Vol. 36 / Issue 2 / 0ctober 2017
Five Points
WHERE WE AT? Sp
rB
lvd
Buffalo Exchange
51 Broadway
Auraria Campus
Center For Visual Art City O’ City
Fluid Coffee Bar Arts Building
Auraria Library
St
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North Captiol Hill
E Colfax Ave
Denver
1628 16th St.
E Colfax Ave
2526 E Colfax Ave.
Santa Fe Dr
Tivoli Station, 300 Level Tattered Cover Book Store
The Bardo Coffee House
Sp
The Market at Larimer Square
ee
The Molecule Effect
Sp
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Library
Auraria Campus
Denver
Larimer Square
Effect
E Colfax Ave
E Alameda Ave
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E Colfax Ave
York St
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Santa Fe Dr
ewing Co.
fee House
al
E Colfax Ave
ation, 300 Level
Colfax Ave.
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North Captiol Hill
uel Gallery
th St.
St
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Broadway Blvd
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3th Ave.
lding
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ar
lvd
Downing St
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ual Art
Cherry Creek
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Five Points
Racine’s
dway
E Colfax Ave
York St
Emmanuel Gallery Tivoli Brewing Co.
Av e
Broadway Blvd
King Center
rk
th
226 E. 13th Ave.
MSU Denver
Pa
16
Downing St
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Sp
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rB
lvd
Cherry Creek
E Alameda Ave
RITUALS THE TRADITIONS, CUSTOMS AND CYCLES IN SOCIETY.
Photo by Brandon N. Sanchez Photo manupulation by Maddi Waneka
MET MEDIA Steve Haigh: Director Ronan O’Shea: Assistant Director Kathleen Jewby: Production Manager Elizabeth Norberg: Office Manager Met Media P.O. Box 173362, CB57 Denver, CO 80217-3362
PHOTOS Lisa M. Hall Teresa Diaz Soriano Lauren Cordova Brandon N. Sanchez Kylie Henson Carl Glenn Payne Jessica Holman Ben Seagren
TERESA DIAZ SORIANO Editor in Chief @tds303
WORDS James Burky Jasmine Krapf Avery Anderson Adam Barnhardt Derek Gregory Maria Muller
Bianey Bermudez PR ASSOCIATES Caitlin Monaghan 6D7493
LAYOUT/ DESIGN CONTRIBUTOR Ariana Gonzales
GRAPHIC ARTIST
LAUREN CORDOVA Managing Editor @Lolophoto 2
Metrosphere / Vol 36 / Issue 2
MADDI WANEKA Creative Director @thatmadds
Ivy Lindstrom
GRAPHIC ARTIST Alex Zezza
WHO DAT?
JESSICA HOLMAN Photo Editor @jezzyholm
JAMES BURKY Metro Editor @lookjustlikebuddyholly
DEREK GREGORY Technosphere Editor @ozzymandos
ADAM BARNHARDT Intersection Editor @gayandintheway COVER ART Amanda Brubaker “Anxiety”
Printed by Fredric Printing. No part of this book may be used or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic,
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The opinions expressed within are not necessarily those of the University and/or
BIANEY BERMUDEZ Threads Editor @Bee_ah_Nee
members of the University.
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WHAT 4
Metrosphere / Vol 36 / Issue 2
8
Letter From The Editor
9
Opiod Crisis
10
Breathing Room
14
The Body Altar
20
Black Widow
21
October Review: Colorado Theater Productions
22
Burning Man Teaser
24
Letter from the Editor: The Gay’s Gaze
26
Trump’s Trans Ban
28
Life in the Queendom
Amanda Brubaker
34
Claire Founie
36
Alex Zezza
37
Michael Ortiz
38
Francheska Martinez
39
Eric Tofsted
40
Matt Passant
41
Mimi Madrid
42
Jamie Hart
43
Erin Regan
44
Letter From The Editor
46
Gaming Arena
48
Big Data: Rituals For The End of the Beginning
50
Letter From Editor: Fashion Afloat
52
The Minimalist Movement
WHAT’S IN HERE?
33
5
MUSIC AD
6
Metrosphere / Vol 36 / Issue 2
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www.Facebook.com/Metrosphere
METRO
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR James Burky
O
n Aug. 22, President Trump spoke at a rally in Arizona and said, in regards to the press, “They’re bad people and I really don’t think they like our country.” This could not be farther from the truth, especially at Metrosphere. I hope that most of you reading know this isn’t true.
Journalists are just trying to do their job, our purpose is to be apolitical. If a story is reported by The New York Times, NBC News and The Washington Post, what’s more believable? That all of these long trusted news sources are conspiring against the president or that the story is true? The rhetoric that the press is on a witch hunt against the president has been an issue since the seventies during the Watergate controversy. Was the press on a witch hunt or was Nixon trying to cover something up? The press has been accused of unfairly attacking
Graphic by Ivy Lindstrom
a president before and we all know how that ended. Trump’s war on the press seems to stem from the simple fact that they challenge him, they refute any falsehoods he says. The press isn’t the enemy. The fake news is the news Trump doesn’t agree with, the news that he, apparently, doesn’t want out. Trump has ignited the nation and one of the many controversies on fire is health care. For October we take a look at a young man whose health care landscape is daunting. He has a disease that, like many others is costly. I also bring you a some basic information on the opioid crisis, something that has quietly plagued the country for years.. Each story sheds light on the lasting effects of a nation under Trump.
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Metrosphere / Vol 36 / Issue 2
O
OPIOD CRISIS T
James Burky
he opioid crisis is the rapidly growing rate in which patients are abusing
drugs such as the commonly prescribed medication morphine and the highly addictive recreational drug heroin. Other opiates include Oxycodone, Vicodin and codeine.
On Aug. 10, President Trump called the crisis a national emergency. As of press time, however, the White House has yet to officially declare it a national emergency
A
According to the Colorado Department of Health ccording to the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 90
and Environment, the state had 472 deaths by
Americans die every day from an opioid overdose. From that
opioid abuse in 2015 - over 250 more than the
same report, there were 47,055 drug overdose deaths in the
state’s homicide total of 202. It was the fourth
US in 2014. Of that number, nearly 61% of those deaths were
consecutive year in which all opioid overdoses
attributed to abuse of opiates.
TO LEARN MORE, VISIT: mymetmedia.com/metrosphere
outnumbered homicides.
According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, the cause of the epidemic can be traced back to the mid-90’s when doctors began to push for pain to be considered a vital sign. Along with Body temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate.
If you or a loved one is suffering from an opioid addiction, call 1.800.662.HELP (4357) to speak with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Graphics by Maddi Waneka
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James Burky
ROOM
BREATHING CYSTIC FIBROSIS PATIENT SPEAKS ABOUT HIS STRUGGLES
WITH THE DISEASE; AND WHY OTHERS WITH IT ARE NERVOUS ABOUT A CHANGE IN FEDERAL HEALTH CARE
Photo by Kylie Henson Photo Manipulation by Teresa Diaz Soriano
METRO
S
itting in the back corner of a Panera
become more severe. Essentially, as patients get older,
Bread Co., Josh Boyd-Verquer wasn’t his
they slowly suffocate from mucus buildup. In the U.S.,
usual self. On the street, his demeanor
those with this illness can expect an average lifespan of 37
is calm and cheerful, almost carefree.
years, according to Cystic Fibrosis News Today.
Here, however, it’s anxious. He’s awkwardly resting his back against the beige colored wall,
“One day, yes, I’ll be in the hospital. Just sitting there on
casually talking about the disease that, one day,
antibiotics and my lungs starting to not work,” Verquer
will kill him.
said. “It’ll be the reason I die.”
The Affordable Care Act, known colloquially as
Growing up, Verquer found solace in video games and
Obamacare, is soon on its way out as the current
football. “I would classify myself as a competitive player
president fights for his own plan, the American
for Rainbow Six Siege,” he said. “I’ve spent over 1,400
Health Care Act, often referred to as Trumpcare.
hours in that game. It’s bad, but I love it.”
Under the AHCA, the congenital disease
He speaks proudly of his favorite football team, The New
cystic fibrosis is classified as a pre-existing
York Giants, reminiscing of what he says are the glory
condition. For the 20-year-old Verquer, the
years, the mid 2000s, the age of Tiki Barber’s unparalleled
future seems bleak.
ball carrier vision and Michael Strahan’s monstrous motor. “It was just like the New York period,” he said. “Everyone
Just from looking at him, you wouldn’t know
around me would like the Broncos and I’m the kind of
he is one of 30,000 people living with cystic
person who wants to be different.”
fibrosis in the U.S. Take him out to the football field or maybe on a hike and it becomes
When Verquer’s mother, Robyn Boyd, gave birth to him,
apparent that Verquer, physically tall, slender
there were early signs that her son wasn’t in perfect
and muscular, cannot last long.
health. The doctors conducted a series of tests and found that Verquer, not even a week old, had cystic fibrosis.
“As a kid I played a lot of sports. I loved sports,” he said. “as I’ve gotten older, it’s
“I kind of felt, both me and my husband at the time, felt
deteriorated. I’m in nowhere near as good of
we were being punished by God, to be honest,” she
shape as I was as a kid.”Verquer likes to think
said. “I don’t think I ate any sugar. I did no caffeine, I did
of his fatigue as a wall. Once he reaches the
everything right and so to hear that was just, we so didn’t
peak, essentially the ceiling, that’s the limit. “I
expect that. We were just in shock.”
can feel the mucus on the inside of my lungs.”
The early years were a battle the family endured together.
The hereditary disease is the thickening of
“I prayed a lot and told others to pray for him. He had
mucus in the lungs, pancreas and other organ
surgery at three years old. I held it together in front of
systems, although Verquer is one of the few
him, but once I got into the waiting room, forget it, I was
with an unaffected pancreas. As cystic fibrosis
a crying idiot,” she said, glancing over at her son and
patients age, the symptoms and effects
grasping his hand.
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METRO
According to a 1999 Harvard study, the average
Cathcart said. Verquer has no immediate
cost of cystic fibrosis treatments annually in
plans to uproot and move 1, 133 miles away
1996 was $13,300. When adjusting that for
from the state he calls home.
the inflation of 2017, it’s $21,000 for yearly treatments. The average income for a
As important and effective as medical care
person in Colorado is $30,151. Verquer
can be, Verquer is in good shape and health
acknowledges the reality of his healthcare
due to him staying active to keep his lungs
situation, he simply cannot afford the
and body as healthy as possible. However, this
disease he has.
is an alternative that can only work for so long.
The Boston-based company Vertex created
“I can play sports, but it’s definitely hard,”
what they call a miracle drug for cystic fibrosis
Verquer said. “For me personally, running
called Kalydeco. The drug targets the causes
in small, very intense intervals, it helps with
of the disease rather than the symptoms.
loosening up mucus.”
Kalydeco costs on average $300,000 per year and is genotype-specific, meaning
Although Verquer is approaching another
it’s only effective in about 4% of the cystic
year in his life, he is remaining optimistic. He
fibrosis population. Even if Verquer was a
wants to live life his way – doing whatever
prime candidate for Kalydeco, he wouldn’t
he wants. This past July, he attended Global
be able to afford it.
Dance Festival to see an artist he’s loved since he was a kid, Hardwell. That isn’t the
An alternative solution is Canada. According
pinnacle of his aspirations, however. Verquer
to a study conducted by 10 medical
wants to do it all. “I’d love to go to Europe,
professionals
Venice would be amazing, especially in the
and
published
through
the website Annals of Internal Medicine,
morning.”
Canadians with cystic fibrosis, on average, live 10 years longer than those in the US.
This disease will kill Verquer, it will shorten his life considerably, but it won’t change how
Will Cathcart, a freelance journalist with
he lives his life today or tomorrow, or even
cystic fibrosis, credited this to Canada’s
the next ten years. He stays strong not just
single-payer health care program in an Op-
for himself, but for everyone around him. His
Ed published in USA Today. He suggests that
formerly peach complexion turns strawberry-
staying with Obamacare, or even improving
red, tears welling, he grabs his sister Rachel’s
upon it, would result in an increase of the
hand and then his mom’s and simply says, “I
survival rate. “If I were Canadian, there’d be
love you guys.”
a good chance I could live 17 more years,”
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Metrosphere / Vol 36 / Issue 2
METRO
Photo by Kylie Henson Photo Manipulation by Teresa Diaz Soriano
13
IMBUE
THE BODY ALTAR:
DENVER’S RITUAL DANCE PARTY Jasmine Krapf
A
ccording to researchers at Johns Hopkins University, medical errors are estimated to kill over a quarter million Americans per year. That equates to nearly 700 deaths per day, or 9.5 percent yearly. Errors include issues like adverse drug reactions and IV and catheter-related infections. People are dying from the care they receive rather than the
diseases they’re seeking care for.
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Metrosphere / Vol 36 / Issue 2
Photo by Brandon N. Sanchez
15
IMBUE
Reliance on corporate private health insurance leaves
now a licensed acupuncturist and a practicing Chinese
many without access to primary care physicians. According
medicine doctor. As a traditional healer, she incorporates
to data from the National Health Statistics Reports, nearly
modalities of Curanderismo into her multi-faceted
half of Americans use some form of holistic medicine.
practice. Curanderismo is a holistic approach to wellness that has been used traditionally throughout the Americas.
With a vast and diverse spectrum of health care options outside the Western paradigm, Denver has
Montoya works alongside Sankofa, an artist, writer,
opportunities to explore.
speaker and poet who uses her performative presence to help heal herself and others.
Eutimia Cruz Montoya and LadySpeech Sankofa are not your average healers. Their approach to health care is far
“The Body Altar allows us a space to collectively heal our
from conventional allopathy. There are no white coats,
pain by utilizing the potent energy of music, affirmation,
stark fluorescent lights, or needles in their healing work
prayer, smoke and water medicine and to collectively
– unless we’re talking acupuncture – and it’s a guarantee
dance in order to shift energy in our lives,” Sankofa said.
your prescription won’t include a bottle of pills. Psychology researchers at the University of Oxford Instead, the treatments include voice, music, movement
published a study in the Evolution and Human Behavior
and an intermingling of transformative elements like
that highlights the beneficial impact collective dance
smoke and water. The Body Altar, an intergenerational,
has on human health and how dancing reduces pain,
ceremonial healing dance-party, is one of the many ancient
both physical and emotional. The experiment suggests
health care options offered to the Denver community.
that dance encourages closeness by stimulating the production of endorphins. Essentially, they found that
Montoya believes in the basic tenet of Chinese Medicine,
synchronistic movement, like collective dance, led to
“Where there is illness, there is no flow; where there is
increased cooperative behavior, social bonding, and
flow, there is no illness.”
feelings of interconnectedness - which can all be deeply healing, especially when it becomes a routine ritual.
“When we literally vibrate in dance, music and song medicine, we are creating health. I believe art is the most
Among the many movement-based offerings, sound
accessible form of communal healing,” Montoya said.
healing is also a major component at The Body Altar. Ethnomusicologists describe trance-like or altered states
Montoya is a Denver born and raised Xicana, with roots in
of consciousness induced by the power of music across
New Mexican and Texan mestizo culture. She graduated
cultures. The Society for Ethnomusicology published a
from Stanford with a degree in anthropology and is
HELD THE FOURTH SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH AT THE URBAN SANCTUARY IN FIVE POINTS 16
Metrosphere / Vol 36 / Issue 2
17
Photo by Jessica Holmon
IMBUE
resource list containing publications investigating the intersection of music and medicine. According to many of the studies music has the power to intoxicate, hypnotize, and induce deeply cathartic experiences. The Body Altar is just one of many ways people can start the self empowerment process. What’s unique about The Body Altar is the participatory nature of the healing sessions. According to many participants, The Body Altar honors their biological rhythms by bringing various therapies together to create an immersive experience that helps to balance parts of themselves that are unwell or out of sync. Ryan Foo is a frequent participant in The Body Altar. “I have always been afraid of dancing. Now I see the deeper reasons to express myself with and around the people
Photo by Brandon N. Sanchez
I love and respect. It’s what our city needs right now...a safe place to reconnect.”
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Metrosphere / Vol 36 / Issue 2
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Photo by Lisa M. Hall
FEATURED MULTIDISCIPLINARY ARTWORK
IMBUE
20
BLACK WIDOW B
lack Widow is a collaboration among MSU Denver
Composer:
students from the music, art and dance departments.
Musicians:
Ernest Ebell Alexis Sandusky - Clarinet
Music Composition major, Ernest Ebell created an
Will Heinz - Alto Saxophone
original score for the piece inspired by the idea of
Jasmine Sandusky - Bassoon
a post modern ballet- infusing talent from various artists.
Daniel Grant - Piano
Student dancers choreograhed an original number to the
Gary Deaguero - Guitar
music. Through their movements, each dancer personified
Will Roland - Bass
an instrument. Graphic artist Maddi Waneka manipulated
Dancers:
Lynda Gernhard
typography to remphasize the visual and auditory qualities
Lauren Hope
of language and art. The performance was showcased last
Lauren Brown
semester, yet the work is an inspiration for communities
Johanna “Joie� Martin
encouraging multi-disciplinary modes of production.
Metrosphere / Vol 36 / Issue 2
Graphic Artist:
Maddi Waneka
Graphic by Maddi Waneka
Avery Anderson
OCTOBER A
THEATER PREVIEW ‘The Foreigner’-
Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities ‘The Wild Party’Off-Center
‘The Foreigner’ has become a beloved comedy since its Off-Broadway premiere in
Immersive theater is a new wave in the world
1984. Following the story of two guests at a
of
‘The
remote fishing lodge and their interactions
Wild Party’ is that idea on overload. This
performer-audience
interaction.
with the other patrons. This show is not
lthough one would think that ‘The
360 degree musical invites guests not only
performed in repertory like the rest of the
Rocky Horror Show’ would show up
to see the show but be in its world. Written
Arvada Center’s Black Box productions but will
on a preview of theater in October,
by Andrew Lippa this seedy musical brings
feature some of their repertory cast members.
this year it did not. Instead October
patrons into a the wildest party of the 1920’s.
offers some of the most anticipated titles.
Oct. 13- Nov 18
Denver’s first full immersive musical, the first
Oct 11- Oct 31
Black Box Theatre,
in the Arvada center’s Black Box productions,
The Hanger, Stanley Marketplace
Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
a world premiere, a regional premiere and a
Tickets start at $45
Tickets $45
fundraiser with the Killer Kids.
Call 303-893-4100
Call 720-898-7200
W
A CREATIVE EXCHANGE 8.4 – 10.21.17 Anna McKee Aurora Robson Cannupa Hanska Luger The Infamous Flapjack Affair & National Park Experience
Isabelle Hayeur Matt Jekins & Lynna Kaucheck Natascha Seideneck Nicholas Galanin & Merritt Johnson
Isabelle Hayeur, Drained (detail), inkjet on polyester, 2015-2016
Tomiko Jones & Jonathan Marquis Vibha Galhotra Winter Count Collective 965 Santa Fe Drive · msudenver.edu/cva
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TO SEE
M y m et m
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Metrosphere / Vol 36 / Issue 2
MORE V
edia.co
m / m et
ISIT:
ros p h e r
e
IMBUE
BURNING MAN 2017
Polaroids by Glenn Payne Photo by Lauren Cordova
23
INTERSECTION
THE GAY’S GAZE: HETERO-REALITY Adam Barnhardt
R
emember when gay people nationwide were
co-dependent or fiendishly catty. The Bachelorette turns
granted the right to get married in 2015? Me too.
men into violent apes or hypersexual imbeciles. There is
However, marriage was one of those rights I wanted
a lack of diversity that is somehow both atrocious and not
simply because I didn’t have it. To me, marriage
at all surprising. The closest The Bachelor/Bachelorette
was laughable. The reasons for my disposition could be
has gotten to diversifying is by having one token minority
derived from my lack of religious affiliation, or my tendency
or piggybacking on the subtly offensive “bromance”
to be contrary. But there is one big reason I don’t respect
trend. Men showing affection to one another is used as
the institution of marriage, and that is reality TV.
a comedic plot-device, and women showing same-sex affection is voyeuristic at best.
The disgracefully heteronormative reality TV show perpetrators are as follows: “The Bachelor/Bachelorette”,
“Bridezillas” has proved that marriage is a sacred
“Bridezillas” and “Joe Millionaire”. “The Bachelor/
institution that should be respected by spending
Bachelorette” is the most familiar of the bunch while the
exorbitant amounts of money and filming grown adults
other two were popular in the early 2000’s and were met
throwing tantrums. Why is this offensive to gay people?
with minimal acclaim.
Well, the majority of the dress designers and wedding planners are gay--stereotypes. But also these poor gay
24
“The Bachelor/Bachelorette” has been on for years.
people were doing this in 2004, when gay marriage
A brief synopsis: a guy or gal entertains 25 plus suitors
wasn’t even a popular topic. I can only imagine what they
who fight for their hand in marriage and/or screen time.
were thinking while these disgruntled brides were lobbing
Ultimately two strangers are contractually bound to fall
hunks of cake and floral decorations at their heads. Was
in love and get married in front of their adoring public.
it something along the lines of, “Gee, I can’t wait for the
The Bachelor makes women out to be desperately
day I get to mistreat a stranger on my big day.”
Metrosphere / Vol 36 / Issue 2
Graphic By Ivy Lindstorm
“Joe Millionaire,” was…profoundly stupid. Basic Joe
and is compiled and edited by Ryan Conrad. It reads,“Gay
isn’t a millionaire, but the women he’s courting think he
marriage increases economic inequality by perpetuating
is. The premise of the show is to prove true love doesn’t
a system which deems married beings more worthy of
have a price tag. It does have a film budget, a marketing
the basics like health care and economic rights.” In my
team and a media buy however, so let’s just say there
lifetime, I was told that my depraved lifestyle would
are conflicting interests. Other than being built with the
taint the sanctity of marriage. The same people who
purpose of shaming women who marry for money, it also
held marriage in such high regard had no moral qualms
diminishes the concept of true love, making marriage
about whoring it for money and ratings. My opinions on
seem like some kind of lottery. I can almost hear the
marriage have been influenced by the media, and that
creators of this abomination patting themselves on the
opinion is that marriage is a game for straight people.
back for making people like myself talk about this show
It is a silly, expensive performance. It determines worth
decades after its inception, but to their credit they
and status among peers, it favors greed over love, and
begged an interesting question about the economics of
somehow it still struggles with queer inclusion. The
marriage, one that would later define my view.
blasphemy of marriage is still displayed on televisions nationwide while gay couples are denied wedding cakes
“Against Equality: Queer Revolution, Not Mere Inclusion”
and marriage licenses in reality.
is a book of critiques written by queer people on equality
25
INTERSECTION
TRUMP’S TRANS BAN:
DISCRIMINATION OR DISTRACTION? Adam Barnhardt
I
n a series of tweets released earlier this year, President Donald
MSU Denver Associate Professor Christopher Jennings
Trump stated that the government would no longer accept
agrees that that the president's actions were not
transgender people into the military.
unexpected. Jennings was a supply specialist in the Army and believes the ban bypasses the real issues with
After the long awaited 2010 repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,” President
transgender people serving in the military.
Trump’s decision is a move against the U.S. having an inclusive military. “I have been in combat and the last thing one thinks President Trump cited the rising costs of transgender medical care,
about is the sexual orientation or gender identification
specifically the cost of gender transition and hormone therapy as the
of any other soldier around them. Ability in combat is
main reasons for his decision. According to a New York Times article
assessed in training and humans are capable,” he said.
by Julie Hirschfeld Davis and Helene Cooper, President Trump said
“Women, men, anyone as long as they meet the mental
that ban was announced in order to resolve a fight on Capitol Hill
and physical requirements needed to survive combat.”
over whether or not taxpayer money should be used to pay for trans service member’s medical needs.
Former MSU Denver student Kylar Paige, who identifies as trans, acknowledges this as a major setback.
26
The amount of money spent would increase from $2.4 million to roughly
“I think that it's bullshit. It's just another thing to make
$8.4 million a year. An infinitesimal amount, considering the military
trans people out as sub-human or a burden on society,”
spends $84 million a year on erectile dysfunction drugs. The controversial
Paige said. “We all know the argument about it being
decision to ban transgender people from the military is another ploy,
expensive to have trans people in the military is ridiculous,
it would seem, to deconstruct Obama-era policies and a move that
because of the Viagra point and because our military is
alienated him from both the LGBTQ and military communities.
literally the most funded in the world.”
Metrosphere / Vol 36 / Issue 2
Graphic by Teresa Diaz Soriano
The president presented himself as a pro-LGBTQ
discrimination that systematically breaks down our forces
Republican during his campaign, stating “As your
and exacerbates issues of inequality.”
president, I will do everything in my power to protect our LGBT citizens from the violence and oppression of
AVER is resolute in their decision to stand by veterans
a hateful foreign ideology,”at the Republican National
affected by this ban. “Our concern is what those discharges
Convention, according to The Washington Post.
will be if they do happen. If they are dishonorable, then we rally as an organization to assist these veterans with
“He was never pro-LGBT. He was just trying to get
working on their upgrades to ensure they have access to
votes. I don't think most people were surprised when he
their full benefits.” Adler said.
‘turned around’ and started pulling all these anti-LGBT moves,” Paige said.
Enlisting in the military is a sacrifice. People put their very existence on the line to defend this country and what it
At this point, the future of those already serving in the military
represents. If someone is brave enough to heed that call,
is unclear, many veterans are taking measures for the future.
who are we to deny them? Trans people have served in
many military capacities. It’s time to think hard about the
Sarah Adler is an eight-year U.S. Army Veteran and
trans people who have fought for this country and the
president of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of The American
generations that will carry on that tradition. They are just
Veterans for Equal Rights.
as valid and valuable as any other soldier.
“This is institutional discrimination that distracts from the
Paige called the ban dehumanizing and Jennings called
real issues going on in presidency and our leadership.”
it a distraction from the larger scandals of Trump’s
she said. “However, this could be a segway into a deeper
presidency. What’s undeniable is the devastation it has caused in the trans community.
27
INTERSECTION
IN THE
LIFE QUEENDOM Jessica Holman
F
or anyone born before the ‘90s, they might recognize the name Jerrica Benton as the main character from the ‘80s animated TV series, “Jem and the Holograms.” For film director and Denver resident Keith Garcia, this was the name he used when he took to the stage for the first time as a drag queen.
As a gay man, Garcia had always been familiar with the concept of drag, but it never fit in his life in any kind of way. This changed when he stumbled upon his first drag show in 2008 at the popular gay club, Charlie’s. It was 10 p.m. on a Sunday and he couldn’t figure out why the club was so packed. “I suddenly realized there was a show going on and the announcer announced this performer to the stage and I was just – my mouth dropped,” Garcia said. That night he witnessed a performance by Nina Flowers, a popular Denver drag queen best known for being a runner-up on the first season of the reality TV series “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Garcia remembered watching Flowers and asking himself, “Who is this creature?” Flowers’ performance was completely different from Garcia’s idea of drag.
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Photo by Lisa M. Hall
That night, an idea sparked within the filmmaker. He would
Across the country, dating back to the 1880s, there were laws against
create a film that would document drag shows around
cross dressing. Garcia remembered Montaldo mentioning one in
Denver including interviews of popular performers.
particular that stated if anyone wanted to perform drag, they had to wear at least three articles of male clothing under their outfit to avoid
Almost a decade later, Garcia has done just that. Using
being arrested. It wasn’t until the ‘70s, after the New York Stonewall
footage from drag shows and interviews with drag
riots occurred in 1969, that the LGBT community started to see some
queens, Garcia created his “dragumentary,” called, “The
changes in laws and policies, granting them the rights they had
Heels Have Eyes.” Garcia’s goal is to showcase Denver’s
worked so hard to obtain.
past, present, and future in drag. Many outside of the drag community have a misconception about “The Heels Have Eyes” is a reflection on Denver’s rich drag
what the drag scene is. Being a drag queen is more than just the
history. One of the queens featured is 67-year-old Nina
performance and many queens act as spokespersons for the LGBTQ
Montaldo. She has been a veteran of the Denver drag scene
community and are heavily involved in it.
since the ‘60s, a time when dressing in drag was illegal.
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Photo by Lisa M. Hall
Photo by Ben Seagren
INTERSECTION Scott Allison, 47, began performing drag almost nine years ago under
“This expansion of drag in the public consciousness has created more
the stage name Vivian La Cher. “It wasn’t about the money,” he said
avenues, be it on Youtube, for people to learn how to do drag,”
about becoming a drag queen. “It was about performing and being a
Garcia said.
part of the community.” Ben Schweitzer, a former drag queen and advocate for the LGBTQ His nonprofit organization, La Cher Productions, hosts pageants
community was first inspired to perform after watching the show.
in Denver, Seattle and Pittsburgh to raise funds to offer free
At the age of 15 he adopted the name Peaches and performed at
mammograms for women under the age of 40. Under the Affordable
Rainbow Alley, a safe space for LGBTQ youth. Through Youtube, he
Care Act, mammograms are only free for women over the age of
learned how to do drag makeup. Schweitzer also shared that he had
40, leaving younger women to pay $80 to $100 out of pocket. All
met Garcia during one of his nights of working on the film. “I think it’s
performers in Allison’s pageants are either women going through
incredible,” he said about Garcia’s film. “Keith is just a badass.”
cancer treatment, or survivors, also called warriors in the pageant. The film touches on many misconceptions about the drag scene and In the past eight years, technology and social media have changed the
how the community fits in the 21st century. Drag is more than one
way people are introduced into the drag scene. The show “RuPaul’s
night of upbeat music and striking lights.
Drag Race” aired their first season in 2009 and marked the beginning of a new era for the drag scene. Suddenly, performing drag became
“It becomes a life,” Garcia said. “It becomes a legacy.”
less exclusive and more acceptable and attainable for many.
Photo by Lisa M. Hall
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SUbMISSIONS
Art and LiTeraTure 32
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Amanda Brubaker “Anxiety”
It’s not (always) the existential questions of life that haunt me, mostly it’s the piling up of my to-do list and deviations from my intended plan that begin to paralyze me from doing things creative. The worry leads me to more worry, neuroticism and even depression. My apprehensions could be alleviated by doing, but simply doing is at times impossible. I create art about the emotionally unwell. This art may be uncomfortable to look at, but helps us confront our own mental wellness. I am interested in empathy and compassion towards one another. My materials of choice are chalk pastel, acrylic and mixed media. I like to incorporate mirrors in or near my work to bring the viewer into an area of self reflection. Anxiety and depression affect every part of my life which make some days harder than others. Being creative is where I achieve "flow," in which I find some relief. It is cathartic for me to use art as a tool of therapy at the same time as creating important dialogue. The human condition is filled with questions larger than ourselves, great emotional pain, love and laughter. Let's be kind to one another and laugh together more often.
Claire Founie Two hundred and six
Two hundred and six
She hears two hundred and six
The number of bones in the human body
And the colossal number washes her in anxiety
Two hundred and six protectors
Rather than overwhelming her with the beauty
Of our inner most composition and chemistry
that the human body is
Two hundred and six sturdy, shock absorbing pieces That create the complex puzzle that indicates how we stand
Our anatomy, our physiology, our kinesiology The most gorgeous design,
Our posture, the partnership of bone and muscle
Organically made and organically given and
Shrunken, timid, and afraid
utterly taken for-granted
The girl whose bones are weak and visible underneath
It’s not
that size extra large men’s sweatshirt
worth the stress of this constant alteration
She also holds two hundred and six of these components,
That engulfs our society, our media, and
But she does not feel their power.
eventually our minds.
Instead she hears two hundred and six And she thinks “that’s too many”
Those bones, minuscule or massive, are overlooked
A fight starts within her mind to cut down to a size smaller than
We criticize the product
the gentle whisper of the wind
they’ve conceived
When really, that skeleton of two hundred and six
And knock it
Is just quite enough to help us
down
Run, dance, leap, fight, and hold
until we are left
One another with affection
at eighty-eight pounds of being Pale and breaking because we do not see the true value Of two hundred and six
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SUBMISSIONS
Our society takes this form
Two hundred and six,
This skeleton
The number of bones in the human body
of two hundred and six
Two hundred and six a number
And makes a
as precious and economically scarce as
mold
gold
A mold
Two hundred and six holders
so specific, inaccurate, and praised
of our abilities,
That we starve ourselves
Of our individual beauties,
to fit inside
And our lives Two hundred and six, a simple number With a monumental value, unique in everyone,
But
Strong with calcium,
what is beauty without differences?
built
It certainly is not
with experience
a runner
So
Toned and strong,
let’s not forget all we are able to endure
Pushing himself
All we are able to accomplish
through mile twenty-six
All we are able to create
to complete a goal
From the consistent and personal beauty of that
It certainly is not
just-enough
a dancer,
number,
Graceful and effortless,
Two hundred and six.
Controlling her movements so precisely in a three-minute lapse That we call it ART.
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Alex Zezza "4iEkbN“
Michael Ortiz “Mask”
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SUBMISSIONS
Francheska Martinez “Live Again� With this piece, I wanted to capture the story of coming back from being discarded and recreating yourself into something beautiful, stepping out of the shadows you were tossed into. Taking an old book tossed away and forgotten, and making it into something that can be admired and beautiful. The flower concept in the cut outs id a simply design built around the idea of life after destruction.
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ERic Tofsted "@rtemis" 2017. 16" x 20" Watercolor, pastel, colored ink, marker, pen, and xylene transfer on canvas.
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SUBMISSIONS
MATT PASSANT “Lingering”
A scent after the rain, little bits of atmosphere, an uninvited breeze, not unwanted, through the trees, flickering light and dark on the sidewalk. You’re not what I remember, shrunken with age and barely able to lift your head to look at me. You used to be bigger, but I was smaller then. A dog barks in the distance. Lavender bushes stretch out, I can taste the smell of them: purple and earthy and sweet, swallowing perception. You can’t see anymore, but you fill in the gaps from what you think is there; peripheral shadows, interpretive leaps, not in the here and now of the air conditioner hum. I was afraid of you, once. Stagnant clouds at early twilight, a lingering damp in the air. It is cool as the rain makes a second effort at falling, deliberate and sparse, coming from deep blue spaces of sky. You sit in your favorite chair facing the window, and watch the birds fly off and away from the tree and the breeze— only the fluttering and rapid movements of light and dark; the wind in the trees.
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Mimi Madrid “Rituales Cubanos”
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Jamie Hart “The Light-Bringer� I have always been inspired by nature and the wildness of humanity. It is a chaotic force that races through the universe like a hurricane, only to return to an unnatural calm that leaves you questioning whether it had the capability to ever be violent again. The earth is full of mystery, and I seek to heighten that feeling using imagery that almost seems familiar, but is quite surreal. Life is a journey, and we must choose whether we will take the worn path, or the road no one has dared to venture.
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SUBMISSIONS
Erin Regan “Untitled” 2016. 3738 × 5231 Fuji 400 ISO 35mm Minolta Maxxum STsi.
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TECHNOSPHERE
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Derek Gregory
F
orget what you’ve seen in movies like the Matrix.
Stryker’s Mako robotic-arm surgical robots use CT scans and 3D
This isn’t a story about killer robots with guns or
modeling to orientate hip and knee implants before surgery and have
artificial intelligences, AI, who want to rule the
been used in over fifty thousand surgeries since their introduction in
world and subjugate or destroy human beings.
2006. Orthopedic surgeons who use the Mako in their practice report
This is about something closer to home; the rituals
better patient outcomes, higher patient satisfaction and lower revision
involved in seeing a doctor or nurse on our worst day
rates than hip or knee surgeries performed using traditional methods.
and how automation, machine learning and robotics will work in tandem with health care professionals to make
Similarly, stealth navigation systems use MRI and CT data to pinpoint
those moments better for us all.
the precise locations of tumors in the body. A surgeon using a stealth system can make smaller surgical incisions and rely less on
According to CB Insights, a venture capital tracking
exploration to find and remove tumors. This precision results in less
company that analyzes trends in investment around the
time spent in recovery.
world, health care is the No. 1 sector for AI applications and investments. Their analysis tracks the flow of investment
Other companies like Mendel AI are using algorithms to understand
dollars into sectors supporting robotics, automation and
unstructured data found in medical records and clinical trials.
machine learning while tracking partnerships between
Atomwise and Merck have partnered to use machine learning
the world’s largest corporations, angel investors and
algorithms to target specific proteins and rapidly screen millions of
startups innovating in these fields.
molecules to identify potential compounds for testing, which could greatly shorten the time and money required to research and create new drug therapies.
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Graphic by Ivy Lindstrom
Other partnerships are researching virtual medical
and machine learning in the healthcare profession are its front-line
assistants who can track and securely transmit medical
professionals; the doctors and nurses we rely on to keep us healthy.
device information to doctors, while reminding patients
“A robot could read though thousands of medical records, look
to take their medicine and answer follow up questions.
for missing information, then obtain the missing data from another
Catalia’s Mabu companion robot can even read the
system without getting bored, tired or making any mistakes,” they
expressions on a human face and make recommendations
wrote. “Robots allow clinical staff to avoid mindless data entry tasks,
for exercise, nutrition and follow up care.
spend more time with patients, and work at the top of their licensing.”
This isn’t just about cost-cutting or efficiency. In a June
Any tool that reduces the amount of busy work, enabling healthcare
30, 2017 guest commentary for “Modern Healthcare,”
professionals to work at the top of their skillset is a fantastic
health advisor leaders at Ernst & Young, Jon Powell and
argument for greater automation and robotics in healthcare.
Chris Massouras argue that the real benefit of automation
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Maria Muller
GAMING ARENA 46
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C
hatter circulated throughout the gaming arena. Yu-Gi-Oh! card players sat at tables, close enough to bump their neighbors. Players squeezed through narrow passages in search of opponents. All C’s Collectibles’ Gaming Arena welcomes
players of all ages to their tournaments, five days a week. The environment invites conversation, competition and camaraderie. “With card games you have to interact a lot, sometimes you can have 10 conversations,” 14-year-old Landon Oliver said. “There’s a lot of talking and shuffling, asking how many cards are in their hands. I like the interaction more than video games.” Yu-Gi-Oh! player Justin Harris walked in on one of their busy Saturday nights.
TECHNOSPHERE
“I came in and asked what they do here,” Harris said “they showed me around. It’s cool. Ain’t nobody judgemental here.” Harris said video games weren’t challenging anymore. “These games don’t have original ideas no more,” Harris said. “Video games, there’s no mechanics behind it. It doesn’t make you think. Card games, you have to strategize.” “Don’t be afraid to try something new and be part of a newer crowd,” said Sawyer. “It’s not all the stereotype you think it is.” The arena packs in over thirty people every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There are still people willing to snub their technology for a
Photos by Amani Newell
night and risk human interaction.
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BIG DATA RITUALS FOR THE END OF THE BEGINNING
A
student arrives on campus as a freshman, an empty
analysis tools use rudimentary artificial intelligence to manage data in
shell containing the sum of their life experiences,
real time and can identify unusual activity in credit or bank accounts,
hopes, dreams and expectations. Their knowledge
protecting both the customer and company from fraud. Other uses of
is unfinished and unformed. It will be refined by
real time data analytics are high speed trading, network monitoring,
years of study, debate and exploration. Ideally, it is tested
retail sales and commuter traffic routing.
against competing ideas and measured for truth and usefulness. It will be verified by experience and constantly
Large data sets are both a problem in search of solutions and a tool
modified by new input.
for uncovering solutions to existing problems. Experts in every field are carving out their own niche through careful analysis of the growing
This is analogous to the concept of big data, a phrase
data pile. In a widely networked world where our tools, appliances and
used to describe the relationship between humans and
applications keep score, a baseline appreciation of our own data – how
the large volumes of useful information generated by our
it’s generated and how it might be used by others – is now mandatory.
phones, tablets, computers and other networked devices. Users generate data when they use search engines, shop
A student arrives on campus as a freshman, an empty shell containing
online or employ navigation apps. Advertisers study
the sum of their life experiences, hopes, dreams and expectations.
the data generated by shoppers as they move from
Their knowledge is unfinished and unformed. It will be refined by
initial interest to sale. Government agencies and private
years of study, debate and exploration. Ideally, it is tested against
businesses use data analysis tools to identify trends in
competing ideas and measured for truth and usefulness. It will be
the economy, from the impact of student debt to maps
verified by experience and constantly modified by new input.
depicting widescale migrations of people, animals, infectious diseases or the spread of political ideas.
This is analogous to the concept of big data, a phrase used to describe the relationship between humans and the large volumes of
“There is this incredible amount of data. It’s searchable, it’s
useful information generated by our phones, tablets, computers and
parsable,” said MSU Denver Department of Journalism and
other networked devices. Users generate data when they use search
Technical Communication Chair, Shaun Schafer.
engines, shop online or employ navigation apps. Advertisers study the data generated by shoppers as they move from initial interest to sale.
One of the more common data analysis methods is to
Government agencies and private businesses use data analysis tools
create a spreadsheet and query the data to identify
to identify trends in the economy, from the impact of student debt to
trends, patterns and connections. Cutting edge data
maps depicting widescale migrations of people, animals, infectious diseases or the spread of political ideas.
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Graphic by Alex Zezza
TECHNOSPHERE
“There is this incredible amount of data. It’s searchable, it’s parsable,” said
Large data sets are both a problem in search of solutions
MSU Denver Department of Journalism and Technical Communication
and a tool for uncovering solutions to existing problems.
Chair, Shaun Schafer.
Experts in every field are carving out their own niche through careful analysis of the growing data pile. In a
One of the more common data analysis methods is to create a
widely networked world where our tools, appliances and
spreadsheet and query the data to identify trends, patterns and
applications keep score, a baseline appreciation of our
connections. Cutting edge data analysis tools use rudimentary
own data – how it’s generated and how it might be used
artificial intelligence to manage data in real time and can identify
by others – is now mandatory.
unusual activity in credit or bank accounts, protecting both the customer and company from fraud. Other uses of real time data analytics are high speed trading, network monitoring, retail sales and commuter traffic routing.
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THREADS
FASHION AFLOAT IN A WATER CRISIS Bianey Bermudez
T
hey say seeing is believing. This mantra is especially
need at least 1,800 gallons of water. The water used to create clothing also leaves
relevant to water waste. When we want to brush
a nasty trail of pollution behind.
our teeth, we turn on the faucet. When we need to shower, we stand under filtered, indoor rain. When
“With so much of the textile industry’s production taking place outside the United
we are thirsty, we drink clear water. These actions are
States, there are potentially lower standards for environmental regulations that
second nature to most of us. The world revolves around
stand to create environmental contamination at production sites,” Chetwynd said.
water, including our clothes. It takes thousands of chemicals to create the look and feel of every piece of The closet is the last place someone might think water
clothing. Water is used to carry the chemicals in fabric and when washing it
is needed, but it’s true. The textile industry alone uses
after the chemical process is finished. When the chemical dyeing is done, the
mass amounts of water to create clothing. The Natural
contaminated water is released into waterways that eventually become sources
Resources Defense Council estimates that producing one
of water for nearby communities. To make matters worse, most industrial textile
pound of fabric for T-shirts and jeans can use up to about
factories are located in developing countries, such as India, China and Bangladesh.
6,350 gallons of water. Industries that dump the water back into waterways contaminate local water Jennifer Chetwynd, a member of One World One Water
supply and can be detrimental to the agriculture.
and MSU Denver affiliate faculty, asserts that people
While a fashion consumer in Denver might not be directly affected by water
neglect the problem because the problem doesn’t
pollution, the future of our water supply should be on everyone’s minds.
directly affect them. At a local level, organizations like OWOW strive to prepare an educated, “A major challenge to getting people to see the holistic
empowered, solution-oriented Colorado citizenry to protect and preserve our
water footprint is our inability to easily grasp what we
precious water resources. Chetwynd recommends that consumers know where
don’t see,” Chetwynd said.
their products are made and what environmental and labor standards are in place in that country, as well as looking for information from fashion companies about
To put it in perspective, a cotton T-shirt takes about 400 gallons of water to make, and your favorite pair of jeans
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their sustainability policies.
Photo by Brandon Sanchez Model: Kayla Klein
THREADS
51
MOVEMENT
THE MINIMALIST
Bianey Bermudez
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E
veryday, a growing number of fashion devotees jump aboard the minimalist movement. While some style enthusiasts find that fashion is a colorful wave of breaking rules, others follow the minimalist approach. Minimalist style involves having a
monochrome wardrobe with mostly white, black and neutral colors. It’s based on basic pieces tailored to the person as if it were made specifically for them. In fashion, minimalism often takes the form of a capsule closet, where one has only a few pieces that they can layer and pair differently to create a myriad of looks. Simple lines, white space and accessories elevate basic pieces.
THREADS
Model: Karysma Hicks Photos by Kylie Henson
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THREADS Elegant, simple, composed. While some think minimalism is having a small wardrobe and usually acquaint the word with males, minimalism has proven to be the style world’s guide to a fashionable everyday uniform. The minimalist has found a simple way to create a stylish look without having to utilize multiple fashion statements. Although I don’t Model: Karysma Hicks Photos by Kylie Henson
identify as a minimalist, I can appreciate and take tips from those who do such as Threads assistant editor Karysma. I look up to Karysma, because she can create masterpieces from only a few simple pieces in her closet. She keeps to neutral colors so she can match anything on any given day and pairs accessories accordingly with one or two pieces of jewelry. Her trick to minimalism is layering. “I like to stay simple with my wardrobe, so the less pieces and accessories the better.” Karysma said.
Having a capsule closet has proved to be the environmentally conscious way to style. Buying pieces that are tailored to you not only cuts down on textile waste but saves thousands of dollars. It also saves time because you’ve got less to chose from and outfits already in mind. As a money saving, time preserving, environmentally friendly solution to the fashionista’s dilemma, it’s a wonder why I haven’t adopted minimalism into my overstuffed closet. I’m a fashion hoarder. I’ve looked into starting a capsule closet, and I know it would make life so much easier, but everytime I think about emptying my closet and getting rid of everything, I almost tear up. Every piece of clothing I own is a piece that I spent time and money on or that I wore and nwow holds a special memory that I can relive every time I put it back on. For me, my closet is like a collector’s garage, although my clothes may not be worth much, I’ve spent years accumulating things that I loved, and getting rid of everything to start over again puts more panic than peace in my mind. Like Carrie Bradshaw once said, “I like my money where I can see it, in my closet.” Although a minimalist concept sounds like every woman’s closet solution, some women just can’t part with the colorful, rumbustious collection behind their closet doors.
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Graphic Illustration Jessica Holman by Ivy Lindstrom