Grace magazine: Writing in the Media. By Amelia Roberts

GRACE

MAY 2016

GIGI HADID On Zayn, the VS Fashion Show and being a social supermodel

Living with Vitiligo: The skin condition that is there for life

5 Ways to Keep the Fire Going in Your Long Distance Relationship Why you need to watch Marvel's 'Jessica Jones'

Which Real Housewives series should you binge watch this Summer?

Don't miss out - this month's holiday competition

GRACE

May 2016

Contents

Editor: Amelia Roberts

4. Why you need to watch Marvel's 'Jessica Jones' 6-7. Living with Vitiligo 9. 5 ways to keep the fire going in your long distance relationship 10. ON THE COVER - Gigi Hadid 14. Real Housewives - which series should you binge watch this Summer?

15. Competition

Why you need to watch Marvel's 'Jessica Jones' If you've yet to watch the new Netflix series 'Jessica Jones'; you are seriously missing out. It isn't your typical superhero Avengers-style viewing, oh no, this show is much darker than that.

Krysten Ritter plays the complex, witty and intelligent Jessica Jones brilliantly.

Jessica, an ex-superhero, has started her own detective agency after her career was ruined by the sinister, equally complex and brilliantly played Kilgrave (David Tennant) who has the power of mind control. When Kilgrave reappears into Jessica's life, she must do all she can to stop him from doing anyone else harm. This show doesn't shy away from dealing with dark issues, such as Jessica's post-traumatic stress disorder, rape, stalking and alcoholism. Over the thirteen episodes we become more exposed to Jessica's past, and every time we think Kilgrave can't do anything more horrifying - he does.

'Jessica Jones' is the perfect crime thriller. Fast-paced with frequent fight scenes and lots of twists and turns, this show will keep you on the edge of your seat, rooting for Jones. We simply don't see enough strong, female protagonists on television these days. Although an exsuperhero, the writers make Jessica a relatable character who has many emotional layers, and it's nice to see Jones portrayed as a real person rather than your classic unbreakable superhero.

It's a feminist show - it empowers women and every character who holds great power (aside from Kilgrave) is a female, a factor I think is great to see on our screens.

Start watching this show and you certainly will be constantly clicking "continue watching" (please Netflix, please get rid of this annoying pop-up).

This show proves that the superhero genre can be just for grown-ups, and will definitely have you eagerly waiting for Season 2.

What is Vitiligo?

Amelia Roberts

Living with Vitiligo

Your skin.

What does it go through?

For the average kid, it's chicken pox. For the average teen, it's spots. For the average adult, it's wrinkles. It's the stages of life for your skin, affecting every single one of us, and it's never forever. But it is forever for Vitiligo sufferers.

The 'Michael Jackson disease' is the most common way people seem to refer to the condition. But how many of us really know what Vitiligo is? How many of us really know the emotional damage such a disease can have on those it affects?

There is no cure for it, and although there are treatment options available it rarely lasts. Although Vitiligo is not harmful, the effects it can have on a persons' self esteem can be devastating.

It's not often you hear about Vitiligo in the media, however we have recently seen it discussed in regards to Michael Jackson's son Prince, who was recently photographed on the beach topless with what appeared to be white patches on his skin. Even more recently Vitiligo has come to the attention of the media through Canadian model Winnie Harlow - who starred in America's Next Top Model and has had the condition since she was four.

Photo: Nick Knight/SHOWstudio

Vitiligo is a skin condition where the skin loses its pigment.

About 1 in 100 people have Vitiligo in the UK.

First spotted through her posts on social media, she has since modelled in campaigns for Diesel, and appeared in London Fashion Week. She is currently the face of Spanish clothing company Desigual. Talking about her condition at the Dove self- esteem project, Harlow described herself as "beautiful" and "proud" of her Photo: angelvancouver.com skin. Despite her struggles, she has finally learnt to embrace and accept her condition.

Vitiligo affects 1% of the population, and it can affect anyone. We met 22-year old Luis, a Vitiligo sufferer since the age of 11.

He wishes to bring more awareness to the condition through sharing what it is like to live with the incurable disease.

"Vitiligo made me into a better person" he tells us, "I don't think I'll ever truly embrace it, but I've certainly learnt to live happily despite it."

On Christmas day when he was 16 years old, Luis got dressed up in his smartest suit and he felt good. But when he looked in the mirror, he felt everything but good.

"I looked at myself in the mirror and thought - skin disease still there. No matter how good I look, I can never look as good as I could. I can't tell you how many times I've thought that while looking in the mirror."

"Let if effect you for the better. You're more conscious of it than other people."

"In my opinion, people just don't care about it, they've just labelled it 'incurable' and that's that. I know it's not a deadly condition like cancer, but how many sufferers of Vitiligo have lost all their self-worth, shut themselves away from Prince Jackson may have inherited his father's condition. the world, got into drugs Photo: YOUTUBE and alcoholism? - A lot."

"We're so obsessed in this society with how we look, so for such a long time I thought there was no point in living because how could I possibly live a good, normal life with a condition that ruined my appearance? It's nice to see celebrities such as Winnie Harlow bringing Vitiligo to people's attention, but how many celebrities have to get it for people to realize what I have?"

"People often ask me what my skin disease is. I've even had doctors ask me what it is. There really isn't enough research being done about Vitiligo."

"If you're going to be different, be better. Don't be average."

Luis' condition worsened when he turned 16, taking a huge toll on his social life. "It was basically non-existent" he tell us "at 16 you're supposed to be having the time of your life, going to parties, flirting with girls...I was too insecure for any of that. I had a great circle of friends though, who encouraged me to feel good about myself and that really did help. Surrounding myself with supportive people made it a whole lot better."

Now, Luis studies French and Italian at University, with hopes of becoming a translator. He has a girlfriend, something in which he used to think he was to "ugly" for, and a drive to succeed. He credits his success at University to his condition, as it made him want to be successful.

"If you channel it the right way, any condition that affects your daily life can make you successful."

"Vitiligo will completely change your life.

You can't hide it, it's there forever. I'd just like all sufferers to know that they aren't being ignored. People like me need to feel like something is being done to help us.

I'm determined to make that happen.

People out there should be aware that this condition affects lives and so should not be pushed aside."

"How many celebrities have to get it for people to realize what I have?"

Luis hopes that after his studies he can go on to help others who suffer from the condition and continue to raise awareness.

Vitiligo may still have a long way to go before it is truly recognized, but with sufferers like Luis and Winnie Harlow creating awareness of the condition, perhaps it is time that people like you and me understand it and inform others about it. Perhaps now we will think twice before we stare at the person across with the street with the white patches on their skin.

If you or anyone else you know wants to find out more about Vitiligo and its symptoms visit: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Vitiligo/Pages/Symptoms.aspx

Comments

If you are worried about someone you know who is suffering because of this or any other condition, help is available: 116 123 (Samaritans)

5 ways to keep the fire going in your long distance relationship Amelia Roberts

Long distance sucks - fact. When I learnt my boyfriend was going abroad to study for a year I was a bit of an emotional wreck. You have no idea how you are going to keep up your relationship when you can't be physical and see each other every day, and then to top it all off you've got people asking you "Are you going to stay together?" Well of course you are, because there are plenty of ways to keep the fire going in your long distance relationship: 1. Skype Skype is a godsend! Without it I think I would have found the year away from my boyfriend a lot harder. Try to organize a few Skype sessions a week. It's so nice to catch up with your loved one about everything you've both been up to. There will certainly be a few tears, but getting to see your loved one's face (and perhaps other things) will put the strain of your long distance relationship at ease!

2. Letters I know what you're thinking - this isn't the 1800's. However, receiving a love letter has not lost its romance. Getting your mail and seeing your loved one's handwriting on a letter to you = lots of butterflies. I really enjoyed sending a few nice postcards to my boyfriend (Tip: Paper Chase do some really good ones) knowing it would be a total surprise! There's something really personal about a hand-written letter that will warm your insides and make you feel extra special.

Speaking of surprises....

3. Surprise visits Only do this if you can pull it off and you are organized about it. It couldn't be much worse if you decided to surprise your loved one only to realize they weren't even in the house that day. If you can't surprise visit, always know when you're going to see your partner next. That way, you always have something to look forward to.

4. Be independent At first the thought of living separate lives is terrifying. But your long distance isn't going to last forever, and surprisingly independence is really useful for your relationship. It keeps you both busy, and you both will have lots to talk about when it comes to catching up. Independence to your partner is sexy, it proves that you don't rely on that person and that you can be in love but have your own life.

5. Photos The perfect way to feel involved in each other's life is photos - naughty or nice. Whether you're using the latest Snapchat filters, just seen a cute dog, or are visiting a place where the two of you have memories. Photos allow you to share more of your separate lives, as well as make you smile, laugh and reminisce.

Comments

GIGI HADID talks Zayn, the VS fashion show and being a social supermodel

Gigi Hadid is not your typical 20 year old.

Her modelling career started at 2 years old fro Baby Guess. Following high school, Hadid moved to New York to continue her modelling career. At 18, she was named one of Sport's Illustrated top 12 rookie's, and continued to shoot with Guess as an adult. Now, Hadid is becoming one of the world's biggest supermodels, having recently starred in the 2015 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.

Hadid is never far from the spotlight. Her mother Yolanda Foster became a housewife in The Real Housewives of Beverley Hills in 2013, and Hadid often made an appearance. She has many famous friends - to name a few - Kendall Jenner, Hailey Baldwin, Justin Bieber. Over a million followers on Twitter and

Instagram and a very popular Snapchat.

Gigi is a social media queen. She is currently dating Zayn Malik, former member of One Direction, after her public break up with ex's Cody Simpson and Joe Jonas.

Gigi sits down with us in the hotel foyer.

She is friendly, sweet and looks effortlessly beautiful sporting little makeup and a big fur coat.

"The paparazzi must have heard about the interview," She remarks, referring to the swarms of paparazzi outside the building. I ask her about what that's like.

"It's annoying of course but I don't like to complain. I show off my life on social media so I don't really see why people need extra photos, but at the end of the day these guys have families to feed. As long as they respect me, I respect them."

Gigi is no stranger to disrespect. Only recently she responded to a tweet accusing her of having a "new boyfriend every 2 weeks."

"It's just ridiculous," She tells me. "Like I said on my response I've dated 3 guys in 3 years. What's wrong with that? People love to just find the negative in everything."

So what's her new relationship with Zayn like?

"It's amazing - he's amazing. Honestly he's so talented and dedicated to his work. We recently did a shoot with Vogue together in Naples and it was just incredible. We are very happy."

Fans however were not happy after Zayn publicly split from Perrie Edwards and appeared to move on very quickly with Gigi. However, Zayn has claimed he has nothing but respect for Perrie. Gigi also was in a relationship with Joe Jonas

around the time they split, however says they remain good friends.

"I'm still on great terms with Joe. He's a great guy and his brothers are great people too. I think it's important to have a good relationship with your ex's. Zayn and I had both came out of relationships when we started hanging out and so we started slow. The Vogue interview is the first time we've spoken about our relationship."

Hadid recently starred in the Victoria Secret Fashion Show - something she had auditioned for previously but never got accepted.

"When they told me I could finally be in the show I cried all afternoon. It's been my biggest dream for so long and it finally came true. I really hope they invite me back next year because I had the greatest time. And I got to do it with my best friend (Kendall Jenner) which was just the icing on the cake. Both our dreams got to come true."

Which Real Housewives series should you binge watch this Summer?

NEW JERSEY ATLANTA

The most explosive of the Real Housewives' series. With one of its cast just out of prison this past year - there is drama left, right and centre. Most of the seasons focus on the GuidiceGorga family drama with siblings at war. And it is not pretty - but it's sure as hell entertaining.

This show started off the career of NeNe Leakes (who you've probably seen in Glee or The New Normal) and she is without a doubt the best part of it. These girls know how to read i.e: seeing someone for who they really are, and boy they are not afraid to say it.

BEVERLY HILLS Lifestyles of the rich and famous - kinda. With relations to Paris Hilton, and one housewife whose husband left her for Leanne Rimes, if you love Hollywood drama this is the show for you.

NEW YORK These housewives are the most academic of the bunch - all with massive egos. They're the oldest cast in age but not certainly not the least entertaining. From huge bust ups at parties to bottle-throwing fights - these clever ladies sure know how to fight.

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