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In Conversation With Paris Syndrome
In Conversation With Paris Syndrome

This drive to engage with the world and challenge social norms is intrinsic to Paris Syndrome; “I spent many, many years of my life trying to write stuff that was timeless … but with Paris Syndrome … we’re going to write about what is happening right not, what the problems are right now” observes Lewis.

In Conversation With Lesley Benzie
In Conversation With Lesley Benzie

There’s something of a modern day Robert Burns to Lesley – many of her poems are fiercely political, rich in social commentary, and written in Scots.

In Conversation With Chelsea Grace
In Conversation With Chelsea Grace

There’s something special about Edinburgh during August. For three weeks the city swells into a vibrant hub of creativity. Yet amidst this impending frenzy and a busy schedule of rehearsals actor Chelsea Grace manages to carve out an afternoon to meet with me over Zoom to discuss her upcoming performance in Salamander.

discussion

sections
spare rib review
spare rib review

“there is no central theme to Spare Rib – just like its homonym that was founded exactly four decades ago (Spare Rib magazine that fought for women’s rights in the 1970s), it is a collective, a collective of our generation, and of the unique colours of the edinburgh university students.” (image: eclosion by shawn nayar (image credit: phoebe janes)

my pandemic body-how Covid-related anxiety, social isolation and restrictions have redefined my relationship with food and my body.
my pandemic body-how Covid-related anxiety, social isolation and restrictions have redefined my relationship with food and my body.

Issy Stephenson discusses the unexpected effects the Covid-19 pandemic has had upon her self-image and her attitude to food, from the perspective of someone who had not struggled with negative body image prior to the first lockdown. She writes how social isolation and disordered eating are interrelated, and argues that it is crucial we open up a dialogue about the ways in which our mental health has been impacted by the pandemic. (image: Josie Devine)

in conversation with fat life drawing
in conversation with fat life drawing

fat life drawing was created by two sisters, emily and isobel. they came up with fat life drawing’s concept after taking part in online life drawing classes, as a creative outlet during lockdown. soon after, they discovered the extent to which those spaces are lacking in diversity and inclusion. their initial goal was - and continues to be - creating a comfortable, safe, judgement-free space for like-minded creatives to come together.

the cultural reset - an interview with nick lee & shannon ervin
the cultural reset - an interview with nick lee & shannon ervin

the Cultural Reset (TCR) is an organization that seeks to uplift the voices, artistic expression, and industry experiences of poc and lgbtq+ artists navigating the music industry. mxogyny sat down with the organisation to discover more about TCR and what they hope will be the platform’s impact on the music industry in the near future.

identifying as transgender in Zimbabwe: a conversation with Jordan chanetsa
identifying as transgender in Zimbabwe: a conversation with Jordan chanetsa

jordan chanetsa is a trans-rights activist, content creator, and host based in harare, zimbabwe. she focuses her work on equality, diversity, and inclusivity. jordan considers herself a colourful individual, who is not afraid to speak her mind and to fight for what she believes in. mxogyny sits down with her to talk about life as a trans-woman in zimbabwe and how she navigates her identity in society.

from a fine art student to a Tamil - British photographer
from a fine art student to a Tamil - British photographer

in this piece, 'From a fine art student to a Tamil-British photographer', Mathushaa Sagthidas reflects on her creative journey as an artist but also as a young woman, trying to navigate her position in and outside of the creative industry as an Eelam Tamil. she reflects on unexpected hurdles she had to overcome to discover where her creative passions lie.

creating a community space of solidarity and empowerment for East and Southeast Asians: an interview with racismunmasked
creating a community space of solidarity and empowerment for East and Southeast Asians: an interview with racismunmasked

RacismUnmasked is a platform for raising awareness about racism against East And Southeast Asians (ESEA) in Edinburgh, offering a valuable space for the community to share their experiences, and find comfort, solidarity and empowerment in doing so. deputy editor-in-chief Michelle Moira Mei Ling Firth talks to members Feiya and Can about their work in the movement - about the importance of creating a community space for ESEA people in the UK; finding catharsis in shared experience and solidarity; as well as the challenges associated with activism.

the erasure of brown women from the body hair movement is nothing new, but this time we’ve had enough
the erasure of brown women from the body hair movement is nothing new, but this time we’ve had enough

writer and activist Henna Amin explores the erasure of brown women from the body hair movement, the aestheticisation and appropriation of BIPOC features by the beauty industry and the intersects of race and gender in regards to beauty standards. the piece is accompanied by a series of graphics by Sahar Ghorishi.

catharsis and, or as, art: how grief changed my relationship to art
catharsis and, or as, art: how grief changed my relationship to art

deputy editor-in-chief Michelle Moira Mei Ling Firth reflects on her struggle to reconnect with art after painting her way through the initial months following her dad’s death. within, she discusses the tension between art as catharsis from trauma, and art becoming trauma, and how this changed her relationship to art. the piece was edited under the kind guidance of editor-in-chief Rachel Baker.

to my fifteen-year-old self - a letter by Ellie Jeans for eating disorder awareness week
to my fifteen-year-old self - a letter by Ellie Jeans for eating disorder awareness week

in this letter to her fifteen-year-old self, twenty-one-year-old Ellie Jeans reflects on her gradual recovery from bulimia: on the micro-victories and the failures in-between; to let her know that recovery, though a long and tumultuous process, is worth the wait. the article is accompanied by an illustration by Alex Skyrme.

poetry

sections
Envirowoman: SuPerPowerPoem
Envirowoman: SuPerPowerPoem

“SuperPowerPoem" is an anthem about finding your inner superpowers fueled by what you are passionate about... even if it doesn't come from the conventional spider bite!"

freshly plucked fruit
freshly plucked fruit

in this poem, Aarti Mukhedkar takes back her power. the piece is about resilience, strength, resistance and fortitude. it is a reminder that your growth will replenish you. your roots are indestructible and unreachable.

focus
focus

in this poem, Seraphina Adebayo describes the strain of what another lockdown can do to the human spirit. there are undertones of torment and frustration in the mind and the body. but as the poem goes on, these are only temporary states of emotions. there is a glimpse of positivity in the hopes it reflects the rest of the year. the poem is accompanied by a graphic by Lunares Alethia.

mango girl
mango girl

in this poem, Paola Lindo explores the intersection between nature and womanhood, specifically, how both the rich resources of her homeland and its female bodies are consumed, warped, and forced to callously continue existing in a world that does not conduce to their thriving, while also forcing them to find strength from within.

art of corruption
art of corruption

art of corruption by Amber Lane discusses the racial machinations and divide between black and white people in America. the poem draws on an artistic mimetic portrayal of racism, and its destructive nature. the poem is accompanied by artwork from Kimmie Gillespie.

the sapphic chronicles
the sapphic chronicles

in this collection, Lucy Pettigrew explores the intricacies of lesbian relationships, from moving on from a traumatic relationship, to first kisses and defying expectations. 

a letter to myself
a letter to myself

Hannah Petch reflects on the positive and negative impacts lockdown has had on our mental health and well-being in this poem, a letter to myself. She explores the feelings that come with disappointment and having opportunities taken away, and also the positive things that these new opportunities have led to.

origin
origin

In Origin, Nadia Freeman reflects on people's treatment of our primary Mother the ocean or Mother Earth. Our origin, lifesource and provider.

my whitest demeanour
my whitest demeanour

in My Whitest Demeanour, Michelle Mei Ling Firth evokes her personal struggle to reconcile the sudden wave of anti-racist clicktivism that swept white people's Instagram feeds during June. the poem is accompanied by an illustration from Chloe Francesca.

coleslaw
coleslaw

part of a larger body of work where Amy had the aim of making ‘every day a poem’, Coleslaw looks at the relationship we have with our physical being, laying bare the complex resentment many people hold towards the strong and miraculous bodies that pull them through the day.

self

sections
the erasure of brown women from the body hair movement is nothing new, but this time we’ve had enough
the erasure of brown women from the body hair movement is nothing new, but this time we’ve had enough

writer and activist Henna Amin explores the erasure of brown women from the body hair movement, the aestheticisation and appropriation of BIPOC features by the beauty industry and the intersects of race and gender in regards to beauty standards. the piece is accompanied by a series of graphics by Sahar Ghorishi.

i really do have love to give – a photo essay exploring racialised ace identity, by audrey chan
i really do have love to give – a photo essay exploring racialised ace identity, by audrey chan

“i thought there was something deeply wrong with me.” in this photo essay on asexuality, audrey chan dives into the performativity of compulsory sexuality, the possibility of love and attraction beyond sexual relations, and the unspoken discomforts that exist in between. the photo essay is accompanied by an interview between audrey and deputy editor-in-chief michelle moira mei ling firth.

to my fifteen-year-old self - a letter by Ellie Jeans for eating disorder awareness week
to my fifteen-year-old self - a letter by Ellie Jeans for eating disorder awareness week

in this letter to her fifteen-year-old self, twenty-one-year-old Ellie Jeans reflects on her gradual recovery from bulimia: on the micro-victories and the failures in-between; to let her know that recovery, though a long and tumultuous process, is worth the wait. the article is accompanied by an illustration by Alex Skyrme.

review of resistance and hope, edited by alice wong
review of resistance and hope, edited by alice wong

reviewing Resistance and Hope, an essay collection about disability justice in the wake of Trump’s election to the US presidency, Mia Nicole Davies examines how resistance and hope have helped the disabled community fight, survive, and thrive over the past four years, and how vital it is that they continue to do so.

naked attraction: can a show centred on objectification be empowering?
naked attraction: can a show centred on objectification be empowering?

Juliette Grossman explores the portrayal of nudity on Channel 4’s controversial, yet oddly mesmerizing, Naked Attraction which claims to "start where a good date often ends - naked.”

gender and islam
gender and islam

Mia Nicole Davies reflects on trying to find a sense of self and place within their community; navigating and defining what it means to them to be non-binary and Muslim. the piece is accompanied by an illustration from Robbie Masters.

‘you’re just obsessed with sex.’ yes, I am actually. and here’s why
‘you’re just obsessed with sex.’ yes, I am actually. and here’s why

Connie Byrne-Shore tackles the taboo around female sex and sexuality, detailing why she’s obsessed with sex - and why it’s okay for you to be too. her essay is accompanied by a photograph from Laura Alonso.

disability and visibility: a discussion about underlying health conditions
disability and visibility: a discussion about underlying health conditions

disability is a term that is all too often associated with visible conditions. After all, the universal symbol of disability on a parking sign is a wheelchair. Drawing from her personal experience of living with an invisible disability, Isobel Warner discusses the unconscious biases that contribute to the prevalence of ableism in our society. the piece is accompanied by an illustration from Mildred Cheng

engage and preserve - a simple guide to absorbing information online while maintaining wellbeing
engage and preserve - a simple guide to absorbing information online while maintaining wellbeing

social media, at its best, is a tool for education, community and support. however, it can also be a damaging and overwhelming source of information, particularly during tumultuous times for world events. Laura White, a confidence and wholeness coach, runs us through simple ways that we can learn to manage our mental wellbeing online, ensuring that we are engaging with the world while prioritising our health and happiness.

5 incredible non-fiction books about female sexuality
5 incredible non-fiction books about female sexuality

although we have now seen nearly five waves of feminism, female sexuality is still a taboo subject. thankfully, there are plenty of women out there working towards breaking this trend, and Connie Byrne-Shore from Flicking The Page gives us a run down of five books that discuss female sexuality with the frank openness that the topic deserves.

prose

sections
Becoming Forty by Lynne Clark
Becoming Forty by Lynne Clark

I am thirty nine and I am unmarried and childless and I feel like a failure.

12 lessons to my younger self
12 lessons to my younger self

writing at the age of 23, Imogen Bristow's prose piece entrusts a series of life lessons to her younger self. in doing so she highlights the value of learning, adapting, the inevitability of making mistakes and the power of finding resilience through time. Imogen's written work provides a comforting shoulder on which her adolescent self may rest her head, whilst attempting to nurse her through approaching formative years.

sexy
sexy

this fictional short story by Hollie Sherwood-Martin chronicles anxiety, harassment and intimidation of a young woman at a concert. the aim of the piece was to capture that ‘awful feeling of certainty, panic, and guilt’ shared by young women around the world when they find themselves alone, outside, at night. the story is paired with the writer’s own artwork.

third culture kid
third culture kid

Georgia Nelson explores the contrasting world of privilege that exists within international expat communities alongside the lives of those who facilitate that very privilege through these short excerpts from her crime drama pilot script, Third Culture Kid.


Cask of Amontillado
Cask of Amontillado

Safiya Budaly modernises an Edgar Allan Poe short story with an LGBTQ+ focus in a short screenplay celebrating Pride month. Illustration by Esme Lee.

How to Fall Down and then Get Back Up Again
How to Fall Down and then Get Back Up Again

An anonymous writer shares a beautiful reflection on the journey through emotional hardship, on falling down, and how to become your own support system in times of trouble. The piece is accompanied by the writer’s original artwork.

Reflections on Mother's Day
Reflections on Mother's Day

Rachel Alcock-Hodgson takes us to the wilds of Norfolk to recover from a bout of existential anxiety, pondering what home means to her along the way.

what is a letter?
what is a letter?

Lainey Thomas explores the act of letter-writing, its meanings, purposes, and its healing powers as meditation in moments of grief and pain.

Girls Night Out (Part 2)
Girls Night Out (Part 2)

in the final instalment of Kyende’s story, she discusses the impact club culture can have on women who are left feeling uncomfortable by unwanted male attention.

Unhappy Holidays
Unhappy Holidays

Mia Nicole Davies discusses the universality of Christmas during holiday season, and how the general election has impacted her feelings towards it.

art

sections
Becoming: in watercolour
Becoming: in watercolour

Watercolour prints by artist Rosie Behri. Rosie’s technique captures the provenance and origin of the water, demonstrating its developments, transpositions and becoming.

Intertwined within are some words that resonate with Rosie’s idea of becoming.

TITS ‘n’ TALES
TITS ‘n’ TALES

a new editorial and artistic project that wants to re-appropriate the ‘censored female nipples symbol’ by giving it new value.

vAnItas
vAnItas

"vAnItas" is a still life photography project shot by simran kaur. the project explores simran's childhood memories of her grandmother who used to place a bowl of water to make the young Simran catch the moon. unfortunately, simran's grandmother recently died therefore she decided to create this project in honour of her.

an interview with Thea Elmsley on #MenToo the musical
an interview with Thea Elmsley on #MenToo the musical

#MenToo is a musical comedy which follows the journey of four meninists attempting to save their community space from becoming the first women’s health centre in the uk. set to all-original songs such as ‘the brotest’ and ‘a catcall for help,’ brian, dave, casey and quest brave the obstacles of a post-#MeToo world. #MenToo was created by a group of women writers, musicians, producers and filmmakers in response to the weaponization of identity politics that we’ve witnessed over the last 5 years. in combining diabolical satire with the glitzzy aesthetic of musical theatre, we wanted to portray offensive, deeply flawed individuals in humorous and unexpected ways. Mxogyny sits down with director, Thea Emsley, to chat about the creation of #MenToo.

from a fine art student to a Tamil - British photographer
from a fine art student to a Tamil - British photographer

in this piece, 'From a fine art student to a Tamil-British photographer', Mathushaa Sagthidas reflects on her creative journey as an artist but also as a young woman, trying to navigate her position in and outside of the creative industry as an Eelam Tamil. she reflects on unexpected hurdles she had to overcome to discover where her creative passions lie.

narture cic: an artist’s collective with a new way forward
narture cic: an artist’s collective with a new way forward

Looking forward to a post-covid world, the Ayr-based arts collective, Narture, are working towards a project that aims to revive their historic market town through art, gastronomy and science. We caught up with one of their founders, Saskia, to chat about the motivations behind the project and how you can get involved.

catharsis and, or as, art: how grief changed my relationship to art
catharsis and, or as, art: how grief changed my relationship to art

deputy editor-in-chief Michelle Moira Mei Ling Firth reflects on her struggle to reconnect with art after painting her way through the initial months following her dad’s death. within, she discusses the tension between art as catharsis from trauma, and art becoming trauma, and how this changed her relationship to art. the piece was edited under the kind guidance of editor-in-chief Rachel Baker.

i really do have love to give – a photo essay exploring racialised ace identity, by audrey chan
i really do have love to give – a photo essay exploring racialised ace identity, by audrey chan

“i thought there was something deeply wrong with me.” in this photo essay on asexuality, audrey chan dives into the performativity of compulsory sexuality, the possibility of love and attraction beyond sexual relations, and the unspoken discomforts that exist in between. the photo essay is accompanied by an interview between audrey and deputy editor-in-chief michelle moira mei ling firth.

an interview with three pound coin
an interview with three pound coin

mxogyny content editor Debbie Shamir chats to co-founder and artistic director, Ben Fleming and co-founder and co-executive producer, Doug Stephenson about their new theatre company, Three Pound Coin, and their motivations for creating this new platform.

another (Chinese) new year - an illustration series by Cherie Chun
another (Chinese) new year - an illustration series by Cherie Chun

in this series, Another (Chinese) New Year, Cherie Chun reflects on the dawn of a new year in the COVID-19 pandemic. she hopes that with this series, people will be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. she speaks to Michelle, deputy Editor-in-Chief about the subdued festivities, the cultural influences in her work, and her practice as an artist and fashion designer.

collaborations

sections
In Conversation With Paris Syndrome
In Conversation With Paris Syndrome

This drive to engage with the world and challenge social norms is intrinsic to Paris Syndrome; “I spent many, many years of my life trying to write stuff that was timeless … but with Paris Syndrome … we’re going to write about what is happening right not, what the problems are right now” observes Lewis.

In Conversation With Lesley Benzie
In Conversation With Lesley Benzie

There’s something of a modern day Robert Burns to Lesley – many of her poems are fiercely political, rich in social commentary, and written in Scots.

In Conversation With Chelsea Grace
In Conversation With Chelsea Grace

There’s something special about Edinburgh during August. For three weeks the city swells into a vibrant hub of creativity. Yet amidst this impending frenzy and a busy schedule of rehearsals actor Chelsea Grace manages to carve out an afternoon to meet with me over Zoom to discuss her upcoming performance in Salamander.

elevating the work of East and Southeast Asian artists and makers in the UK: an interview with DontCallMeOriental
elevating the work of East and Southeast Asian artists and makers in the UK: an interview with DontCallMeOriental

Don’t Call Me Oriental (DCMO) is a platform, shop and pop-up exhibition space that elevates the work of East and Southeat Asian (ESEA) artists and makers in the UK. deputy editor-in-chief Michelle Moira Mei Ling Firth speaks to founder and director of DCMO, Mildred Cheng, who shares her experience thus far in creating DCMO. 

creating a community space of solidarity and empowerment for East and Southeast Asians: an interview with racismunmasked
creating a community space of solidarity and empowerment for East and Southeast Asians: an interview with racismunmasked

RacismUnmasked is a platform for raising awareness about racism against East And Southeast Asians (ESEA) in Edinburgh, offering a valuable space for the community to share their experiences, and find comfort, solidarity and empowerment in doing so. deputy editor-in-chief Michelle Moira Mei Ling Firth talks to members Feiya and Can about their work in the movement - about the importance of creating a community space for ESEA people in the UK; finding catharsis in shared experience and solidarity; as well as the challenges associated with activism.

get to know: TintED
get to know: TintED

as remote learning continues to be the norm, we caught up with TintED magazine on how they are creating a community online, committed to elevating BAME voices on Edinburgh University’s campus.

an interview with three pound coin
an interview with three pound coin

mxogyny content editor Debbie Shamir chats to co-founder and artistic director, Ben Fleming and co-founder and co-executive producer, Doug Stephenson about their new theatre company, Three Pound Coin, and their motivations for creating this new platform.

another (Chinese) new year - an illustration series by Cherie Chun
another (Chinese) new year - an illustration series by Cherie Chun

in this series, Another (Chinese) New Year, Cherie Chun reflects on the dawn of a new year in the COVID-19 pandemic. she hopes that with this series, people will be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. she speaks to Michelle, deputy Editor-in-Chief about the subdued festivities, the cultural influences in her work, and her practice as an artist and fashion designer.

featured artist: robbie masters
featured artist: robbie masters

in light of the release of their new digital comic, A Void, we catch up with Robbie Masters on their inspirations as an artist and why they have produced this unique piece of work.

in dismantling and repurposing the word misogyny, our name hopes to bring attention to the discrimination individuals face in the creative world based on gender, sexuality, race, class, religion, age or ability. Mx has become a symbol of defiance in working environments, replacing the titles of Ms, Mrs, Miss, or Mr on application forms and allowing people to opt out of certain identity-based biases. our work hopes to actively reduce the salience of such biases through the diversity of our content and the empowerment of our contributors.

our official logo was designed by Hamss Dawood, a poet and illustrator, who has frequently contributed to Mxogyny, since it was founded in May 2018. the image hopes to capture Mxogyny’s central role in providing a platform for emerging creatives and fostering a spirit of growth and mutual support.