Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Mandi Remington, Board of Supervisors for Johnson County, Iowa

Mandi Remington (she/her) is a queer millennial political activist running for a position on the County Board of Supervisors in Johnson County, Iowa. A single mother of three, including a trans child, Mandi is a lower middle-income wage earner. She is most passionate about advancing platforms that prioritize equity for disadvantaged socioeconomic groups. Mandi recently lost an election in 2023 for a position on the Iowa City Council but is running again on a platform of abortion rights, as well as affordable housing, childcare, food, and transportation.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Sam Bell, Rhode Island Senate District 5

This week we continue our profiles of progressive candidates running for office in 2024! Today we are featuring Sam Bell, who is a Democratic Socialist Rhode Island State Senator. Sam (he/him) is a geologist with a Masters and PhD both from Brown University in Providence, the city of Sam’s district. He is most passionate about healthcare, housing, and fighting poverty. Sam and his wife Samantha are both openly bisexual and are proud parents to their 2-year-old son Jacob.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54Andrew FMarch 20, 2024election, #election, science, LGBTQ, LGBTQ+, lgbt, lgbtq, LGBTQ Support, LGBTQ rights, #lgbti, transgender rights, father, bisexual, JewishComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - DeShanna Neal, Delaware House of Representatives District 13

This week we are profiling DeShanna Neal (she/they), a single mother of four who is an LGBTQ+ rights activist and Democratic Socialist Delaware State Representative. Elected in 2022, they ran on a platform focusing on mental health, the environment, and the legalization of marijuana; this year their focus is on Accessibility for all, Maternal Healthcare for Incarcerated Women, and LGBTQ+ rights. DeShanna is the author of the children’s book My Rainbow, about their transgender daughter, and they are the co-organizer and creator of New Castle County's first ever LGBTQ Youth Pride Festival, as well as, Delaware's first Drag Queen Story Hour. They have a bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix (UoPX), and just recently graduated with a master’s degree from Wilmington University (WilmU).

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2022 - Kim Jackson, Georgia State Senate District 41

This week we are profiling Rev. Kim Jackson (she/her/hers), an ordained Episcopal priest and the first openly LGBT+ state senator in Georgia. A Black millennial lesbian, Jackson works to protect voting rights, reform education and criminal justice, expand Medicaid, and protecting immigrants and refugees. She is the vicar of the Church of the Common Ground, a “church without walls” ministering to the needs of the unhoused in Atlanta, and is very passionate about providing affordable housing to Georgians.

News We Missed In 2021

2021 was dominated by reports of vaccinations, COVID-19 variants, and coronavirus related restrictions, possibly causing us to miss many other important news from across the globe. Here are a few important stories you may have missed in 2021.

Articles, Editor's Pick, zIssue 40Saanvi SethiJanuary 24, 2022climate change, 2021, lgbt, news, students, debt, studentdebt, bhutan, Switzerland, usComment

Brandon Ash-Mohammed: A Place For Black Queer Comics

What does it mean to be a comedian in 2020? The etymology of comedy is derived from 14c., it was "narrative with a happy ending; any composition intended for amusement," from Old French comedie (14c.), "a poem" (not in the theatrical sense) and directly from Latin comoedia. Comedic styles have differed throughout the ages, some more performative in execution, some story driven, and others purely satirical.

Comedians have become the layman’s philosopher, they tackle topics, personal, relatable, controversial. They dissect our societal norms and provide a humorous analysis on our values. Brandon Ash-Mohammed is part of a new generation of comedians carving his own lane in stand up. For starters, he is the first ever queer black Canadian comedian to release a comedy album, Capricornication. Brandon is also the creator of The Ethnic Rainbow, Canada’s first and only comedy show for LGBTQ comedians of colour. Please read our exclusive interview to earn more about Brandon Ash-Mohammed.

Art, zIssue 25Jejune ContributorAugust 3, 2020comedy, performers, performing, gay, LGBTQ+, lgbtq, LGBTQ, lgbt, LGBTQ rights, racial justice, black rights, African AmericanComment

Welcome to Polartropica's Queer Celestial Dimension

Dreams Come True, Polartropica's debut album, creates a sonically tangible nexus into her ethereal fantasy dimension. The LA based, Taiwanese born pop star uses a unique combination of futuristic synths and classical string arrangements to generate her signature celestial sound. She remains true to her indie electropop roots, as seen in her 2016 EP Astrodreams.

The 10 track album explores the complexities between the reciprocal elements that make up Polartropica. It is an examination both fleeting, yet crucial. The album dials in on Polartropica's relationships, world news and her experiences as a queer Asian-American living in California.

Polartropica’s beliefs and values can seen through her actions and lifestyle. She embraces her LGBTQ identity and holds fundraisers for the LGBTQ community and the Los Angeles LGBTQ center. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Polartropica.

Art, zIssue 23Jejune ContributorJune 1, 2020music, musician, Asian, #singer, singer, singer song writer, LGBTQ+, lgbtq, LGBTQ, lgbt, #positivity, community, Pride Month, prideComment

Preserving the arts with Tafari Anthony

Pop, R&B, Soul, however you choose to define it, this Toronto based artist and his youthful renditions of classic pop melodies and transient synths are a subtle demarcation of shift in R&B.

After a brief hiatus following the release of his two previous EP’s, “Die For You” and “Remember When,” musician, creator, Tafari Anthony unveiled his new single “Centerfold.” “Centerfold” is a cathartic release that easily channels post break-up emotions. It's a poetic detailing of the frustrations that comes with unfulfilling relationships.

Tafari’s music has been nominated for a Toronto Independent Music Award, with one of his singles being named one of CBC's Most Influential Songs of 2016.

He’s also been hard at work for a charity called Autism Canada. In addition, Tafari helps perform for events supporting music and songwriting education for children. He recently performed for a nonprofit called Rainbow Railroad which supports getting refugee status for LGBTQI people in places where being LGBTQI is still harmful. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Tafari Anthony.

zIssue 20, SWAC: InfluencerJejune ContributorApril 3, 2020musician, music, #singer, singer, singer song writer, LGBTQ+, lgbtq, LGBTQ, lgbt, LGBTQ rights, children, youth, romance, #love, loveComment

COVER - Elisabeth Röhm Is Classically Powerful

Elisabeth Röhm has played a plethora of creative roles, but most recently can be seen in the new film “Bombshell”, which gives a voice to the women who were sexually harassed by CEO Roger Ailes of Fox News. Click here to learn more about Elisabeth’s passionate views on women, and her many philanthropic endeavors.

Secret Music

Secret Music is an exciting new documentary that tackles heavy questions of identity politics as they pertain to music and the arts. The film will premiere at the Mostly Modern Music festival. We were lucky enough to sit down with the director Daniel Beliavsky and get his response to 3 questions.

Art, Reviewed, zIssue 2.1Sam ReddingApril 20, 2018films, interview, screenings, music, gay, lgbt, art