All posts tagged: queer

Why News.com.au Misses the Mark on Caitlin Stasey’s New Website

Published by thequeerav

I first heard about Caitlin Stasey’s new feminist website ‘herself.com‘ from news.com.au. The headline read ‘Why Caitlin Stasey’s new website misses the mark.’ Thoughts started racing through my mind as to what she could have possibly published that would make someone  so unimpressed by her actions.  My question was soon answered…nothing. Stasey (Neighbours, Tomorrow When the War Began), released a feminist website reclaiming the female body by posting interviews accompanied by nude photos of herself and other women. I think this is amazing! News.com.au writer Rebecca Sullivan certainly didn’t. In her article she writes: “Stasey’s noble aim — to give women back their bodies — has been lost here. By putting naked photos of yourself on a public platform, you are simply offering your body up to the world for scrutiny and judgment. You are complicity foregoing total ownership of your figure and inviting others to weigh in.” We are taught to be ashamed or embarrassed if our body doesn’t resemble the ideal figure marketed to us by advertisers. Billions of dollars are spent trying to …

Ruby Rose Confirmed for Orange is the New Black

Published by thequeerav

Australian Model, DJ and TV presenter Ruby Rose is going to prison…kind of. Rose has confirmed they will be appearing in season three of Orange is the New Black playing Stella Carlin, an inmate “whose sarcastic sense of humor and captivating looks quickly draw the attention of some of Litchfield’s inmates.” The character will be playing the love interest of main characters Piper Chapman (Taylor Schilling) and Alex Vause (Laura Prepon). Season three is currently in the making and set to be released this year; Can’t wait! To get further insight into Ruby’s new role get your hands on a copy of Elle Magazine, where they’ve been named one of the Magazines fresh faces on TV to watch in 2015.

The Identity Project – What Defines You

Published by thequeerav

I came across this project on Tumblr and thought it was definitely worth sharing as it shows the diversity of the queer community around us in a positive, artistic and inspiring way. The Identity Project is a photography project started by  San Francisco based portrait photographer Sarah Deragon at the beginning of 2014. “This photography project seeks to explore the labels we choose to identify with when defining our gender and sexuality.” Society is still catching up on the realisation that sex, sexuality and gender are all something a lot more complicated and diverse than the binary system we’ve been taught to constrain ourselves in and this project really shines a light on this diversity. To be eligible for the project participants must be a member of the LGBTQ community, choose 1-5 terms related to gender and sexuality to self-identify with, sign a model release and come to the Portraits To The People studio in the Outer Richmond neighborhood in San Francisco. Having said this, the project made it’s way to Portland, New York & Chicago in the second half of last year …

2014 – What a Queer Year!

Published by thequeerav

A lot has happened in 2014, and a lot of progress has been made for the queer community. Let’s end the year on a high note and have a look at some of the more positive events and milestones from the last 12 months. The Queer Av! Okay so this is not exactly global or anything but I’m in the process of changing the name of this blog from The Gay Av to The Queer Av to make it more inclusive of the whole community. In other news, we are now on Instagram (@thequeerav), AND there are new and exciting projects and articles to come in 2015. Watch this space! A looooot of people came out this year in the LGBTIQ community. I’m not a fan of the whole ‘coming out ritual’ and I wish is wasn’t necessary for people to have to do. I can’t wait for the day when peeps don’t assume one’s gender and sexuality from the get go and therefore the event of coming out won’t exist. Having said this, it’s still …

Queer Fashion – What’s Out There?

Published by thequeerav

I’ve recently picked up an interest in queer fashion and different queer labels currently available for sale. There’s a plethora of options available online, and for once, I can thank the marketing gods for pushing these options my way. Whether it’s a new queer print piece your after, or just some androgynous clothing that finally fits your style, here’s just a small list of  options available so you can queer up your wardrobe today! 1. PROUD ANIMALS I came across this brand when trolling Instagram for new queer content and people to follow. They have a cool range of sexuality and gender themed prints available on t-shirts, hoodies, socks, plugs, and much more. I haven’t bought anything from them yet but FYI they ship internationally and the pricing on the products don’t seem unreasonable ($32 for a tee, $48 for a sweater just to give you an idea). My favourite is the ‘Fuck Gender Norms’ sweater; Can’t wait for winter! Check out their Instagram and Website for more info and updates. 2. ANDROGYNY Androgyny was founded by Melissa …

Gaining Employment: A Trans Perspective

Published by thequeerav

A few weeks ago I wrote an article talking about my experiences in gaining employment as a queer person. The post was popular so I decided to post again about gaining employment, but this time from a trans perspective. I was able to ask Oskar about the ups and downs of gaining employment as a trans man in Perth and here’s what he had to say! What are the main problems you’ve had to face when it comes to finding employment as a trans person? As I’ve been struggling to change my name – my legal name is my biggest indicator that something is up – particularly since I don’t present as female at all these days. Little things such as what clothes to wear – female clothes or male clothes at a job interview? I’ve been forced to present as female for job interviews and it sucks. I worry a lot about my future career – I’m worried that despite my studies, I still won’t be hired in my chosen profession because I’m trans. …

Men In Style Society – New York fashion Blogger Shane Samuel

Published by thequeerav

New York Fashion Week may be over but fashion is all year round! I was able to ask some questions to New York fashion blogger Shane Samuel recently. He talks about why he started his blog, being a fashion blogger in New York City, who he was keeping an eye on at this years New York Fashion Week and much more. Check it out. When did you first decide to start a men’s fashion blog and why?  I decided to start a fashion blog as an honor’s project during my sophomore year of college. I always had a thing for fashion, but I didn’t know how deep it went until I got to college and saw that almost all of the guys dressed the same. Can you explain to people who might not have seen your blog before, its aim and what it’s all about? I created Men In Style Society to serve as a platform for men who are looking for ideas to update their look or inspiration to create a new one. I …

Friday's Fashion Post: Tegan and Sara Team up with Keep

Published by thequeerav

Tegan and Sara have teamed up with Keep Company to bring you some limited edition shoes which are available for pre-order from now until Tuesday February 11  at 11:59 PST. They will hit stores in late May 2014 but in limited numbers so make sure you pre-order if you’re really desperate to get your hands on a pair. Tegan’s Keep Plimsoll Homer features a quilted vegan leather body, a custom striped terry insole and purple color block accent on the bottom of the sole. Sara’s Keep Hi Top Guerra features illustrated international cat print, featuring cats meowing in different languages, a black accented heel stripe, sole and lining and a Signature Keep grass engraved cup sole. Both Tegan and Sara designed their own pair from top to bottom and are very excited by the results. “Both shoes really reflect our own personal style, so we hope you love them as much as we do,” they said. For further info and to pre-order yourself a pair visit www.keepcompany.com/page/TS

Orange is the New Black – 13 Quotes That Can Be Used In Everyday Conversation

Published by thequeerav

If you haven’t been living under a big ol’ queer rock lately then you’ll have heard of the new TV show Orange is the New Black. It’s a show that focuses on the story of Piper, a middle class blondie who is doing jail time for a crime she committed years ago with ex girlfriend Alex. Lots of queers…jammed into one space…crazy eyes…sexual frustration…PIE… Let’s just say It’s well worth the watch; a comedy with meaning. It even has (M)tF trans representation by someone who is trans in real life, which is rare on such a big show. Because I loved the first season so much, and am eagerly awaiting the second, I thought I’d come up with a list of OITNB quotes with examples of how they can be used in everyday conversation. Because lets face it…we all want to talk THAT talk. 1. Mr Healy’s ‘lesbian-based rooming’ talk with Piper     “Lesbian Request Denied.” Whilst you may want to use this every time you tell your girlfriend you’re “too tired”, it would be advised not …