In the midst of today's crazymaking Amy Coney Barrett live hearings—a terrifying process that could eventually result in the demolition of Roe v. Wade—we'd like to suggest a little palate cleanser in the form of Viva Ruiz’s new track, “Thank God For Abortion Anthem.” Ruiz is an activist and artist-in-residence for Shout Your Abortion, a multimedia movement working to normalize abortions through art, storytelling, and community-building events and she's also the creator of the activist collective Thank God For Abortion (TGFA). Ruiz started TGFA in 2015 as a response to the closing of abortion clinics across the U.S., and they have just released this supercool song and music video:

In a public statement about the video, Ruiz explains, “TGFA is a spiritual mission to affirm the sanctity of abortion-having people. Queer people, gay people, trans people, and people of faith all have abortions…. We stand as believers intending to claim space for God in the abortion conversation. God has been used against abortion-having people, against LGBTQ people, against women and femme people. We know it’s a blasphemy to use spirit to oppress people.”

"Thank God For Abortion Anthem” is a powerful display of solidarity with the Pro-Chice movement and all proceeds from this song will be donated to the Abortion Care Network.

To make a donation and to learn more, visit the song's Bandcamp page.  

Images: Screenshot from video

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An open letter to Lisa Simpson: Could you please become real so you can be our president? I know you'll forever be an eight-year-old girl, wise beyond her years. But technically, you've been around since 1989, so only a few more years until you're eligible to run! Since your inception, you've been an inspiration to women everywhere. We fell in love with your beautiful mind and kind soul. Surrounded by chaos, you stay true to your convitions, unafraid to question authority. You taught us that true confidence comes from believing in your own abilities to handle challenges as opposed to relying on external validation. So, in your honor, here are 19 moments of you making us all feel a little less alone.

1. "Well, I'm going to be a famous jazz musician. I've got it all figured out. I'll be unappreciated in my own country, but my gutsy blues stylings will electrify the French. I'll avoid the horrors of drug abuse, but I do plan to have several torrid love affairs, and I may or may not die young. I haven't decided." (Separate Vocations, s. 3 ep. 18)

When Springfield Elementary forces the kids to take career aptitude tests, Lisa is told she is best suited to be a homemaker. While there’s nothing wrong with the occupation (I mean, it’s Marge who’s keeping this family together, after all), Lisa knows deep down what she wants, and she spends the rest of the episode determined to live her dreams. Here, Lisa proves that living the life you want takes courage. People will disapprove and discourage, but you’re entitled to shine and make big plans and have as many torrid love affairs as you please.

2. "Millions of girls will grow up thinking that this is the right way to act....that they can never be more than vacuous ninnies whose only goal is to look pretty, land a rich husband, and spend all day on the phone with their equally vacuous friends talking about how damn terrific it is to look pretty and have a rich husband!" (Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy, s. 5 ep. 14)

In arguably one of Lisa’s most feminist adventures, she challenges the makers of Malibu Stacy to create a talking doll that isn’t sexist. And she succeeds, creating Lisa Lionheart, voiced by herself! Both a businesswoman and an activist, Lisa knows women deserve better, and when her needs aren’t met, she’s not afraid takes matters into her own hands.

3.  "My interests include music, science, justice, animals, shapes, feelings..." (Scuse Me While I Miss the Sky, s. 14 ep. 16)

It’s important to have a rich interior life. Like Lisa, you contain multitudes. Take some time for yourself. You work hard. You’re allowed to enjoy things.

4. "I learned that beneath my goody two-shoes lies some very dark socks."  (Dial “N” for Nerder, s. 19 ep. 14)

Lisa may be a lover of music, justice, animals, shapes and feelings, but don’t underestimate her. Moral of the story? Never mistake kindness for weakness.

5. "You mean those leagues where parents push their kids into vicious competition to compensate for their own failed dreams of glory?" (The Secret War of Lisa Simpson, s. 8 ep. 25)

I. FEEL. SO. SEEN. If school sports were also hell for you, you know what I mean. Lisa is failing gym class, and if she wants to pass, she needs to join a sports program outside of school. Like me, she’s not happy about it. Unlike me, she ends up being pretty amazing at ice hockey.

6. "It's not my nature to complain, but so far today we've had three movies, two filmstrips, and an hour and a half of magazine time. I just don't feel challenged." (The Secret War of Lisa Simpson, s. 8 ep. 25)

As women, we’re conditioned to believe that we should be compliant, so speaking up and asking for what you need can be daunting. Lisa knows her education is too important to settle for a lackluster curriculum. She demands to be heard and challenged, so she joins Bart at military school because "magazine time" just isn't cutting it.>

7. "I am tired of being a corporate shill! From now on, I will speak out against the evils in society from dog-napping to cigarettes!" (Lisa the Beauty Queen, s. 4 ep. 4)

When she’s crowned "Little Miss Springfield," Lisa refuses to let her image be used for corporate gains. So she uses her newfound fame and platform to speak about issues important to her like funding for education and the arts. We gotta value our voices and feel like they count, no matter how many followers we have.

8. "Why is it when a woman is confident and powerful, they call her a witch?" (Treehouse of Horror XIX, s. 20 ep.4) 

Because they're scared of confident, powerful women. Remember, WITCH = Woman In Total Control of Herself. 

9. "There's a lot more to it than that, Bart. I don't just babysit. I sell peace of mind for a dollar an hour. Two dollars after 9 o'clock." (My Sister, My Sitter, s. 8 ep. 17)

In this episode, Lisa’s entrepreneurial skills kick in and she decides to take up babysitting. At first, no one takes her seriously because of her age. But nevertheless, she persists and builds up a steady roster of clients. Bart gets jealous and belittles her work, but Lisa claps back with this amazing response. No job is too big or too small for Lisa. And she can negotiate a salary, too.

10. "Dad! 'The Second Amendment' is just a remnant from revolutionary day. It has no meaning today." (The Cartridge Family, s. 9 ep. 5)

Lisa knows that society and culture are always changing, therefore lawmaking policies should reflect that.

11. "Okay, I'm not going to give up. Solitude never hurt anyone. Emily Dickinson lived alone, and she wrote some of the most beautiful poetry the world has ever known...then went crazy as a loon." (The Secret War of Lisa Simpson, s. 8 ep. 25) 

While Lisa worries that her education is not challenging enough, Bart is sent to military school for his bad behavior. Upon seeing that the military school is more difficult than Springfield Elementary, Lisa decides she wants to go and becomes its first female student (yayy congrats!). Military school proves to be more challenging than Lisa thought. Feeling lonely and homesick, Lisa considers going home but finds her inner strength and determines to stick it out. We’ve all had moments where we feel like we don’t belong. We’ve all had moments where we feel like giving up. But the most important thing is how we talk to ourselves in these situations. Lisa doesn’t let the opinions of others determine her capabilities, and she wouldn’t want you to either.

12. "It's amazing how I can feel sorry for you and hate you at the same time. I'm sure there's a German word for it." (How Munched Is That Birdie in the Window? s. 22 ep. 7)

Enough said.

13. "An open letter to the people of Springfield. Today, our town lost what remained of its fragile civility drowned in a sea of low fat pudding. We are a town of lowbrows, no brows and ignorami. We have eight malls, but no symphony. Thirty-two bars, but no alternative theater. Thirteen stores that begin with 'Le Sex.' I write this letter not to nag or whine, but to prod. We can better ourselves....Well, most of us." (They Saved Lisa’s Brain, s. 10 ep. 22)

Another great example of Lisa using her voice and challenging Springfield's status quo. Fed up with Springfield’s lack of culture and sophistication, she writes an open letter that ends up in the newspaper. The Springfield chapter of Mensa is impressed and invites her to join. She also gets to meet Stephen Hawking.

14. "Mom, I know your intentions are good, but aren't the police the protective force that maintains the status quo for the wealthy elite? Don't you think we ought to attack the roots of social problems instead of jamming people into overcrowded prisons?" (The Springfield Connection, s. 6 ep. 23)

Lisa vocalizes her issues with her mother's new career and the prison system at large and Marge, at a loss for words, desperately attempts to distract her with a puppet. A classic element of Simpsons comedy in which Lisa's accute honesty makes others uncomfortable with their blissful ignorance. 

15. "Well, I wish that you wouldn't. Because aside from the fact that he has the same frailties as all human beings, he's the only father I have. Therefore, he is my model of manhood, and my estimation of him will govern the prospects of my adult relationships. So I hope you bear in mind that any knock at him is a knock at me, and I am far too young to protect myself against such onslaughts." (Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire, s. 1 ep. 1)

When Selma and Patty trash Homer, Lisa stands up for her dad. While Homer isn’t the perfect "model of manhood," we don’t get to choose our family. Lisa won’t accept that kind of negativity into her life.

16. "Dad, it's 3am. Can't you mutter in your room?" (The Cartridge Family, s. 9 ep. 5)

Always asking the important questions.

17. "Does it make you feel superior to tear down people's dreams?" (‘Scuse Me While I Miss the Sky, s. 14 ep. 16)

Never apologize for having dreams. Never apologize for wanting things. People’s discouragement is useless, so don't use it. Don't let that bullshit inside your beautiful mind. It has no bearing on your life. Have your goals. Work at them day by day. Negativity is noise. Change the station.

18. "Look, Dad! I made a modern studio apartment for my Malibu Stacey Doll. This is the kitchen. This is where she prints her weekly feminist newsletter...Dad! You're not listening to me!" (Lisa the Greek, s. 3 ep. 14)

A perfect, modern, feminist utopia. Come work at BUST, Lisa!!

19. "For once in your life, be cool." (The Simpsons Movie) 

Lisa may be a feminist icon, but that doesn't mean she's free of any doubts or insecurities. Lisa's relatability undoubtedly makes us feel close to her. We grew up watching Lisa deal with a chaotic family life. We saw her cope with feeling misunderstood, underestimated, alone and anxious for her future. We saw her going after what she wanted and what she believed was right despite her vulnerabilities. We saw Lisa in ourselves.

Header photo via FOX 

Other photos created by author via imgflip.com 

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The role of women in World War II was huge, from the Bletchley Park codebreakers to the brave nurses that took to the battlefield and saved lives by the thousands. Yet it’s only now that we’re discovering many of these stories. That includes the lives of four women we’ll be looking at today. Women who overcame the odds thanks to their bravery, smarts, and a unending determination. Seriously, these women’s stories are inspirational badassery on steroids that will have you shouting, "Why isn’t this a movie!?!"

SO, LET'S GET STARTED!!

*warning: This does get pretty intense and bleak in place…because.. well, it’s war.

1. FAYE SCHULMAN: THE GIRL WHO WOULD NOT BE SILENCED

Faye Schulman 

When Faye Schulman was 22, her entire family was murdered in a liquidation of a Polish ghetto. Faye alone was spared, thanks to her skills as a photographer, which the Nazis took advantage of, forcing her to develop pictures of their atrocities—including the murder of her own family. Determined to make sure people knew what happened to her family, Faye secretly kept copies of the pictures. She then resolved to escape and do everything she could to fight the Nazi regime.

Miraculously, Faye managed to escape and  joined a band of partisan fighters, made up of escaped prisoners of war. But the group wasn't convinced they wanted Faye's company, partly because she was the only woman, and also because she had no military experience—in addition to a fear of blood and guns. She was not exactly the ideal rebel fighter, but Faye refused to give in. She worked her ass off overcoming her fears, as she learned to shoot and train in combat, all in addition to becoming a self-trained nurse after realizing that the nobody in the group had medical training.

Faye with her fellow resistance fighters 

Throughout her time with the partisans, Faye saved countless civilian and military lives thanks to her new medical skills. She also took part in dozens of missions and raids to slow down the Nazis progress and rescue Jewish people. However, Faye's greatest accomplishment was her photography. Over the course of two years, Faye took hundreds of pictures, developing them under blankets, and even burying her camera and film in the woods to keep them out of enemy hands. She was determined that people see the the atrocities being carried out and the resistance fighting back, saying:

"I WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW THAT THERE WAS RESISTANCE. JEWS DID NOT GO LIKE SHEEP TO THE SLAUGHTER. I WAS A PHOTOGRAPHER. I HAVE PICTURES. I HAVE PROOF."

After the war, her photographs helped the world understand the horrors of the Nazi regime and the unsung efforts of the resistance. She continued working as a photographer and speaking out about her war experiences.

Faye with her camera that helped change the world

2. NOOR INAYAT KHAN: THE SPY PRINCESS

Noor Inayat Khan

In 1943, Noor Inyat Khan became the first female secret radio operator sent to Nazi-occupied France. It was an incredible achievement, which was somewhat lessened by two things: the average survival rate for the job was six weeks, and gentle, emotional children’s author Noor was the last person you’d expect to take on such a deadly role…and survive.

Noor had a lot of things going for her that made her the perfect spy. She was ridiculously smart, bilingual, and easily adaptable, but she was also sensitive and emotional, scatterbrained, and a literal princess, thus making her a visible target to enemies. Furthermore, as a firm pacifist, Noor refused to lie or use any form of violence: two pretty fundamental skills for being a spy. So, it’s not surprising that British Intelligence wasn't desperate to get her out on the field. Then the Nazis occupied France, and everything changed.

Having spent her childhood in the France, Noor was determined to do everything she could to protect its citizens. She did a complete 180, training hard and building her skillset. Soon, she proved to be one of the most whip-smart and focused people in the history of British Intelligence. 

Yes, Noor!!!

In 1943, Noor arrived in Paris, but within days of her arrival, every other radio operator was captured by the Nazis, leaving her alone on enemy soil. 

But Noor stuck it out, knuckled down, and to everyone’s surprise, she fucking nailed it! She ran an entire radio network solo, intercepting messages and passing along vital intel, all while constantly on the run from the Nazis. When the British offered to evacuate Noor, she refused. Twice. Despite the danger, she wouldn’t leave her post unprotected. The sweet, gentle princess that nobody thought would last a week had proved herself to be a badass with bravery and intelligence beyond comparison.

I'm just so damn proud

Five months after Noor started her work, someone blew her cover and she was imprisoned by the Nazis. But in typical Noor fashion, she wouldn't let that stop her doing her work. Within hours of her capture, she snuck out her cell and leapt across rooftops to freedom.

Sadly, the escape attempt didn’t work. Noor was caught and dragged back to her cell where she underwent intense interrogation, which turned into merciless beating. Still, she said nothing. Noor was kept shackled and starved in solitary confinement, her only contact being the soldiers who beat her on a daily basis. This was Noor's life for 10 months.

Eventually, Noor and three other agents were transferred to Dachau, where they were to be executed. While the other agents were quickly beheaded, Noor was kept alive for one more day of torture in a final attempt at collecting information. She refused to give up any information, so on the 13th September 1944, Noor was executed.

The last words of the woman that defied so many and saved even more:

"LIBERTÉ!"

3. SUZANNE SPAAK: MOTHER OF THE RESISTANCE

Suzanne Spaak

Suzanne was one of those women who was born to be a mom. As a proud mother of two, she lived for her children and filled their Paris home with laughter and love. And then World War II hit. Suddenly, the world wasn’t so bright. Suzanne's home had been invaded and all around her, families were being torn apart by the Nazi regime.

Finding it increasingly difficult to do nothing, this housewife and mother joined the French Resistance in 1942. Other members of the resistance weren’t thrilled by the addition of a housewife and mother with no military experience. At best, she would be a failure. At worst, another body to them to clean up. They couldn’t have been more wrong.

Suzanne was fearless. She refused to back down from any assignment, and when operations went tits up, it was Suzanne coming up with intelligence solutions to save the day. And she never stop proving the resistance wrong. Determined to get as many Jewish people to safety as possible, Suzanne risked everything to get ration cards and fake IDs for families. Using her motherly influence, she firmly reminded Paris’s religious elite and hospitals that they were morally bound to protect and house those in need. In other words, could they please get their shit together, do their damn job, and start housing Jewish refugees?! (Basically "do your homework" on a whole new level!)

Suzanne wasn’t done, though. She helped lead an operation to save more than 60 Jewish children who had been marked for deportation. Hiding several children in her own home, Suzanne risked her own family's lives. Not only that, but she convinced others to do the same until all 60 children were saved. 

I mean, just the definition of a badass mom

In 1943, Suzanne sensed that her arrest was imminent. She stayed calm (again, mom skills!) and passed along names of all the children and families she had yet to save, ensuring her work could continue. Suzanne was arrested and in 1944, she was executed. Her legacy lives on, and thanks to her, countless Jewish children and families escaped Paris alive.

4. NANCY WAKE: THE FEARLESS MOUSE

Nancy Wake, taking better pictures than you since 1942

Nancy was a constant thorn in Hitler’s side. A glamorous, gun-toting spy with buckets of smarts and sass, she was soon number one on the Gestapo's most wanted list.

Born into poverty in New Zealand, Nancy showed her steely determination from a young age. She stubbornly worked to make something of herself, training as a journalist and eventually marrying a Frenchman and moving to Paris. There, Nancy was forced to watch in horror as her newfound home was taken by the Nazis. She immediately moved into action. Working as a journalist, she’d witnessed Hitler’s rise firsthand. Once, on a trip to Vienna, Nancy had seen Hitler's Brownshirts mercilessly beat men and women in the streets. 

Nancy knew one thing—she sure as fuck wasn’t letting that shit happen—not in her home! So she risked it all and joined the French Resistance, working as a courier and also rescuing RAF pilots. She sheltered them and at night got them across the border and the fuck out of dodge.

Nancy was nicknamed "the White Mouse" for her ability to run rings around the Gestapo, but unfortunately, they soon caught up with her. The game of cat and mouse was over, and the Gestapo were all set to capture Nancy…but then she got word of the imminent arrest. She kissed her husband goodbye and went on the run, never seeing him again. The Nazis raided their home and tortured her husband, eventually killing him after he refused to disclose her whereabouts.This infuriated Nancy, and made her more determined. She later said:

"IN MY OPINION, THE ONLY GOOD GERMAN WAS A DEAD GERMAN, AND THE DEADER, THE BETTER. I KILLED A LOT OF GERMANS, AND I AM ONLY SORRY I DIDN’T KILL MORE."

Nancy traveled to Britain, where she became a Special Operations Executive. She trained in guerrilla warfare and eventually returned to France. In Englad, she lead thousands of Resistance fighters in successful battles to reclaim occupied towns. She raided supply lines, cut train lines, and once cycled over 300 miles in 70 hours to replace lost wireless codes! Basically, Nancy did everything she could to piss off the Nazis and stop their progress. She even claimed to have killed an SS with her bare hands!

By the end of the war, Nancy was the most decorated Allied woman, dripping in medals from multiple countries. But she shrugged it off, sold the medals, and lived comfortably off the cash for the rest of her life, saying:

"There’s no point in keeping them… I’ll probably go to hell and they’d melt anyway."

This was really interesting! Where can I find out more?Well, let's break it down for each of the ladies:

Faye Schulman: Faye has continued to talk about her experiences during WWII, and you can find an amazing video of Faye doing just that HERE!

Noor Inayat Khan: There a few really great books on Noor, one of these is Spy Princess by Shrabani Basu. I think it does a really good job of showing Noor as a full person.

Suzanne Spaak: We haven't read it yet, but Suzanne’s Children: A Daring Rescue in Nazi Paris by Anne Nelson came out recently. So fingers crossed, guys!

Nancy Wake: You are really spoiled for choice here! Russell Braddons' Nancy Wake is an easy popcorn read on her (in fact several people in the Amazon comments initially thought it was a novel…). There's also a docu-drama on Nancy (the whole thing may currently be on YouTube…just saying)

This post originally appeared on F Yeah History and is reprinted here with permission.

Top photo: Faye Schulman

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I’ve been a server for a while—a little over two years—and have hated almost every moment of it. During my first week of university, where I studied journalism, a professor told the whole class that we “probably wouldn’t get jobs in the industry.” At this point, I’d already taken out a 27 thousand pound loan and couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else, so I finished my three years and hoped for the best. And it seems that the professor was almost right. All that’s followed since graduating has been a string of internships, freelance jobs, and chasing down those freelance people to pay me the little I’m worth. But it’s not all that bad, because I’m living in New York City, where I’ve always wanted to be. Like all major cities in the world, however, they require a shit load of money to live in and I can’t live on tap water and air. Also, I need somewhere to sleep. Which is why I work as a waitress. Many creative people do it; I’m not ashamed of working in a service job while gaining enough money so that I can write on the side and do what I love. Service jobs do test you. They are tiring, demanding, and don’t pay what they should. It also doesn’t help that many customers overstep their boundaries when it comes to dealing with a server, so, I’ve made a short, easy to follow list for anyone who enters a restaurant or bar on how to treat their female server:

Do not, I repeat, DO NOT TOUCH ME

If you need another beer, water, or want to know where the toilets are, simply ask. Even if it’s loud, I am paying attention to you and when I’m close enough to hear, ask me. A polite “excuse me” will whip my head around because as I said, I’m doing my job and I’m looking out for if anyone needs anything. You do not need to poke me to get my attention. You do not need to tap me on the shoulder. If you are walking by me, you especially do not need to touch the small of my back in order to let me know you are behind me and move me out of the way. Whenever I go to the service station or kitchen I am in very close proximity to others and I have never need to touch anyone I work with, so you don’t either.

Don’t click (snap) your fingers at me

If I haven’t checked on you for a while and you desperately need something I don’t mind a small wave. Bare in mind that you are not my only table in the restaurant and unless you have booked the whole place out just for you I do have other customers to serve. Sorry. Now, if you’re waving like a person drowning at sea, keep in mind that my boss might see this and I’ll get in trouble. Make eye contact with me, make a small universally understood singing the bill gesture. Don’t, however, click at me like I’m an animal. Remember your place: You aren’t a member of the royal family in the middle ages and I am not your servant. You’re drinking happy hour priced beer and wings.

Don’t flirt with me

Do I go to your place of work and flirt with you? No, because that would be highly inappropriate. Regardless of whether this is a place where people come to relax, drink and enjoy their time after work on a Friday—I do, in fact, work here. This is where I make my money to live. Furthermore, acknowledge that you are putting a server in a position where they are unlikely to be rude as you are the paying customer. I cannot tell you to "fuck off" like I would if I weren’t clocked in. I cannot leave the premises if you are being overly creepy. Most of what I can do is smile, laugh and pretend your unwanted attention is exactly what I want. I do not want to be flirted with at work. No one in the restaurant industry does. I solely want to make my money and leave so I’m not on my feet anymore.

Don’t make me give you my number

Yes, this has happened to me and a few people I’ve worked with. Customers, unaware that we can’t say no because 1. we’d get in trouble for being rude and 2. we need the tips, have taken our phones and put their numbers in or followed themselves on Instagram. Realize that we will block, unfollow you as soon as you leave. You’re using your position of power over us and this is creepy behavior and no one likes it.

Don’t write your number or a message on the bill

I will show all of my co-workers and laugh at you. I might also give your number to someone that isn’t me just to fuck with you. Not only will my co-workers see this, but my boss also will. Surprisingly, I don’t get to personally keep these bills and whatever you write will be passed around. For this reason, I will share a note I once received: “You are hot. I like your accent. Plz phone me so I can show you a good time.” Tempting, I know.

Don’t wait for me after my shift

When I’m asked what time I finish I will not give you the right answer because that’s a weird thing to ask. Are you assuming we’re going to do something together once I finish and that I don’t already have plans? Do you think I’d rather spend time with someone I served beers for than go home or do whatever it is I plan on doing? Always assume it’s a no. And, if you wait for me at the bar and watch me until we’re closing I will guess that you want to kill me. I’ve had to sneak out different entries of restaurants and walk my friends out because of people like you. It isn’t attractive or serendipitous that you’re waiting for me to finish and for me to realize you’re still there. I can see you; I’ve told my co-workers about you and we all think you’re a weirdo. Go home.

Don’t ask me my political/religious views

If you’re a Trump supporter, don’t expect me to agree with you because you’re my customer. So, don’t get upset if you ask me about him and I give you an answer that you won’t like. You don’t know me and I don’t know you. The only thing I’m interested in is knowing what you’d like to eat and drink and if you’ll leave me an ok tip. I don’t care if you served in the military and love what Trump is doing for you. I don’t care that your granddad was a coal miner or that you don’t like paying taxes. I don’t care if you don’t believe in climate change. Frankly, I’ll think you’re stupid and probably pay less attention to you, meaning you’re doing yourself more harm by venting to me.

Don’t ask my co-workers where they’re from

This is a less insulting one as I’m clearly white and British (although everyone assumes I’m Irish, for whatever reason I don’t know). But don’t ask my blatantly non-white co-workers where “they’re really from” because that is insulting. Wherever they are from is none of your business nor will it change how they serve you; they don’t have the time either to intricately explain their family tree. Moreover, don’t assume that they are one thing, because you might be wrong and further insult them. Just because someone is speaking Spanish doesn’t mean they are from Mexico or want to hear about your crazy trip to Cancún.

Don’t ask me to drink with you

I don’t know how many times I need to repeat this: I am at work. I don’t want to and cannot drink while at work. Even if you beg to ask my boss if it’s okay I am not allowed. I can’t afford to drink at work because unlike you, I’m not sat down and relaxing. I didn’t choose to be here on a weekend, my schedule required me to be. I’d much rather be out with my friends drinking at a bar, too. I am not. I am at work. If I say I can’t the first time, don’t try to convince me with a slurred sales pitch about only living once.

Lastly, do tip

I’m poor. I’m tired. I’m overworked. My feet hurt. My soul is drained. The least you can do after making me list all the beers on tap (only to pick Bud Lite), run to the kitchen for extra ranch dressing, fix the wobbly table and box your food up is leave a decent tip. Even more so if you’ve been inappropriate with me. I have had plenty of tables that have flirted and asked me out only to leave a shitty tip. Shame on you for thinking I want to go out with a stingy person.

Image Courtesy of Lynn Mimistrobell via Flickr

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In Mexico, a mostly female team of researchers have potentially made an important discovery in eradicating HPV, or Human Papilloma Virus. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection “that can lead to some cancers, particularly cervical cancer, and warts” according toBrit + Co. HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, which is thesecond-leading cause of death of women in Mexico.

Eva Ramón Gallegos, who led the team, “was able to completely eradicate the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in 29 patients” reports El Universal. The study was first conducted on 420 women in Veracruz and Oaxaca, where “the virus was 85 percent eliminated in the patients that had HPV without premalignant lesions and the patients who had lesions with HPV.”

Ramon Gallegos then sought to recreate this study in Mexico City, and this time, all 29 of the women who were treated were completely cured. She did this by using photodynamic therapy, which she has been studying for 20 years. According to the National Cancer Institute: “Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment that uses a drug, called a photosensitizer or photosensitizing agent, and a particular type of light. When photosensitizers are exposed to a specific wavelength of light, they produce a form of oxygen that kills nearby cells.”

While this is a potential breakthrough, it is by no means a cure just yet. The study is not peer-reviewed, and a sample size of 29 women is too small to be conclusive. Still, it is exciting that we are getting closer to eradicating this horrible disease.

Top photo courtesy of Ed Uthman via Flickr

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Resentment and fury ran high as the Senate voted to advance Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination to a final confirmation vote. Democratic efforts to continue to debate the nomination were defeated 51-49 this Friday morning. This vote comes after the Senate was given an FBI report on the sexual assault allegations, which Trump ordered due to pressure from Republican senators. The report, which concluded that no one could confirm the allegations from Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and Deborah Ramirez, has been widely criticized. Democrats argued that agents failed to contact other witnesses.

While this is a significant hurdle towards Kavanaugh being appointed to a life-time position on the Supreme Court, there’s still a chance lawmakers could vote differently and Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine said she would consider doing so by 3pm today, reports the Chicago Tribune. These two past weeks have been painful and exhausting. If you’re feeling emotionally gutted right now, you are not alone. We are with you. If you’re terrified of feeling paralyzed with hopelessness in the unfortunate event Kavanaugh is confirmed, make concrete plans to do something that will fulfill you.

Self-care is essential this weekend, and by self-care I mean doing whatever YOU need to do to feel safe. So much of the time, we’re in a mental battle over what we should be doing and how we should be helping and how we should always know what’s happening. And while activism is undoubtedly needed, the pressure to always be doing something can highlight feelings of inadequacy. As women we are well acquainted with the notion of ‘I am not enough.’ So whether you are a survivor of sexual assault or an ally, please don’t feel guilty if the constant stream of news is becoming too much, you are fully within your right to turn it off.

However, if you are able to protest this weekend, please do. If you can, keep calling your senators. The number for the Senate switchboard is 202-224-3121 and this website will help you find your reps. Additionally, you can also donate to the "Rapid Response Fund" created by the organization, March On, to fight back in the immediate aftermath of the vote. Do whatever you can to help but also do whatever you can to find some peace. Spend time with friends and loved ones. Wear things that make you comfortable. Read a book. Snuggle with a cute animal. Order that second Frappuccino. Get a yourself a blowout. What’s important is that you make a plan to take care of you. This doesn’t make you indifferent. It makes you more prepared to continue to fight. So rest up and then, if you haven’t already done so, register to vote.

Header image via Mobilus In Mobili 

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Celebrate the power of finding understanding and unity through performance with Stories Of: Women for Stories Of: Abortion With Planned Parenthood NYC. A "traveling female-identified storytelling, live music, art and comedy series," Stories Of: Women is dedicated to examining often undiscussed emotions (jealousy/shame/fear). Head to Joe's Pub on January 15th for a night of storytelling, music and comedy featuring a roster of incredible performers who will share their own abortion stories, highlighting the importance of the right to choose. Presented by Kidd Bell in partnership with Planned Parenthood NYC, doors open at 9pm for the 9:30pm show. Performers include:

Jessica Valenti - NYTimes Best Selling Author, Founder of Feministing.com, Journalist

Jamilah Lemieux - Writer, Cultural Critic, The Root’s 100 Most Influential African Americans, Speaker

Vera Papisova - Award-Winning Journalist, Editor, Recipient of PPH Maggie Award

Madison McFerrin - Singer/Songwriter / Writer at Pitchfork, Vice, Paper

Aaliyah Daniels - NY Teen Poet Laureate Ambassador at Urban Word, Writer, Author

Ziwe Fumudoh - Comedian, Writer for Reductress, Elle

There will also be a talk by the Planned Parenthood NYC Associate Director of Community Engagement & the Strategic Initiatives Manager. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased online here.

Header photo courtesy of @thestoriesofwomen on Instagram

Other photos courtesy of thestoriesofwomen.com

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With his recent presidential bid, former vice president Joe Biden is facing a resurgence of criticism for his role in handling Anita Hill's 1991 testimony against Clarence Thomas, in which she accused the Supreme Court nominee of sexual harassment. Before launching his 2020 campaign, Biden reached out to Hill through an arranged phone call to express “his regret for what she endured and his admiration for everything she has done to change the culture around sexual harassment in this country,” revealed a campaign spokesperson. Hill was unsatisfied with Biden’s attempts to make amends.

At the time of her testimony, Biden was the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and presided over the confirmation hearings. During which, Hill was subjected to brutal interrogations by a committee of all white-males, who belittled her accusations with testimony from Thomas supporters and failed to call witnesses who were willing to testify on Hill’s behalf. In a recent interview with The New York Times, Hill, who’s currently a professor of social policy, law and women’s studies at Brandeis University stated, “I cannot be satisfied by simple saying, ‘I’m sorry for what happened to you.’ I will be satisfied when I know there is real change and real accountability and real purpose.”

While she did mention that she does not believe Biden’s actions should bar him from the race, affirming she’s “really open to people changing,” she cannot support the candidate until he takes full responsibility. “He needs to give an apology to the other women and to the American public because we know now how deeply disappointed Americans around the country were about what they saw. And not just women. There are women and men now who have just really lost confidence in our government to respond to the problem of gender violence,” she told The Times. 

Dr. Christine Blasey Ford’s 2018 testimony against Brett Kavanaugh drew many comparisons to the 1991 hearing. Hill remarked in the interview that she considers Biden to have “set the stage” for Kavanaugh’s confirmation. Both Kavanaugh and Thomas were appointed to the court despite allegations of sexual harassment. Hill said she wants sexual harassment and gender violence to be crucial topics during the Democratic presidential primary and wants to know how Biden and the rest of the candidates plan to address them.

Considering Trump’s extensive history of despicable behavior towards women as well as the aftermath of the Kavanaugh hearings and the #MeToo movement, issues concerning sexual harassment and gender rights will be at the forefront for many voters. And, whoever is chosen as the Democratic nominee must be capable of strongly distinguishing themselves from Trump on these matters. As Hill said, there are many Americans who have, rightfully, lost confidence in our government and system of justice.  

Header photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore via Flickr

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Last night Billie Eilish, 18-year-old Grammy winner, and Gen-Z icon began her Where Do We Go world tour in Miami that included a protest about her experiences with being body shamed. Since the teenager’s breakthrough and rapid success in the music industry and online, Eilish has developed a look- baggy, androgynous clothes, neon hair and pointed acrylic nails- which she has mentioned is to keep her figure anonymous. And subsequently avoid the criticism that women, particularly young women, experience from the public.

In a 2019 Calvin Kelin campaign, she said, “Nobody can have an opinion because they haven’t seen what’s underneath. “Nobody can be like, ‘she’s slim-thick,’ ‘she’s not slim-thick,’ ‘she’s got a flat ass,’ ‘she’s got a fat ass.’ No one can say any of that because they don’t know.”

Fan recorded videos showed Eilish’s interlude for the concert as a slowed-down clip of her slowly undressing down to her bra along with a frank monologue about her feelings toward the public’s need to judge a woman for her body.

.@BillieEilish showed off her body in visuals during an interlude at her concert in Miami. pic.twitter.com/zhj3lHNH4b

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) March 10, 2020

Here is the full speech:

“You have opinions — about my opinions, about my music, about my clothes, about my body.

Some people hate what I wear, some people praise it, some people use it to shame others, some people use it to shame me, but I feel you watching — always — and nothing I do goes unseen.

So while I feel your stares, your disapproval or your sigh of relief, if I lived by them, I’d never be able to move.

Would you like me to be smaller?

Weaker?

Softer?

Taller?

Would you like me to be quiet?

Do my shoulders provoke you?

Does my chest?

Am I my stomach?

My hips?

The body I was born with, is it not what you wanted?

If I wear what is comfortable, I am not a woman. If I shed the layers, I’m a slut.

Though you’ve never seen my body, you still judge it and judge me for it.

Why?

We make assumptions about people based on their size.

We decide who they are, we decide what they’re worth. If I wear more if I wear less, who decides what that makes me? What that means?

Is my value-based only on your perception?

Or is your opinion of me not my responsibility?”

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia 

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The year of 2018 has been undoubtedly heavy. Marching into a new year through obstacles like political corruption, climate change, and various astrological retrogrades (to name a few), it is a good time to look back at the year and see how many artistic women have been making music and using their voices, regardless of the state of affairs. Cat Power returned after a 6-year hiatus. Neko Case is back after a quiet 5 years. And hell, it's been 8 years since we've heard anything from Robyn. Stunning studio album debuts have been released as well by genre-bending Japanese band CHAI, Scottish electronic producer SOPHIE, and the venerable queen, Cardi B. Since there are so many more releases that deserve honorable mention, we’ve gathered up the top picks from BUST co-founder Laurie Henzel and BUST music editor Emily Nokes and we’re listing them here in the order of their release dates. 

1. CHAI
Pink
(Burger Records, USA release in February)
Read our review.

2. U.S. Girls
In a Poem Unlimited
(4AD, Feb 16)
Read our review.

3. Camp Cope
How to Socialise & Make Friends
(Run For Cover, March 2)
Read our review.

4. The Breeders
All Nerve
(4AD, March 2)
Read our review.

5. Soccer Mommy
Clean
(Fat Possum, March 3)
Read our review.

6. Cardi B
Invasion of Privacy
(Atlantic, April 5)
Read our review.

7. Speedy Ortiz
Twerp Verse
(Carpark Records, April 17)
Read our review.

8. Bodega
Endless Scroll
(What's Your Rupture, June 1)
Read our review.

9. Neko Case
Hell-On
(ANTI-, June 1)
Read our review.

10. Shannon Shaw
Shannon In Nashville
(Easy Eye Sound, June 8)
Read our review.

11. Snail Mail
Lush
(Matador, June 8)
Read our review.

12. Lily Allen
No Shame
(Parlophone, June 8)
Read our review.

13. SOPHIE
OIL OF EVERY PEARL’s UN-INSIDES
(Transgressive, June 15)
Read our review.

14. Jenn Champion
Single Rider
(Hardly Art, July 13)
Read our review.

15. Mitski
Be the Cowboy
(Dead Oceans, August 17)
Read our review.

16. Tirzah
Devotion
(Domino, August 28)
Read our review.

17. Christine and the Queens
Chris
(Because Music, September 21)

18. Cat Power
Wanderer
(Domino, October 5)
Read our review.

19. Neneh Cherry
Broken Politics
(Neneh Cherry, October 19)
Read our review.

20. Georgia Anne Muldrow
Overload
(Brainfeeder, October 26)

21. Robyn
Honey
(Embassy One, October 26)

22. boygenius
boygenius EP
(Matador, November 9)
Read our review.

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It is officially Women's History Month! And you can celebrate by experiencing the power of women in the film industry this March 23rd at the Girl Power Film + Media Summit curated by @imagineprods. Aspiring artists, creators, filmmakers and innovators should head to the Made in NY Media Center by IFP for a day of film screenings, discussions, panels, workshops and a dinner party. From 11am to 6:30pm, this informative and inspirational summit will feature an impressive roster of badass women who are passionate about motivating the next generation of female filmmakers.

 Pique your curiousity with some trailers of films that will be screened: 

Tickets for the event can be purchased here! 

Photos courtesy of @imagineprods

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Do you enjoy brunch, but like sleeping late more? If so, you will love Grunch, New York City’s only grunge brunch that combines the best of both parties. And, to celebrate Women’s History Month, Grunch is spotlighting the Lilith Fair, the first all-female music touring festival. Be there March 17th at Huckleberry Bar where resident DJs That's So Raben, DJ Wonder and Big Vic will turn the clock back to the '90s when women were dominating the music charts and radio. There also will be live performances from special guests Sandflower and MopTop. 

Get tatted at the live tattoo pop-up booth or peruse the vendors for some vintage threads. The Glendalough open bar will be keeping spirits high. And no need to worry about oversleeping. The party starts at 4pm and will continue until 10pm. Check out the playlist courtesy of Grunch below to get you in the mood!

Photos courtesy of Grunch

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Yumi Nagashima (@yumicomedy) is the kind of comedian who continues to surprise. The Japanese-born Vancouver-based standup's brand of observational humor and deadpan delivery is delighting audiences nationwide. A YouTube clip from one of her sets has recently gone viral with over 400,000 views. In the video, titled "Japanese Sweet Bite Technique," Nagashima casually addresses the lackluster sex life of a couple, seated in the front row, mulling over different methods of oral sex for them. In her new debut album, My Name Is Yumi, Nagashima covers a range of topics, such as racism, international dating preferences and working in entertainment, from her unique viewpoint as a millennial woman from Japan to establishing a performance career in North America. You can see her perform at this year's Winnipeg Comedy Festival, or YouTube where she frequently uploads new bits. We had the privilege of speaking with the rising star about her road to comedy, her creative process and how she's challenging western stereotypes of Asian women. 

What attracted you to comedy? Have you always been a funny person?

Well, I started with acting first. I started studying acting around 2015, or wait a little bit before that, and I was kind of struggling because I have a thick Japanese accent so, like whenever I go to auditions I will have to be like a "Japanese Waitress" or like "Japanese Nuclear Scientist" or like the roles that make sense with my Japanese accent and it was like really limited opportunity. And then my agent asked me to go to see a dialect coach to get rid of my Japanese accent and I took a few classes and I felt so wrong because this is how I talk and this is what happens when Japanese people try to speak English. And in order to fit the Hollywood standard, I have to change how I talk and I felt so wrong. One of my actor friends, he wrote a comedy play called How Much Are Those Feelings In The Window? And then I got to play a Japanese wife who was like really not happy in her marriage. And when I said the first line, the audience started laughing which, I wasn’t expecting that and I had to wait a little bit to say the next line. And then, I realized when you do comedy it’s really interactive and you get to create something special with the audience and it made me happy. And that’s when I said oh maybe I should do comedy.

Who are some of your favorite comedians?

Dave Chapelle and Wanda Sykes, Bo Burnham. Dave Chapelle, I love him because he is like so effortless and casual like he could totally be your friend. Wanda Sykes, I love her delivery. Bo Burnham is like my soulmate. He’s like totally outside the box and it sort of changes my perspective on comedy or what comedy can do.

I’ve noticed that sex is a big topic in your comedy. A video of one of your sets recently went viral. You’re talking to this couple in the audience about the right way to go down on someone. I love how you're just so unapologetic about women advocating for their pleasure. Why is talking about this topic important for you?

Yeah, I think what’s happening is, in Japan, it’s like so oppressed. Like to talk about sex in public is so no-no, especially for women it’s so not elegant to talk about sex in public. And I want to challenge that. It should be okay to talk about sex. It’s natural. It’s not a bad thing. Sex is a really beautiful thing and we should be able to talk about it without feeling a sense of guilt or shame.

Do you consider yourself a feminist?

Oh totally. Hundred percent.

I love the way you structure your jokes in that they continuously subvert the audience’s expectations about your identity so the joke just gets funnier and more interesting in a way where you’re revealing something not just about yourself, but the audience as well. It’s really engaging. Do you like having those audience interactions?

Oh yes. That’s one of the reasons I do this. I feel a really strong connection with the audience. It’s a live performance and you’re talking to them. I love asking what they’re thinking and it’s like they come out feeling like “Oh, she’s actually looking at us.” It feels like [giving] extra love to the audience like “Hey, I can see you! Thank you for coming and thank you for being here!”

They talk about crowd-work a lot in comedy and some comedians, especially starting out, really struggle with it, but it comes so naturally to you it almost seems like it’s part of your joke-writing process. Would you say that it is?

Yeah, that joke was basically part of my writing process. Like, the beginning of the seed of the idea always happens in my shower. Like when I’m showering the idea pops in [my] head and sometimes I’m like ‘Oh shit! I gotta write this down.” And then I stop showering and put a towel on my head and before I forget I write the premise, the idea of the joke, down on paper. And then when I know I have like at least 30 minutes or an hour I sit in front of the computer and then start typing all the jokes. Like, "how do I say it?"

Yeah, it’s interesting how one word can change how funny the joke is.

Yeah! It was kind of funny because I’m Japanese, I think I’m even more careful with that than some English speaking comedians [in terms of] what the word means to the general public. I’ve used a dictionary because I want to deliver the exact idea so there’s hopefully no misunderstanding.

Have you ever performed standup in Japan?

I did it twice in Tokyo but both of [the shows] were for an English speaking audience. I’ve never performed comedy in Japanese except for this one time I was performing at a café called the Kino Café (in Vancouver) and apparently the owner just hired one Japanese dishwasher and she was watching the show with her friend and her English was so limited at the time and he [the owner] wanted me to perform for her for a few minutes and I did it in Japanese and she loved it.

What’s the comedy scene in Vancouver like?

I have to say it got so much better after the whole #MeToo movement. The awareness changed so much. Male comedians show more respect for female comedians. It’s comfortable working as a female comedian in Vancouver. We feel like friends and we’re more connected.

Does the #MeToo movement in the Vancouver comedy scene impact your writing in any way and if so, how?

When I started my goal was always to empower women or liberate women specifically Asian women. I was just touring with mostly female comedians and there are so much restrictions to women especially more in certain areas of the country and I always try to liberate them. And I think it’s kind of like after the movement, it’s even easier for me to state a point.

Any advice for comedians who are just starting out?

I want female comedians to have really good self-esteem; just respect and self-love and know that your opinion matters. And know that you matter. Each person feels differently about anything and it’s so fun to learn about the other people talking about the same topic. It’s very interesting.

Photos courtesy of AlphaPR

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In our Fashion Nation series, we talk to people about personal style. 

Akina Sato
Designer
Los Angeles, CA

Tell us about this outfit.

The ’40s sailor hat is from an L.A. vintage store, Please and Thank You. I bought the ’50s sunglasses online. I got the Woodstock-print poncho and pants from a Japanese vintage collector, and the pink mirror Tabi boots are from the Maison Margiela store in Paris.

How would you describe your personal style?

Vintage mixed with designers, mixed with anything else I like. I go through phases with vintage clothing, picking and choosing pieces from certain eras and adding modern accessories. I also have a tendency to buy novelty pieces.

Are you influenced by a particular time period?

As I go through vintage eras, whether that’s the ’40s or ’50s, I get inspired by a variety of things—workwear, rockabilly. Now I’m really inspired by the ’70s—the colors, the shapes of hippie style. I love the mindset of hippies, their freedom to love.

What about a style icon?

I really love Erykah Badu’s style and how she evolves. 

How has your style evolved?

I’m from Japan and I went to a fashion school in Osaka. At that time I was just into designers. After coming to America in 2011 I got more into vintage. I’m probably having the most fun with fashion now. 

What pieces in your wardrobe can you not live without?

The number-one thing that hasn’t changed in my style is my love for Maison Margiela Tabi boots. They’re something I’ve loved since I was a fashion student. And my pink hair!

Any advice for someone who wants to dress boldly, but is afraid?

Don’t think too much about what anyone thinks. In America, you can wear whatever you want. Someone will think it’s cool. And the more you experiment, the more you’ll eventually evolve your style. I’m never worried about looking “high fashion.” To me, someone who’s cool is someone who goes all the way with their clothes.

COPYCAT

Make the free love flow with Akina's colorful style!

1. RF X KNC II SUNGLASSES, $250, ROBERIANDFRAUD.COM
2. ROLLA'S EAST COAST FLARE OVERALLS, $129, SHOPBOP.COM
3. CREW NECK KNIT SWEATER, £30, MONKI.COM
4. VINTAGE TURQUOISE JEWELRY, $425 FOR SIMILAR PIECE, GYPSY-HUNTER.COM
5. SILVER TABI BOOTS, $1,115, MAISONMARGIELA.COM

By Tessa Solomon
Photographed by Shanna Fisher
This article originally appeared in the January/February 2018 print edition of BUST Magazine. Subscribe today! 

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The New York City Commission on Human Rights is issuing new guidelines under which singling out individuals based on their hair or hairstyle, at work, school or in public spaces, will now be considered racial discrimination,The New York Times reports. Individuals who have been harassed, punished, demoted, fired or threatened because of their hair are given legal recourse through these guidelines. Those found in violation can be fined up to $250,000. Businesses that infringe on the new protocol can also be forced, by the commission, to change their policies and staff.

While the new change in law applies to anyone, it is specifically intended to address the prejudicial treatment of black people. The right of New Yorkers to wear “natural hair, treated or untreated hairstyles such as locs, cornrows, twists, braids, Bantu knots, fades, Afros, and/or the right to keep hair in an uncut or untrimmed state.” The new guidelines do not interfere with health precautions for wearing hair tied back or in a net, but the rules must be applied to everyone. Carmelyn P. Malalis, the commissioner and chairwoman of the New York City Commission on Human Rights, told The New York Times, “There’s nothing keeping us from calling out these policies prohibiting natural hair or hairstyles most closely associated with black people, they are based on racist standards of appearance, racist stereotypes that say black hairstyles are unprofessional or improper.”

One of my favorite photos of @BarackObama #PresidentsDay

Hair is a part of you. Race discrimination based on hair is illegal in NYC. #YourHairYourRightNYC@NYCCHR released new legal enforcement guidance addressing discrimination based on hair — https://t.co/NX1V9356g5 pic.twitter.com/LOBUcqVK5L

— Carmelyn P. Malalis (@CarmelynMalalis) February 18, 2019

Several investigations propelled the new guidelines, which are “based on the argument that hair is inherent to one’s race (and can be closely associated with ‘racial, ethnic, or cultural identities’) and is therefore protected under the city’s human rights laws, which outlaw discrimination on the basis of race, gender, national origin, religion and other protected classes.” The regulations are said to be the first of their kind in history. There is currently no legal principle in federal court for the protection of hair discrimination.

In a press statement New York City’s First Lady, Chirlane McCray said, “Bias against the curly textured hair of people of African descent is as old as this country and a form of race-based discrimination. There are too many places, from schools to workplaces and beyond, where the idea that the hair grows on the heads of people of African descent is, in its natural state, not acceptable. That prejudice extends to traditional hairstyles, designed as much for practicality and for beauty, but are seen as undesirable by European standards. This bias is deeply embedded in the messages, spoken and unspoken, that we receive every day.”

Header photo courtesy of D Sharon Pruitt via Wikimedia Commons

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Donald Trump Jr. spoke to DailyMailTV about Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearings, saying that the current climate of #MeToo makes him nervous for his sons, The Cut reports.

In a joint interview with his girlfriend, Kimberly Guilfoyle, during a campaign swing for GOP Senate candidate Matt Rosendale, Trump Jr. said, “I’ve got boys and I’ve got girls. When I see what’s going on right now, it’s scary for all things.” When asked whether he was more scared for his sons or daughters, the president’s ‘First Boy’ retorted, “Right now, I’d say my sons.”

His mansplaining didn’t cease there as he continued, “For the people who are real victims of these things, when it is so obviously political in cases like this, it really diminishes the real claims.” In reality, research has shown that false reporting accounts for just between 2 and 10 percent of sexual assault allegations. Guilfoyle went on to add, “I think it’s important, in terms of doing an investigation, to get the facts out there and find out. But, people need to be careful to understand the politics involved as well and what motivations people may have.”

Motivations? Like Dr. Blasey’s motivation to offer testimony, at the risk of her personal livelihood, to help government leaders decide whether to grant an alleged sexual predator a lifetime position to the highest court in the nation? Guilfoyle's questioning of people's "motivations" reads as a passive agressive attempt to discredit Dr. Blasey and trauma victims as a whole. 

Trump and Guilfoyle’s shoddy justifications, in their sympathy for those accused, are not surprising considering over 20 women have accused the president of sexual assault. Additionally, Guilfoyle left her hosting job at Fox News over allegations of sexual misconduct in which she was reportedly “showing personal photographs of male genitalia to colleagues (and identifying whose genitals they were).” 

If Donald Trump Jr. is so concerned for his son's futures amid the #MeToo era, he should consider taking the time to teach them about appropriate behavior and boundaries towards women. It's really not that hard, Don. 

Header photo via Sebastian Vital on Flickr 

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London-based punk band Dream Nails has joined forces with Irish-Italian director Guen Murroni to create a spectacularly political video with a not-so-wee bit of mockery. The band’s 2018 single "Vagina Police" won’t only have you jamming out, but will also get you pumped up to continue the fight for you and your friends’ reproductive rights.

Dream Nails wants to not only change the conversation about abortion, but to bring attention to the madness of the anti-abortion lobby ahead of the Irish abortion referendum. “It's absolutely ridiculous,” says the band in an email, “and they have no right getting in the way of a woman's choice to become a mother or not." And oh, how the video’s absolute absurdity makes you want to join their fight (and slightly piss yourself).

But conjuring up political mockery is all but new for this riot grrrl-quartet. You could say "Deep Heat" was the band’s Donald Debut: it's a brilliant tune about hexing Trump’s nether regions. But in addition to their musical messages, the band is known for brewing up some seriously wicked shows, creating powerful zines, and playing fundraisers for charities they’re passionate about. Not to mention that they’ve already headlined Glastonbury's Sisterhood stage and shared a spotlight with killer bands such as Cherry Glazerr and Bleached.

The video's director, Guen Murroni, said in a statement, "This video is dedicated to our sisters in Ireland who have been campaigning tirelessly for decades for the abortion referendum we're finally having in May. It's also for the women of El Salvador, Malta, the Vatican, Chile, the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua who live with the strictest abortion laws in the world."

Lead singer Janey said, “We've produced a zine on 'reproductive justice' to go alongside the vinyl to make clear that globally, people's bodily autonomy is impacted in ways that extend far beyond abortion. For example, forced sterilisation of trans people, women in prison having to give birth in shackles, and the obstacles lesbian parents face. The struggles we face are different, but they are all connected.”

The video for "Vagina Police" is paired with an assortment of dreamy goods, such as a 7” vinyl and the free zine about reproductive justice. 100% of the proceeds from the song will go towards Abortion Support Network, a UK charity that provides financial assistance and accommodations for women who have to travel outside of Ireland in order to access safe and legal abortions.

So drop what you’re doing and go watch "Vagina Police,"  released by Everything Sucks Music, and definitely spread the spread-leg-love at Dream Nails’s Bandcamp.

Top photo from "Vagina Police"

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Ecuador’s President Lenín Moreno has issued an apology via Twitter regarding his recent comments demeaning the seriousness of sexual harassment. On Friday, at a conference in Guayaquil, Moreno spoke about the dire issues men face in a slowly progressing world when it comes to believing victims. Men, he said, are “permanently subjected to the danger of being accused of harassment.”

Moreno then went on to say that women are biased around reporting incidents of abuse. Better looking men are less likely to be denounced, whereas “ugly” men aren’t. So, if you’re good looking, you’re pretty much off the hook in Moreno’s mind, because OBVIOUSLY women take it as a compliment rather than harassment if the person is above an 8/10.

“Women often report harassment, it is true, and it is good that they do so,” he starts. “That is to say, that the harassment is when it comes from an ugly person. But if the person is good looking... they usually do not think it is harassment."

Footage was released online from the conference and Moreno’s comments were heavily criticized online. One person wrote how embarrassing it is for the country to have a president like Moreno. Another tweeted by Women of The World wrote: “He said what!?”

Qué vergüenza para el país tener como "presidente" a Lenín Moreno https://t.co/Kz2xxowq9L

— Marco Navas (@MarcoAnibal) January 31, 2020

He said what!?

Lenín Moreno, Ecuador's President had some questionable things to say about harassment: https://t.co/CepokYISwT via @nytimes

— Women in the World (@WomenintheWorld) February 3, 2020

These responses prompted Moreno to apologize in a statement on his Twitter page. The president wrote that regarding his statements, he never intended to minimize such a grave thing as sexual assault and how he was sorry if it was understood as such. Lastly, he claimed he rejects all forms of violence against women. Not once did he backtrack on his previous claims about “better looking” men, however.

En mi comentario sobre el acoso, no pretendí minimizar un asunto tan grave como la violencia o los abusos. Me disculpo si se entendió así. ¡Rechazo la violencia contra la mujer en todas sus formas!

— Lenín Moreno (@Lenin) February 1, 2020

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia 

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During an appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, actress Ellen Page made a passionate statement regarding the hatred and suffering perpetuated by the Trump/Pence Administration. Colbert congratulated her on the one year anniversary of her marriage to dancer/choreographer Emma Portner, which lead to a discussion on the slow progress of LGBTQ issues in Hollywood. Page grew emotional as she recalled the homophobia and misogyny she experienced throughout her career and emphasized the power of combatting isolation by finding community.

The two went on to discuss climate change and Page’s environmental activism. She took a moment to explain, “the most marginalized people, and particularly people in the world that had nothing to do with this, are the ones that are suffering the most currently.” People of color in her home country of Canada, she went on to explain, are disproportionately affected, leading to what Page calls “environmental racism.”

From there, Page segued into a critique of the media’s insufficient job addressing the urgency of climate change by making it appear as a debatable discussion, and drew a comparison to the recent attack on Jussie Smollett saying, “We have a media that’s barely talking about it. We have a media that’s saying it’s a debate whether or not what just happened Jussie Smollett is a hate crime! It’s absurd! This shit isn’t a debate!”

Page then apologized for being “so fired up” but said “it feels impossible right now with the president and the vice president, Mike Pence, who wishes I couldn’t be married. The vice president of America wishes I didn’t have the love with my wife. He wanted to ban that in Indiana. He believes in conversion therapy. He has hurt LGBTQ people so badly as the Governor of Indiana."

At this point, Page turned the attention back to the hate crime against Smollett in relation to the country’s leadership, saying “If you are in a position of power and you hate people and you want to cause suffering to them. You go through the trouble. You spend your career trying to cause suffering. What do you think is going to happen? Kids are going to be abused and they’re going to kill themselves and people are going to be beaten on the street.” Below, is a video of the full interview. 

Photo: Inception

Purchase The Oct/Nov 2009 Digital Issue featuring Ellen Page and Alia Shawkat

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Here's why you need to be in Harlem, NYC, this week: to give back to the community and receive a free BUST magazine issue, obviously!

The “Women’s Drive: NYC Tour, an initiative dedicated to providing basic hygiene products to women in need throughout New York City, kicked off this past Sunday and we are more than excited!

The drive was created by Essence Beaute (@EssenceBeaute), a start-up digital content brand that aims to support, empower, and provide equal media representation for all women. EB was founded by our very own events intern, Nakia Kerlan (@NakiaKerlan) and her best friend, editorial makeup artist, Keyanna Banks (@Kbank.s).

The first stop on the tour is Harlem, NYC! The brand has partner up with Luxury Hair Lounge (@LuxuryHairLoungeNYC), located at 111 E 125th St, New York, NY, 10035, to host the drive. All products will be donated to Greenhope Housing and Win NYC, women’s shelter facilities in East Harlem.

Acceptable donations include (but are not limited to):