is the founder of Empowerment Through Integration (ETI), an organization dedicated to advocating for blind and visually-impaired youth. At age seven, she lost her vision; however, despite that deeply frightening experience, Sara knew that all of life’s opportunities could still be afforded to her. The U.S. public education system paired with the love and tenacity of her family enabled her to attend Wellesley College and Harvard University. Trips to Lebanon painted a very different reality. Lebanon’s culture often fails to recognize the potential and human rights of the blind. This inspired her to create Camp Rafiqi, which later evolved into ETI.
5. Sadie Hernandez
Photo from The Daily Texan
Sadie Hernandez (@sadieeehdz) is a proud Xicana and reproductive rights activist, famous for her 2015 protest in front of the Texas Governor’s mansion. Her activism sparked People’s Veto and the viral hashtag #IStandWithSadie. To date, she continues to work and organize with Planned Parenthood and Advocates for Youth. As Sadie notes, “I work with Planned Parenthood and Advocates for Youth to organize around reproductive justice issues imperative to the RGV. Along with other students, I work to inform RGV residents about how laws like HB2 impact our border community’s access to affordable healthcare.”
6. Jessica Williams
(Photo by Victoria Will/Invision/AP)
Jessica Williams (@msjwilly) is a former Senior Daily Show correspondent, slated for her own show on Comedy Central. She credits her ability to be hilarious on her very large funny bone. After practically “killing it” at every single comedic venue in Los Angeles, Jessica decided it was time to conquer New York City. She also has a amazing podcast, 2 Dope Queens that features her and her BFF Phoebe Robinson @dopequeenpheebs. Her badassery is strengthening.
7. Alicia Garza
Photo from SF Weekly
Alicia Garca (@aliciagarza) is one of the co-founders of Black Lives Matter. She is the director of Special Projects at the National Domestic Workers Alliance, an organization that organizes and advocates for domestic workers across the country. An activist, Alicia has spoken for a variety of causes. Alicia has taken part in coining the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter and starting the worldwide movement.
8. Opal Tometi
From Girls on the Infield
Opal Tometi (@opalayo) is a co-founder of Black Lives Matter. She is a writer, strategist, and political organizer. She is the Executive Director of BAJI (Black Alliance for Just Immigration) and works with communities across the U.S. Opal is the recipient of a variety and awards, having recently received the honor of Glamour Award for Justice Seekers.
9. Patrisse Cullors
From patrissecullors.com
Patrisse Cullors (@osope) is a co-founder of Black Lives Matter. She is an artist, activist, a Fulbright scholar, and NAACP History Maker. In 2014, Patrisse was honored with the Contribution to Oversight Award by the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (NACOLE) recognizing her work to initiate civilian oversight in Los Angeles jails. Always slaying, Patrisse is an advocate for criminal justice reform in Los Angeles.
10. Ilhan Omar
Image from Minnesota Post
Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) is the incoming U.S. House Representative for Minnesota’s District 60B. She is currently the Director of Policy and Initiatives of the Women Organizing Women Network. Ilhan fell in love with politics at the age of 14 when she acted as her grandfather’s interpreter so he could participate in their local DFL caucus, in the District she how represents. Watching neighbors come together to advocate for change at the grassroots level inspired her to get involved in the democratic process. Ilhan has proven that inclusion starts within the office.
11. Elaine Welteroth
Photo from Blavity
Elaine Welteroth (@ElaineWelteroth) is the new Editor-In-Chief of Teen Vogue! Prior to Teen Vogue, Welteroth worked as beauty writer and editor for Glamour magazine, and beauty and style editor for Ebony magazine. Have you wondered when/how/why Teen Vogue has all of a sudden become a leader in woke journalism? This woman is the answer. #blackgirlmagic
12. Janelle Monae
Image from Maroon Cafe
Janelle Monae (@JanelleMonae) is a recording artist, actor, and model. Other then being an all-around kick ass, she is also the CEO of Wondaland Records, and has starred in two of our favorite movies of the year, Moonlight and Hidden Figures. She is on fire.
13. Reshma Saujani
Photo from Makers
Reshma Saujani @reshmasaujani is the Founder and CEO of Girls Who Code, a non-profit dedicated to closing the gender gap in the technology industry. In her groundbreaking book, Women Who Don’t Wait in Line, Saujani advocates for a new model of female leadership focused on embracing risk and failure, promoting mentorship and sponsorship and boldly charting your own course—personally and professionally. Give it up for this lady!
14. Gina Rodriguez
Photo by Elle
Gina Rodriguez (@HereIsGina) is an American actress and advocate for immigration reform and diversity in Hollywood. She is the star of CW’s Jane the Virgin as Jane Villanuevela, and a lifelong advocate for saying what you need to say and getting shit done. She turned down a chance to appear on Marc Cherry’s Devious Maids series because she objected to the way it portrayed Latinos. “That’s something I didn’t want to contribute to, the incorrect perception of a culture,” she told The New York Times. If there’s anyone to look up to, it’s Gina.
15. Cleo Wade
Image from Sakara Life
Cleo Wade is a poet, artist, and speaker that creates empowering messages, blending simplicity with positivity, femininity and arresting honesty. With the belief that art is for all people, Cleo creates large scale public art pieces that stun the audience. Cleo is a dedicated advocate of female empowerment, and has spoken at NYU’s “Women on the Move” panel, as well as taught courses in self-love and self expression at Austin’s SXSW. Cleo is widely known for her stunning Instagram poetry. Slay, queen, slay.
16. Soraya Bahgat
Image from Oslo Freedom Forum
Soraya Bahgat (@SorayaBahgat) is a Finnish-Egyptian career woman, social entrepreneur and women’s rights advocate active in Egypt. She founded the Tahrir Bodyguard movement, a movement comprised of volunteers to protect women from sexual assaults in Tahrir Square. At the beginning, she was anonymous and gave an interview to Gawker in December 2012 using a pseudonym.
In February 2013, her name and occupation were revealed in a profile by the Associated Press. During down times where there was no activity in Tahrir Square, the group offered free self-defense classes for women to empower them to own the streets
17. Anniesa Hasibuan
Photo from Spiral Magazine
Anniesa Hasibuan is an Indonesian fashion designer. Born in Jakarta, Anniesa opened her first boutique in Kemang in early 2015. She made her fashion debut in London in March 2015, and has traveled to Europe and the United States to showcase her work. She was the first Indonesian fashion designer to show at NY Fashion week and the first to showcase women in hijabs. She’s a trailblazer, defying conservative critics in her homeland who say the outfits are not modest enough.
18. Solange Knowles
Photo by Elias Tahan
Solange Knowles (@solangeknowles) is an American singer-songwriter who blessed us with A Seat At The Table in 2016. Take a seat at the table and devour her stunning choreography and entrancing music. Solange started with some temporary stints for Destiny’s Child, and has since built up a massive brand.
19. Lilly Singh
Photo from Entertainment Weekly
Lilly Singh (@IISuperwomanII) is a Canadian YouTube personality, vlogger, comedian, actress and rapper. Better known by her YouTube username IISuperwomanII, Lilly is a hilarious mix of satire and comedy. She has received an MTV Fandom Award, three Streamy Awards, and two Teen Choice Awards. Shemurr.
20. Warsan Shire
Photo by The New Yorker
Warsan Shire (@warsan_shire) is a London–based- Somali writer, poet, editor and teacher. She has received the Brunel University’s African Poetry Prize, chosen from a shortlist of six candidates out of a total 655 entries. Shire’s poems connect gender, war, sex, and cultural assumptions; in her work, poetry is a healing agent for the trauma of exile and suffering. Her poetry was featured in Beyonce’s Lemonade, and still continues to astound.
21. Laila Alawa
lailaalawa.com
Laila Alawa is the Founder and CEO of The Tempest, the fastest-growing media company changing the narrative of diverse millennial women in the world. The Tempest has helped connect millions of people with more than six hundred female thought leaders on every issue, disrupting the global media status quo. Prior to founding the company, Laila worked at the White House and Congress.
22. Fatima Lodhi
(Max Becherer/AP Images for Rotary International)
Fatima Lodhi was teased for her dark skin as a child and decided to start an awareness campaign, “Dark is Divine,” to counter bias against dark-skinned people that exists in varying degrees throughout South Asia. Fatima is the first Pakistani who took a stand against colorism. Lodhi is the youngest rising anti-colorism and diversity advocate from Asia. She conducts awareness and training sessions on the topic of diversity, self-acceptance and positive body image.
23. Muniba Mazari
Photo from DW Blogs
Muniba Mazari is a Pakistani artist, writer and motivational speaker. Multifaceted, she has risen to become an influential persona in modern media. Although wheelchair-bound, her spirit and artistry know no bounds. In fact she takes the agony of spinal cord injury as a challenge and is more determined to express her sentiments through her artwork. Muniba is also a writer and motivational speaker. Rock it.
24. Donya Nasser
Property of Donya Nasser.
Donya Nasser (@donyanasser) is the first Iranian-American named Youth Observer for UN. She also sits on Planned Parenthood’s Board of Directors, leading a mounting movement as the youngest appointee to the board. Donya believes in the power of galvanizing younger generations, who embody the potential of our future to secure equality and justice for all. She has been featured on ABC, Al Jazeera, HuffPost Live, and MSNBC.
25. Astrid Silva
Photo from International Business Times
Astrid Silva (@Astrid_NV) is a political activist and DREAMer. Silva was born in Mexico and came to the United States with her parents at age 4. She spoke at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Astrid is the first undocumented immigrant to be on the DNC and is a leading voice in humanity care.
26. Dena Takruri
Photo by AJ+
Dena Takruri (@Dena) is a Palestinian-American journalist, on-air presenter, and producer with AJ+. Her powerful persona is widely known on Twitter and in the workspace, as she carves a niche into what a strong woman stands for. Dena was one of the first journalists to ever use Facebook Live as a reporting tool while covering the refugee crisis in Europe in September 2015. She has since broadcasted live from various locations including the West Bank, Oregon amid the armed occupation of the Malheur wildlife refuge, Flint, Michigan during the water crisis.
27. Lara Setrakian
Image from 20 to 30
Lara Setrakian (@Lara) is an Armenian-American journalist with a focus on Middle Eastern political economy. She has worked for numerous news outlets including ABC News, Bloomberg Television, and Business Insider. She is the founder of Syria Deeply, a single issue news website covering the civil war in Syria, and is working to redefine how news is delivered. “The linear model of covering news and moving on to the next story meant we were leaving lots of great stories behind,” Setrakian said.
28. Maggie Dunne
Image by Rothschild Fellowship
Maggie Dunne (@mhope13) founded Lakota Children’s Enrichment, a nonprofit that empowers youth on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, when she was still in high school. Today, she continues to run the organization and build partnerships and coalitions. When asked how she decided to direct her energies towards helping the Lakota on the Pine Ridge Reservation Maggie recently said: “I learned all that I could and felt compelled to take action… I could not understand why I never heard of the problems on Reservations and why I had not studied the history of our first Americans in school… the cause chose me.”
29. Malia Bouattia
Image from The Telegraph
Malia Bouattia (@MaliaBouattia) is a student politician and the president of the National Union of Students, elected at the National Conference in April 2016. She is the first Muslim head of the NUS, and takes over the world on a daily basis. Before then, Bouattia served two years as Black Students’ Officer of the National Union of Students (NUS). While in this position, she campaigned against the UK government’s Prevent strategy which she describes as “toxic and unworkable.” Bouattia also pushed for greater ethnic diversity amongst NUS candidates and campaigned for the establishment of a permanent officer for transgender students.
No biggie.
30. Maya Cueva
Photo from Latino USA
Maya Cueva (@mayitacuevita) is an award winning documentary filmmaker and multimedia producer. Her film The Provider follows a traveling abortion provider in Texas and the laws that restrict reproductive rights. She is now working on a docuseries that chronicles different abortion clinics in Texas and the communities fighting to keep them open.
31. Katherine Jin
Image from Kinnos
Katherine Jin is the co-founder of Kinnos, an organization dedicated to creating products that help protect healthcare workers and patients. Katherine won Columbia University’s Ebola Design Challenge with a product called Highlight, a colored additive to disinfectant solution that allows healthcare workers to easily spot any areas that were not disinfected.
32. Haben Girma
Photo from Eritrea Chat
Haben Girma (@HabenGirma) is a first-generation Eritrean immigrant and the first Deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law School. She was honored as a White House Champion of Change, which recognizes individuals who are making change in their communities. She is a champion of inclusion and gives accessibility and diversity training to leaders across industries.
33. Rebecca Dharmapalan
Image from Engage Sciences
Rebecca Dharmapalan is a documentary filmmaker known for her film International Boulevard, which exposes the prevalence of domestic sex trafficking in the United States. Her truth hunting and prevalence is heart rendering, making her a top candidate for badass women that need to be acknowledged. Now, Rebecca is embarking on her latest project: a feature film. This feature film will be a sequel to her short documentary, in which she will finally be able to expose the entirety of the industry of sex trafficking through complex, multidimensional characters, hard facts and evidence.
34. Jamia Wilson
Image from Fresh Speakers
Jamia Wilson (@jamiaw) is a storyteller, activist, and feminist. She is the Executive Director of Women, Action, & the Media, and a staff writer for Rookie Mag and has contributed to many news outlets including The Washington Post, The Today Show, and New York Magazine. It may be true that Jamia has spoken alongside feminist greats like Gloria Steinem and Jane Fonda, but we think they’re also lucky to have been alongside her. She’s incredible.
35. Serena Williams
Image from The Invisibility Project
Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) has won pretty much every tennis competition and medal possible, and she’s won them over and over and over. She is an outspoken voice about sexism in the sports industry, having recently said that she thinks if she were a man she would have been called the greatest athlete of all time long ago. Well, we see you and we agree.
GREATEST OF ALL TIME!
36. Angelia Trinidad
Image from A Women’s Thing
Angelia Trinidad (@AngeliaTrinidad) is a businesswoman and entrepreneur. She is the creator and CEO of Passion Planner, which sells a planner that aims to help young people find their passion and reach their goals. In her own words: “After a year of going back and forth debating with myself being scared of not being able to create the perfect planner, or please everyone, I realized enough was enough. I needed to stop letting fear paralyze me and I was going to take action.”
37. Ali Barthwell
Image from XO Jane
Ali Barthwell (@wtflanksteak) is a writer, comedian, and pioneer of Black Feminist television commentary. Ali was a recipient of the Puma/LOL Second City Diversity Scholarships in 2010. She also participated in The Bob Curry Fellowship at The Second City. In addition to the touring company, she is a member of Sweet Tease. Her written work can be seen on Second City Network, xoJane, and New York Magazine. Ali is what we call #goals.
38. Kayla Briët
Image from Orange County Register
Kayla Briët (@kaylabriet) is a Native American filmmaker, composer, musician, and artist. She was recognized as a 2016 Sundance Ignite Fellow and is passionate about exploring her roots through film. As a multi-instrumentalist and self-taught composer, Briët scores her own films and creates music in styles ranging from cinematic to alt. pop and electronic.
39. Sumia Hussain
Photo from Google+
Sumia Hussain (@SewMeaSweater) is changing what it means and how startups get grants. She has her eye set on changing startup culture for good, to make it more inclusive and diverse. Sumia is fiercely passionate about helping good people do great things. During her undergraduate experience, she was involved in and founded several student organizations that focus on furthering social impact in the areas of Public Health, Social Entrepreneurship, E-Learning and multiculturalism. You go, girl.
40. Dina Torkia
Mail & Guardian
Dina Torkio (@dinatorkio) is a hijabi blogger. Her focus on fashion and trends renders from time to time, and grows along with her current fan base. She has spoken out numerously about the fear factor behind hijab and pushing her voice out there. Dina’s work has appeared in The Guardian and multiple other publications.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
![[Image Description: Adiba Jaigirdar holding up her book The Henna Wars in front of a bookcase.] Via Twitter](https://thetempest.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/custom-Custom_Size___EXxyKPMXsAQk4Ok.jpg)
![[Image Description: Book cover of The Henna Wars, two girls with henna reaching their hands out to each other.] Via Twitter](https://thetempest.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/the-henna-wars-198x300.jpg)
![[Image Description: Headshot of Janelle Monae, dressed as a femme robot with her face covered in a silver chain standing eyes-closed in front of a blue background with an orange sun in the center]. Via Atlantic Records.](https://thetempest.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Template-Featured-Image-7.png)
![[Image description: a collage of stills from various films]](https://thetempest.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/1.png)
![[Protesters at a #BlackLivesMatter demonstration] Via Unsplash](https://thetempest.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Untitled-design-32.png)
![[Image description: Bebe Rexha at the 2019 Grammy Awards] Via. Mirror](https://thetempest.co/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/23.-Bebe-Rexha.jpg)
