June 2016
ONLY
£1
Flicks & red lips
The best make up tips this month!
MAY 2016
AVANT-GARDE Body Hair
What’s gross about that?
LOOK
GET THAT LILY WHITING ‘I love food. Give me a Big Mac any day!’
The global babes share their glamorous outfits just for you!
SEXUALITY
BODY LOVE YOUR
Being gay and Indian with Pav and Nikki
Fitness for
everyone
Lily battles her eating disorder and explains that curvy women are beautiful
FROM THE EDITOR
This month at
Avant-Garde...
This editor’s letter comes to you from the comfort of my cosy sofa on a crisp and very chilly night in Coventry. The time is 11.54pm and I am getting very tired, but I really want to finish this magazine! I’m editing my stories and reviews ready for them to be applied into this magazine for you lovely people. So, you want to know a little about me? Well, I am 21 years-old, I love coffee and watching shows such as, This Morning and Loose Women (typical ey?) haha. I study Journalism and Media at Coventry University and it is my final year - I’m so not ready to leave. I’m scared of the big wide world, what if it eats me up? I’ve always loved print-journalism and I’ve always wanted to make my own magazine, so here I am! *Flicking through a women’s magazine* I can’t seem to find anything on culture, different skin colours or even women with jiggly bits! Unlike many women’s magazines, my aim is to produce something which all women can relate to, something that does not pressure women into looking a certain way. Yep, i’ll still keep in tips on exercise because I know we all love being healthy and yep, i’m going to use some women who are not curvy/plus-size. “But why do you want to do that, when we want to go against a typical women’s magazine?” I suppose you’re thinking. Well girls, we need to see both sides to this story, even the thin, size 8 girls feel pressured into looking a certain way. Remember, we’re all beautiful. *Googles images of pugs in outfits* I think i’m going to call it a night...
h.k.dawett x
Harpreet Kaur Dawett Editor
Above: Working on the production of Avant-Garde. Right: Gathering ideas from other Women’s Magazines.
Follow me on Twitter @HDawett and Instagram @Harpy94
AVANT-GARDE . 3
Contents
6 9
10 18 20 22 26 30 33 34 35
EAT CAKE AND LOVE YOUR BODY - body confidence is the way forward with Tess Holliday becoming an amazing icon for all curvy women BODY HAIR IS BEAUTIFUL - the struggles women have with having to look perfect is exhausting! BODY IMAGE AND EATING DISORDERS - with Lily Whiting GET THE LOOK - Four women from across the globe share their fashion WORK - Sophie Jo shares her tips on interviews and magazine pitching FITTING IN - Hannah Wood explains plus-size women who love alternative and Lolita fashion MAYBE IF I PRAY I WON’T BE GAY ANYMORE - Read the stories from two gay Indians WORK IT OUT - You don’t have to look a certain way, but staying healthy is the key point in this workout! FLICKS AND RED LIPS - Makeup tips by Aisha Ditta NAINA READS - What book will Naina be reviewing this month? EMBARRASSING MOMENTS - Readers share some of their most embarrassing moments (they’re sure to make you laugh!)
MAY 2016
On the cover LILY WHITING
Get the dress from
Tattoos by Holly Marie at Creative Body Art Tattoo Studio in Coventry
This magazine can be recycled
AVANT-GARDE . 4
AVANT-GARDE TELL ME A RANDOM FACT ABOUT YOURSELF
HARPREET KAUR DAWETT Editor
CONTRIBUTERS FEATURES Fitting In article HANNAH WOOD Writer HARPREET DAWETT
BEAUTY Beauty Editor AISHA DITTA
PICTURES Main feature photographer KACIE BALL I do not own any copyright of the images on the advertisements in this magazine (For Coventry University Final Project ONLY)
BOOK REVIEWS Writer NAINA ODEDRA
EDITORIAL PRODUCTION
Production on InDesign HARPREET DAWETT Hannah Wood
Aisha Ditta
Kacie Ball
“I really love video games, especially Animal Crossing!”
“I can’t leave the house without winged eyeliner. Oh and I LOVE Kanye West”
“I used to dance at all of Leicesters Caribbean carnivals”
Printing done by John E Wright & Co. Ltd
Naina Odedra
“I’m a huge comic book nerd. If I was a superhero I’d be Wonder Women!”
AVANT-GARDE . 5
I
Eat Cake and Love Your
scream the words ‘PLUS SIZE’ – all heads turn to me and I could see the look in their eyes. Why is she asking for plus size? She shouldn’t be in this shop, she won’t find anything to fit her. I’m sure you ladies would have experienced the same dilemma, worried you won’t be accepted in certain shops – off course you’d love that dress in the window but would they ever have your size? And would you ever feel confident enough to wear it? Well, time’s have changed. Technology has moved further than it ever has before, meaning we can interact with people in similar situations. Tess Holliday, an American plus-size model is one of many, who promote bigger women. She has become an influence to women all around the world and has changed how we view ‘plus size’. I follow Tess on Instagram and as a larger lady myself, I find she is breaking the barriers between ‘skinny’ and ‘fat’, she wants women of all shapes and sizes to feel comfortable in their body and by doing this she began the trend of #effyourbeautystandards – here women can post pictures of themselves body confident, with images of women wearing bikinis, fashionable clothes that are daring yet beautiful and even women who aren’t plus size are getting stuck in! I can now see that we are becoming accepted, I even went out in a crop top this summer, can you believe that? Oh, we couldn’t leave the men out. It’s not only us women who have flaws. Plus size men are appearing alongside us women showing off their size and also using the hashtag #effyourbeautystandards. Surprisingly, I was scrolling down my
CURVY
Body
“We may not fit into every dress, but we can sure work that sexy lingerie”
Facebook newsfeed and saw a few of my friends sharing a photo – it said something along the lines of ‘i prefer a man with more meat’. I asked her why? What was so much better about a plus size man? She said because she was big herself, it only makes sense to have someone the same shape. Is that right though? Should we underestimate what we can and cant have? I then asked a toned man if he would go on a date with a larger lady and he replied, “Definitely! At least she’ll eat something on the date haha”. So girls, don’t be afraid to ask that high school hunk on a date, you’ll be surprised by the answer! And boys, there are ladies of all sizes that want to take you on a date, so get out there! I’ve learned and I’m sure many of you ladies have too, that our bodies are beautiful. Pregnant women have stretch marks from birth, but we have stretch marks from eating delicious cakes. We may not fit into every dress, but we can sure work that sexy lingerie. Sometimes we might have lumps and bumps coming out the wrong places, but that’s where a corset comes in handy! Models like Tess have made plus size beautiful and acceptable – there will be people who disapprove and find this all so wrong, but what can we say to that? #effyourbeautystandards.
AVANT-GARDE . 6
Kacie Ball Photography
e k i l s k o o e l n!” h s “Eww a ma
E r!” V O L “I y hai d o b y
m
I t u b y r r o s “I’m ” s e n o m r o h ’s t have PCOS - i
“But what’s wrong with it?”
unh“That’s ygie nic”
“Girls shou ld always shave” Pictured: Keisha Thompson from the play I Wish I Had a Moustache
G BODY HAIR IS ROSS
Appearance
G
irls, we’ve all got this trouble! Having hair under your armpits, on your arms, on your legs. OMG it’s everywhere! Body hair should not be anything out of the ordinary and definitely should not be classed as taboo! For many years we’ve had to deal with such negativity against women having body hair. It’s about time we release the beast! Why can men have body hair? What makes it so gross? For many lovely women, body hair is something we just can’t help. For example, having PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), this syndrome really is a bugger! For those women suffering, they cannot help that their hormones are raging little b******s, therefore increasing their body hair growth. But for some women, like myself – well, I guess I have more of my dad’s genes. We go through a lot to maintain ourselves, sometimes men don’t understand the things some women go through to look good for them! I go through a painful procedure of laser treatment every single month, if I stop I feel I might not fit in. So ladies, I’m here to tell you that you all look beautiful, even if your eyebrows look like caterpillars or your beard game is stronger than your brothers. Let’s hear some of your body hair stories and also what the guys think about it…
Beautiful I use to shave my arms every single day! It got so uncomfortable that I just had to stop! Turns out not many people care! - Jasmine, 20
As long as the woman is not hairier than the man, then it’s all cool! But im all for women just being themselves!
- Adam, 22
It’s because of porn that women have felt pressured into being totally hair free downstairs. Waxing bloody hurts! - Michelle, 42
It’s not always more hygienic as you can get ingrown hairs and infections from shaving.
- Tamara, 22
AVANT-GARDE . 9
Lily Whitin is ready to talk...
Confidence
g Insecurities, bullies and battling an eating disorder. LILY now feels amazing! WORDS Harpreet Dawett Photographs Kacie Ball
P
P
icking Lily up from Coventry station was the can only have one or the other when it comes first time I was going to meet her (exciting!). to eating disorders. “Some people think that I saw her walking up to my car with the you have to be skinny to be suffering with this biggest smile ever! We drove to the studio problem... but it can be anyone, it can come for her interview and photoshoot, where she from depression and anxiety, which then can ran me through some gorgeous outfits! “Hey mess up everything and even your habits” guys, look at my red dress, I bought this for which in Lily’s instance was consuming food. five pounds from Boohoo.com and it’s my Recovery size!” Who said curvy girls can’t wear cute Lily explains how she went to the doctors for clothes? her depression and told them about her eating. Whilst Lily was having the time of her life “They were really concerned.” with the photoshoot for Avant-Garde, I “My university offered counsellings for people prepared the interview (she was working the with eating issues. I went through a HUGE camera). one-to-one session full of tears and a lot of I was guessing Lily’s feet were group sessions. It was so nice to be with people hurting in her heels, so we sat down who suffered the same, but it was also nice that “finally” she smiled. I was ready to hear her not everyone was a size 4 or 6.” story... Lily was living in student accommodation at My disorder the time and had to move back home with her Lily, 21, is a 16-18 dress size “well, I’m mum and dad. “I felt like I needed to be home somewhere inbetween” and have support and she explains. my mum is my hero!” Lily was diagnosed Lily beams with with an eating disorder happiness, “I’m in a in October 2015. She much better place right explains how her now, i’m not scared disorder was a weird about eating food and - Lily Whiting one. “People are under I’m not binging! I can the impression that you also wear whatever I can only get bulimia want and actually look and anorexia... with mine, I would binge good!” eat some nights and eat so much, then for There needs to be more done the next two or three days I would not eat “I don’t think there’s enough done, that’s why anything and almost starve myself. Weird people are so misconstrued on what an eating right?” As Lily breathed in she said it was disorder is. If I came out in public and said I all down to her mental health and having had an eating disorder - they would laugh and depression was a link to her eating disorder. think, you look like you have eaten everything!” “My mood would affect on how I would eat Lily informs us that it’s not only women that on that day, it was horrible waking up feeling go through this but it can also happen to men. awful and then turning to food for comfort... “The main thing is the wrong perceptions that I was a size 20 during this period of time, people have on this topic.” even though I was starving myself, I still ate Clothes for my curvy so much junk which caused me to put on a body lot of weight.” “I use to find it quite difficult because I’m bigger Misconception & from the top and smaller on the bottom and Depression that made me feel really upset. I thought it this Lily points out that people think that you way, I was just blessed with a big chest!” Lily
Confidence
laughs. The average dress size in the UK is now a 16, showing that we are bigger and a country. Yet, most shops are still not going above a size 14. “The only place I will go to buy clothes is Primark beacause it’s in the only place I can find sizes 16, 18 or 20. Whenever I got into Topshop, the biggest is a 16 and they say it’s a 16 but realistically it’s about a size 10.” Lily says, “Topshop are still going for the fashionable hipster, skinny girl look but they’ve got tall, they’ve got petite and they’ve even got maternity! They’re missing out on a whole mass market of people. If they had my size, I would happily buy clothes from there.” Lily told me that she was really badly bullied and use to wear big baggy jumpers. “It’s only recently where I have said to myself, look, I can wear what I want. At 21-years old I should be able to wear what I want!”
‘I was just blessed with a big chest!’
AVANT-GARDE . 13
Confidence
Salmon wrapped in parma ham, potatoes and roasted vegetables
A fresh bowl of fruit and a Rocky Road slimming bar
Health & Weightloss Going through Lily’s Instagram - I’m drooling at the pictures of the food she cooks! “I’m losing weight more for the health benefits, because I know I’m overweight. I’ve been told so many times and I also get back problems from my chest and the first thing anyone says is ‘try and lose weight’. I know full
I don’t feel disgusted in myself when I see myself in my underwear - Lily Whiting
well that even if I hit a size 10 I wont be skinny because my genetics just won’t allow it. This puppy fat is staying! Also, I like food too much! Give me a McDonald’s any day. I just want to lose weight and be that little bit more trim.” “I went out for a run the other day! Last year, if I told myself I was going to go out for a run, I would have laughed in my face!” Every Body is a Bikini Body Since battling with her weight issue and eating disorder, this is going to be the first summer where Lily feels confident in her self! “I’m yet to find out how I feel when I see myself in a bikini! Based on how I feel right now, I don’t feel disgusted in myself when I see myself in my underwear. I’m going on holiday this summer so I’ll find out soon! I really like the high-waisted bikini’s. I think they look great on plus-size women!” The coverage of women in magazines “I’m sick of seeing boobs and bum and nothing else. I’m sick of seeing everybody having to be a size 6 to be on the cover of a magazine or people going into uprawr that someone who is bigger is a model. For example when Tess Holliday became a plus-size model a lot of people were saying she promotes obesity, but she’s not, she’s promoting body positive!” “I’m not saying everyone has to go out and be a big woman or really skinny to be on a magazine. It would just be nice to see more diversity and less photoshop!” Well, Avant-Garde are here to save the day!
Don’t do things for the happiness of others, don’t lose weight because you want to please society. People should appreciate you for who you are. You do you, do yourself - not what other people say! - Lily Whiting
SCAN YOUR PHONE HERE
To watch the full interview with Lily Whiting on YouTube AVANT-GARDE . 14
The
AVANT-GARDE
QUIZ
Name:
Lily Whiting Nicknames:
Lily, Lilz, Lilybella Last song you listened to?
Zara Larson Lush Life
What is one thing you can’t live without?
My dog... or food
What’s the most favourite part of your body?
Eyes or waist. Do eyebrows count?
Who’s your celebrity crush?
Harry Styles Tyler Blackburn from Pretty Little Liars!
What’s your favourite food?
EVERYTHING!
The thing that makes me really angry is?
People not living for themselves. You do you!
What’s most important to you? Happiness, Trust or Love
Happiness & self worth. Being happy in my own body is important.
LOOK
GET THE “Celebrate the curves!”
“Mixing patterns & taking names”
@simonemariposa
@missjazminad Hi, greetings from Sydney, Austrailia! Pictured above is the beautiful Jazmina!
WHAT IS SHE WEARING? Jacket from ASOS Skirt from Torrid Fashion
Hi, greetings from L.A! Pictured above is the stunning Simone Mariposa
WHAT IS SHE WEARING? Shirt from Torrid Fashion Trousers and shoes from ASOS
AVANT-GARDE . 18
WITH THE Global Babes
“In Indonesia, it’s hard to find stylish clothes that fits your size”
Pictured above is the gorgeous Intan Kemala Sari
Follow them on Instagram
“Thick in all the right places for extra cushion for the pushin”
@kemalasari Hi, greetings from Indonesia!
Fashion
@julesxmontano WHAT IS SHE WEARING? Black long sleeve from My Size Cape blazer from Ella Es Bonita Black jeans from Jegging Jumbo Shoes by Vans Bag by Zara
Hi, greetings from Singapore! Pictured above is the lovely Jules Montano
WHAT IS SHE WEARING? Top (M) from H&M Skirt (L) from Forever 21 Necklace from H&M AVANT-GARDE . 19
Work
Work
Work
With Sophie Jo
Pictured: Sophie Jo
Pictured: Sophie Jo
Sophie Jo, 26, gives us some tips on work and life after university! - What did you study at University?
I went to Coventry University and I studied Communication, Culture and Media. It was a really broad subject and I loved being able to write essays all the time. That isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but I had fun!
- Where did you think that subject would lead you?
I hoped that getting a degree in a very non-specific area would help me, because I wouldn’t be tied down to one area, e.g. marketing, advertising, etc. In the end I think it worked both ways, because I have a nice broad skillset but also less fine-tuned skills in certain areas, so I guess it’s swings and roundabouts.
- Where did you think that subject would lead you?
I did an internship at the BBC when I was at university, and after I graduated I worked as a Marketing and Editorial Intern for an education-based organisation, which I loved. I then went on to work in marketing at a theatre.
- Why did you want to work for a magazine company?
I’ve always loved writing and I decided to start blogging in 2015 as a way to get better at it and share my musings with other people. At about the same time as this, I started chatting to the lovely team at Disney
Couture UK and they agreed to let me blog for them, which was SO exciting! A few months after, I started to pitch my other pieces to other places and have now been lucky enough to write stuff for Cosmopolitan, Brook (the young people’s charity), Yahoo Style, Yahoo Celebrity, Women’s Aid and The F-Word. I’m really enjoying myself!
- Where do you work now?
I work for the Chartered Institute of Housing, as a Content and Communications Officer. It’s right up my street, as it means I’m able to write LOADS and proof-read everyone else’s writing, which I love (I get to use my red pen and be a bit of a grammar geek!).
Interview T i p s I am RUBBISH in interviews because I always forget my own name and generally make a massive fool out of myself but my main suggestion is to smile lots, even if you’re terrified. Try to be honest, because I think people really appreciate that, and make sure you come across as interested in the company you’re interviewing for. For example, read up on it beforehand or – if you’re not able to – ask questions about the organisation in the interview. I think showing that you’re interested in this specific place and that you’ve taken the time to research it is really important.
Pi t c h i n g t o
Magazines
I’d suggest making sure you DEFINITELY know what a pitch actually is – and I only say this because I didn’t have a CLUE until a few months ago. I literally used to email magazines like “Oh hey, can I write for you?” and then felt confused and despondent when they didn’t reply, haha. I’m still not always sure what kind of a pitch different places are looking for (and I’m probably still doing it wrong half the time) but some really good advice I’ve recently been given is to make it urgent – so link your suggested piece to a news article, for example, so that there’s a time pressure on things. I think as well, it’s really important to persevere – people aren’t always going to reply straight away (as I’ve found) so do make sure you follow up on emails, call if necessary, ask for feedback, and that sort of thing. If someone doesn’t respond, it doesn’t mean your work’s rubbish – in my experience, they’re probably just busy or not interested this time around. Finally, here are a few things to keep in mind: - Be confident - Keep up to date on the company. Social media sites are the best way! - Always arrive 15 minutes early. Being late is never a great start
AVANT-GARDE . 21
Fitting
In
W
e all had our embarrassing teenage phases, and for some, these phases are worse than others. I’m sure a fair few of us remember proudly calling ourselves ‘emo’. With this label, came despite claims of nonconformity, a very rigid look: dark hair, dark clothes and dark eyes but pale skin. These clothes outwardly proclaimed the wearer as ‘emo’. They told everyone that the person inside the clothes probably cried a lot and listened to My Chemical Romance. I, like many others, found a sense of self inside this trend. Where we were once ridiculed by other teenagers, we found we belonged in our own boat. We all dressed alike to signify we all felt alike; a little lost and full of angst. Some of us, though, struggled with fitting in even amongst the ‘emos’. This is because there was another, unsaid necessity of being an emo: you must be thin. This may sound a little ridiculous or trivial to anybody who was never part of the emo subculture, but it is important to remember that most ‘emos’ were impressionable young teenagers. They belonged to a group where looks were hugely important; where dark eyeliner and high-angled selfies netted you complimentary comments on MySpace. These comments boosted their self-esteem and made them feel like they belonged. However, the most popular emos were all alike; they were sixteen or seventeen with waifish figures and big hair. While being thin has always been seen as something desirable, these teenagers took it a step further; they looked downright emaciated. So, what happens to the teenager who can’t fit into the skinny jeans, but still wants to be ‘emo’? It is a dangerous road for a teenager to be on. They seek a place among the outcasts, where they can fit in, only to find they can’t fit there either. This highlights a disturbing trend which continues even today. Emo may not be anywhere near as prevalent as it was, but young girls with self-esteem issues will continue to be drawn to other styles, be it grunge or goth. While mainstream fashion is seeing a rise in the popularity of plus size models and other ‘acceptance’ movements, alternative fashions tend to favour thin bodies. Take, for example, the Japanese street fashion of Lolita. Lolita is a Victorian-inspired style epitomised by big, puffy petticoats and frilly dresses. One would expect that this somewhat odd fashion would be welcoming to their fellow wearers.
However, the girls who posts pictures of themselves in Lolita outfits often find themselves under deep scrutiny. For example, one anonymous user on a popular Lolita website posts that ‘any girl over 130lbs (9 stone) is fat’ under a photo of a ‘plus size’ Lolita. Comments such as these, coupled with the fashion’s reliance on small, Japanmade clothing, are hugely harmful to impressionable people. There are anecdotes of girls starving themselves to fit into the clothes, and girls championing buying expensive Lolita dresses over food. The most popular Lolitas are all thin girls, and the vast majority of them are also white. This gives a poor impression to any plus size or non-white Lolita, or aspiring Lolita. Similarly, a quick Google search for fashions such as Goth or punk yields hundreds of images, yet the most popular and therefore most viewed images are all of thin people. It’s the same story on blogging site Tumblr. It’s important to note that thin people deserve to have their beauty celebrated as much as anyone else. However, it is also important that one body shape isn’t lauded over as being ‘perfect’ or ‘ideal.’ It may be that, with mainstream attitudes changing, alternative fashions may soon become more welcoming to other body shapes than the usual thin. Promisingly, a search on popular fashion website lookbook. nu for ‘alternative’ shows a large variety of outfits on girls of many differing shapes and sizes, with comments being positive on photos of thin girls, fat girls and girls in between. This is vastly different from the site notorious for favouring borderline anorexic body types just a handful of years ago. Perhaps it is simply a matter of alternative fashions ‘catching up’ to mainstream fashion with regards to body image. Either way, it is important that girls and boys who wish to express themselves through alternative fashions need to know that though they may wish to fit in with their peers, they needn’t be a certain size.
“It is important that one body shape isn’t lauded perfect or ideal”
AVANT-GARDE . 22
ALTERNATIVE
Above: Hannah Wood ((writer)
Below: Lolita girls LOVE Tofu Cute!
Above: Lolita fashion at Comic Con Birmingham
Sexuality
Maybe if I pray I won
Nikki Ray
Sikhs aren’t meant to drink alcohol but for Nikki, it was a way to break down an even bigger cultural barrier: admitting her sexuality. It began when I was sixteen. It was like one of those things where I thought if I prayed, then maybe I won’t be gay anymore? I thought I was being silly; I kept questioning myself, thinking maybe I could make myself like boys? It was hard to tell someone about the way I was feeling. I had very close friends that I could tell and talk about anything to, but I was terrified of ruining friendship if I did come out to them - what if they thought it was gross? I tested the waters a bit – I’d be like “ahh she’s hot” and see how my friends would react. I was also always drunk whenever I told anyone about my sexuality. I needed something to blame. If my friends thought it was weird, I’d use to drunk excuse and just say “I was kidding I was just drunk!” I told my brother first, he is a very chilled person. It took him by surprise but he said, “if you’re gay, you’re gay… there’s nothing you can do about it”. So, that was encouraging and helpful. It made me think; maybe it is time to tell my parents. But so many questions ran through my mind, because I’m Indian, it is not very acceptable to be gay in our culture. Asian culture is very much about appearance and how you appear to other people in the community. My biggest fear was my mum and dad thinking “we need to hide this away.” I was planning on telling my mum for 2 years, but I kept it to myself and it was a very long time to keep a secret. My mum was in India when I sent her the message – “Can you ring me? I need to talk to you.” She knew instantly it was urgent and rang me. Taking a deep breathe in, I had to tell her, so I said, “look… I think I’m gay” she was very reluctant and kept telling me that I wasn’t and that I might just be going through a phase. I told her I’m not and that this is the truth, she hung up. I later found out that she started crying after speaking to me. My step-dad spoke to her and said, “Look, at least she’s healthy. It could be worse.” My mum finally came to terms of accepting my sexuality. She went from crying, to meeting my girlfriend’s parents a few weeks ago! It’s all part of a process and I knew it was never going to be an easy thing to do. You don’t ever stop coming out.
Advice from Nikki I think you’re in the best position to know what the best thing to do is. It’s a matter of testing the waters. Maybe watch how your family react when they see a gay person on TV. Which is something I use to do all the time. Never ever let someone push you out the closet, do it in your time. AVANT-GARDE . 26
Sexuality
n’t be
GAY any mor e
Pav Gill
Being gay at school just didn’t seem to be deemed as ‘cool’ or ‘acceptable’ causing Pav to hide his sexuality. I knew I was gay when I was around 15. I came out to friends when I was in my GCSE phase. It was really hard being gay in my school because I didn’t think many of the people at my school would think it would be okay for me to be gay. There were a few gay people out at the time but they weren’t treated well, so it made me scared about coming out myself because I didn’t want to be bullied and I felt so insecure. I remember this one time I was in Science class and I was sitting next to a few guys and one of them said “oh, you’re gay?” and I was like “yeah” and he replied “it’s not okay to say you’re gay around here, it’s fine if you are, just don’t say it.” It was really strange and I felt terrified of telling the truth. My family have only known for roughly a year. I told my sister first that I was bisexual because I come from a very strict Indian background and it didn’t sound as bad as being fully gay. Overtime, all my siblings found out and they seem to be okay with it. I told my mum only once and it was so scary because I was questioning whether she would hate me or disown me. It didn’t go down too well, she was crying and asking me things like “How did this happen? Can it be changed?” Since then, it’s all been swept under the rug and she doesn’t talk about it, I think she’s choosing not to believe it. I haven’t told my dad, FORGET THAT! I’m way too scared! I don’t think he would react very well, he’s really traditional, I don’t think he’d be okay with it. He doesn’t mind gay people in general, but he wouldn’t be okay with me. Whenever I go India, I don’t mention that I am gay, so the family over their don’t know. Just because the area I live in are quite rough and I know it’s not widely expected, so I definitely hide my sexuality. Although saying that - using the App Grindr, there are alot of gay people in India! I tried anything I possibly could to not be gay! I tried to turn to religion god and all this stuff. I was in such a bad place at the time. Well, it didn’t work obviously. After that I realised there’s nothing wrong with me and I shouldn’t try to change myself to please others. I am currently in a relationship - with 3 guys. Yep, you heard right, 3 guys! Also known as a polyamorous relationship, which means I have relationships with more than one person. I’ve been with two guys for 2 years and one guys for a year now. They all know each other and meet each other and we go on double/ quadruple dates. I know it’s not for everyone but it works for us! I’ve met a lot of people that are the same and it’s not really as uncommon as you think! It might be in the heterosexual community but in the gays it’s a lot more than you might believe.
“I am in a polyamorous relationship!”
This has been the most happiest and secure relationship I have ever been in!
AVANT-GARDE . 27
TARGETS abs, triceps, shoulders and back 1. Start in a press up position and rest your weight onto your forearms and toes. 2. Legs and body should be parallel to the ground. 3. Hold this position as long as you can, rest for 1-minute and repeat 3 times.
Step 1 The Plank
This easy work-out will have you feeling less stressed in no time! It’s completely free and you can do it anywhere you like... Even at home! I found this workout so useful and using the boxing combos really made enjoy it! You don’t have to look slim to enjoy a good sweat on.
TARGETS full body 1. If you are a beginner, grab some boxing gloves and throw a few combos in the air! 2. Punch forward and side ways. Mix it up by adding squats, lunges and sit-ups. You can even use a punch bag. 3. Try doing this for 20 minutes a day. It’s serious fun!
Step 4 Mixing it up with some Boxing
A workout for everyone
WORK IT OUT
TARGETS glutes, legs and posture 1. Start by standing in a upright position. 2. Step forward with one leg and lower yourself down to the lunge but make sure your knee does not touch the ground 3. Repeat on other leg. Do this 5 times on each leg.
Step 3 Lunges
TARGETS abdominal muscles 1. Start lying on your back and have your hands on the side of your temples. 2. Keep knees bent and bring your upper body as high as you can then going back down 3. Do this 10 times.
Step 2 Super sit-ups
This workout will help with your wellbeing. Yoga is great for anxiety - helping reduce levels of adrenaline and release your inner calm. Boxing is great for stress - hitting a punching bag helps release happy hormones. Swimming helps depression - the relaxation of the water is soothing and keeps your mind focused and busy.
MIND
Working on your
TARGETS mind, body and soul 1.Cross your legs and put palms together 2. Close your eyes and think of positive thoughts (like sitting on a beach). Breathe in from the nose and out from your mouth. 3. Do this for 5 minutes at the end of every workout and I promise you will feel amazing!
Step 5 Yoga
Find the foundation that matches for flawless results!
& s k c Fli ed lips
1.
r
Beauty
By Aisha Ditta
Apply a pea-sized amount of Nivea Men Sensitive Post Shave as a base. Believe me when I say this works better as a primer than most high-end products. It’s extremely moisturising so a small amount goes a long way.
2.
For an everyday natural look, the GOSH Smoky Trio Eye Shadow palette is perfect for neutral brown colours. For a slight shimmer, the light pink Barry M eyeshadow looks lovely applied the inner eye.
3.
Winged-eyes complete the look and the Collection Extreme Felt Tip Liner is the easiest liner to create a flawless flick
4.
5. 6.
Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Mascara coats your lashes evenly (and without clumps!) for mega impact.
To get rid of tired-looking eyes, blend the NYX Full Coverage Concealer in Orange which colour corrects grey under eyes before applying the Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Eraser Eye Concealer. For under £9, this concealer guarantees zero creases.
After applying your fave foundation. Use a teeny amount of Ben Nye’s Banana Powder, dab lightly on to highlighted areas with a damp beauty blender. Take a coffee break to allow the powder to sit for 10 minutes and brush away with a fluffy face brush.
7.
For a long-stay matte red lip, NYX soft matte lip cream will stay put after eating lunch and maybe even dinner!
AVANT-GARDE . 33
LOOK! THE BOOK GODDESS
Naina Reads...
Read
JUST VISITING BY DAHLIA ADLER So, what is it about? Reagan and Victoria both cannot wait to graduate and leave their small town, where Reagan won’t be ostracized because of a past relationship or have to deal with her parents and where Victoria won’t stand out for being Mexican and where she can pursue her dreams to do fashion design. They are in it together and started planning the post-high school life of their dreams by going on a series of college visits to choose together where they will end up. The college visits prove to be interesting. Reagan falls hard for a boy after keeping her heart pretty guarded over the past couple years but it seems like it could end in heartbreak and Victoria starts to really doubt if the path they are choosing is right for her future — something that could change the future of this friendship especially when faced with certain parts of their past they’ve kept from each other the whole time. What I thought I absolutely loved Just Visiting and it is one of my favourite contemporary YA (young adult) books I have read this year. Unless you want a 2-page essay about this book (which I would be more than happy to write) I will answer a few questions to keep this review short and to the point without giving too much of the story away! What was your favourite part of the book and why? I loved so many different aspects of this book, but my favourite would have to be the friendship between Reagan and Victoria. Victoria and Reagan are central to each other’s lives and their relationship is the most important one in the whole book. I loved how their relationship grew as both characters developed throughout the book, it became stronger and they became even closer. What was your favourite quote? “You’re what, seventeen?” I nod miserably. “That’s what life is at seventeen. You make mistakes, you learn from them, you grow up. No one expects you to be perfect or know exactly what you want. There’s a reason college students get until the end of sophomore ear to pick a major.” Final thoughts I loved this book and wish I could follow Reagan and Victoria all through their post-high school lives. It was one of those books that I read in one sitting and made me feel so happy after reading it (those are the best kind of books). Dahlia wrote this book extremely well and I wouldn’t change a thing about it. Honestly if you haven’t read this book what are you waiting for go read it now!
My Rating
4/5 Stars
BUY IT NOW!
Just Visiting is available from Amazon for £15.95 and only £6.64 for your Kindle! AVANT-GARDE . 34
LIDIA
Embarrassing Moments
Oops
Hey, we’ve all been there...
I was waiting for the bus and my crush came up to me and said “Hi”. I panicked because I wasn’t expecting it and blurted out very fast “Hi, I’m tired and need a Redbull. Bye” and then ran away like an absolute idiot. He’s just very cute!
- Pav, 22
I was at the beach doing an assignment with the class for environmental biology and there’s this super cute guy who I had a crush on. He was standing on the cliff and I was staring at him. I didn’t notice the tide coming in and I ended up slipping and falling into the sea, covered in seaweed! That’s the first time he noticed me. - Plz don’t reveal me!
Loo-ser
Me and my dad were on holiday in Spain when we went to the toilets and heard women talking. Turns out we ended up in the women’s toilets. Oh my god! - Plz don’t reveal me!
One time I was drunk and I offered to trade my friend for a McDonalds cheeseburger. - Lucy, 21
I was at work on the toilet singing Frozen. I’m a guy. - Chris, 23
I had an interview and didn’t realise my fly’s were open and only realised on my way back on the tube. But I got the job! - Bill, 19
! E G ! N h I O R h Behind every successful women... is a C U substantial amount of coffee
I was 15 years old and I went on my first proper date to the cinema. I was trying to get comfortable when the film started, so I stood up and put my coat behind my seat. Forgetting that the seat lifts up automatically, so when I went to sit down again, I fell on the floor! - Aisha, 22
I once left my vibrator in my handbag and forget it was in there. I was on my way to the House of Parliament and I had to go through a handbag check. It was the most embarrassing moment ever! My face went so red and I just wanted to run away! - Plz don’t reveal me!
+ Have you got any ‘embarrassing moments to share? Email dawetth@hotmail.co.uk
Behind every successful women... is a substantial amount of coffee