Did you know that I’m an Airbnb Superhost! 🙌🏾 🥳 Airbnb has been a game changer for me. It has been a tremendous source of income and has allowed me to meet great travelers from all over the world. 💰
Well now, I’ve also been chosen to be an Airbnb Ambassador. 🤗 That means I’ve been selected by the company to guide others along their Airbnb journey and as Airbnb Ambassador, I earn when they become a host.
As a former hostel manager, I’ve been able to use my knowledge of hospitality to go far with Airbnb and I can teach you how as well. The best part is that you can start with the space you already have. You have a spare room or just a spare sofa? You can rent as often or as little as you like. One night a week, two weeks at a time, for an entire month, it’s up to you.
Earn Additional Money
Airbnb is a great source of side income but many find it so lucrative that they become full-time host. You’d be amazed how many people just need a cheap cozy spot to stay for a night or two. There have been many months where my Airbnb payouts have covered all of my rent. I even know folks who pay their entire mortgages using Airbnb income. (Next, up on my agenda when I move.)
Students, interns, traveling nurses, business people, backpackers, they all need you and it doesn’t matter where you live. There is not one place where someone isn’t visiting today.
Enjoy Freedom And Flexibility
One of the best things about hosting is the flexibility. You can turn your calendar on or off whenever you want. It’s great for those who have other jobs, hobbies, or other time commitments where hosting all the time might not fit their lifestyle.
It’s also a great option for those who want to only work a few months at a time and travel the rest. Whatever your reasons for hosting on your schedule, it’s up to you.
There are many tax benefits to owning rental property and being an Airbnb host. You’ll find that many, if not all, of your expenses will be tax-deductible. For example:
Mortgage interest
Credit card interest on purchases for the rental property
Insurance
Repairs and maintenance
Travel expenditures
Legal and professional fees
Property taxes
Diversify Your Investment Portfolio
Diversifying your investment portfolio with realest is always a smart way to go and Airbnb is a great way for your investment to pay for itself.
One of the things I loved about hostel long and about managing the hostel was meeting travelers from all around the world. Thankfully, now I can recapture that experience as an Airbnb host.
You Don’t Have To Do The Hard Work
Airbnb does the marketing for you. They manage all the payment processing. They even handle getting the security deposit from your guest. If there is a problem, they intercede on your behalf. They also offer a secure platform to protect all parties. Imagine the headache if you had to handle all these moving parts yourself.
Are You Ready?
It doesn’t matter how large or small your space is, I can help you earn money with Airbnb. After all, I started off just renting out my sofa bed to make ends meet. 😅
Register to be a host and I’ll be your personal tour guide on the road to success. 💕
What kind of world do we live in where a man’s lifetime of work can be over shadowed by one act. I’m convinced that were Will Smith not Black the social commentary would be about #mentalhealth and the myriad of other issues surrounding the slap.
However, when it comes to Black men we (Black folks included) easily disregard them as brute uncontrollable fools who get what they deserve. As the mother of a Black man, it pains my heart to see just how far we have not progressed.
This is why I remain #openlyblack and #obsessedwithrace. Until we are able to see Black people as full complex humans, and not only of value when they are entertaining or serving us, the work continues. #dgspeaks
If I see one more #tutorial on how to change the shape of your face, or your nose, or some other obviously #ethnic feature, I’m going to scream. 😩
The #makeup industry has successfully taught #women of color how to make themselves invisible. Sis, there is nothing wrong with the shape of your features.
Use your #cosmetics to make them pop not hide them away. 💖
Say no to #featurism and embrace your true #beauty. 🥰
📣 Calling all who care about improving health outcomes for men, especially low-income and men of color in Eastern, NC! 🚹
I’m excited to be a sponsor of this phenomenal #Juneteeth celebration hosted by Carolinas Hierarchy of Needs and BeFree Wellness Education & Consulting, LLC. Since, this year’s holiday corresponds with #FathersDay, the focus will be on fostering community efforts to promote #menshealth.
Please contact me or the host to find out how you can get involved and share this announcement with your network. We are a 501(c)(3) organization and any #donation will tax-deductible.
We are looking for organizations and vendors that focus on #health and #wellness for the upcoming Juneteenth #Wellness Fest in #Ayden, Sunday, June 19...which is Father's Day-- So we're going to celebrate the Fathers and Father figures in our families and community!!
Share information and offer screenings for that focus on #Physical, #Mental, #Emotional, #Financial, #Spiritual, #Social and #Occupational Health!!! #Intellectual Health too!!
- Any dental clinics??
- Pregnancy Support Programs??
- Parenting Programs
- Organic Hygiene products??
- COVID testing (cuz its still here)!!
- Nutritionist
- Black Farmers?
- Just to name a few!!!
Any businesses who'd like to donate services for raffle and other incentive prizes!!?
We want to show the Men folk of the community their health and wellbeing is important too!!
Drop the links and contact details for your recommendations!!
Pitt County, Greene County, Lenoir County, Craven, Beaufort...All orgs who can go beyond to serve the people of Eastern NC!!
Shalakee Edwards | Alicia BeFree Andrews
Greenville Pitt County Chamber of Commerce | Pitt County Schools | Pitt County, NC | Visit Ayden, NC | Grifton, North Carolina | WITN-TV | North Carolina NAACP | AAUW | Vidant Health | Vidant Health Foundation Pitt County Schools | Ayden-Grifton Alumni Association | Ayden-Grifton Ffa | American Red Cross | United Way
Just because everyone says something over and over doesn’t make it true. Unfortunately, coaching isn’t a very regulated field and anyone can be a coach. Without any evidence or data to back what they say they start these feel good mantras and everyone runs with it.
If we could all simply wish or think things into existence the world would be a very different place. Everyone who is unhappy or suffering wishes things could easier but life isn’t easy. It’s the challenges that test us, that teach us, that push us.
Unfortunately, many live in circumstances that no matter how much they dream or hope or wish they are overwhelmed by those circumstances and never achieve what they want. Those who overcome are those who work to find a way out, thinking realistically and acting strategically. It’s your actions that bring about the life you want. Positive thinking is great but it’s only useful if you are willing to put in the effort to make your goals a reality.
For example, I have a friend in Kenya who was tired of the lack of access to clean drinking water and the high cost of buying water. Her husband taught himself how to purify water by watching online tutorials and, by combining her business knowledge, they started a water company where they could provide clean drinking at a fair price to the community. That’s how Naivasha Water Shed was born. It wasn’t manifested into existence. It was built! What we all must ask ourselves is are we willing to put in the work. 😊
Yes. I’m that person who waits in long lines for the joy of getting cute pink @hellokitty treats and goodies from the @hellokittycafetruck! 😂
Look here I still have my very first Hello Kitty that I’ve had since I was 5 and I have a #HelloKitty tattoo on my wrist. You might say I’m a super fan. 🤣
Today the #foodtruck took over Bethesda Row in MD. The line was insane. It took over two hours y’all. Thanks to the joy of watching @StarTrek Picard on my @apple iPhone the time flew by. 🖖🏾
Was it worth it? ABSOLUTELY!!! 💯
I got some cute and #yummy HK #cookies and a #collectible lunchbox. 🙌🏾🥰
I rarely talk about this period of my life because it’s not a pleasant time to relive. I’ve spent my entire life stressing over my hair, unhappy that it was never as long and as straight as my cousins in Colombia.
I can’t remember a time when my hair wasn’t being pressed, or relaxed, or colored, or weaved, or something. Like most little Black girls, I spent way too many Saturdays in beauty salons rather than just playing with my friends.
When my hair fell out, I felt like I was going to die. I woke up one day and my hair was coming out in clumps. I didn’t know why and I was completely mortified. 🥺
I was already depressed from a recent breakup. I had packed on considerable weight. And, now I had no hair! 😩
I can’t even begin to tell you how badly I felt about myself. However, as I posted in my Instagram reel @msdianegriffin, I had friends who kept my spirits high and made me realize that life could go on. They reminded me that if people truly cared for me, hair was just wrapping. They helped me remember who I was, helped me regain my confidence, and made me feel safe to face the world.
Thankfully, my hair has grown back but it is still not as thick as it used to be and probably never will be. I might never know what caused my hair to come out. It might have been stress, hormones, or chemicals. Regardless, it taught me a valuable lesson about being empathetic to others.
You never know what people are dealing with and you should never say or do anything to make others feel small because of how they look.
To my sistas, I simply want you all to know that your hair is not your glory. You are your glory! Your spirit, your mind, and your heart is what makes you special. 💖
I rarely talk about this period of my life because it’s not a pleasant time to relive. I’ve spent my entire life stressing over my hair, unhappy that it was never as long and as straight as my cousins in Colombia.
I can’t remember a time when my hair wasn’t being pressed, or relaxed, or colored, or weaved, or something. Like most little Black girls, I spent way too many Saturdays in beauty salons rather than just playing with my friends.
The Black Hair Industry – A 2.5 Billion Dollar Business Built on Racism and Self-Hate
When my hair fell out, I felt like I was going to die. I woke up one day and my hair was coming out in clumps. I didn’t know why and I was completely mortified.
I was already depressed from a recent breakup. I had packed on considerable weight. And, now I had no hair!
I can’t even begin to tell you how badly I felt about myself. However, as I posted in my reel, I had friends who kept my spirits high and made me realize that life could go on. They reminded me that if people truly cared for me, hair was just wrapping. They helped me remember who I was, helped me regain my confidence, and made me feel safe to face the world.
Thankfully, my hair has grown back but it is still not as thick as it used to be and probably never will be. I might never know what caused my hair to come out. It might have been stress, hormones, or chemicals. Regardless, it taught me a valuable lesson about being empathetic to others.
You never know what people are dealing with and you should never say or do anything to make others feel small because of how they look.
To my sistas, I simply want you all to know that your hair is not your glory. You are your glory! Your spirit, your mind, and your heart is what makes you special. 💖
Sitting in my 6th grade Social Studies class, I unexpectedly felt an unusual moisture that I knew I couldn’t mention to anyone. I had a feeling, “it must be my time,” a dreadful uneasy feeling. I meekly asked the teacher to be excused, knowing that HE could say no and I might be forced to explain the urgency. Thankfully, that day he didn’t give me a hard time and simply said yes. I got up, forcing myself to maintain my composure, and got myself to the nearest restroom. Quite upsettingly, I saw that it was what I feared. I had gotten my first period!
Although, I knew what was happening to me and I knew to wad up tissue until I could get proper pads, I can’t say I recall anyone ever really talking to me about the changes going on in my body nor was I really prepared for them. I was horrified and all I could think about the entire day was “please don’t let me have an accident.” I had seen how other girls were mercilessly teased for bleeding onto their clothes and I couldn’t think of anything worse happening to me.
Now, imagine if I had been raised in a world where girls were not only prepared for this change. They anticipated it because it would come with a beautiful celebration of womanhood, a celebration that would honor them and one where their entire community would be involved in.
Long Line of Ladies gives us a window into the life of Ahty, as she prepares for her Ihuk ceremony, a tradition practiced amongst Karuk women in their ancestral territory along the Klamath and Salmon River of Northern California. After not practicing for over 80 years, the Ihuk flower dance was revived in 1996 by a dedicated group of Karuk ceremonial families.
Interview with the Directors, Rayka Zehtabchi and Shaandiin Tome, about their powerful film and its important lessons.
About “Long Line of Ladies”
“Long Line of Ladies” is a stigma-breaking, female-directed short documentary that gives viewers a glimpse into the story of Ahty and the Karuk ceremony of Northern California. The documentary takes a significant step forward to normalize period conversations across genders by highlighting a culture that celebrates and uplifts its young women when they come of age. “Long Line of Ladies” opens the door for more young girls and women to feel seen, respected, and included. The short film also amplifies the voices of supportive fathers, uncles, and grandfathers, who aren’t often seen speaking openly about menstruation in society, further breaking stigma across generations. Imagine if all cultures rallied around their young women to feel proud and empowered at this critical juncture in their development – we’d all be unstoppable!
I felt LOVE throughout the film. Unlike any love I’ve known here. Protection. Caring. Sharing. Beauty. Life. I just wanted to be a part of that…all of it.
Rayka Zehtabchi, Director Rayka Zehtabchi is a director and producer working in both documentary and fiction. In 2019, Rayka became the first Iranian woman to win an Oscar for her film “Period. End of Sentence.,” which can be seen on Netflix worldwide. She brings a naturalistic approach to her storytelling in all her projects, striving for honesty and intimacy on screen.
Shaandiin Tome, Director Shaandiin Tome is a recognized writer, director, and cinematographer from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her award-winning break-out short film “Mud (Hashtł’ishnii)” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2018. She aims to bring resonating imagery in a blend of convergence with story, illustrating her perspective as a Diné woman.
Why We Must Learn From The Karuk
The stigmas and shame associated with restorations is sadly nearly a universal norm. According to UNFPA, “Menstrual stigmas also affect how women and girls are able to manage their health and hygiene. Some cultures prohibit women and girls from touching or washing their genitals during menstruation, possibly contributing to infections. In some parts of Afghanistan, it is even believed that washing the body during menstruation can lead to infertility. In other places, women and girls are fearful that their bodies could pollute water sources or toilets. “
As we discuss in our interview above, living with menstrual stigma can not only negatively impact a woman’s self-esteem, it can also have detrimental impacts on a woman’s physical health and even negative environmental impacts. “In some places, women burn menstrual pads to avoid cursing animals or nature. In other places, burning menstrual products is believed to cause infertility. Some communities believe menstrual products should be buried to avoid attracting evil spirits. Others believe improper disposal of these products can cause a girl to menstruate continuously for life.”
Additionally, “Many communities believe menstruating women and girls cannot eat certain foods, such as sour or cold foods, or those prone to spoilage. In fact, there are no medically recommended restrictions on the kinds of food menstruating people can or should eat, and dietary restrictions can actually put them at risk by limiting their nutrient intake.”
Imagine if we lived in a world where none of these issues existed. Imagine if we lived in world where girls everywhere could, like Ahty, anticipate their transition to womanhood as a positive source of pride and identity. It’s vital that we recognize that menstrual stigma is not just a woman’s issue, it is a human issue. This film is a great testament to the power of embracing the beauty of menstruation for what it truly means, renewal, creation, and connection.
Take the interview with you by listening to the podcast!
Like most people, I was completely shocked to hear that Will Smith publicly slapped Chris Rock on live tv. When I say the clip, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Now that I’ve had a bit more time to process, but still processing, here’s a little explanation of my thoughts about “The Slap.”
You know, I was raised with the Black middle class stance of you must know how to play the game, walk right, talk right, look the part. It took me a long time to learn that no matter what I did in the eyes of many with the power to control my life's choices I was (as Jay-Z said) "still nigga."
These moments remind us all just how much we endure simply to be seen and recognized for what we offer the world. I'm never surprised by those who simply don't have the energy. To those that are able to walk the path and overcome the hurdles, I solute!
Watching these hearings have filled me with so much pride. 🖤
Mondays are the first days of my week so Sundays are days to debrief from the week that I just completed. Meaning that generally, Sundays are my days to reset and refocus for the coming week. On Sundays, I like to take it easy and do things that make me feel good but I also like to do things that make me feel like I’m setting myself up to start the new week off positively.
Another thing that helps me set the stage for my week on Sundays in writing in my journal. I use this time not only to decompress my feeling about my life but to also think through my goals and plan.
There really is no substitution for writing out your goals and creating a system for tracking out your progress. It’s true what they say, “you can’t improve what you don’t measure.” If you need help with this process, be sure to check out “How to Set SMART Goals for Your Life.”
Monthly Planner Template
Meal Prep
Prepping your meals for the week ahead is a great way to make sure you get the right nutrients when you are busy but also that you maintain a healthy weight. It can be a huge stress reliever because it’s one less thing to worry about while you are trying to work, take care of the kids, run errands, or do what ever else in on your plate throughout the week.
I just prepped some chia bowls for the rest of the week using macadamia milk as my base. In my recipes, I always try to stick to using all organic ingredients and I choose nut-milks that are unsweetened with no additives. I sometimes even make my own.
Here are a few recipes to help you get your meal prep underway:
I try to always get a good workout in on Sundays. This is because I often skip workout during the week. I’m a very busy person and honestly sometimes I just don’t feel like working out during the week. Sunday is at least one days for certain that I know I can stick to.
LISS Workout
Recently, I have transitioned to LISS workouts, a low-intensity steady state. If you have a high body fat percentage (which you can still have and not weigh much) and your goal is not just to lose weight but to also have a firmer body with a better composition I recommend trying this method out. I still do HITT workouts as well but for different goals, primarily conditioning. My go-to LISS workout, and what I did today, is walking.
LISS workout ideas
Walking at a moderate pace.
Going hiking.
Steady cycling either on a spin-cycle bike or outdoors.
Steady rowing.
Swimming.
Using cardio equipment at the gym, such as the elliptical trainer, at a steady and moderate pace.
“It aids in fat burning and fat loss. Steady-state training improves your body’s ability to use fat as fuel instead of using glycogen stored in your muscles. Also, according to a 2014 study, continuous aerobic exercise is more effective than HIIT at improving fat distribution.”
I love ankle weights for increasing resistance during body-weight exercises. They are particularly great for thigh and glute conditioning.
Pick Your Day
I know I started this article with a declarative statement that Sunday is THE day. However, Sunday is simply the day that works best for me. You have to figure out what day works best for you but I urge you to chose a day, one day that will be your day to focus on yourself every week no matter what. I think you will find that having this as a part of your weekly routine will make a world of difference in how you feel, look, and operate.
Shopping Suggestions:
Anyone who uses sugar substitutes knows it can be difficult to find stevia with nothing in it. Recently, I went on a hunt and finally found one that I liked on Amazon. Thought I’d share.
Mondays are the first days of my week so Sundays are days to debrief from the week that I just completed. Meaning that generally, Sundays are my days to reset and refocus for the coming week. On Sundays, I like to take it easy and do things that make me feel good but I also like to do things that make me feel like I’m setting myself up to start the new week off positively.
Another thing that helps me set the stage for my week on Sundays in writing in my journal. I use this time not only to decompress my feeling about my life but to also think through my goals and plan.
There really is no substitution for writing out your goals and creating a system for tracking out your progress. It’s true what they say, “you can’t improve what you don’t measure.” If you need help with this process, be sure to check out “How to Set SMART Goals for Your Life.”
Monthly Planner Template
Meal Prep
Prepping your meals for the week ahead is a great way to make sure you get the right nutrients when you are busy but also that you maintain a healthy weight. It can be a huge stress reliever because it’s one less thing to worry about while you are trying to work, take care of the kids, run errands, or do what ever else in on your plate throughout the week.
I just prepped some chia bowls for the rest of the week using macadamia milk as my base. In my recipes, I always try to stick to using all organic ingredients and I choose nut-milks that are unsweetened with no additives. I sometimes even make my own.
Here are a few recipes to help you get your meal prep underway:
I try to always get a good workout in on Sundays. This is because I often skip workout during the week. I’m a very busy person and honestly sometimes I just don’t feel like working out during the week. Sunday is at least one days for certain that I know I can stick to.
LISS Workout
Recently, I have transitioned to LISS workouts, a low-intensity steady state. If you have a high body fat percentage (which you can still have and not weigh much) and your goal is not just to lose weight but to also have a firmer body with a better composition I recommend trying this method out. I still do HITT workouts as well but for different goals, primarily conditioning. My go-to LISS workout, and what I did today, is walking.
LISS workout ideas
Walking at a moderate pace.
Going hiking.
Steady cycling either on a spin-cycle bike or outdoors.
Steady rowing.
Swimming.
Using cardio equipment at the gym, such as the elliptical trainer, at a steady and moderate pace.
“It aids in fat burning and fat loss. Steady-state training improves your body’s ability to use fat as fuel instead of using glycogen stored in your muscles. Also, according to a 2014 study, continuous aerobic exercise is more effective than HIIT at improving fat distribution.”
I love ankle weights for increasing resistance during body-weight exercises. They are particularly great for thigh and glute conditioning.
Pick Your Day
I know I started this article with a declarative statement that Sunday is THE day. However, Sunday is simply the day that works best for me. You have to figure out what day works best for you but I urge you to chose a day, one day that will be your day to focus on yourself every week no matter what. I think you will find that having this as a part of your weekly routine will make a world of difference in how you feel, look, and operate.
Shopping Suggestions:
Anyone who uses sugar substitutes knows it can be difficult to find stevia with nothing in it. Recently, I went on a hunt and finally found one that I liked on Amazon. Thought I’d share.
As the MCU expands, many faces are brought into it and not all of them are always actors I would predict. Because so much of the franchise has been built on the same few actors that carved out names for themselves as superheroes, it’s a little bit disorienting to see an actor go from an indie comedy to a mainstream Marvel film. It’s great to see the actors I love succeed in ways that I literally never would’ve imagined.
Kathryn Hahn is one of the most notable and talented comedic actresses of our time, with work spanning from slapstick roles like in Bad Moms to drier, wittier performances like that of her film Private Life. Seeing her onscreen as a comic side character in WandaVisionmade sense. What I did not anticipate was for her to step into the role of one of the most powerful antagonists in one of the most popular shows to come out of this year. I also did not anticipate for her performance to be so good that she earned herself a spin off series: Agatha: House of Harkness. The level of gusto and power that it takes to develop a good comedic performance should be easy to flick the metaphorical emotional switch and apply that to a villain. Kathryn Hahn proves it.
Awkwafina is an interesting figure. The way that she has marketed herself as a performer, the projects she takes on, and the way that she generally carries herself points to someone that would be cut out for a goofy comic relief role. She stepped into these roles in Crazy Rich Asians and Ocean’s Eight, then she stepped into a more dramatic, grounded role in The Farewell. None of these roles logically point to “archer that saves the day” in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. She contributes a lot of good energy to the film, but literally all I can think is “Wow, Awkwafina has a weapon!”
Kumail Najiani was probably the biggest surprise in the Eternals casting lineup. When it was announced, he had just done a movie about his wife’s hospital stint and his standup comedy career called The Big Sick (which I still don’t forgive the Oscars for snubbing). I knew him from roles that he’d played in Silicon Valley and Portlandia, his voice acting, and his standup comedy career. It was a jackknife-turn of a surprise, but he’s one of the most unique and recognizable faces and voices in the industry right now. To not be vying for his attention as a casting director would be stupid.
Jonathan Majors is one of those actors that I’m watching have an upward career trajectory over the course of just a few years. I first saw him in The Last Black Man in San Francisco, then Da 5 Bloods, and now as Kang the Conqueror on Loki. Hopefully this means that we can expect to see him in more films, and even Marvel projects, because he has some raw acting talent.
Oscar Isaac will be stepping into the role of Moon Knight which I didn’t expect, but I also didn’t not expect considering how sought after he is now. Between Star WarsI, Dune, Scenes from a Marriage, and The Addams Family animated reboots, he is cornering the market on nerd culture. Maybe between him and Zendaya just Marvel’s ensemble, this will bring Timothee Chalamet into the Marvel family in the next few years. We can only hope.
Close your eyes and think of a doctor, a nurse, a forklift operator, or a soldier. Mostly likely the person that comes to mind will have one gender or another. We have been taught for generations to ascribe some roles in society to men and other to women. In some languages, like my native Spanish, these roles are even reflected in our language.
For example, receptionista is the word for receptionist and it carries the feminine “a” adjective ending. Unlike the majority of other adjectives where you would simply swap the “a” for the masculine “o” ending with this word we literally say male receptionist. You must say recepcionista masculino. Why? All receptionists are women of course. It’s not expected for a man to be doing the job and that’s reflected in the language. Unfortunately, most of our biases are not so obvious. We have to make the effort to think about why and how we view gender in the ways that we do.
Imagine a gender equal world.
A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
One must read book for understanding how Black Women have been defined in the American psyche is bell hooks’ Ain’t I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism. This book is deep beyond words! It provides through research and an in-depth analysis from a refreshingly Black female-centric perspective. I’d say easily that bell hooks always outshines everyone I’ve ever read of the topic of the Black female experience in all her writing and this book is a masterpiece.
“Women hold the knife on the sharp side!” In this episode, I’ll be speaking with “Five Tiger” Writer and Director, Nomawonga Khumalo, about her film and it’s Black feminist themes which highlight the culture of silence, religious exploitation, sex work, femicide, and many other poignant topics.
Don’t Make Assumptions
Because we are all hard wired to see people one way or another based on our gender biases it’s very easy to make assumptions about them. If you want to be an advocate for change it’s very important to fight this urge. Get to know each human being you meet as an individual first and don’t ascribe arbitrary rules to what you think their likes, job titles, style of dress, or any other factor about them might mean.
No one should ever feel constrained by gender bias, or feel compelled to limit their self-expression because of gendered social constraints. It is up to all of us to #BreakTheBias and do our part to create a world where each individual can fully be who they are.
Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day.
We can break the bias in our communities.
We can break the bias in our workplaces.
We can break the bias in our schools, colleges and universities.
Together, we can all break the bias – on International Women’s Day (IWD) and beyond.
The announcement of X-Men ‘97 by Disney+ as part of their Marvel content reveal a few days ago is very exciting for a few reasons. This is the first project that will be released on the Disney+ platform using the intellectual property of the X-Men series that we all know and love. I was under the assumption that it was still owned by Sony Pictures, so if that has changed and Disney can start putting stuff in the same universe as their other Marvel characters, I will be very pleased.
This series is also set to be a spinoff of the animated series that ran from 1992 to 1997 (hence the name). Although there have been a few movies made since then, none have been as true to form as the original show that helped launch superhero media in the mainstream in the 90s. And part of my frustration with that is that great characters are sidelined when they have a much larger role in the comics and original show. Here are some characters I’m excited to revisit in this new series.
Storm does play a large role in the films that have been released since, and she’s a pretty well known character. But the X-Men films really only serve the purpose of driving forward the stories of Wolverine, Jean Grey, Magneto, and Professor X. No matter how much screen time she has, it’s often during fight scenes where she is reduced to “The Chick Who Can Control the Weather.” She has a fascinating backstory relating to themes of colonization, poverty, and astral projection. Yet it is not fully explored outside of the original animated series. Hopefully we get more of this.
I didn’t know who Rogue was before I started researching the original animated show. She has a pretty large role, larger than in the original X-trilogy, in fact. Her ability to absorb people’s abilities when she touches them (on the condition that they’re alright with being comatose for a few hours) is reduced to relationship drama between herself and Wolverine. This poses problems for her in the comics, but that explores the deeper recesses of the effects of not being able to touch another person: isolation, rejection, loneliness. It will be nice to see her with such depth again, not just to help develop a male protagonist’s character.
Jubilee is a peak 80s-90s character, and with nostalgia for those eras in full swing from Stranger Things and the resurgence of the colorful 80s party aesthetic and the grunge of the 90s, it’s the perfect time to bring her back. She wears a yellow vinyl coat with denim shorts and colorful acrylic glasses and shorts out arcade machines with her power to shoot colorful fireworks out of her hands. She’s a carefree party girl and she would be a great person to revisit with an extra dose of Cyndi Lauper tracks to underscore.
Psylocke has only made an appearance in X-Men Apocalypse. Even though she’s a pretty small character, she offers some very visually pleasing powers to work with. She is able to create objects out of her own mental energy,and that translates to organic shapes to suggest objects constantly floating around her and being hurled at other people. She’s very ferocious and that lends itself to a campy superhero TV show.
Gambit is very attractive. And her would be quite the asset to have again considering that he can explode things with his mind. Professor Xavier wishes he could hold his own against him.
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