THE EDGE VOL. 12 ISSUE 1

VOL. 12, ISSUE 1 ELON, NC

Let’s Get Uncomfortable TO CANCEL OR NOT TO CANCEL? | DESTIGMATIZING THERAPY NIPPLE’S PLACE IN FASHION | LET’S NOT MASK THE ISSUE

letter from the editor T

hroughout this tumultuous, surprising, and unprecedented year, the entire world has moved in directions that we would never have imagined. One word that keeps creeping up throughout it all is “uncomfortable.” Not being able to see friends and family members is uncomfortable. Facing your prejudices is uncomfortable. Tolerating the current political climate is uncomfortable. Talking to anyone about any of these topics is uncomfortable.

Even the word itself makes you feel uncomfortable, as if whatever you’re describing shouldn’t be dealt with because it’s too awkward or disagreeable to actually discuss. In typical 2020 fashion, however, it’s time to shake things up. This year has forced us to address problems that have been swept under the rug for too long: systemic change, police brutality, health care, political divides. Rather than retreat in privilege, I suggest we all keep charging forward, by having discussions and leaning into the uncomfortable.

If you haven’t already guessed it, this issue is The Uncomfortable Issue. My sister thought of this theme in a brainstorm session last December, having no idea how relevant the message would become. There is an ever-rising need to take our heads out of the sand and discuss issues that have been deemed uncomfortable for too long. It is time to get comfortable with the uncomfortable. I sat down with the student leaders of Elon’s diversity and leadership Intersect Conference and tackled these conversations. We also addressed another catch word of the moment—“cancel culture” (page 32).

The Edge is making a concerted effort to have our content be more inclusive and relatable for a wider audience. As part of this process, we participated in a workshop with the Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education, in which we reflected on our varied social identities to develop a more informed approach to our work. We also spoke with Elon alumni who now work in global media positions and looked into the publication

industry beyond a college campus.

One of our most exciting new projects is a podcast, On The Edge, which features creative individuals working in fashion, beauty and wellness, lifestyle, and travel. We have brought a fresh look to our mission statement as well: “We produce thought provoking content about topics you already know, but from an angle you don’t.” This attitude pushes us all to attack the difficult angles and not fear the uncomfortable topics that we usually suppress.

I hope this issue challenges you to think differently about topics you may not otherwise address. Whether that be learning more about the beneficial effects of therapy (page 16), getting the scoop on vaginal health (page 38), or freeing the female nipple in clothing (page 6), this issue aims to spark conversations typically left untouched. We chatted with a host of inspiring individuals on Elon’s campus, from stereotype-breaking chaplains (page 19) to language and culture professors (page 28). Each article in this issue shares a unique perspective on a topic that is worth considering beyond the pages of this magazine.

Given that this is my final print issue with The Edge, I have never been more proud to be “uncomfortable.”

During this stressful and overwhelming time, we were able to channel our energy into creative work and interview incredible people from diverse backgrounds. These conditions took us to the edge of our collaborative skills and drove us to work through a lot of uncomfortable moments.

It has been an absolute honor working with The Edge team and encouraging our readers to engage with thought-provoking content. I will be eternally grateful for how much The Edge has pushed me to grow and learn, and I hope this issue can be a starting point for others to continue doing the same, even if it causes you to feel uncomfortable.

Aleeza Zinn, Editor-in-Chief

KNOW OUR LETTERS THE DIVINE NINE

6 19

FASHION TITS ,

LOOKING DOMESTICALLY TO TRAVEL INTERNATIONALLY

22

, LET S NOT MASK THE ISSUE

ELON S CHAPLAINS ARE SHATTERING STEREOTYPES

HEALTH, SEX, AND OWNING YOUR “O"

DESTIGMTIZING THERAPY

CULTURAL APPROPRIATION:

NOT WHO YOU EXPECTED? ,

VAGINA TALKS:

, LET S TALK

28

NIPPLE S PLACE IN FASHION

38

16

32

TO CANCEL OR NOT TO CANCEL?

42

THE LINE BETWEEN FIT AND SICK

46

SEEING EYE TO EYE THE RISE OF THE BATTLEGROUND CAMPUS

50

OPENING THE CLOSET DOORS

52

CAN I TOUCH YOUR HAIR? THE DISPARITIES BETWEEN WHITE AND BLACK HAIR CARE

56

BREAKING DOWN THE BARRIERS OF FASHION

in this issue

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THE EDGE Editor-in-Chief Aleeza Zinn Creative Director Sydney Donaldson Design Chief Meghan Kimberling Assistant Design Chief Leah Hottenstein Director of Photography Gabby Dunlevy Copy Chief Nina Crocco Assistant Copy Chief Brooke Wilten Fashion Editor Hannah Jablonski Assistant Editor Victoria Marsh Writer Avery Delacey Writer Sophia Gerth Writer Kayla Knight Writer Allie Massello Writer Natalie Rubino Writer Sasha Sklarov

Features Editor Hallie Milstein Assistant Editor Sara Fazli Writer Melissa Beck Writer Amy Ellison Writer Madison Gilgo Writer Genevieve Smith Writer Samantha Steinman Writer Emerson Wells

Beauty & Wellness Editor Claire Hatcher Assistant Editor Lydia Elste Writer Leslie Bond Writer Anna Cave Writer Sarah Deloach Writer Delilah Eby Writer Molly Jenks Writer Maggie Smith

Lifestyle Editor Emma Trimbur Assistant Editor Lindsey Schubert Writer Jacqueline Baumann Writer Greta Bollmeier Writer Lauren Callihan Writer Julia Forman Writer Alejandra Gonzalez Writer Zoe Lewis

Travel Editor Julia Oakes Writer Claudia Hedrick Writer Ali Scheinfeld Writer Emma Scott Singletary Writer Genevieve Smith Writer Samantha Steinman Writer Emerson Wells

Digital Media Director of Videography Jazmin Bender Video Editor Georgia Ferguson Video Editor Kate Spencer Video Editor Zoe Doyle Social Media Director Maddy Lemone Social Media Designer Jackie Dieker Media Analyst Lauren Rodgers

Photographers Lexie Brooks Mel Jones Delaney Daniels Joyce Llopis-Martell Chloe Darrow Carlyn Marinaccio Olivia Parks

Designers Mary Buzby Emma Spencer Leila Wilhelm Michaela Vandervelden

meet the staff What gives you hope?

Aleeza: Seeing individuals take a stand for what is right and not accepting anything less.

Sydney: Witnessing or experiencing acts of love, goodness, and kindness.

Victoria: Aside from my faith, I feel hope in seeing other Black women take initiative to reach the future that they desire for this world.

Sara: Generation Z fighting for racial equality, climate change, and overall equal rights for all humans no matter their race, gender, or sexual orientation.

What is most important for your mental health?

Meghan: Daily pause and reset.

Gabby: Being able to express your emotions to others—no one struggles alone.

Nina: Meaningful connections.

Lindsey: Journaling.

Maddy: Therapy and remembering to give myself a break.

Right now, the world needs...

Leah: Kindness.

Brooke: Wayyy more compassion for one another.

Hannah: Love, love, and love.

Claire: A good old-fashioned Bob Ross pep talk.

Hallie: Compassion. And a vaccine.

Who is your biggest influence?

Julia: Arielle Charnas. Her love for her family, impressive work ethic, and, of course, sophisticated style make her a major inspo.

Emma: My mom. As cliche as it sounds, my mom has shown me what I deserve and what I can accomplish in life through her own strength and grace. She is a constant guide for me and source of inspiration that I am immensely grateful for.

Jazmin: My biggest influence is Indy Blue! She is very creative and does everything she wants and is such a free spirit.

FASHION TITS:

NIPPLE’S PLACE IN FASHION

6 | FASHION

F

or centuries, fashion has often been centered on the female body and has highlighted the female breast as a symbol of beauty.

Designers create pieces that flatter and accentuate the female figure, which often means drawing focus to the chest. In addition to beauty, women’s breasts also symbolize vitality. Despite their maternal and life-giving purposes, breasts are often subjected to hypersexualization and highly uncomfortable objectification.

A bra is an undergarment that supports breasts while simultaneously tucking them away from the public eye. Modern fashion has facilitated the design of new garments to replace the traditional bra. These items, such as the corset and padded push-up bra, aim to reveal and modify the appearance of breasts. However, acceptance of the breast in its natural form is still progressing today, as traditional social norms lead women to cover their breasts.

Women began to reject traditional bras during the second wave of the women’s liberation movement in the early 1960s, given their discomfort and association with patriarchal restriction. In this context, we see a strong crossover between fashion and politics, “as a nipple glimpsed beneath

clothing could be read as a fierce refusal of propriety” writes a Refinery29 article.

The slogan of this movement, “the personal is political,” further emphasized this crossover. During the movement, women’s social and political inequalities were found to be inextricably linked, encouraging women to understand how their personal lives reflected sexist power structures. Fashion at this time embraced women’s liberation through braless styles. These styles welcomed views of the breast, such as side boob—the profile view— seen through loose silhouettes.

Nipples as a “trend” and the concept of the “nip slip” are no new terms to society. Rather, they date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, a time when showing your breasts was a fashion statement and nipples were thought of as accessories that intrigued rather than elicited immediately eroticized connotations. For example, low-cut bodices pushed breasts upward, occasionally encouraging a flash of the nipple, and were considered très chic during this time.

As tastemakers, celebrities and designers alike have a responsibility to consider the wider implications of what they choose to cast a spotlight on. Throughout history, they have helped dissociate

IS POLITICAL”

HANNAH JABLONSKI | FASHION EDITOR

“THE PERSONAL FASHION | 7

from a pornographic and erotic context and instead resituate them on the red carpet and within everyday street style.

In 2011, Tom Ford accredited Yves Saint Laurent as one of the first designers to present nipples on the runway. “He liberated women in a way or came along in a time when women were being liberated and threw that back onto the runway,” says Ford. Braless fashion continues to dismantle the idea that the female breast holds exclusively sexual connotations by accentuating the nipple in garments rather than covering it.

Fashion in the 1990s further popularized bralessness as women continued to champion life.

Antoinette Polito, associate professor of physician assistant studies at Elon University, says, “The early ’90s is like the year of the woman.

There were more women in politics, women were feeling stronger, we had a really good economy, women were making money and being independent.”

This newfound social standing empowered women to dress as they desired—more comfortably, freer, and with the occasional non-accidental nip slip. The ’90s also welcomed the under boob, aka the viewing of the under side of the breast, which grew in popularity with the rise of undercut clothing and cropped shirts.

8 | FASHION

Despite this progress in braless fashion, the fashion industry has historically designed with “fashion tits” in mind, which are defined as small, perky, and relatively unobtrusive breasts. In recent years, the industry has been heavily criticized for overrepresenting this body type, which is unrelatable to many.

In 2012, the #FreeTheNipple movement aimed to combat censorship and reclaim the nipple for the empowerment of all breasts—no matter the size or shape. Today, designers embrace more design elements such as line work and patches that promote inclusivity for a larger range of breast sizes.

Many have since continued to declare themselves in favor of “freeing the nipple.” Kendall Jenner is notorious for integrating braless fashion into her everyday streetwear.

In 2016, she wrote on her blog, “I really don’t see what the big deal is with going braless! I think it’s cool and I really just don’t care! It’s sexy, it’s comfortable, and I’m cool with my breasts. That’s it!”

Fashion has proven to be a catalyst for promoting “free” nipples, which leads to further normalization and equal representation of women’s breasts. It is this mentality of acceptance that ricochets and has continued to support women’s liberation and the desexualization of the female body in other aspects of society. ■

PHOTOGRAPHER | MEL JONES MODELS | CORINNE ROSE, CIANI FOY, TEA VALETTE

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12 | FEATURES

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PHOTOGRAPHER | CHLOE DARROW MODELS | MADISON HOLMES, ALICIA POWELL, JEWEL TILLMAN

SARA FAZLI

L

et’s make something clear: our system is broken.

We’re not just talking about the justice system, the education system, or the healthcare system, but rather any organization that promotes a white-dominated elitist society—including Greek life.

While the Panhellenic Association (PA) and Interfraternity Council (IFC) strive to support organizations with sound morals, they historically have and continue to engage in racial and economic discrimination. This elitist exclusivity and racial isolation on majority-white campuses has influenced minority groups to form their own Greek organizations. Most notable is the historically Black umbrella organization, the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC).

Founded at Howard University in 1930, the NPHC is a historically Black council made up of the “Divine Nine”: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha

14 | FEATURES

Sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. In addition to the desire to benefit the greater good, especially within the Black community—though organization members can be of all races—this council stemmed from the struggles Black students still face today: racial isolation and injustice.

“We were founded during a time of voter suppression, women being unable to vote, and segregation,” says Alicia Powell, president and social media chair of Elon University’s Xi Omicron chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.

“People’s rights were not humane. Black people, still to this day, we struggle with it. My founders dealt with so much pain and suffering just for being Black and existing.”

These organizations, all of which have chapters at Elon, aim to improve systems that once worked against their founders. This often comes in the form of voter-registration events, food stability efforts, and overall civil action and education. Yet, the impactful work that each of these groups partakes in is rarely recognized by the Elon community—both students and faculty.

This lack of recognition might be because of NPHC’s small but mighty size of 30 participants, which has ultimately caused members of the council to feel as if their voices aren’t always heard.

“Sometimes it feels like we are in a vacuum where we don’t get heard because the other organizations are so much larger and make up more voices,” says Jewel Tillman, president of Delta Sigma Theta at Elon. “Right now, the Greek life administration is trying to do focus groups to get everyone in Greek life’s opinions, but people in the NPHC have questioned why they even want to hear from us because our voices so often get trampled by everyone else.”

In order to amplify their voices and increase their exposure on campus, National Pan-Hellenic members hope to collaborate with IFC and PA on Elon’s campus.

“I would really love to have collaboration between us and the Interfraternity and Panhellenic councils,” says Madison Holmes, president of Kappa Alpha Psi at Elon. “I want people to know what the letters on our shirt mean. When we throw our events, it’s usually the same people that always come, and they are all from the Black community. So, getting more people that are not Black to come to our events—we would really like that.”

While this collaboration is desired, it has proven difficult to create unity as a result of differences in operation between the NPHC, IFC, and PA as well as the disparity in funding for each group by the administration.

“Sometimes, it feels like we are on the back burner during larger organization meetings we have, where all the information we are getting is about IFC or PA organizations,” says Tillman. “We can feel a little left out because we feel like some of the information that is said doesn’t apply to us. So, that’s been one challenge: how can we amplify our voices to get through to the administration that we need certain types of support

and communicate that there are differences in how we operate?”

In order to bridge the gap between NPHC, PA, and IFC organizations despite differences in operation, Powell says the administration and the Greek community need to put more effort into fostering those relationships.

“I do wish we did more volunteering together,” she says. “I wish we could make a statement as a whole council, just as a Greek council, instead of all the separation.

I wish we were supported. I wish there was more that Elon did to unite the councils. I know they are trying, but it’s just the principle of it. You want people to want to do it, we shouldn’t have to always be reaching out.”

The lack of support members of NPHC feel isn’t limited to Greek life, rather it is felt from the university as a whole. After the recent tragedies with George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless others, NPHC members have felt that their role on campus is now to be the spokesperson for racial injustice—finally being recognized but at a serious emotional cost.

“Outside of our council, just being a member of the greater Black community at Elon, we are always asked to talk about race to different audiences, and honestly it’s tiring,” says Holmes. “I’m fine talking about things that have happened, but sometimes people can get triggered with what is going on, and they don’t want to relive traumas that they possibly went through.”

In order to feel more supported, both as Black students at Elon and members of the NPHC, unity is key.

How does this unity come about? By all members of the Elon community attending NPHC events, supporting historically Black organizations and their campaigns on social media, and reaching out to their members to collaborate with campus activities, fundraisers, and additional opportunities. Ultimately, students and faculty alike—especially those that are members of or advisers to IFC and PA organizations—must recognize and engage with NPHC. “We want to be recognized. We want people to know about us and support us. Because it is a Greek council.

We should be united,” says Powell. “Unity and allyship is so important during this time because we have to condemn racism and hate. There’s so much more that needs to be done.” ■ FEATURES | 15

, LET S TALK Therapy, Recovery Programs, and Why They Need to Be Destigmatized

LINDSEY SCHUBERT

O

ur brain is just as important as our body.

Wouldn’t it be great if our Apple Watches and Fitbits counted how many minutes we spent exercising our mental health? For each minute we spent meditating, attending recovery programs, or talking to someone about our feelings, we would be one step closer to achieving our daily goal for the day.

The word “therapy” originates from the Latin word “therapīa”, translating to “curing” or “healing.”

But oftentimes, when someone mentions attending therapy, it’s met with the immediate assumption that they struggle with mental illness. How did a delicate Latin word evolve into a heavy, stigmatized part of today’s culture? Is The Sopranos to blame?

Society? Both?

Marie Shaw, director of Elon Counseling Services, and Callie Kelly, coordinator for both Student Wellness and Collegiate Recovery Community programs, share how Elon plays an active role in encouraging students to receive the help they need, despite the stigma surrounding therapy and recovery.

“Mental health is a part of everyone’s overall well-being, and one’s mental health is fluid and falls on a continuum,” says Shaw. “Therapy may be beneficial across the continuum, ranging from people who have a diagnosed mental health disorder and may not be functioning well because of it to those who may be functioning fairly well but are seeking personal growth and support.”

The benefits of therapy are endless, including having someone to confide in, learning new coping strategies, and being guided on how to make personal changes. “Therapy provides a safe space to process your concerns and collaborate with a clinician to create adaptive changes in your life,” says Shaw.

Recognizing your desire to better your mental

and emotional well-being is the first step in actually doing so. Elon offers several enriching programs that support students in taking the next steps toward achieving their goals. While therapy is not synonymous with recovery, in addition to counseling opportunities, Elon offers programs for substance use recovery, one of which is the newly established Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC).

A CRC is defined by the Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE) as “a college or university-provided, supportive environment within the campus culture that reinforces the decision to engage in a lifestyle of recovery from substance use.”

“We’re cultivating a campus culture that embraces holistic wellness and recognizes the critical need in providing students with a spectrum of support services like collegiate recovery,” says Kelly. Similar to Shaw’s comment on the continuum of mental health in therapy, Kelly explains that “the word ‘recovery’ is fluidly defined. It’s about empowerment that looks and sounds different for each individual program.”

Therapy and recovery programs may differ in structure, but they are similar in that they are both heavily stigmatized. Destigmatization starts with an open mind and a conversation. “The more we, as a society, can openly talk about mental health and well-being is a start to destigmatizing mental health,” says Shaw.

“Substance use disorders and recovery are complex public health issues that impact us all. If we are going to normalize seeking treatment and support services, we can’t be afraid to have these conversations. You have to educate yourself and then educate others,” says Kelly.

When talking to friends or peers about their mental well-being or substance use, it is important to have an open mind and be informed. If you are not sure where to start, consider taking a Mental Health First Aid training course offered through Campus Recreation and Wellness. This course teaches participants how to assist someone experiencing a mental health- or substance use-related crisis.

If you are looking to support students in recovery, Kelly recommends attending a recovery messaging training, a key component of the CRC program. Ally training provides education, addresses stigmas, and equips participants with the skills to be an effective advocate for holistic mental well-being. “Our goal is to create a campus community LIFESTYLE | 17

where students in recovery feel valued, accepted, and supported,” says Kelly.

The road to strong mental health and recovery from substance use does not need to be walked alone. “That’s the goal of our collegiate recovery program,” says Kelly. The CRC aims to bring students together to ensure that they are not alone in their recovery journey or desire for a substancefree college experience.

“Having a supportive CRC on campus serves as a safe haven and offers social and networking opportunities, all of which are vital to their academic success,” says Kelly.

Prioritizing your mental well-being is essential.

As rates of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse continue to increase during the pandemic, Elon offers a variety of online resources to support your mental health. If you are interested in learning more about the programs Elon has to offer, consult the resources listed below. Taking care of yourself—whether that be attending a therapy session or joining a CRC— should be at the top of your daily to-do list. You deserve it. ■

Resources Elon Crisis Counselor: (336) 278-5555 will help connect you to a 24/7 counselor Student Care and Outreach: (336) 278-7200 Campus Recreation and Wellness: (336) 278-7529 Collegiate Recovery Community: (336) 278-5013 / collegiaterecovery.org Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students: (336) 278-5013 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800 273-8255 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Hotline: 1-800-662-4357 18 | LIFESTYLE

Elon’s chaplains are shattering stereotypes HALLIE MILSTEIN | FEATURES EDITOR

FEATURES | 19

F

or better or worse, society has imposed upon us certain standards. Aspects of our appearance may trigger assumptions that affect how others perceive us. This process of stereotyping is infused in our society and can have lasting repercussions.

The limiting nature of stereotypes is problematic.

Not to mention, they are often misinformed and incorrect. So, what happens when someone doesn’t fit a stereotype? What happens when one’s identity defies what society asserts that it should be?

Rabbi Sandra Lawson, Elon University’s associate chaplain for Jewish life, says people are often surprised to find out she’s a rabbi, likely having made incorrect assumptions about her based on her appearance.

According to Lawson, the stereotype for a rabbi is a straight male, likely white, and of European descent.

That definitely doesn’t describe Lawson, a sandal-wearing Black woman who is also a proud lesbian, military veteran, and vegan.

“I don’t know a female rabbi who hasn’t been discriminated against,” says Lawson. “I don’t know a Black rabbi who hasn’t been discriminated against. I don’t know a queer rabbi who hasn’t been discriminated against.”

As someone who doesn’t fit into the stereotypical

20 | FEATURES

mold that society has dictated for rabbis, Lawson has had to overcome several hurdles to get to where she is today. She says she has even been denied jobs because she identifies differently than the stereotypical rabbi. At Elon, she has experienced judgement stemming from how she defies the traditional expectations associated with her role. After all, she says, we live in a racist society.

“We’re products of the society we live in, so people will take their racism and say things like ‘Well, I just want a traditional rabbi.’ Well, what does that mean?” she questions. “There is no other explanation than it being racist or sexist.”

However, Lawson says her positionality has given her perspective. “I do have an awareness of how our society operates over some of my colleagues who never had to experience either racism, sexism, or homophobia,” she says.

Lawson also says marginalization forces people to think differently, which is especially pertinent in the wake of the pandemic as religious landscapes are being redefined. Lawson and others have had to devise new plans for leading congregations, usually meaning a shift to online platforms. She says she feels more prepared

for change because of her creative, forward-thinking nature that has resulted from challenges she faced in the past.

Despite the ways in which societal biases have affected her life and career, Lawson holds out hope that future generations will not be constrained by stereotypes, which will take work, she says.

One of Lawson’s visions for the future is for places of religious worship to replace their artwork with pieces that reflect the diversity of the community.

Lawson also suggests telling “fuller stories” that will bring unheard voices and new narratives to the forefront as well as include hard truths about history. In the meantime, Lawson offers students entering the workforce advice on defying stereotypes.

“Keep your eye on the prize. I think if you want something, don’t let somebody tell you that you can’t do it,” Lawson says. “You may not get there right away, but if you set your mind to anything, you can accomplish it. It also may mean that your road may be harder than someone else’s road, but still, it can happen.”

Imam Shane Atkinson, Elon’s associate chaplain for Muslim life, has certaintly kept his eye on the prize.

Although some are surprised to find out he is a white American imam—as opposed to being from a predominantly Muslim nation—Atkinson says he has generally been accepted without shock by students, faculty, and staff.

Atkinson points to the diversity of the American Muslim community, noting that Muslims have unique identities and experiences. He says Black Americans make up the largest portion of Muslims in the United States, which he feels may come as a surprise to some.

Atkinson stresses that being Muslim and being American are not mutually exclusive, as some stereotypes might suggest.

PHOTOGRAPHER | CARLYN MARINACCIO MODEL | CAROLINE FRENCH

“One time I was at a Middle Eastern grocery store and spoke with a student interviewing Muslims for a report,” says Atkinson. “She asked me, ‘How do you prepare your stuffed grape leaves?’ I told her that I was from Mississippi, so Muslim food to me was fried chicken and cornbread. My wife is from Indonesia, and Muslim food to her is fried rice and noodles.”

Atkinson’s ministry is largely focused on breaking stereotypes like these. Islam, he says, advocates that people judge others based on their character as opposed to demographics, such as race and gender.

Atkinson’s platform allows him to teach others about stepping away from biases as well. In fact, Atkinson was featured in the PBS documentary Redneck Muslim, in which he explores ridding Southern culture of white supremacy.

“Growing up as a white man in the South helps me understand and address the fears and stereotypes of small-town North Carolinians,” says Atkinson. “Not only am I a resource on Islam for Elon students, but I also educate the broader community by accepting invitations to speak at churches and nursing homes.”

When faced with harmful prejudices and stereotypes, Atkinson advises students to hold their ground.

“Our tradition advises us to take the high road when dealing with people who may view us negatively. We should strive to establish equity in all our interactions,” he says. “Still, we should never compromise our morals and manners in the process of achieving our goals.”

Take the time to consider how prejudice affects you and those who belong to marginalized groups.

And remember not to let these restrictive standards hold you back. Lawson and Atkinson certainly don’t.

After all, rules are meant to be broken. And stereotypes? They’re meant to be shattered. ■

FEATURES | 21

22 | FASHION

let’s not mask the issue VICTORIA MARSH

I

t’s about time we say the p-word. Yes, that’s right: pandemic. Americans have greeted each other through face masks since March, and most of the shock value has since subsided. Those weekly staff meetings have gone remote, and social outings are planned with safety restrictions in mind.

For the fashion industry, this has significantly transformed the production, presentation, and popularity of garments. In the initial months of the pandemic, shipping slowed out of concern for safe handling. Fashion week was canceled before becoming a partially digital affair with limited seating.

Consumers have started to dress for video meetings, and many discovered that remote interactions give way to stylish loungewear.

We’ve adjusted for the time being. For the most part, it seems to be working. The key word being “seems.” People walk around in masks but rip them off once they’re alone. The fabric covering their faces is tolerated but not celebrated, and it’s time to acknowledge this.

The tension surrounding masks comes in the form of two issues: 1) the failure to get on one accord and 2) the fatigue of living through a pandemic.

Though people are acting in accordance with the guidelines, it’s an isolating sensation to smile at strangers just to realize they can’t tell. It’s disorienting to greet someone just to ask if they can repeat themselves because the mask muffled their voice.

This is all to say that while masks serve as a strong preventative measure against the spread of COVID19, it’s time to peel back the layers of how they are changing our personal lives and especially the fashion world.

A mask may cover half of someone’s face, but it can speak volumes about what they stand for. The act of wearing one suggests concern for personal 24 | FASHION

well-being and the safety of others. In other countries, masks are worn for common cold prevention, so the mask mandate has not been such a shock.

Everyday Americans, however, tend not to walk around in medical masks, resulting in this new accessory being met with resistance.

The initial discomfort with this shift in everyday practices, including mask-wearing, has resulted in viral videos of customers protesting the mandate, people demanding restaurants to open at full capacity, and large organizations choosing to hold events regardless. After months of this counter-mask movement, people have begun to realize that masks are required. Whether it has come out of being personally impacted by the virus or realizing the severity of the virus through media platforms, masks are becoming less of a joke.

What a mask says about someone can extend even further than their regard for health precautions. As people protest the systemic racism that lays at the core of this country, a mask becomes a way to incite conversation and show support for certain issues. Expressions such as “Black Lives Matter” can be painted across a mask and allow the wearer to advocate for the movement. Masks that advocate for people to vote can be effective in motivating others to choose proactivity over complacency. Ultimately, masks give consumers yet another way to express themselves and their views.

We spoke with fashion designer and business owner Daniela Tabois, a highly skilled designer who developed her passion for fashion in her early teens before pursuing a formal education in design.

She then gained professional experience within the industry and went on to establish her own brand, which is now evolving because of the mask-wearing time we live in.

a mask may cover half of someone's face but it can speak volumes about what they stand for.

FASHION | 25

26 | FASHION

Tabois’ brand, offering both masks and formalwear, is one to take note of. With mask designs that exude glamour, timeless elegance, and confidence, it’s hard to resist the urge to purchase them all.

We sat down with Tabois to find out more about her role as a designer and how her business is adapting to recent changes.

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring designers and, more specifically, aspiring designers of color?

A: First, I think aspiring designers should be open to doing a lot of things in the beginning to figure out what works for them. This is your learning stage, where you will make mistakes. Second, there’s always an opportunity when things go wrong. It’s about looking at the Q: Your clothing designs are stunning. What moti- situation and seeing how you can turn it into a posivated you to create a line of masks as well? tive. Third, don’t get caught up doing one kind of thing.

Branch out a little because you may get discovered for A: It started when I saw an opportunity for brides who this idea that’s an addition to your brand. were planning to move forward with their weddings.

There was a need for a special bridal face mask to match The pandemic undoubtedly transformed everyday their wedding gown and for bridal activities. Later, I life, and the only way to move forward is to acknowlslowly grew my mask collection for women who were edge this shift and adapt to it. Until it’s safe to have attending formal events. maskless outfits again, we must recognize how we can better our world amidst unprecedented challenges.

Q: It’s every designer’s goal to create a bride’s dream Designers are getting involved in slowing the spread of dress, but what is it like to design their dream mask? the virus while also refining their skills and adapting their brands. Everyday consumers are redefining the A: It’s a wonderful feeling knowing that I was able to role of fashion in their daily lives as they wear masks for provide a special face mask to help brides proceed with safety and for political, social, and economic advocacy.

We’re realizing now, more than ever, that the rules their wedding. I think love does not wait for anything, even if we are in the middle of a pandemic. It’s about a of fashion were made years ago by people who could union between two people who love each other, and if not foresee the changing landscape of today. In no way there’s a will, there’s a way to do it while protecting you should a pandemic be celebrated, but never fail to overlook the positive change that can come out of its chaos. ■ and others around you.

PHOTOGRAPHER | GABBY DUNLEVY MODELS | JANE FISHLEIGH, TANEEN DAVARI, KAYLA MORALES-THOMASON

FASHION | 27

28 | TRAVEL

JULIA OAKES | TRAVEL EDITOR

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here’s no question that the landfall of a worldwide pandemic has put nearly every aspect of our lives on hold. But perhaps one of the most obvious is travel-abroad travel, national travel, and even travel to and from the grocery store. So, because we’re all stuck wherever we may be, perhaps it’s worthwhile to consider the ways in which we travel and how we can become better travelers once life begins to reopen-airplane doors, international borders, and our minds to the idea of travel.

It’s no secret that we inhabit a world that has grown hypersensitive to the discussion of uncomfortable topics, and traveling across borders with minimal knowledge of the destination culture is no exception. Introducing: cultural appropriation.

No matter whom you ask, it’s a near guarantee they will agree that travel is incredible, providing us with the opportunity to interact with different people, experience different cultures, and marvel at the beauty of life outside of our familiar, habitual surroundings. However, with travel comes absolutely imperative social responsibility.

This includes being aware of how to travel knowledgeably and respectfully.

What is cultural appropriation? To be frank, the answer isn’t clear-cut, as its definition changes from culture to culture. More certainly, though, cultural appropriation is something that takes place in every culture… and by every culture. Its definition occupies a gray area, so we consulted Brian K. Pennington, director of the Center for the Study of Religion, Culture, and Society and professor of religious studies at Elon University.

“Things veer toward cultural appropriation when you have a dominant group who is borrowing elements from a minoritized or oppressed, marginalized group for its own aggrandizement without understanding the nature of the thing they are borrowing, whether it’s a hairstyle or a form of dress,” says Pennington. In fact, we’ve even seen it in our own culture.

“The classic case in the United States is Southern cuisine,” says Nina Namaste, associate professor of Spanish at Elon University. “Southern food is food that

was created by slaves or domestics […] on Southern plantations, but then white women started publishing it in cookbooks under their names.”

So, how can we avoid it? We have to start by identifying why it happens in the first place and recognizing that it has become far too normalized. Just think: how often do you see colorful bindis and Native American feathered headpieces at Coachella or an Indian god stamped on a beer label? More often than not, we are blind to cultural appropriation in our day-to-day lives, whether the act of appropriating is intentional or not.

Another reason for cultural appropriation is lack of knowledge about a culture, specifically basic understanding of that culture’s language. According to Shereen Elgamal, a lecturer in Arabic at Elon, we should learn enough of our destination culture’s language at least to be able to say, “We want to make a right there,” or “My stomach is not feeling well.” For Namaste, our disregard for attempting to learn language is what widens the intercultural gap between the destination culture and our own.

“We are building, in some ways, some sort of resentment because we go without prior knowledge, without even an intent to learn language.”

Cultural appropriation can also be a result of not understanding cross-cultural expectations. This could mean being unaware of what our destination culture is asking of us, as its visitors, and what it’s not. A guest in Indian culture, for example, is expected to dress in Indian attire, and the borrowing of that dress is not considered inappropriate. “In India, for foreign women to wear a salwar kameez […] is to show respect to the culture,” Pennington says. But while complying with traditional fashion is honorable in Indian culture, it might not be elsewhere.

Not having prior knowledge could also mean not understanding cultural norms. It’s imperative that we not only learn about those norms but respect them. And if we don’t, “that is super ethnocentric,” says Olivia Choplin, associate professor of French at Elon University.

“If you’re going to judge other peoples’ behavior TRAVEL | 29

30 | TRAVEL

according to your own cultural norms, then you’re not going to be able to create relationships across cultures,” she says.

But what’s even more detrimental than our meager knowledge of our destination culture is our inadequate understanding of our own and how it’s viewed abroad. And the problem is just that— we, as Americans, don’t even think we have a “culture.” Choplin sees this firsthand with her pre-departure course students, who often exclude the term “American” when asked to describe their identities until they are prompted to do so.

“Americans would do well to examine their own cultural situation,” Choplin says, “to understand it, to understand the ways they have been constructed as Americans.”

Avoiding culturally appropriating is a multi-faceted process, and there’s no handbook on how to universally approach foreign cultures. Everyone is culturally situated, which means that everyone’s perspective is based on their respective cultural lenses.

“Our approaches to the world are quite different… and everyone’s culture has a way of doing things they think is right,” says Choplin. “Patience and curiosity and a desire to reserve judgment [are key].”

While there’s no handbook, there are a few major things to do, and not to do. For Namaste, the answer is intentionality: slowing down when traveling, wandering off the beaten path, sparking up conversations with locals, and taking the time to get to know the place you’re in. While contradictory to the American consumerist style of abroad travel, intentionality is the path to learning culture on a deeper level. And when we know more about a culture, we’re less likely to appropriate it.

For Pennington, while a lot of the learning takes place “in situ,” as he puts it, prior research is paramount. “An important first element in all of this is understanding, learning things about the people and places that you are visiting,” he says. “Most places that Elon students would tend to travel are places that

h ave communities in the United States.

Talking to people, learning from people is super important.”

But for Elgamal, there is no question that the solution to breaking down intercultural barriers and avoiding cultural appropriation is “diplomatic exchange,” or sharing aspects of our culture with those outside of it. She believes that perhaps “the biggest barrier that exists in the way of us really knowing each other is trying to be too similar.”

“I live by an idea, which is: you can never know where you’re going if you don’t know where you came from,” Elgamal says. “I think that one big key to bringing us closer together is knowing what we disagree on and finding ways to live with that.”

While it might be uncomfortable, Elgamal says the best way to respectfully engage in diplomatic exchange is by asking uncomfortable questions. As a woman who lived in Egypt for 28 years, speaks with an accent, and sports Islamic dress with confidence, Elgamal is surely a professional in the “uncomfortable question” department, not to mention a huge proponent of it. “If you have a question about it, ask me, and I should do the same thing.”

In the hypersensitive world that we live in, it’s natural to fear addressing a delicate topic. If that’s the case, Elgamal says all it takes is a sincere confession of ignorance and always asking if a question about said topic is acceptable to extend.

Regardless of where you come from or what your identity comprises, having respect for people and things you deem “different” is imperative, especially when traveling. Knowing the ways in which you might culturally appropriate and actively working to understand and respect cultural differences is what will bridge intercultural gaps. Ultimately, bridging those gaps will help us to become not only better travelers but better human beings inhabiting the same planet. ■ TRAVEL | 31

ALEEZA ZINN | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

TO NOT 32 | COVER STORY

CANCEL OR TO CANCEL? COVER STORY | 33

PHOTOGRAPHER | MEL JONES MODELS | PAIGE WILSON, MADDY STARR, GABY JIMENEZ

34 | COVER STORY

D

iscussions surrounding race, gender, religion, helping us move forward instead of just blocking people sexuality, diversity, and inclusion can be uncom- immediately and ‘canceling them.’” fortable—period. Where do you start? Will you In May 2020, Amy Cooper—a white woman walksay something insensitive? Are you more ignorant than ing her dog—called the police on Christian Cooper (no you originally thought? Society today is too fractured to relation)—a Black man birdwatching in Central Park. ignore these discussions. Instead of retreating in defeat Christian Cooper filmed the encounter and posted it after making a mistake, now is the time to step up and on Facebook, which garnered significant media attenbecome more educated and aware. tion. Amy Cooper subsequently lost her job and was Education and growth are slow processes, as we’ve shunned on social media. In other words, Amy Cooper seen from the centuries-long lack of systemic change. was canceled.

Historically marginalized groups have been suffering Amy Cooper, a well-educated woman and a suspected the wrath of ignorance since the dark ages, making liberal voter, acted in an inherently racist manner. Is Amy frustration only natural. Many of us cannot even begin Cooper inherently racist, or is she uneducated in matters to relate. A consequence of this of diversity and racial bias? Should frustration has been shutting out Amy Cooper have been “called in” those who are unaware and unedto learn about these subjects, or ucated. The catch word for this is was it appropriate to cancel her?

"We can talk all we “cancel culture.”

This is admittedly an uncom“Cancel culture can be quite fortable way of thinking about want about more harmful because it eliminates the the situation. What Amy Cooper conversations that we need to have,” did is demonstrative of inherent equity and more says Gaby Jimenez ’21, Intersect racial bias and discrimination. But Conference student director for at what point is it acceptable to equality, but nothing Elon University’s Center for Race, cancel people? When should we Ethnicity, & Diversity Education. choose to hold people accountis going to change Elon’s annual Intersect Conferable instead and aim to have a ence is an opportunity for students, productive discussion? until they’re really put staff, and faculty to discuss the “I think that there is some topics of diversity in leadership. truth to cancel culture, and there into action" The purpose of this conference is are some valid points as to why to create a space for uncomfortthere are certain people who able conversations to occur. This year’s theme was “20/20 get canceled for certain reasons,” says Wilson. “But enVISIONing a New Way,” with an emphasis on civic I think before you get to that point, there needs to be engagement, personal wellness, and social justice. an educational period just in case it’s because they’re Paige Wilson ’22, the Gender and LGBTQIA Center’s ignorant. However, you can only do that so many times (GLC) student director for the conference, agrees with before brands, institutions, people keep making the Jimenez about cancel culture. “I think it’s important to call same mistakes even after you’ve provided them with the people in,” says Wilson, a human service studies major resources.” with a psychology minor. Rather than calling people out Maddy Starr ’23, the Center for Leadership Intersect and potentially alienating them from a difficult conver- student director, gives an example of cancel culture in sation, Wilson explains the benefits of “calling people in.” regards to white privilege. Starr poses the hypothetical “If you educate and provide the resources, or even situation of a BIPOC friend canceling her for an uninshow people where to look for the resources,” says Wilson, tentionally offensive act. “then I feel like that’s more beneficial to our society and “What would that teach me?” says Starr, an interCOVER STORY | 35

CAN national and global studies major with minors in political science and interreligious studies. “I really like what Paige said about calling people in, instead of calling people out—saying like, ‘Come in, let’s talk about it, let’s have a conversation.’ I still have so much more to learn, but I also wouldn’t be in a position where I’m planning and facilitating a leadership and diversity conference if I hadn’t been called in. It’s important to hold people accountable so they can be educated, so they can grow.”

Wilson reflects on coming out at 16 and how she turned to Google and Buzzfeed to learn about the LGBTQ+ community. “If people had canceled me, like 2016 me, without giving me any space and time to grow and learn and be corrected in very blunt situations,” says Wilson, “then I would’ve never been where I am today. I think there definitely is value in educating people before you straight up say ‘bye.’”

The district attorney of Manhattan is prosecuting Amy Cooper for falsely 36 | COVER STORY

reporting an incident, according to CNN. Christian Cooper is not cooperating with the prosecution, however, because he feels that this “lets white people off the hook” from reflecting on their own prejudices.

Amy Cooper is just one racially prejudiced person amongst many who happened to be caught in the act. After losing her job and her dog and being publicly shamed, does Amy Cooper understand why what she did was wrong?

Should her case have more emphasis on education and dialogue? Both reflecting on the event and the event itself are uncomfortable, but a discussion might be warranted.

“There are many cases where people

easier to just fall back,” says Wilson.

“Falling back is not going to progress us in society at all.”

“We can talk all we want about more equity and more equality, but nothing is going to change until they’re really put into action,” says Starr. “Keeping the momentum up [is important], so that way these conversations are not just conversations, but they’re policies that are being enacted to actually create change.”

Change is daunting, especially when you don’t know where to start. Start small by looking at your personal biases, then focus on the community around you.

“From the Intersect Conference, I learned that students have a lot of power,” says Jimenez. “[Dr. Randy Williams, vice president and associate provost for Inclusive Excellence,] told us to be bold in our actions. I think that’s really true because I saw a lot of presentations with faculty or staff, and with students, who would use the students in a way to touch on these topics or start these conversations.

It made me really think about how much power students have and how much they can actually and truly change the things that are happening on campus.” ■

LLED

do need to be called out,” Starr says, emphasizing the importance of empathy in these difficult conversations. “You have to keep pushing at it, but you also have to keep connecting with people to make sure you’re both on the same page. They understand where you’re coming from, you understand where they’re coming from and how you can compromise and make it work. Easier said than done, but that’s my take.”

Education, awareness, and discussion are important, but until there are feasible solutions that can actively be enacted, people, brands, and institutions will not advance toward inclusivity and diversity. “It does take more work and more brain power—it’s harder. And it’s

COVER STORY | 37

vagina talks:

health & sex CLAIRE HATCHER | BEAUTY & WELLNESS EDITOR

38 | BEAUTY & WELLNESS

I

n our younger years, the word “vagina” was often replaced with a more child-friendly euphemism.

Whether it was known as your lady bits, cookie, or simply “down there,” the word vagina likely induced a subconscious shudder the first few times you heard it.

To put it plainly: there’s no reason to shy away from vagina talk. As young adults soon entering the real world, we’re expected to become responsible for our own health.

That includes being knowledgeable of personal care… even down there.

A survey conducted among U.S. college students found that a staggering 62 percent of women were unable to correctly locate the vagina. With the lack of a comprehensive national sex education system, it comes as no surprise that many young Americans aren’t equipped with the proper knowledge of their own bodies.

In hopes of clearing up the maelstrom of misinformation that often surrounds the vagina, we spoke with Dr. Ginette Archinal, the medical director of Student Health at Elon University. Archinal obtained her primary medical degree in Sydney, Australia, before receiving further qualifications in OB-GYN and family planning.

Many young women are under the impression that they should first visit a gynecologist either at the age of 18 or after becoming sexually active, whichever comes first. Archinal offers us different advice, saying it’s not always necessary to seek a gynecologist.

“If your pediatrician is comfortable dealing with those issues of [menstruation and birth control], then you can certainly stay with your pediatrician as long as you are able,” says Archinal. “When I was in private practice, my patients only saw a gynecologist if they wanted to get pregnant, were pregnant, or if there was something more complex that I couldn’t help them with.”

Essentially, it’s up to you if you’d like to stay with your pediatrician or primary care doctor or start seeing a gynecologist. So, what should you expect when you do go to the gynecologist?

“It’s important to know that you have control over your body even during a medical exam,” says Archinal.

She says if you can share your symptoms and history with a gynecologist in detail, there may be no need to undress for an exam. “If you do need to be examined, the provider should explain why you’re being examined, what’s going to be involved, and leave the room to give you the privacy to change and drape.”

While a gynecologist visit may seem like a daunting task, it’s important to remember that they are professionals, equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure a helpful—and comfortable—visit.

Archinal also cleared up a common mispractice when it comes to vaginal health: cleaning with unsafe products. You may have heard of the vagina referred to as a self-cleaning organ, but what exactly does that mean? It means that those feminine washes, wipes, and douches you have piling up in your bathroom have got to go.

“We all have bacteria in our vagina all the time, just like we have bacteria on our skin. This bacteria stays in balance through the acidity of our vagina,” says Archinal.

This is where those phony island splash- and delicate blossom-scented products do more harm than help.

Archinal says some of the things that can throw pH off balance are douching, scented body soaps, or shaving creams and bubble baths, all of which can increase the risk of infection.

The self-cleaning aspect comes into play with vaginal discharge… Yes, that annoying substance that discolors your favorite underwear actually serves a purpose.

Vaginal discharge is fluid from your cervix and vagina that carries out dead cells and bacteria, keeping your vagina clean and free of infection.

While the vagina is self-cleaning and requires no extra internal cleaning (unless recommended by your doctor), you can certainly clean the external areas.

Archinal recommends using a bland soap and water.

That’s it! “Avoid using scented and colored products.

The fewer colorings, artificial scents, and fragrances, the better,” she says.

The words “it’s not one size fits all” resonated long after meeting with Archinal. “There are generalizations, and then there is what’s right for the individual,” she says. While our vaginas are all unique, it’s important to know general information about vaginal anatomy and functionality. This way, you can maintain your vaginal health and seek medical attention if you have concerns.

They say knowledge is power, and it’s certainly empowering to know and understand your vagina.

If you’re seeking women’s health services at Elon, students can get breast checks, Pap smears, STI testing, vaginal infection testing, and general guidance at Elon Health Services. ■ BEAUTY & WELLNESS | 39

Own Your “o” LESLIE BOND

F

ifth grade. Health class. Boys have cooties, tampons are scary. The wondrously awkward period in life called puberty has commenced. By this point, your health teacher has popped a dated VHS tape into the TV and began the conversation about periods, erections, and body odor, each accompanied by a fill-in-the-blank worksheet. Girls would have periods and boys would have erections. Maybe you saw the boys busy high-fiving in the back because they could jerk off now. But what about the girls?

Female sexuality and genitalia is often seen as a forbidden subject—especially when it comes to orgasms. The dirty truth? Women have just as much of a sex drive as men do. Yet when it comes to talking about female masturbation, it’s still taboo.

Shannon Lundeen, Elon’s director of academic-residential partnerships and associate professor of philosophy, says the stigma surrounding female masturbation is a product of a long history of ignorance.

“The lack of normalization and understanding of women’s sexual health and their ability to satisfy themselves sexually stems from an overall ignorance about women’s bodies and our desires,” she says.

Society continually supports the sexual objectification of women, yet the concept of female self-satisfaction is abnormal. The lack of education, awareness, and normalization surrounding female sexuality perpetuates a destructive narrative, leading women to feel ashamed of their own desires.

“It’s totally normal for men to jerk off. You can see it all over pop culture. [Women] have not been told how to spend time with our own bodies and explore them,” says Lundeen.

It’s time to prioritize the female orgasm. It’s time to own your “O” and empower your p*ssy. Explore your body, and figure out what works 40 | BEAUTY & WELLNESS

best for you. You might just find that masturbation will allow you to achieve better orgasms with a partner.

“Having an orgasm while having sex with someone else, regardless of partner, and the lack of practice in masturbation—those two go hand in hand,” says Lundeen. “We’ve seen through a conventional male gaze of how women’s bodies can be used to please other people and how we are supposed to get a sense of self-gratification through that objectification. We need to unlearn that.”

Knowing your body and what brings you satisfaction can result in better sex and better communication with your partner. “You need to think of masturbation as homework. Think of it as studying for a test. How are you gonna get that orgasm to 100 percent or score 100 percent on the test? Set time, lock the door, explore your body,” Lundeen says.

The benefits of female masturbation extend far beyond self-satisfaction. Lundeen explains its role in social justice for women.

“When we talk about gender equity, we’re not just closing the wage gap, we’re not just talking about parity in political participation. We’re talking about closing the parity and closing the gap in sexual and erotic pleasure,” she says. “Women cannot do that if they do not know how to please themselves sexually and we do not know how to teach others.”

Masturbation isn’t just a sexual matter. It has the ability to empower someone emotionally, physically, and mentally. Owning your O isn’t just about being “better in bed,” it’s about taking the time to appreciate yourself and cultivate confidence. Ultimately, by normalizing female masturbation, we are working toward a more equitable society for women. ■

CONFESSIONals

Masturbation InfoRMATION Station

“My freshman year I lived in an all-girls dorm on Types of orgasms: campus, and I overheard a friend talking about 1. Clitoral how she was so excited about her vibrator. Puz2. Penetrative zled, I asked ‘Wait…you do what?’ I was shocked.

I had never heard of anyone doing that and boast- Toys/tools: ing about it. That was the first time my friends and 1. Vibrators I had an open conversation about masturbation.

• Bullets We were all hesitant talking about masturbating, • Massage wands yet we were totally fine talking about sex and who • Rabbit vibrator was getting with who.”

• Suction toys 2. Dildos “I didn’t know I could have an orgasm on 3. Hands my own until I was 17 years old. I was always 4. Shower head/water stimulation grossed out just by the idea of touching myself. Now, years later, it’s sad to me that I felt For more information on sexual health, safety, that uncomfortable with my own body and my protection, Students Promoting Awareness Reown sexuality.” sponsibility Knowledge & Success (SPARKS) is a great resource.

“It’s important to know yourself and to feel comfortable with your own body in a sexual context. Office hours weekly (Koury 146): It honestly helps me deal with stress and getting to Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. sleep at night.”

Tuesday, Thursday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

BEAUTY & WELLNESS | 41

THE LINE BETWEEN FIt & SICK

We are sharing personal stories and information about disordered eating so our campus can be informed and address the issue properly. This is not intended to glorify or advertise any methods of weight loss or self-harm. If you or someone you know struggles with these issues, please contact the National Eating Disorder Association helpline at (800) 931-2237.

T

he dialogue surrounding mental health often excludes the conversation of eating disorders, a topic that seems to be discussed more nonchalantly than professionally. This can be problematic considering nine percent of the U.S. population—about 29 million Americans—will be diagnosed with an eating disorder, reports the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. Ninety percent of that population consists of females between the ages of 12 and 25. It is imperative, especially on college campuses, to engage in conversation and educate ourselves about disordered eating and behaviors.

Casually discussing unhealthy eating habits is routine for many college students. “Oh my gosh, I forgot to eat today,” “I can’t eat that if I’m drinking tonight,” and “I ate so horribly last night, I need to workout before I do anything else today,” might sound familiar. These expressions may seem harmless because of how normalized this behavior has become, which can be unhealthy and problematic. So, why are college women so focused on their bodies and eating habits?

We spoke with Greensboro dietician Laura Watson about the obstacles of eating disorders and disordered behavior on college campuses.

Though Watson sees patients from colleges around the Greensboro area, she says she has more patients from Elon than from other local colleges. She explains that the reason for these visits is a cumulation of pressure: academic pressure, social pressure, and pressure from work, in addition to a newfound freedom and learning to care for oneself and one’s body. “It’s the perfect storm,” says Watson.

Bodies tend to naturally shift during the college-aged years as they grow into their adult form. “We joke about the freshman 15,” says Watson, “but there’s a lack of understanding

that between 18-22, people naturally gain weight and their bodies change.”

Watson cites our diet-obsessed culture as a prominent reason for rejecting these changes in our bodies. Our generation also seems to be overly comfortable talking about weight but not about eating disorders. Watson says Elon struggles with providing key mental health resources that would greatly benefit students suffering from eating disorders. She mentions that many students are unaware of the dietician within walking distance of campus, Leslie Williams, who could be a good resource.

Watson says even just starting conversations on campus could have a huge impact.

Jillian Jacobson ’19 was a patient of Watson’s just a few years ago. She spoke with us about her personal struggle with disordered eating and a diagnosed eating disorder.

Although Jacobson says prior to attending Elon she did not have a diagnosed eating disorder, she can certainly speak to the disordered habits she experienced during this time.

Jacobson says after arriving on Elon’s campus, she was worried about gaining the infamous “freshman 15.” She was an avid gym-goer (to a dangerous extent), often over-exercising before and after weekends of drinking.

“I honestly think my friends were impressed with me,” says Jacobson. “They wanted to be working out as much as I was and thought I was being ‘healthy,’ but I wasn’t.”

During her sophomore year, these normalized—rather glorified—habits carried on.

Jacobson continued to push her body too far and overanalyze what she was eating. But in the public eye, she was a disciplined and regimented college student. Junior year was also a challenge, as she studied abroad and also faced personal relationship issues. Jacobson explains that a misconception about eating disorders is that it starts with being unhappy with one’s

appearance, followed by attempting to lose weight and allowing it to spiral. For her, it began as a way to cope with trauma and hardship.

“At first, I was complimented for my weight loss, which was definitely problematic,” says Jacobson. “This makes a person want to keep losing weight.” A few months later, Jacobson went to residential treatment for the last portion of her junior year and into that following summer. Upon returning to Elon for her senior year that fall, she had gained more perspective and worked on separating herself and her body from people’s comments. She began therapy and started speaking out, becoming more transparent about her experience.

Jacobson credits not wanting to lie or hide what happened to her as the reason for being so outspoken about her story and recovery journey. She wanted to help others notice their disordered behaviors. “I wished I had that for myself, someone to educate me and help me catch it early,” she says.

Now two years out of college and continuing her recovery, Jacobson uses social media to advocate for body positivity and sustainable eating habits, aka eating whatever the heck you want. Her work to destigmatize this mental health crisis involves inspiring others and furthering the conversation. Jacobson’s story is not one in a million, as Watson says many women on college campuses fight similar battles.

We conducted a survey that circulated through at least seven of Elon’s female Greek organizations and

garnered 237 responses about disordered eating/exercise behaviors. Of the 12 questions, two were left open-ended, and the responses to these were the most thought-provoking.

One student reports that her eating disorder consumes her life, and her doctor recommended she not attend school because she would be so susceptible to the virus. Another student writes about her best friend, who suffered from an eating disorder last year but has since received necessary help. This respondent reflects on how disordered eating goes beyond concerns with body image.

“As a girl in college, it’s super hard to not get caught up in some level of disordered eating,” writes the anonymous respondent, “especially when I am busy and am like, ‘Oh, I forgot to eat.’ I think these eating disorders and disordered eating is for so many girls a means of controlling their lives rather than simply a result of body dysmorphia. And obviously it’s different for everyone, but I think that people always just assume it’s the result of an insecurity, which isn’t always the truth.”

The responses from this survey reveal that a significant number of women at Elon engage in disordered eating behaviors. While these are different from diagnosed eating disorders, these habits are still unhealthy and deserve awareness despite being normalized by our diet-driven culture. Watson says there tends to be a lot of shame surrounding eating disorders, so it’s time to open a dialogue and bring awareness to this issue that continues to negatively affect young women. ■

Survey Responses: 80.2%

Label food as “good” or “bad”

78.1%

Feel guilty after eating

73.8%

Forget to eat throughout the day when they’re busy

58.6%

Feel like food and exercise consume their thoughts

47.9%

Count calories

18.6%

Have been treated for an eating disorder

The Rise of the Battleground Campus Amidst the 2020 Election MELISSA BECK 46 | FEATURES

T

he tone of Elon University’s campus slightly shifted this semester to one of social and political outcry. College students began vocalizing their political views louder than ever before, both across campus and on social media. Many who were once silent are not anymore.

However, it hasn’t been a simple transition for everyone.

A national survey from last year examined views on the political climate at colleges and universities, according to Boston-based WGBH News. A majority of adults (59 percent of those surveyed) said politics on college campuses lean toward a particular viewpoint, while 28 percent said campuses are nonpartisan.

Of those who thought politics lean toward one particular viewpoint, 77 percent said they lean liberal, while 15 percent said they lean conservative. About half of those who see an ideological tilt at colleges and universities said this is a major problem, while 32 percent said it’s a minor problem.

Junior College Republicans President at Elon, Daniel Dorociak, has seen this divide on campus. Senior College Democrats President Alexis Malaguti has witnessed this judgement as well, but understands the importance of having a variety of opinions on campus. “There’s definitely a conservative camp on our campus, which I think is good because otherwise you get into an echo chamber,” Malaguti says.

There is, however, a new social climate of strong political divide that developed in the few months leading up to the election, similar to the months preceding the 2016 election. So, what can you do to unite a community that is, from the outside, unable to fully see eye to eye?

“We’re having individuals of their own accord doing more activist work through texting, postcard-writing, stuff that they can do from their own dorm,” says Dorociak.

“We’re seeing a lot of individualized activism

as opposed to more blanket organizational activism… So, I think more people are getting more excited about local and national politics.”

In the Trump era, college students began voting in record numbers. In 2018, 7.5 million college students who were eligible to vote went to the polls. That was a 40 percent turnout, more than double the rate four years earlier, according to researchers at Tufts University.

“Since it’s an election year, more people are showing up, and we seem to have a good first-year engagement, which is a really great feeling knowing that people are interested in politics and this is something they want to do in their free time,” says Malaguti.

From August 1 to Election Day, about 33 percent of the Elon undergraduate student body registered to vote using TurboVote, which earned the university a #5 ranking.

Politics is an incredibly important discussion whether you enjoy it or not, but is there a point where politics is too much?

A necessary conversation, but does it have to be the only conversation? Fifty-five percent of U.S. social media users say they are “worn out” by political posts and discussions, according to Pew Research. The sense of exhaustion rather than excitement over seeing political content on social media holds true across political parties.

Republicans and republican-leaning independents who use social media are more likely than users who are democrats or democratic-leaning to say they are worn out by how many political posts they encounter on social media (63 percent versus 49 percent). On the other hand, democratic social media users are twice as likely as their republican counterparts to say they like seeing this kind of content on these platforms (20 percent versus 10 percent).

The first amendment grants everyone the right to free speech, which makes social media a highly influential platform for FEATURES | 47

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PHOTOGRAPHER | DELANEY DANIELS MODEL | DANIEL DOROCIAK

anyone who wants a voice. This can, however, lead to hate or cyber bullying, especially when it comes to politics.

“The best way I was always told to shut down or combat against false accusations or people not understanding is just to know what you’re talking about,” says Dorociak. “Whatever your stance is, make sure you can back it up with five, six, seven credible sources so people don’t have to agree with you but they know you know what you’re talking about.”

Elon Votes!, a nonpartisan organization aiming to help Elon students engage in democracy, gives students access to TurboVote to help them cast their ballots.

“Educating yourself on the political process and voting is incredibly important because the choices that you make not only have a federal impact, but they also have a localized impact on your community,” says Elon Votes! Lead Voting Ambassador Sophie Gerth.

“Taking the time to collect accurate and balanced information from resources, whether that be from candidates themselves or forms of media, helps develop values that really reflect what you want to see from the political system. At Elon Votes!, we often direct students to such resources, as well as encourage civic engagement to help build that knowledge.”

Republicans and democrats on Elon’s campus may not always see eye to eye, but they all agree on the importance of being heard, especially for those in our generation. The best way to do so is stay educated and engage in democracy.

Whether you have felt heard or silenced, casting your ballot gives you a voice.

“Voting is so important because it gives you an opportunity to engage with our democracy,” says Malaguti. “I switched my voting registration from Chapel Hill to Alamance County because Chapel Hill is very blue, and as a democrat, I think I have more influence in Alamance County, where they lean more red. It really gives you the opportunity to see how your vote plays out in these elections.”

Every college is different. Elon, for example, has experienced protests and pushback against the administration for not actively using its power for justice. At times, it may feel overwhelming to be surrounded by politics and social injustice, but it’s important to remember that at the end of the day we’re all human, and we all have a voice.

Elon Votes! has earned the university national recognition several times this semester because of its efforts to register students and be a nonpartisan outlet for students to seek information. For those looking to continue their education in politics, or for those just wanting to know more, Elon Votes! is there for support. Even though the presidential election is over, we all must keep up the political momentum.

“Our dream, which is lofty, is to try and convince the country that it’s your patriotic duty to see the humanity in people we disagree with,” says American radio producer and StoryCorps founder Dave Isay. “The effort will continue until we no longer need the reminder.” ■ FEATURES | 49

LAUREN CALLIHAN

PHOTOGRAPHER | GABBY DUNLEVY MODEL | BAYLEY WEINSTEIN 50 | LIFESTYLE

“I

was 17 when I came out to my friend, who eventually became my girlfriend,” says Ailene Woznicki, junior at Elon University and student assistant at the Gender and LGBTQIA Center.

“I believe that no one should have to come out.

People should just be able to love who they love, and it is no one else’s business. You should not have to label yourself in order to justify your feelings, and it’s a bummer we live in a world like that.”

The process of coming out, formally defined as the debut to society of one’s sexual orientation, is more so about coming into one’s identity. Over the years, the term “coming out” has continued to adopt a more positive connotation, as it implies a self-discovery journey away from repression toward acceptance, celebration, and liberation.

“I also understand coming out is a really important thing for a lot of other people. It’s not just a journey of telling others but a journey of self-discovery,” says Woznicki.

“Coming out was never super hard for me except to very specific people. For the most part, I felt loved and accepted.

Nothing has changed, which was my biggest concern. My coming out experience is a really positive one, and I am glad that I have people in my life who are supportive and not ignorant.”

It’s important to keep in mind that each person’s experience may look completely different than the next. Some come out at a young age, while others will go their whole lives without coming out. Some tell everyone they know, and some only share it with a select few.

Bayley Weinstein, senior at Elon, shares a similarly positive experience to Woznicki. “When I came out to my friends, I wasn’t really nervous because I was so ready to get it out in the open,” she says. “I was excited to finally tell them and never feared they would react poorly.”

Weinstein says her journey allowed her to experience the transition to openness. “It was hard for me because a lot of my friends would make remarks such as ‘Any new boys?’ or ‘Are you talking to any guys?’ And I became frustrated and wanted to put

,,

everything out there,” she says. “I soon realized if I didn’t want them to talk about me being with boys, I had to tell them I wasn’t interested in them. I’ve told different friends at different times, but all of them have been extremely excited for me. None of my friends have been judgmental or unaccepting.”

Fortunately, the stigma surrounding sexual orientation in our heternormative culture has been on the decline for years. The legalization of homosexual marriage, along with the acceptance of the ever-growing LGBTQ+ community, has paved the way for younger generations to be met with not only respect but celebration when coming out.

Younger generations have also benefited from the growth of social media, as it provides numerous platforms to address family, friends, peers, and sometimes even the general public. One such platform is TikTok, a social media app that has grown in popularity over the past two years and now has more than 800 million active users.

TikTok’s versatile and trendy nature has allowed many to make the often nerve-wracking experience of coming out a little easier. The #comingout hashtag on the app reveals countless videos that have amassed more than 1.3 billion views.

TikTok’s popular content styles—comedy skits, dancing, lip-syncing, story times, and more—have all been used as creative ways for users to come out to loved ones (and potentially millions of other users).

This platform specifically allows for memorable and often lighthearted coming out moments because content often relies on music, dancing, and humor.

In fact, avid users of TikTok have developed such a shared language of understood metaphors that they can effortlessly communicate in short witty videos.

In November, a new coming out trend arose that involved simply sharing a video of yourself cuffing your jeans, a symbol that implies a LBGTQ+ identity.

Coming out will always be a challenge, but social media has given the LGBTQ+ community a door that wasn’t there before. Take ownership of your story. Love who you love, and be proud. ■

People should just be able to love who they love, and it is , no one else s ,, business

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52 | BEAUTY & WELLNESS

PHOTOGRAPHER | LEXIE BROOKS MODEL | EILEENA BOYCE

CAN I TOUCH YOUR HAIR? The Disparities Between White and Black Hair Care

ANNA CAVE

M

ost of the women on Elon University’s campus have likely never worried about walking into Target and not being able to find a hair product that works for them. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for Elon’s Black students. Aliana Fouse ’21, Kennedy Boston ’23, and Trinity Battle ’23 sat down with The Edge to give us a glimpse into their hair journeys and discuss their experiences with anti-Blackness rooted in hair care.

BEAUTY & WELLNESS | 53

Q&A

much time you can commit to your hair. Natural hair is like a plant. If you water it and take care of it, it flourishes.

Q: Do you have any experiences involving your hair that have

Q: What has your hair journey really stood out? looked like through the years

Boston: This time in Florida was pretty wild. I’d been

and how has it impacted the way in the ocean so I needed to wash the salt out of my hair. you style your hair?

I was trying not to get it wet so I wouldn’t have to [wash Kennedy Boston: It just depends on the time of year. If I am not currently in classes, I usually do box braids.

During the school year, I usually keep it in a weave or at least have my own hair flat ironed. My mom works in corporate, and [that’s] something I’ve always seen as I grew up. It’s just something that’s been reinforced in me since I was a kid. I do see people here who have in box braids or dreads and things like that, and I’m like, ‘I could never,’ just because I didn’t grow up thinking that was a possibility. Also because of the few times I did, kids made fun of me for it.

Aliana Fouse: I like doing twist outs and braid outs.

They’re also a protective style, so it keeps my hair and my ends protected from the environment or from getting split ends or snagging. My first year of high school I went to a predominantly white school, so I didn’t really have anyone around me who had curly hair.

I would straighten my hair every day, and when I would wash my hair, you could see the effects of heat damage because my hair wasn’t curling up as it naturally would.

it], but I got it wet. I was at a Goodwill, and I was like ‘Oh, there’s a beauty supply store across the street.’ I searched up and down the aisles and I found a couple products and said, ‘Sure, we can work with this.’ I got to spend the evening washing my hair and waiting for it to dry because I didn’t have a blow dryer or anything on me. That took forever. It was just kind of crazy because I went alone, and I was like, ‘I’m fine, I’m good.

It’s the middle of the day, I should be okay to walk across the street and come back.’ I’m in an unfamiliar city in an unfamiliar state by myself. Luckily, I was okay, nothing happened to me.

Q: Are there any stigmas around Black hair you would like to break down?

Battle: The closer you can get to the proximity of whiteness, the more acceptable you are in these ‘professional spaces.’ Nothing about my hair is unprofessional.

Nothing about my twists, nothing about wigs, nothing about sew-ins, nothing about hair wraps is unprofesTrinity Battle: My natural hair journey technically has sional. In schools and professional settings, it is two parts. Beforehand, it was a lot of protective styling. absolutely anti-Black and pro-white supremacy. When I wasn’t doing enough, but I was in high school, and it comes to what Black women do to their hair, it really when you’re a high school student and competing with is a thing of survival. I think when we let those things all these other people for college spots and school plays go and tell people it is okay to look how you want to and all this stuff, the last thing I wanted to deal with was look, then it gets easier for Black girls to not grow up my hair. I made the mistake of neglecting my hair. Post hating themselves or their hair. big chop, I am not applying heat and my hair is a lot more receptive to stylings. As of now, being a college Q: What changes would you like student, [protective styling] is very, very great. It takes me an entire day to install it into my hair, but then I’m to see in the hair care industry? done, and now I don’t have to touch my hair for a month.

When you wear your natural hair, it really is about Boston: More specific items for different hairstyles convenience and about what you’re doing and how being marketed properly in big stores. As much as I do

54 | BEAUTY & WELLNESS

Type 2: Wavy

hair types Despite making strides in marketing industries to be more inclusive of Black women, not all hair types are represented, resulting in texturism.

Hair types are described with the ABC system: each hair type is given a number based on how curly it is and a letter to describe the tightness of the curls within the overarching number. Boston has 4C hair but says most of the women she sees in the media have 3C or 4A.

Type 3: curly

Type 4: Kinky

love beauty supplies, it would be nice to just roll into a Target and find what I need to find without making a completely separate trip.

by type-four-haired women because they wanted to see themselves represented, and then people with looser textured hair were put on the forefront by the media companies. I’d like to see the people who started this movement be the people who get their flowers and get the representation.

To conclude, Battle leaves you with this sentiment: “Listen to women. Listen to us. Not listening to what society wants us to be but listening to the people who don’t look like what society wants us to be and get an understanding of what we need as a community.” ■

Fouse: I would like to see more diversity with hair textures. I feel like a lot of hair care marketing is toward people with looser curls, and that’s not the only curl texture.

Battle: I want to see people with different curl patterns.

It’s crazy because the natural hair movement was started

BEAUTY & WELLNESS | 55

Breaking Down the Barriers of Fashion H

arry Styles. Billie Eilish. Jaden Smith. Zendaya.

Besides the fact that all of these celebrities are totally cool, they also share another theme in common: they are regulars when it comes to gender-neutral clothing. Gender-neutral fashion isn’t limited to the typical “guy wearing a dress” or “girl wearing a blazer.”

Rather, it refers to clothing designed to be suitable for all genders, blending the line between what is considered women’s or men’s clothing.

Harry Styles, for example, is known for being outspoken about his fashion choices. There has been much conversation surrounding his gender fluidity, a subject which he refuses to define. In an interview with The Guardian, the singer opened up about his androgynous style, saying, “If I see a shirt and get told ‘But it’s for ladies,’ I think: ‘Okay? Doesn’t make me want to wear it less though.’ […] I think the moment you feel more comfortable with yourself, it all becomes a lot easier.”

Zendaya is another celebrity known for breaking down gender barriers when it comes to her red carpet game. The actress is not afraid to rock a power suit and wear it better than most men. Exhibit A: when she wore the same grey Berluti suit as Michael B. Jordan, and even he admitted she wore it better.

One last artist who defies the odds of fashion is Young Thug. Thug has not been afraid to sport feminine clothing, even wearing a full-length Alessandro

56 | FASHION

Trincone blue ruffle dress on his No, My Name is Jeffery EP cover. However, he often faces criticism from his peers in the rap community, especially with the toxic masculinity of rap culture. His masculinity has been doubted by artists such as The Game, who raps, “These days y’all ****** got Young Thug / Y’all favorite rappers wear skirts / My favorite rappers used to put mother******* in a hearse,” in his song Hate It or Love It. Despite the criticism, Thug’s eccentric style, along with Zendaya’s and Styles’ iconic fashion choices, proves that fashion is not tied to gender. Taking after these celebrities’ gender-neutral style is the clothing selection at local treasure The Muse in Graham, North Carolina. Just 15 minutes away from Elon’s campus, this trendy thrift store doesn’t have a designated men’s or women’s section.

Dionne Liles, owner of The Muse and often referred to as “D” by regulars, grew up surrounded by style. With a mother and grandmother who were cosmetologists and beauticians and a father who always rocked a slick suit, it was no surprise she ended up striking a career in fashion. We sat down with Liles to talk about the future of gender-neutral fashion and what it’s like running The Muse.

“Fashion has always been a part of my life as an undercurrent. I just didn’t know it was going to play its

KAYLA KNIGHT

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PHOTOGRAPHER | OLIVIA PARKS MODELS | RENELL TAYLOR, CAROLINE HARTY, KALI CLOUGHERTY, ELIAS CARTIER, ELYSE KING, NIA GRIFFIN, SHAE JOHNSON

role the way it was gonna play its role in my life today,” says Liles.

Although she credits trips to the thrift store with her mother as contributing to her love for fashion, she says they didn’t always see eye to eye when it came to fashion. “My parents were very conservative, so that is not what I was wearing,” says Liles. “Liking a little bit of everybody’s style—loving hip hop, loving skater, loving punk life—never realizing that the evolution of who I am today would encompass a little bit of middle school and high school.”

Liles attended private school, where she was required to wear a uniform, before she came to a realization regarding fashion. She said to herself, “Okay, this is how I identify. I can use my clothes as a form of identity. I can use my fashion statement as a form of people relating to who I am.”

Liles says she always knew she wanted to independently own and operate a store, which was the beginning of her dream that is now The Muse.

“I didn’t go to business school. I have a high school diploma. I’m just a person who is passionate about entrepreneurship, personal identity, personal autonomy, creating the life I desire to live,” says Liles. “I found FASHION | 59

I couldn’t do that in the confines of working for someone else.”

However, it was a dream that would require time. “It took five years to actually bring this dream to life in a conscious way,” says Liles. “There was always some sort of fashion or creative aspect with fashion that I was involved in. Once I honed in and focused on it to take the journey to open my own store, it took about five years.”

Those five years of work paid off when The Muse opened on January 25, 2020, but it wasn’t without a hiccup. The Muse faced an issue many businesses faced this year: having to close for six weeks in the spring. But after reopening, The Muse has become a staple in Graham and amongst Elon students.

As the pioneer of the only Black-owned business in Graham and as a pansexual woman, Liles says she wanted to create a space where all feel welcome in a community that can come across as the opposite. Right in front of The Muse sits a Confederate statue, one that was heavily protested when the Black Lives Matter movement came to the political forefront this summer.

Liles is no stranger to partaking in the civil unrest happening right outside of our campus.

“My store is much more than just clothes. It’s much more than cash in and cash out. It’s about equality. It’s about no judgement. It’s about inclusion. It’s about diversity and acceptance. It comes in all forms,” she says. “I don’t look like a lot of people here, but I support the community. So, why would I have less value?”

Along her journey to opening The Muse, Liles has identified what gender-neutral fashion means to her.

“Gender-neutral fashion is a patriarchal term that is what I would say is not real. I would say that it is another form of putting people within boundaries of a patriarchal society, a white heterosexual society,” she says.

Usually, when it comes to gender-neutral fashion or bending the rules of gender-based fashion, Liles says the issue of men being more resistant to the idea is one she is not afraid to tackle.

“There are aspects of fashion that I love to exercise in all of my styling. That is usually putting what people would identify as female fashion on males but traditionally males that are like ‘I’m a manly man,’” says Liles.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what you wear, it’s how comfortable and confident you feel in your style.

Take it from Liles, and “support stores like The Muse that are not going to make you feel uncomfortable about what it is you decide to wear that day.” ■ 60 | FASHION

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