Alice Vol. 6 No. 1

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Give LGBTQ+ characters equal screen time as their straight counterparts. Oftentimes, LGBTQ+ characters serve as a plot driver for their straight, main counterparts. They’re the best friend, part of the friend group or in some cases, the onetime possible love interest (think Lucas from To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before.) They help the main character solve their problems or bring out their true selves, but they’re only shown from time to time. Toni Topaz, played by Vanessa Morgan on Riverdale, is a good example of a Black LGBTQ+ character whose main plot function is as a side character who drives the development of others. Her time on-screen increases around the second season, but as time goes on, we don’t see plots that center around her, nor does she have the same amount of screen time as her co-stars despite being upgraded to a season regular. With a greater need for Black LGBTQ+ representation to be more visible on television, we hope to see more of her in the upcoming season. Giving equal screen time to Black and LGBTQ+ characters is something that all shows and films should strive for in order to increase LGBTQ+visibility and make it commonplace in everyday TV and film. LGBTQ+ characters shouldn’t be stuck on the sidelines as plot drivers. They’re multi-dimensional, and many people can relate to them and their storylines. If you’re interested in shows with great LGBTQ+ representation, check out Sex Education on Netflix and Vida on Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and Starz. Only showing LGBTQ+ representation during Pride Month. [Photographer] Kalei Burgess Pride Month is an exciting time to celebrate the LQBTQ+ community, but that doesn’t mean that representation ends on the last day of the month. Some brands will only include LGBTQ+ talent or have collaborations with them for the duration of month, but their commitments to the LGBTQ+ community should extend beyond Pride Month as well. Having LGBTQ+ visibility year-round is important for the community and should be incorporated into the media that these brands put out throughout the year. It’s not enough to just have it during Pride Month, and there’s no shortage of LGBTQ+ talent that these brands can help spotlight. [ 21 ]
Brands paying LGBTQ+ individuals in “exposure” to create content for them. Brands often have large budgets of money when working with influencers to create content. During Pride Month, many brands reach out to LGBTQ+influencers to create content for social media with the goal of highlighting campaigns and products created specifically for Pride Month. While influencer collaborations are not new, what isn’t often known is that LGBTQ+ influencers, especially those who are Black, are often pitched collaborations in exchange for “exposure” on a brand’s social media. Lydia Okello (@styleisstyle), a queer Black creator, was recently asked by Anthropologie to take part in its #sliceofhappy campaign for Pride in exchange for a free outfit. Okello shared their typical rates for working with brands only to be told by Anthropologie that they didn’t have the budget for an influencer of their level. Exposure doesn’t pay the bills, and for large brands like Anthropologie, there’s no excuse to not pay LGBTQ+ influencers for their work especially during a month that is meant to highlight and celebrate them. Be mindful of how brands treat LGBTQ+ influencers, and if you want to stay informed about this and other issues in the fashion and beauty industry, follow accounts like @diet_prada and @esteelaundry on Instagram. Hiring LGBTQ+ directors, talent, production staff, and writers to tell LGBTQ+ stories. There’s a plethora of LGBTQ+ talent in the industry waiting to make their mark on the screen and in the media. One of Hollywood’s biggest debates is having actors and production staff who are not members of this community telling the stories of LGBTQ+ characters. Out of the 25 actors who have been nominated for an Oscar for playing an LGBTQ+ character, none are openly LGBTQ+. The film and television industry is divided on the issue, with some actors like Darren Criss vowing to turn down future LGBTQ+ roles, while others like Ben Whishaw, who is gay himself, don’t see the issue with non-LGBTQ+ actors playing LGBTQ+ characters. While the debate continues, Hollywood should provide more opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals to bring their talents to the industry in all aspects, especially when it comes to telling LGBTQ+ stories. People like screenwriter Steven Canals (Pose), director and writer Dee Rees (Empire, Pariah, Space Force), and actor Keiynan Lonsdale (Love Simon, The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow) are paving the way for other LGBTQ+ individuals in the industry. Including their voices and talents in Hollywood makes it exciting to see what’s to come for the industry in the upcoming years. [ 22 ]
Page 2 and 3: [ 1 ] [Cover Photographer] Hannah S
Page 4 and 5: [ 3 ] [Photographer] Hannah Saad
Page 6 and 7: EDITORIAL STAFF editor in chief Ann
Page 8 and 9: 9 15 19 23 27 31 35 Change is Comin
Page 10 and 11: [ 9 ]
Page 12 and 13: [Photographers] Alexis Blue and Han
Page 14 and 15: [ 13 ] [Photographer] Alexis Blue
Page 16 and 17: [ 15 ]
Page 18 and 19: 25, 2020, I remained glued to socia
Page 20 and 21: [ 19 ] [Photographer] Kalei Burgess
Page 24 and 25: [ 23 ]
Page 26 and 27: PRACTICE MINDFULNESS Mindfulness is
Page 28 and 29: [ 27 ]
Page 30 and 31: of Trustees must honor the lives of
Page 32 and 33: ON THE FRONT LINES BY SOPHIA SURRET
Page 34 and 35: [ 33 ] to make sure patients are mo
Page 36 and 37: Ask Alice Q A: What does it mean to
Page 38 and 39: PANDEMIC PASSION PROJECTS By Jennaf
Page 40 and 41: A sweet twist on an otherwise dull
Page 42 and 43: [ 41 ] [Photographer] Alexis Blue
Page 44 and 45: WOMXN AND THE RESILIENCE OF INTERSE
Page 46 and 47: With an infectious virus spreading
Page 48 and 49: [ 47 ]
Page 50 and 51: USE MY PRONOUNS BY SARAH HARTSELL A
Page 52 and 53: THROUGH A BLACK LIVES MATTER ALICE
Page 54 and 55: always a powerful experience to be
Page 56 and 57: Stories across media hold power, an
Page 58 and 59: INSIDE BACK COVER [ 57 ] [Photograp
Page 60: BACK COVER

Alice Vol. 6 No. 1

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?