Massive Magazine Albany Issue 10 2020

Issue 08

The Menstruation Issue

Albany

Sex

Massive Issue 10

Albany Menstruation

1

Managing Editor: Laura Macdonald editor@mawsa.org.nz 04 979 3765 Designer: Harry Weise massive@mawsa.org.nz 04 979 3765 Media Manager: Caitlin Barlow-Groome manager@mawsa.org.nz 04 979 3763 Staff Writers: Dani Molloy (Albany) James Pocock (Manawatū) Tyler Hambleton (Wellington) Contributors: Connie Sellers, Aryaman Vijay Parulkar, Olivia Murrell, Liv Redman, Paige Maddren, Tess Patrick Illustrators: Jessica Thompson Carr, Padraig Simpson, Alexandra Bishop, Casey Sheard Artist Feature: Rita Kim Front Cover: Sarah Saunders Publisher: Massivemagazine.org.nz ISSN-2253-5918 (Print) ISSN-2253-5926 (Online). This publication is printed using environmentally friendly inks and paper, the paper which is FSC© certified and from responsible forests, is manufactured under ISO14001 Environmental Management Systems.

Massive Magazine is committed to reducing its environmental footprint.

DISCLAIMER: The views, beliefs and opinions reflected in the pages of Massive Magazine do not necessarily represent those of Massey University, its staff, Albany Students’ Association (ASA), Massey University Students’ Association (MUSA), Massey at Wellington Students’ Association (MAWSA), Extramural Students’ Association, or the Massive editor. MAWSA is an independent organisation that publishes Massive. Send any queries or complaints directly to Massive at editor@mawsa.org.nz. Massive is subject to the New Zealand Press Council. If a complainant is not satisfied with the response from Massive, the complaint may be referred to the Press Council: info@presscouncil.org.nz or online via presscouncil.org.nz.

Massive Magazine | Issue 10

Contents 6-9

10-19

NEWS

FEATURES

Massive’s got the scoop on what’s happening on (and off) Massey campuses nationwide.

Front and centre, our features investigate and probe at the issues or topics of the moment. Have a gander.

20-25

26-29

ARTIST FEATURES

OPINION

In each issue we shine the spotlight on a talented student and their portfolio.

It could be you in the next issue!

This is the spot for all creative writing, thought pieces and anything else that makes you cock your head.

30-40 REGULARS The classics– Climate Corner, Suffrage, Salivate, Eat, Pray, Fuck and the rest all live on these back pages. We understand if you skip straight to them.

This Massive Magazine subject to NZ Media Council procedures. A complaint must first be directed in writing, within one month of publication, to the Massive Magazine email address. If not satisfied with the response, the complaint may be referred to the Media Council P O Box 10-879, The Terrace, Wellington 6143.

Or use the online complaint form at www. mediacouncil.org.nz

The Menstruation Issue

3

Editorial

If you woke up one morning and had severe stomach cramping, nausea, a blinding headache and dizziness, you’d probably skip uni or call in sick to work.

Whether it’s food poisoning, a hangover or a virus, you’re most likely going to lie in bed all day feeling sorry for yourself.

But when these symptoms are caused by menstruation, a lot of the time us vagina owners don’t feel like it’s a valid excuse to flout all responsibilities for the day.

Not only do we have to haul our tender, bloated selves into work in the first place, we also need to put on a happy face or risk some gross cis male sneering about ‘tHaT TiMe oF ThE MoNtH’. When I was a student and working part-time, I once doubled over from menstruation cramps so bad that my coworker came rushing over to see if I was okay. As soon as he realised it was ‘girl problems’ and not an exploded appendix like my reaction implied, he lost interest altogether and left me there on the ground. Years of experiences like this have taught me to shelve my discomfort and put on a smile, which has probably accidentally added to the patriarchal discourse that periods ‘aren’t even that bad!!! You get it every month, you should be used to it by now!! :)’ In reality my period goes for 9-10 days and gives me the following: hormonal acne, awful cramping, diarrhoea, mood swings, bloating, nausea and light-headedness. It often ruins my social life, sex life and countless pairs of underwear. And that’s on copper IUDs, PMS, primary dysmenorrhea and GP’s not taking me seriously!

If reading any of the above makes you feel uncomfortable or you don’t understand some of the terminology, then this issue is necessary.

Enjoy the blood and guts!

–Laura Macdonald

Massive Magazine | Issue 10

17/8/2020

Letter to the Editor m Reading ‘The bewildering politics of gender pronouns’ article written by senior Massey lecturer Steven Elers was extremely disappointing. This opinion piece was published in the Manawatu Standard on July 4th. The article is riddled with prejudice, openly mocking trans and gender diverse people and lacks any sense of academic insight. While I agree that different points of view and debate should be encouraged, especially within a higher education setting, you have to wonder whether this article is an example of academic freedom and freedom of speech, or not? I believe differing points of view can convincingly be made without the use of harmful language and the need to mock and put down others.

Elers has also written another article for Massey titled, ‘Actions have meanings’ where he states, “Nonverbal actions communicate information to others, whether the message is intentional or not.

Esslemont's action gave an insight into his thinking and prejudices,” and I completely agree. Actions do have great meaning, so what is the meaning, thinking and prejudices behind Elers’ writing in this gender article? As a reader, it seems this article does not view everyone equally and instead has a pyramid of human value and worth where gender diverse people are ranked lower in the hierarchy. It makes me wonder what lectures by Elers are like? Does unconscious bias seep through into his teaching material making an uncomfortable, un-accepting teaching environment?

This article also made me jealous in a sense. With everything going on in the world this year, a survey with some extra drop-down options was enough to provoke Elers into writing this piece. I could only dream of having so little issues in my life that a survey was enough to upset me.

The topic of gender diversity should not be handled so ignorantly and is why I feel compelled to publicly respond. A NZ survey named Counting Ourselves, led by Dr Jaimie Veale from the University of Waikato in 2019 brought to light extremely important research and statistics on non-binary and trans people in our community. The most poignant part of the report to me was the statistics on suicide. 79% of survey participants had seriously considered attempting to end their life. If that statistic doesn’t highlight the gravity of this issue, I don’t know what will. I strongly urge Mr Elers to read the report and educate himself. Words have immense power. The last thing the rainbow community needs is discrimination coming directly from their teachers in a place that is supposed to foster inclusivity and acceptance towards everyone.

As a cis-gender female, I have not personally faced this type of discrimination. I am not an expert on the issue and have a long way to go in further educating myself. I can, however, identify when words are unnecessarily harmful to a group of people and this year I’ve learnt that in the face of ignorance, silence is no longer an acceptable response, so, I hope this piece provides some support to those affected by Elers words.

To everyone in the rainbow community, you are accepted, and you are valued. The ignorant words of a few can sometimes feel the loudest but they do not represent the majority. I hope Massey University will deal with this issue and the effects they can have more proactively in future, to ensure the wellbeing and safety of all students.

Written by Tyra Wilson.

Article References: Counting Ourselves Survey Actions have meanings article The bewildering politics of gender pronouns article

The Menstruation Issue

5

Letter to the Editor m

17/8/2020

Put the Common in Communications As a Communication student at Massey, it is clear to me that there is a lack of community in one of the biggest cohorts at Massey Wellington. Now, in my final year of communications, I have very rarely had the pleasure of venturing beyond Block 5 or the library. To my surprise, the school of Communications is the only one that does not have a common space in the university. Other schools on campus have access to lockers, kitchenettes, and a space they can use to study or socialise amongst their peers. After consulting other students, I can see that a comms space for students is well in demand.

I spoke with Ainsley, one of the presidents of MACS (Massey’s Association of Communication Students) who made it clear that a comms space for students is a common demand from the student body.

“As one of the biggest cohorts on the Wellington campus, we’re really shocked that communications students don’t have their own space. MACS is working to provide a sense of community on campus, especially following the lockdown period. Community is so important, and having one place where communications students can meet up, do work, socialise and network is a necessity for us.”

I believe that a common space for Communication Students at Massey would help build community and create a space where students can enjoy a space that is not the library or the student lounge like the other cohorts on campus. “We met so many first-year students that were only on campus for 3 weeks before lockdown, so had very little time to make friends. Now they’re back on campus, they’ve told us that they feel a little bit lost and lonely, so we just need one place for our students to be able to meet up, complete course-work and feel like they have a community.” If you are interested in getting a comms space, go check out the MACS Facebook page for more information about how to get involved or email communicationsexec@mawsa.org.nz

Written by Basti Todd.

Massive Magazine | Issue 10

Massive

News

The F*cking News 17/8/2020 Massive Magazine Wellington

“WAIT, WHAT?”: MAWSA EXECUTIVE ACCIDENTALLY VOTES FOR NEUTRAL STANCE ON CANNABIS REFERENDUM Laura Macdonald

C

onfusion around governance procedures meant that the MAWSA Executive accidentally motioned to adopt a neutral stance on the 2020 Cannabis referendum, despite some members still calling for a ‘yes’ stance.

conveyed as not taking a lead on things that are having an effect on the student Three executive members voted in favour, body. two voted against and three abstained.

Association Manager Caitlin Barlow- “I back my team’s decision 100%,” Groome then confirmed that the motion Paterson told Massive after the meeting. was carried, meaning MAWSA now had “This is the decision we’ve made to commit to a neutral stance. as an Exec so we’ll move forward However, this announcement was met together.” with shock and confusion. vote,” Davies said in the meeting.

The executive was in the middle of debating whether or not to adopt a stance when Engagement Vice-President Liam Davies suggested motioning, ‘that the MAWSA executive will take a neutral The executive was under the impression stance and aim to educate [the] student they hadn’t met quorum in order for the motion to be valid, but it was confirmed body on pros and cons.’ that only four votes were needed to pass “There’s a lot of opinion in here saying the motion. yes and no. I think if we take a neutral stance and educate them [students] on Prior to the vote, student president Jacob the positives and negatives... then they Paterson expressed concern that MAWSA have more confidence when they go to not adopting a ‘Yes2020’ stance could be

Wellington

“IT ’S UNANIMOUS!”: STUDENTS APPROVE RESTRUCTURE AND NEW CONSTITUTION AT SGM Tyler Hambleton and Laura Macdonald

A

Special General Meeting was held this month to approve the restructuring of the MAWSA student executive and new constitution, which both passed with a unanimous vote from those in attendance.

The restructure meant setting up committees under ‘four prongs’ of MAWSA, which have been identified as the main areas of focus for the executive.

The committees are academic, welfare/ equity, clubs, and sustainability. Students who are interested in these issues can join the committees and ‘have their voice heard and have a real impact on how MAWSA is run,’ urged student president Jacob Paterson.

The Menstruation Issue

The executive ‘spent months researching’ restructure models before consulting student groups for feedback, of which Paterson said was ‘overwhelmingly positive.’

with Kokiri Ngatahi and MAPS (Massey Association of Pasifika Students).’

“The power to change the constitution and executive structure does not lie with the executive, but with students,” he The Constitution was also updated into added. a more streamlined format; important “We think this is the most important updates included the student president thing for our association, to have student position now being open to all students reps who are paid and valued and who can not just the executive, and a section represent their constituents well.” added to recognise te Tiriti o Waitangi The motion at the SGM was passed and Kokiri Ngatahi. with 39 votes for the restructure, with 0 Paterson believes the changes approved students abstaining and 0 voting against. at the SGM will ‘connect MAWSA better with the student community, provide After the SGM many students stayed more support for student groups, ensure behind to give feedback that the student execs have a clear role within MAWSA association was ‘heading in the right and have a more collaborative relationship direction’.

7

Conversations that Count: The Spinoff’s Justin Latif and podcast host Stacey Morrison.

Credit: Massey University.

National

CONVERSATIONS THAT COUNT COMES TO MASSEY

By James Pocock

M

assey University has partnered with the Spinoff to launch a new Podcast this month, called Conversations that Count or Ngā Kōrero Whai Take.

It is hosted by broadcaster, author and lecturer at Te Pūtahi-a-Toi Massey University’s School of Māori Knowledge, Stacey Morrison, Te Arawa, Ngāi Tahu.

Whai Take began as an event in Wellington which was planned to expand into a series of events across the country before Covid-19.

After lockdown, the organisers were forced to reevaluate the entire concept and figure out where to go from there.

Massey University National Events and Sponsorship Manager Kelly Douglas said, Morrison said, “This series is about “Like so many other organisations and showcasing some of Aotearoa’s smartest industries, we were faced with physical minds and most interesting thinkers and events ending virtually overnight for an giving you access to them. We want it to unknown period of time. But this also encourage New Zealanders to continue presented a clear and strong opportunity to these conversations about the country’s do things differently and we are so proud future within their communities to help of this collaboration and what we have created.” drive change.”

The Spinoff Podcast Manager Jane Yee said that their constantly growing audience listen to the podcasts to be entertained and challenge their pre-existing views.

Further events related to Conversations that Count are planned, although no further details have been released yet.

It will be released monthly for the rest of 2020 in five parts. The first episode released Wednesday 5th August and covered the topics of equality and equity, as well as the education system. It features Massey University Professor in Innovation and Economics Christoph Schumacher and Conversations That Count – Ngā Kōrero The Spinoff’s Justin Latif as guests.

“Our partnership to launch Conversations That Count - Ngā Kōrero Whai Take represents the rare and exciting opportunity to do all those things at the same time.”

Massive Magazine | Issue 10

Lavesh Kripalani (left) has not seen his family in over a year.

Credit: Lavesh Kripalani.

Manawatu

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT MAKES TOUGH LOCKDOWN DECISION

By James Pocock

W

hen quarantine was becoming inevitable for New Zealand and the rest of the world earlier this year, many international students who were already in the country were forced to make a tough decision.

Would they remain, to finish their studies in New Zealand, or would they return home and be able to stay with their families over lockdown?

One of these was Aviation Management student Lavesh Kripalani. He came to Massey from Dubai last year, where his family lives, and he had gone to school.

keep in contact with his loved ones.

Despite this, he doesn’t hesitate to see “I see them behind a mobile screen every some positives too. “I'm happy to be two days, and it's been hard to do so able to earn and pay for myself so my knowing that Covid has caused a severe father doesn’t have to worry about living expenses of one individual from the pandemic around the globe,” he said. family.”

“If I travel outside NZ there will not be a guarantee of being able to come back to continue the rest of my studies due to travel restrictions plus taking the risk of catching Covid-19.”

International students at Massey in NZ who need assistance can find an International Student Support office at every campus that can provide services such as information about pre-arrival, student visa renewals, international student insurance, and welfare support.

He said that travel also wasn’t worth the “I chose New Zealand to do my bachelors risk of potentially putting his family or since it was cheaper than Dubai and a new others in danger through spread too. place to explore,” he said.

Lavesh’s family are some of the many Since he flew into New Zealand to begin around the globe who have had their his studies in July of 2019, it has been more livelihoods impacted by Covid-19 than a year since he has seen his family in significantly too. person. He had no way of knowing back “The situation is tough mentally and then that it may be longer than expected financially since my father is running a before he may get the chance to see them business and once put into quarantine, the face-to-face again. business and the economy itself has seen Now technology is the only way he can major losses and reduction in growth.”

The Menstruation Issue

9

The Period and The Patriarchy: When chronic menstrual conditions are constantly overlooked Liv Redman

The puberty chats at school told us that a period will come EVERY 28 days, and ONLY last 5-7 days… but can anyone actually say this is the case for the fickle nature of the vagina?W They also told us there is a pill we can take to prevent getting pregnant, to wear condoms to prevent getting preggo and STI’s, and to say 'no' if we didn't want to get raped.

What they didn't elaborate on were the facts that all contraception can have hormonal downsides to them, period pain isn't normal, nor is heavy bleeding, nor that there is a multitude of different issues that may be the cause of this, and that just saying 'no' usually doesn't stop a rapist.

I know teachers are only expected to teach so much, but when periods currently affect half the population, I think it's fair to say that all people should be educated on such an important topic.

ads aren't allowed to show blood, and which make out like periods are easy, there certainly isn't enough awareness on the severity of some people's symptoms.”

Our own Massive Editor Laura Macdonald was pressured into having a copper IUD by her doctor after some problems with ECP eligibility (emergency contraceptive pill).

The first period she had after having the IUD inserted was debilitating.

"I honestly thought that my appendix had burst, it was so painful. I literally couldn’t walk or talk," she said.

But when there are classes we have to attend, or when the majority of us only get five sick days a year, the only option is to get on with things despite the pain.

Account director Steph Davies said women are “good at hiding it [pain] as a result.”

Steph was diagnosed with Menstruation issues such as (but endometriosis, PCOS, and infertility most definitely not limited to): as a consequence of these factors. For endometriosis, polycystic ovary many years she lived with extremely syndrome (PCOS), menstrual migraines heavy periods and irregular cycles and dysmenorrhea affect a LOT of before bringing it to medical attention. people and can make study/work life a "I probably waited so long as I just living hell. didn't realise that mine was not So here I am to fuck societal normal," she said. conditioning in the vagina about Education masters student Lauren menstruation, some menstruation Fenton had a menstrual condition issues, and to shed some awareness on where her excessive prolactin levels what still feels like an extra-taboo topic were caused by a tumour. to talk about.

"My previous workplace was very "People assume that 'that time of the understanding, but I believe that's due month' is the same for every woman to the fact I had a tumour and multiple and it definitely is not," said Lerissa surgeries. If it was just the periods Thomas, a student with menstrual alone, I don't think there would be migraines (symptoms of which are much compassion," she said. similar to that of a stroke).

Two years ago I had a laparoscopy to Nurse Nikki Campbell had to wait 11 determine if I had endometriosis, as years until she finally got a diagnosis a gynecologist had picked up on an for endometriosis, mild adenomyosis, adhesion between my bowel and ovary chronic pelvic pain, and infertility. in a scan. During that surgery, they "I went to the emergency department gave me a Mirena IUD to aid my heavy with pelvic pain 6 times in 8 months. bleeding.

Eventually they started suggesting I Once they had determined that there was a drug seeker,” she said. was no endometriosis, they couldn’t "In a world where sanitary product understand why I was in so much pain

The Menstruation Issue

nor why I still couldn’t stop bleeding for so long.

They told me my last option was to have my whole reproductive system removed and be put into chemical menopause.

I understand that there is only so much a specialist can know and do to help you but, there is an alarming amount of similar instances where some medical professionals don’t take these conditions seriously or go the extra mile to find other solutions.

I mean, being advised to go through a chemical menopause at 18? What kind of fuckery is this?!

When I interviewed these strong women, they all agreed that there is a lack of education around periods in general. So how can we expect both women and men to know about these issues when there is a need for further education and research?

With better education, people will be able to better support their sisters, friends, partners, future partners, and know when they may need to seek help.

Fortunately, there are some wonderful companies out there trying to make a difference with menstruation normalisation, such as the Wā Collective.

The Wā Collective was founded by Olie Body and is a social enterprise that is trying to tackle period poverty because periods are surprisingly expensive.

They sell menstrual cups made from medical grade silicone that last up to 10 years.

You can donate to their website, buy a menstrual cup forward for someone in need, or get a student subsidised menstrual cup for $20 online at wacollective.org.nz.

So where to from here? More awareness, more kindness, more empathy, more fucking love and understanding to everyone.

11

Self-care on your period

Olivia Murrell

Naturopathy and herbal medicine student Olivia Murrell penned this wholesome piece to bring you some holistic relief on managing your period; my cramps went away just from reading it.

It's no secret that many women experience painful periods and uncomfortable symptoms around their time of flow, some more than others. It is such a complex bodily cycle, and completely unique for every woman. Therefore, it is important to find out what works for you, and hopefully some of these tips can help you along your journey of figuring out your cycle!

In terms of food, it really is medicine.

One of the most common snacks the gal pals reach for at that time of the month is a block of chocolate, or a cheeky tub of ice cream. In moderation, these foods release a good little dose of serotonin to keep the feel good brain chemicals flowing. However, large intakes of sugar can inflame the body, and cause disruptions in hormone levels. To curb the sugary craving, a smoothie packed with fruit and veges could do the trick! The antioxidants will love your hormones much better than the sugar will. Drinking tea is also a great way to support your body.

Calming teas with rose or chamomile will wrap your body in a hug, while other teas like peppermint or ginger will give love to stomach cramps.

Moving the body and stretching those muscles is another wholesome way to relieve menstrual tension! Gentle walks and yoga routines can do wonders for mood and muscles. Not only does yoga allow you to deeply stretch, it is also calming and allows your nervous system to go into relaxation mode. There are heaps of routines on Youtube if you need a place to start!

Moving your body and generating heat from within is also a nice feeling for sore back, stomach, and leg muscles.

Applying heat from warm showers/ baths, and heat packs is also soothing.

Listening to your body is key to supporting your cycle. The way your body feels will change throughout the

The Menstruation Issue

days of your period, so tune in and do what physically feels good for you day by day.

If our periods were a character on Mean Girls, they would most likely be in the Burn Book. Unfortunately, the monthly flow doesn’t have the best reputation. However, finding a way to be grateful for our periods can be really beneficial for our mental and emotional wellbeing. I find that being grateful for the flow can uplift my mood, and over time has stopped me from an overwhelming feeling of dread when I notice I am due for my monthly moon. Saying self affirming statements and writing what you are grateful for can be really good for this.

doing some yoga, or cleaning your room!

Our cycles are so unique to each and every woman, and are influenced by so many factors. It is best to support them from a holistic, loving approach. Please take care of yourself, through the flow time, and always!

I am not a health professional (yet) so please do not take this as medical advice, these are simply general tips.

Please consult your GP or a naturopath if you are concerned about your cycle or want professional advice.

For example, you could be grateful that you got your period because it is giving you an opportunity to get to know your body. Or you could be grateful you got your period because it means you aren’t pregnant. Whatever your circumstance is, whether you are managing a reproductive illness, or a hormone imbalance, try and find ways to show your body gratitude and love.

Something else really lovely you can do is take care of the nervous system.

Guided meditations are really good for this. Focused, slow breathing tells your nervous system you are safe and calm, allowing your body to relax. Finding guided meditations that focus on gratitude and self love, (there are even specific ones relating to periods!) can really help to tune in to how you feel about your flow, and allow you to see it from a more loving perspective.

Other calming things you could do include taking a nice warm shower with a nice soap, colouring in, making Pinterest boards, listening to nature noises as you sleep, massaging essential oils into the stomach/ back area (lavender or rose oils are really nice!),

13

THE PRESSURES & POLITICS OF PERIODS

Dani Molloy

Along with the expectation of acting bubbly and upbeat while your uterus is performing a contortionist act, there is another pressure facing our menstruating pals – to save the turtles.

With the influx of people concerned about climate change, there comes an inherent pressure to use sustainable period products. However, these products are not usually available in stores, cost far more than disposable products and can often feel uncomfortable and awkward for firsttime users.

Disposable pads and tampons have a huge impact on menstruating adult’s personal finances and on the environment. So, while the leap towards sustainable products has been positive, there are a lot of people that view reusable products as a risk and are hesitant to spend upwards of $20 on a product they might not continue using.

When questioning a variety of menstruating adults on their encounters with reusable products, I received mixed responses.

Natasha, a pilot and mother of a one-year-old, expressed her love for reusable period underwear, saying, “I recently bought a pair of reusable underwear and have since bought five!”

“I love them so much and they are super comfortable. I was hesitant and thought about it for ages but wish I’d bought them when I was twelve!”

Meanwhile, Manawatu UCOL student Emily explained that she started using menstrual cups because they are “eco-friendly and significantly cheaper (over an extended period of time) than disposable products”.

She added that while the initial price of cups may be off-putting to some people, “they should think of it as an investment”.

“I think that many people want to try and be environmentally careful,” Emily said, “Especially with Greta Thunberg being a huge voice for the environment and really bringing those issues to

The Menstruation Issue

people’s attention.”

However, she also recognised that some people simply cannot afford the $20-$40 price tag of menstrual cups, especially when they’re uncertain if they’ll actually like/use the product.

“People can’t afford sustainable products and end up feeling guilty for the harm they’re causing the environment – I definitely did until I could afford a menstrual cup myself!”

This guilt is a burden placed on menstruating adults as a result of a system that is built against them.

Companies will promote disposable items over their sustainable alternatives in order to ensure a monthly revenue as people purchase new products for every cycle.

felt comfortable asking her parents to buy one for her.

“I’ve always had a weird relationship with periods and my family so I don’t think I would have been able to ask for one,” she said.

This is an issue that a lot of young, environmentally conscientious people face as the products they use are often determined by their parents. Those parents may not be comfortable with reusable products themselves and will therefore hesitate to buy these products for their children.

Nursing student Katelyn explained that when she used disposable products, she “felt guilty” because her “cycle was adding to the waste accumulation and use of energy to make products.”

Disposable products are also marketed as the most “hygienic” option, yet menstrual cups – when cleaned properly – are better for you than tampons and have far fewer risks.

“Before trying the cup, I heard about tampons which are made out of cotton and naturally decompose which is an improvement when compared to other brands.”

“There’s no harmful chemicals in menstrual cups like there are in bleached tampon cotton,” said wedding photographer Grace, who is a selfprofessed fan of menstrual cups, “As long as you boil it regularly – before and after your period – you will be fine!”

“I think small changes are so important because although they may not change the direct now, they do help and add up, especially in numbers.”

But unfortunately, some people find menstrual cups or reusable products to be downright uncomfortable.

“I tried a menstrual cup but found that it leaked even with a light flow, so I haven’t used it since,” shared psychology student Caitlin.

“I reckon there is a lot of pressure for young people to be sustainable because of the climate change push,” she explained. “Which makes it tough if you find that sustainable period products make you feel gross and uncomfortable.”

At the end of the day, you’re attempting to undo a century of society shoving disposable products down people’s throats (hopefully unused).

“I find people forget to see the power in themselves. When we make small changes, we also gain confidence in our ability to challenge systems” Katelyn concluded.

“You don’t have to do everything in one day – or even in one month!”

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Luca explained that while she could rationalise purchasing a menstrual cup in order to “save money in the long run”, she knew that if she was younger and didn’t have a source of income, she wouldn’t have

15

If Birth Control Were People Laura Macdonald

Contraception is painful, expensive and time-consuming. It makes you fat, sore, irritable and sad. You can only imagine that if they existed among us as peers, they’d be fucking annoying and most likely a toxic friend. But some are less hard on us than others, so since I shitpost for a living, I thought I’d spend my working day personifying a selection of birth control methods.

Copper IUD The Copper IUD personified would be a pain in the ass (just like it’s a pain in the cervix). Just like she drags your period out, she makes everything harder than it needs to be. As one of the only non-hormonal forms of birth control out there, she’s a cold bitch with no emotion and says things like, “Oh you guys are dating now? He used to hit me up all the time :)”. She’s a notorious story topper, waiting for her turn to talk rather than actually listening to you. She’s ‘focusing on herself at the moment’ even though she secretly desperately wants a boyfriend, and will shame you for spending time with your own boyfriend because she’s jealous.

Condom Manifested as a person, the condom would be THAT sleazy guy that is notorious for hovering behind girls in Mish Mosh and The Daily. Ironically, he tells you that condoms don’t fit him and it just feels soooo much better raw :( However, he hasn’t had one crumb of pussy since he lost his virginity to the weird German exchange student in high school. He wears Kustom or DC shoes and wide leg jeans that are too long so the hem frays at the bottom and gets wet (oh man I nearly retched imagining that). He’s out of touch, so despite the unironic sneans combo he thinks he’s God’s gift to women. He still actively uses Reddit, never opens his curtains and jerks off to Sailor Moon hentai religiously.

Massive Magazine | Issue 10

The Pill If the pill was a person we KNOW she would be an emotional drama queen (with an anxiety attachment style in relationships). On the flip side, The Pill exudes mum friend energy. She has empathy in spade loads and a constant supply of Panadol, tampons and lip balm in her bag. She’s always scared you’re not eating enough and will constantly offload her leftovers onto your plate, and then tell you that you look great and most definitely have not gained any weight :) She also has a string of failed relationships to her name because she’s constantly in and out of mood swings.

Pull Out Method I’ve executively decided that the Pull Out Method would most definitely be a dude. Half his personality is defined by laziness, often missing assignment deadlines altogether and forgetting his sister’s birthday every year. But the Pull Out Method also gets off on gaslighting women and exclusively shopping at Emporium. He strokes your hair and compares your vagina to an orchid, then leaves you on delivered for ten days. He also invited you to a party once and then pretended not to notice you, only to Snapchat you after you left saying, “You looked cute tonight :) why didn’t u come and say hi :(“

Depo Provera Injection The Depo Provera Injection as a girl would be super onto it. She’s smart (probably a science major), wakes up at the same time every day and has the university wall planner in her room. She lives for new stationery, sits at the front of the lecture theatre and wears blue light glasses. Don’t get me wrong, she can be an absolute piss monster but knows her boundaries and wouldn’t be caught dead sending a ‘Did u go to town? Wyd?’ snapchat at 3AM to her deadbeat ex.

The Menstruation Issue

17

Putting the ‘men’ in menstruation

Tyler Hambleton

This week, we sent Tyler out to study if males A) can pronounce menstruation, B) know what it is and C) figure out why or why the fuck they don’t know anything about it.

I’m not going to lie, when I was approached by my lovely editor to run this piece I firstly mispronounced menstruation as ‘Men-as-tration’, then asked her what it was. I did already know what it was, it was just an off day, but regardless it really set the tone for this piece.

My first experience learning about menstruation wasn’t until I had my first serious girlfriend at the age of 15, when my sex education maxed out at how to put a condom on, the contraception pill and that periods went for 28 days (which turns out isn’t very accurate).

I moved from Napier Boys High School to Takapuna Grammar School in 2010; my class at Napier Boys was yet to do sex education and my class at Takapuna Grammar had already been through it.

This meant that as a young, sexually active male in my first year at a co-ed school I was unaware of how the female body works, which today, makes me feel cheated out of an important part of my education. I asked to join a different class so I wouldn’t miss out, but the school told me that wasn’t an option.

Men are inherently lucky enough to waltz through life without any of the problematic implications of menstruating, therefore they should at least make time to try and understand women as women understand themselves.

I sat down with one of my close friends Carlos McQuillan, who grew up in a household that was full of women and proclaimed that he knew more about menstruation than your average male.

He could define that menstruation was when a woman bled from her uterus to ‘recycle all of the bad things inside’. He The Menstruation Issue

could also list common menstruation symptoms, although his knowledge of chronic menstruation conditions were limited to statistics on endometriosis.

When further grilled about their sex education options, Wakefield replied, “Mates and Dates, in 2019, ran through year groups 9-13; we previously had a nurse who students could take I aired the idea of asking Carlos’s father questions to.” the same questions that I asked him, although we came to the conclusion Mates and Dates is a programme that there would probably just be a lot that aims to help young people have of confusion and not enough answers. healthy and happy relationships and particularly focuses on identifying The two men were of the same blood unhealthy relationships, negotiation and came from the same environment, and consent and a whole lot more. but going through the education system 20 years apart meant that This allowed for me to see that maybe Carlos had a far more insightful the sexual health curriculum in New education on the birds and bees than Zealand was improving, although it his father. may only be for co-ed schooling and not at single sex schools. Maybe I’ll I moved to Wellington in 2011 and look into this further and see what attended the same high school approach an all-boys schools would as Carlos for the duration of my take on sex ed, but for now just educate schooling. I wanted to find out why yourself and be empathetic towards he may be more educated than other your menstruating pals and gals. males I know, so I contacted the head of Social Sciences Randal Wakefield from Wellington High School.

I asked him some questions about their sexual education programme, which included discussing how the curriculum has changed over the years.

“The biggest shift would be in the volume of content we can now discuss and the changes along with modern society,” he said.

“Five years ago pornography wasn’t talked about, but now forms a big part of what we teach. Ten years ago consent was not taught, but now it is a major focus. Students have always been interested in sexual education and this has not changed in my view.”

“As a co-ed school we have an advantage in delivering education towards both biological male and female reproductive systems, arousal and orgasms,” he added, which sounded a little stale so I continued to probe.

19

Massive Magazine | Issue 10

The Menstruation Issue

21

Massive Magazine | Issue 10

The Menstruation Issue

23

JESSICA THOMPSON CARR Jessica Thompson Carr is Ngāti Ruanui and Ngāpuhi. She is 24 years old, born and bred in Ōtepoti. She achieved her degree in English and Art History in 2018, and her Masters Coursework in 2019. Jessica currently works as an artist, poet, and journalist, often under the name Māori Mermaid. Her inspiration comes from her whakapapa and she is constantly seeking more information about herself and her future through her drawings.

She sells prints of her work online, and also works as a social media assistant for Awa Wāhine.

Email: maorimermaidofficial@gmail.com

Massive Magazine | Issue 10

The Menstruation Issue

25

New York Minute Paige Maddren

July marked my two-year anniversary in New York. I had visited New York before, but living here is something different entirely.

The immediate shock of the city was something I was not expecting. New York moves fast. People move at an extreme pace, everyone thinks they are important, and they always have somewhere to be. I moved here as a fresh graduate, and I had to learn fast. The city is SO LOUD. There are sirens, constantly.

Screaming, yelling, and the general hustle and bustle of city life.

I am currently working as an Interior Architectural designer, specialising in Store Design, with a demonstrated history in the retail and fashion industry.

I live in Brooklyn, New York, working for Club Monaco (acquired by Ralph Lauren) as a Project Manager, in Store Design. I am in a place which most people in my life never saw me getting to. In fact, most people never thought I would graduate high school.

my day, believe it or not. This teacher saw something in me, that no single other person did. His unmatched kindness taught me to find the strength I needed to finish high school and guided me to see that life can be different. I would not be here today without him.

To everyone’s surprise, I graduated high school and went on to study Spatial Design at Massey University, where I graduated with honours. I took this degree and moved straight to New York to pursue my career as an Interior Architectural Designer.

As a professional in Store Design, I have worked for retail corporations such as Foodstuffs North Island and Club Monaco. I’ve undertaken a large range of projects, from small individual furniture items to large projects involving entire new supermarkets and retail stores.

I was born and raised in Auckland, New At Club Monaco, I am currently lead Zealand. I lived in the countryside, and designer for all Asia projects, and had a relatively “normal” upbringing. assistant lead in all global projects. I Once I got to high school things started enjoy having a mix of project sizes and to descend, rapidly. I had a very hard time types within my field – each project has with my behaviour and mental health, different challenges, and offers varied which greatly impacted my education opportunities to express my creativity in and growth as an adolescent. Over time response. my teachers began to give up on me, No day is the same in New York. I take and soon I started to too. I moved out of the subway from Brooklyn to Manhattan home, I struggled with my sexuality, and everyday, where you are surrounded by my depression started to take over. Most a rich mix of people. Dance performers, classes I was sent to the dean’s office singers, perhaps a guy urinating in the which turned out to be the best part of

Massive Magazine | Issue 10

corner, a lot of dogs and a bunch of angry Wall Street assholes rushing to get somewhere. I am cramped in a hot subway cart, scrambling for a seat at any chance I can get and desperately waiting for my stop. But I love it. The chaos is magic, and I am motivated by all the creative beings around me.

My weekends are spent exploring new cuisines, visiting the local dive bars, and escaping to the nearest beach (god I miss NZ beaches). Weekend getaways are the best. From hiking in the Adirondacks in upstate New York, to people watching in the Hamptons. There is an endless amount of things to do in New York – you have zero space for boredom.

Moving to New York has been so important for me. It’s a place that is known to embrace the underdogs of the world and give them a place to flourish. It is exhausting, chaotic and hard work. But in other ways, it’s beautiful and freeing there’s no other place like it.

I am so grateful for the place I am in now, and for everyone I have met along the way. To the people that saw something in me, when I didn’t have much hope - thank you. I wouldn’t be here today without you. I hope my story can help other young people to believe in their capabilities, and know that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

The Menstruation Issue

27

If you're an aspiring artist or writer and want some cash in your back pocket (and something trendy on your CV), drop us a line at editor@ mawsa.org.nz to feature your work in the next issue!

Massive Magazine | Issue 10

WEB: massivemagazine.org.nz

IG: @massivemagazine

FB: MASSIVE.magazine

Poetry Roses are red, violets are blue, so was the pinger I took when I was last with you.

It took me awhile, I thought it our love was a dud, then I found myself fucking some thirty year old called Doug.

It was kind of weird and I didn’t like the feeling of his beard, but he gave me a line and bought me a wine so at the end of the day I guess that it’s fine.

Regardless of this, I will never forget when we split that blue Mitsubishi at Starters bar back in 2017, you were 18 and I was 26.

(P.s I’m still here and I haven’t got my masters).

–James Cabaret

The Menstruation Issue

29

Eat, Pray, Fuck Tatted Twink

“Life’s a porno and I’m getting skull-fucked” Full disclosure, this one is absolutely porn on paper. I had the best sex ever the other week. Sex is a complicated creature and we all have different things that get us off. I’m not saying I like it rough but if I don’t leave looking like I’ve been the outcome of an actual hate crime, I probably didn’t find it that great. Rough sex is good sex and despite my collective stature being that of a newly planted tree in a recently gentrified area, I will still use my branchy arms to choke you sexily. The 20-minute walk to his was enough time to send my friend the details in case I was murdered.

has flavoured lube! Caramel ass truly is a gift.

I usually hate the pleasantries following sex, but the conversation was decent, After doing this for a good while we get and the jokes were witty, so I was content. We would hear his flatmates to fucking and honestly it was almost also fucking as they lived above his charming the tonal gap between the room so that was an entertaining intuitive roughness that was the sex parallel. and the sensitive and accommodating nature of asking if I needed to use I take one look at this man’s back and a condom. This oscillation between simply have to take a picture. He asks civil questions and quite rough sex why and I say it looks like an exuberant continued as: game of noughts and crosses happened on his back. It looked like he rooted “Hickeys? Yes? No?” Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and not “Absolutely.” some teeny tiny twink.

“You?” Was this pornographic? Absolutely.

Did it need to be said? Not at all. But “Only below the neck.”

After sexually stripping three layers off, guess what? When was the last time we hop on to the bed and start making “Sweet.” you got dicked that good and didn’t feel out. Solid start. I then start moving “Scratching?” the need to tell someone? Moral of the down his chest and start giving him story, everyone deserves a good root “Go for it.” head. I’m not saying it’s a skill but I and I simply got what I had cumming. used to dip six biscuits into a cup of tea I went through the usual initial Yours sincerely, and bite into it at once until I finished sphincteric pain of having something the box for breakfast; so unhinging my stuck in my butt and we got back into The Tatted Twink jaw was nothing new and my gag reflex it. I am usually a pillow queen but the was more absent than my father during amount of effort I put in that night; my childhood years. So, I’m sucking Gold star. There was some Kama dick. And usually, when I do that, I’m Sutra shit all up in there and honestly the one in control. But not this time. nothing feels more powerful than Now, I’m no fan of skull-fucking and cowboying it whilst stabilising yourself so when his hands end up on my head, using their throat to the bed and I do my best to take it like a champ their arm against the wall. There was whilst resisting the urge to bite down. even a bit of spit in mouth which felt Next thing you know, I find the perfect absolutely filthy but confusingly hot angle to be absolutely gagless and (I’m both ashamed and impressed by consistent, like a warm fleshlight of a that one). Anyway, the sex goes on for human. Romantic I know. a good while and things start winding down and we end up trying to finish.

All of a sudden, I’m actually flipped He points out it’s less likely due to his over, and he is going down on me like medication which is absolutely fair but a weekend starved gay at brunch after always sorta feels like I’m letting the only consuming poppers, iced coffee team down. So, I finish. We lay there and vodka red bulls. It was honestly for a minute before I’m like “could I feral. And it couldn’t have been better. please have a towel to wipe all of this Taking turns rimming was great! He cum and lube off?”

Massive Magazine | Issue 10

Climate

Corner Connie Sellers

Biting off more than you can chew You probably know that changing your diet is one of the most effective ways to lower your carbon footprint and become more environmentally conscious. However, doing so poses certain obstacles which can be disheartening, and even make some give up on their goal. Time and time again I have run into people who were plant-based but returned to eating meat. And though it is easy to place judgement, it is more important to ask and thus understand why so many people do so. Many will preach the virtues of relinquishing meat, but few, if any, inform you how to persevere with a meat-free diet. In today’s piece, I have provided advice on how to quit meat and maintain a plant-based diet in a healthy and achievable way.

At age 14 I spontaneously decided to go vegetarian - a big decision considering I loved the taste of meat and grew up in a household where we ate it most days of the week. You could say I went ‘cold turkey’. Around age 15 I became extremely passionate about animal rights - much to my peers’ irritation; my passion was expressed in frustration and judgement, something I have since learned is counterproductive.

Start gradually. Designate a few days a week to eat plant-based. Start by cutting red meat out and recreating your favourite dishes with plantbased substitutes. If you’re concerned about missing the taste, I recommend recipes with tofu, mushroom, tempeh, eggplants, or falafel - when properly seasoned, they can replicate the flavour and texture of meat pretty well. And after your bills are paid, if you can afford it, there are plenty of meat substitutes.

Don’t just cut meat and/or dairy out of your diet; you have to properly substitute. Inadequate nutrition and health concerns are one of the main reasons people pull the plug on their diets. Unless you want to be anaemic, it is important to get enough iron.

While it’s true that iron is more bioavailable in haem (meat) sources than in plants, it’s not to say it isn’t easy to meet the recommended amount of iron. Nuts, legumes, green vegetables and wholegrain cereals are relatively inexpensive, if not cheaper than meat, and contain plenty of iron.

You would be hard-pressed to find a vegetarian or vegan who hasn’t been subjected to comments like ‘‘But what about bacon!?” or “I could never give up because I love the taste!”.

Another reason people return to eating meat is because of their cravings. I have gone through phases of missing meat quite intensely. If this is the case for you, it could indicate a deficiency.

Alongside iron, vitamin b12, calcium and zinc are important nutrients to keep in mind when shifting to a vegetarian diet.

Here’s a common misconception, that vegetarians/vegans don’t like the taste of meat. While this is the case for some, many plant-based people, including myself, enjoy the taste just as much as anybody. With that in mind, how do you stop eating it?

Whether you go plant-based for ethical, environmental, or health reasons you are making a difference.

A meat-based diet requires two and a half times more land to produce the same nutrition as its plant-based equivalent. Transitioning away from

The Menstruation Issue

animal-based foods could add up to 49% capacity to the global food supply without expanding croplands, much of which is currently dedicated to feeding livestock. Livestock also requires much more water than a plant-based food supply. And finally, converting to plantbased also significantly reduces our carbon and greenhouse gas emissions.

31

Suffrage Tess Patrick

Okay, is there ever going to be a moment’s reprieve from our petty politics to talk about policy?

I thought we were better than this, Aotearoa. Rise above National fam, I don’t care who your leader is nearly as much as I care what you plan to do for our people.

Greens potentially out of the picture, will there be anyone to stand up for the environment? It’s some food for thought if you want our planet to stick around.

By no means take this lightly, Judith Collins may be married to a Samoan man, but as we increase our understanding of what it means to be racist, the new National Leader fits the bill. “I am a woman of colour - the colour white”, “is there something wrong with being white?”, are just two moments of her privilege shining through.

It’s gotten me thinking. You don’t like a political slant because it threatens your way of being. Your way of being may be brought up steeped in privilege, where your parents own businesses or earn passive income off of untaxed assets. Contrastingly, your way of being might have relied on systemic support to get by - single parents who relied on government support for after school care so they could work full time, or Māori scholarships in an attempt to give back what has been continuously stolen from them. We are all threatened, in some manner, by political sides. The question stands, who was the most to lose? Those inheriting crystal castles or those building sandcastles?

She’s not called Crusher for nothing.

And she’s smart; discrediting her will only do you a disservice. Because it’s hard to tell whether she’s playing the game or is here for genuine change.

In her first week, she has dealt with more scandal than most, eliminating any weak links from her line-up. And her approach to the Andrew Falloon disgrace was almost inspiring, taking the words of the victims as gospel and doing all that she can to protect them. We need more of that. But beyond politics, we need a better understanding of what her policies promise to do for us.

The most recent Newshub Reid Research poll put her party at 25.1 per cent, a number she’s blatantly dismissing. Labour is on 60.9 per cent, where it would be able to comfortably govern alone with 77 MPs. If you ask my opinion (which is what I understand this column is about), I’m happy with those numbers. It’s a vote for an Aotearoa that represents more than just the elite - but with the

Massive Magazine | Issue 10

I think there’s one thing we can all agree on. We need builders, not dividers. This election it’s up to you to decide who you think is who.

Salivate Tess Patrick

Salivate is here to help you get the most out of your measly student meals, while still making the most of your weekend.

Mercury is in retrograde and my cooking mojo has been a little meh of late. Apologies for the inconvenience but I literally don’t make the rules.

Want to know what I’ve been thrashing for the last month or so? French Onion Soup. My naturopath laughed when I told her and called me, ‘so retro’ but fuck it, flared pants are a forever vibe.

It’s cheap, it’s easy and cheesy, and feels like a hug from mum in a bowl.

Rumour has it that the French j’adore this dish as a hangover staple because you get that greasy carby hit from the

gruyere and toast, but the light broth brings some groovy nutrients to the table and balances it all out. I’ve been vego for seven years, so bone broth has been a recent addition to my diet.

I don’t want to sound like a wanker, I just got really sick. The broth is really great for you too because it delivers some of the essential amino acids you can’t find in chicken breast and bacon butties.

I’ve never been one for food prep but a weekly batch cook on a Sunday has been getting me through these cooler

days. You just chuck it in the oven for the last couple of steps and that’s all there is to it. Don’t forget to have a little balsamic dressed greens on the side because, you know, vegetables and stuff.

Serves 4

Ingredients

Method to the Madness:

50g butter

1. Melt butter with olive oil in a large heavybased pan or stockpot. Add your onions and fry with the lid on for 10 mins, until soft.

1 tbsp olive oil 1kg onions, thinly sliced 1 tsp sugar 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 2 tbsp flour (any gluten-free or regular is fine) 250ml dry white wine (I literally use leftover goon lying around the flat but if you can get a dry wine, it’s all the better) 1.3l hot strongly-flavoured beef stock (I use bone broth, because fitspo, but any veggie stock substitutes are okay too - just try one with a rich, hearty flavour) 4-8 slices good-quality bread (depending on size - try the no-knead bread recipe from Week 1)

2. Sprinkle in the sugar and cook for 20 mins more, stirring frequently, until caramelised. The onions should be really golden, full of flavour and soft when pinched between your fingers. Take care towards the end to ensure that they don’t burn.

3. Add the garlic cloves for the final few mins of the onions’ cooking time, then sprinkle in the flour and stir well.

4. Increase the heat and keep stirring as you gradually add the wine, followed by your hot beef stock. Cover and simmer for 15-20 mins.

5. To serve, turn on the grill, and toast your bread.

Ladle the soup into heatproof bowls.

6. Put a slice or two of toast on top of the bowls of soup, and pile on the cheese. Grill until melted and bubbling.

7. Serve crispy and hot.

100g gruyère, finely grated (you can normally get this at your boujie grocer, but if you can’t find or can’t fork out, you could try a little gouda or a humble chunk of Mainland Tasty but your cheese choice will define your dish)

The Menstruation Issue

33

Book Review: Blood Moon (2020) Dani Molloy Lucy Cuthew’s debut novel aspires to break down the taboo surrounding women’s sexuality and menstruation. The novel is written in readable verse that provides readers with a believable account of what it means to be a mortified teenage girl.

The novel’s plot is simplistic yet powerful. One day after school, Frankie has a sexual experience with her crush, Benjamin. This results in her getting her period while he’s fingering her and leaving blood on his hands.

While the two are able to laugh about the experience in the moment, the whole school ends up finding out about the encounter later on. This leads to Frankie experiencing both online and in-person bullying and shaming.

Notably, Frankie is shamed far more than Benjamin, who gains a sense of morbid notoriety from the event.

The novel provides a nuanced discussion of the unnecessary shame placed on women and young girls for their natural bodily functions and also shows how quickly online virality can turn violent. Frankie’s whole life is impacted by her internet infamy and she is encouraged to think of herself as dirty.

Frankie even has a waitress at a restaurant recognise her as “that girl from the period meme”.

However, one of my favourite aspects of this novel was how the whole narrative didn’t centre around Frankie’s humiliation. Frankie was presented as a fully fleshed-out character with an admirable love for physics and astronomy and a desire to gain a summer internship at the planetarium.

The novel also focuses on her volatile friendship with Harriet just as much as it does her public humiliation and interactions with love interests.

Personally, I’m not a fan of authors transcribing full text conversations into their books which Cuthew does numerous times throughout the novel. I also don’t like seeing hashtags used in books, but I understand that it helps market Blood Moon towards its presumably pre-teen target audience. On that note, this novel does feel as though it has been written with a much younger demographic than myself in mind. However, that definitely doesn’t take away from the heart of the story, and just makes it an easy read for an older readership.

Cuthew’s debut novel divulges some of the provocative truths about periods, sex and shame making Blood Moon a must-read for females, males and non-binary folk. The novel’s simplistic message reminds everyone that menstruation is “only blood, just an egg-cupful, nothing to be embarrassed about”.

Massive Magazine | Issue 10

Film Review: Pride (2014) Aryaman Vijay Parulkar I went into this movie with next to no expectations. I knew it had to do something LGBTQ+, a pride parade and Margaret Thatcher, which to me sounds like a very niche genre of gay porn.

Unfortunately, not gay porn but instead an extremely warming and wholesome story of a most unlikely of friendships. You wouldn’t usually put queer youth group and Welsh miners in the same sentence, but I just did and so did this movie. It follows the true story of a group of London queen folk that are fundraising in support of the 1984 miners strike in the UK. And remember that this is set in the 80s, where being anything off 180° could get you in a whole lot of trouble. Like any decent film, it has its fair share of ups and downs and emotional jump scares. It is also very educational, especially for the average person to learn about what life was like back then for two very different but similarly marginalised people. It really does warm your heart watching how the Welsh mining town that they’re fundraising for collectively comes together in acceptance of the queer folk, in a time where normally they’d get spat or yelled at with profanities your grandma would clutch her pearls at. Mostly definitely a feel-good movie that is certain to make you appreciate your past present and future while still being light enough to talk about the next day at work. Add this to your Netflix list and then check your privilege real quick.

The Menstruation Issue

35

Horoscopes This week we’re turning to the healing power of crystals and stones to get you through whatever disaster the patriarchy has triggered for you x

AQUARIUS

LEO

Amethyst has protective elements and will ward off the nightmares you keep having about that embarrassing thing you asked the tutor in a lecture theatre three years ago.

Tiger’s Eye will dispel any fear and anxiety you have so that you can keep being the badass Leo that you are!

PISCES

VIRGO

It’s been said that aquamarine was treasured by mermaids and sailors alike, so it’s only natural for a water sign like yourself to carry around a piece as a talisman of good luck.

Amazonite is a good grounding stone to balance out all that excess Virgo energy.

Seriously, take a breather my dude.

ARIES

LIBRA

Your confident leadership wavers under trying circumstances sometimes, so carry around carnelian, a stone that will give you a sense of clarity and confidence.

Chuck a hunk of sodalite on the laundry windowsill to bring harmony, for those times you want to gouge your flatmate’s eyes out for not hanging their washing out again.

TAURUS

SCORPIO

I know a bit of old log doesn’t sound very aesthetic, but petrified wood will allow you to further tap into your deep pools of patience in times of frustration.

Black tourmaline will keep those dark thoughts you keep having about your ex at bay. Alternatively, you could just pelt them from afar with a bunch of black tourmaline.

GEMINI

SAGITTARIUS

Labradorite will really get you to chill out on the two-faced, many faceted personality thing. Doesn’t that get tiring? (Earnest question from an Aries x)

This is a sign from the stars to go and hotbox the fuck out of your annoying colleague’s office with sage to cleanse that toxic energy.

CANCER

CAPRICORN

As a sensitive sign that takes things personally, citrine will give you the boost of self-confidence you need and turn your mood around when you’re feeling down.

Emerald is widely known as the stone of love and as we all know, your love life needs all the fucking help it can get. Hide some in your crush’s pocket.

Massive Magazine | Issue 10

President’s Address

Hi everyone, I’m Rebecca, your ASA Vice-President.

Hopefully, you’re all aware that General Elections are coming up soon. We have been working on ways to ensure that you are enrolled to vote by inviting the Electoral Commission to work with us by hosting a BBQ to encourage enrolment.

We have also been working on providing you with resources to support you in making an informed decision with the upcoming election and referendums.

While we are on the topic of elections: nominations for the 2021 executive committee are open! If you have been thinking about running make sure you get your nominations in by 27th August. If you have any questions about any of the roles feel free to email me (vp@asa.ac.nz) or any of the current exec roles to find out more or there is information on our website. Being part of the exec is a great opportunity to make a change and ensure students have a voice. It’s also perfect for personal and skill development.

We are working hard on creating new exciting events for you so keep an eye out!

– Rebecca Pezic ASA Student Vice-President

The Menstruation Issue

37

Puzzles Female Anatomy in Te Reo

Across

Down

3. Personified part of vagina

1. Labia minora

4. Pubic hair of a woman

2. Menstrual flow

7. Clitoris

4. Ovaries

8. Labia majora

5. Hymen

9. Vulva

6. Personified part of vagina

Massive Magazine | Issue 10

The Menstruation Issue

39

THE 2020 GENERAL ELECTION AND REFERENDUMS

Enrol now to make voting quick and easy.

Enrol online at vote.nz with your NZ driver licence or passport or call 0800 36 76 56.

Enrol. Vote. Be heard.

Massive Magazine | Issue 10