BRAW - Volume 1 Issue 1

B RAW

TABLE FOR ONE, PLEASE FINDING POWER IN OUR OWN SOLITUDE

GENDER AND ME FINDING YOUR IDENTITY OUTSIDE THE BINARY

BEAUTY OVER STANDARDS: BUZZED, BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL

C O N T

ALL THE FEELS

(noun) - Putting our heads on the page taking what is kept behind close doors on to a stage

SOUL SEARCH

(noun) - Journey through the self

HOT GOSS (noun) - Not your everyday tabliod: highlighting the social issues behind the tea of the day

HOME AND AWAY

(noun)- a little bit of here, a little bit of there, a little bit iof everywhere

QUEERIES

E N

(noun) -Place for the LGBTQ+ Community to be heard and enact change where the government wont

LIBRARY CARD

(noun) - exploring the world through the lens of literature

TREND ALERT

T S

(noun) -keep your finger on the button when it comes to the world of the catwalk and dressing room

BETWEEN THE SHEETS

(noun)- The sex talk you wish you had

NOTE FROM THE

EDITOR

By Lucie Smith

You are currently reading the first (hopefully the first of many) online Braw magazine. Braw is Brig’s sister magazine and it has been a long and lengthy process to get this publication to this point. I can honestly say it has been one of the most rewarding experiences being Braw first elected editor.

Braw was initially created by Brig’s earlier editor-in-chief, Iona Young. Braw was designed to be a magazine that reflects the student body for the student body. A publication that offers a safe space to readers and writers to explore ideas and concepts that are important to them. Through a lot of hard work from our excellent writers, a complete facelift, and a powerful team behind it we have created just that.

This magazine would not be possible without the incredible work of all our writers creating thought-provoking content spanning from sex positivity to queer empowerment to bettering the mental health of our students Braw was just a starting idea when I was in my first year, and now I’m starting my fourth year of university as Braw editor and we are releasing our first online magazine with a recognizable online presence.

I cannot imagine how quickly Braw has progressed over the last three years and I cant wait toi see where its goes in the future

By Freya Deyell

Question: My friend has graduated. At uni they were all about campaigning as a student. They’ve been doing a job which is very anti what they said in their “student days”. I can’t help but feel disappointed that someone I thought was a friend at uni has changed so much of their principles after uni.

I’m just worried that they’ll change from the person I knew too.

Answer: It can feel very frustrating when people go back on their morals, especially someone you consider a friend. But I also don’t think we should be judging anyone for their job, particularly during a cost of living crisis. A job is a job and people need money in this day and age!

Just because they’ve taken on this role, it doesn’t necessarily mean they fully agree with it. I think you should start a conversation with them. Make it clear that you’re not attacking them for their decisions, but that you just want to talk.

There could be a million reasons why they’ve taken on the job and you won’t know until you ask. As always, I believe important conversations like these should take place face to face, not over text, if possible. There’s always a risk of words being misinterpreted and blown out of proportion.

If your friend really has changed, why? Has their new job changed their thinking, or was it always in the back of their head? If the difference in opinion is too much for you, you’ll need to decide if you want to stay friends.

People do change, that’s a fact of life: we’re all constantly developing and growing, even more so after a big life event like graduation. If it’s a change for the worse however, that’s when the problems start.

I hope you get the answers you want.

-Agony Auncle Featured Image Credit: Ciara Tait.

Agony Auncle: My friend is changing from the person I once knew

ALL THE FEELS

TABLE FOR ONE, PLEASE Image Credit: The Independent

By Julie Brinking My body is filled with a flutter every time I manage to find my way through the streets of Edinburgh without the need of Google Maps. When I walk into The Ox on London St., asking for a table for one, I am already ecstatic. Careful and deliberate in my strut I am guided up the stairs to a table witha view. I wonder if this was on purpose for the view of Mansfield Traquair is the best dinner partner I could ask for. I order a glass of rosé and start examining the menu. On the table is a little vase with baby’s breath and red carnations. This is my first solo dining experience.

It is nice to bring a book, but I prefer a podcast when I’m on the go. No one disturbs you. It seems that the phone sends a greater signal to the world than a book can that I should want to be left alone. My mum is very adamant that phones do not belong at the dinner table. Though she is not here i pack it away, only bringing it back to take a photo of the empty chair opposite me and to check the time. It is almost six.

I’d put my outfit out on the bed before taking a shower. I stood for a little while admiring the clothes, snapped a photo, and matched the

jewellery. The wait is almost the best part. Happy and excited about the night, as if I was about to meet someone for the first time. Pockets full of hope and pride. I get ready to the sound of Taylor Swift playing at full blast from my speaker. I leave and the weather is lovely, and I feel lovely, too.

When I dine with people I am the last to finish. I eat slowly and like to talk. Now, here in the restaurant there is no race, I taste everything – even the mushrooms – and take breaks to just enjoy the wine and the food. A middle-aged couple joins my corner soon after and their dog lays down in the window. The man asks me if the plate in front of me is the vegetarian rice bowl, I say: ‘Yes it is. It’s very good’, but he cannot decide. Finally, after careful consideration he goes for the fish’n’chips instead.

Groups of families and friends are seated scattered all around the restaurant. I sit alone, but I am not alone. There is no bubble of conversation that I am stuck in and so I look around and listen to the laughter, to the hustle in the kitchen, and the birthday celebration. The presence of people is a delight, and the community is taking part in what we love most, good times.

Now, it is half six and I really must get going. The dog is friendly, and I do not want to leave but the show starts soon. I’ve booked one seat to a concert and I do not plan on meeting anyone before or after. Tonight is just for me, and it is a privilege to spend time with such a lovely person.

When dinner seems too big of an engagement I go to cafés. For some reason, however, this is less awkward. Perhaps it is because there is always something practical to do. Scribble intense love stories in too-pretty-to-use notebooks, read that article for the essay I really should get started on, or catch up on life with someone distant over a game of subjective guess who. It is never just a coffee, and that is okay too.

It is like therapy If my mind is wandering I go to see a movie. Cinema trips are magical. You when I get to can pick that kids’ film you really wanted to see. Eat all the popcorn. It is do something according to alone time of the best quality. It is just as much self-care as my skin-care my wants and needs in the routine, or buying new clothes, even a good night’s sleep. If you don’t time that I demand. have a skin-care routine go to the cinema and do something good for yourIt is scary at first: restauself. I believe that it is the simplest and cheapest way to learn how to take rants, cinemas, concerts. yourself out on dates. I can rest assured that no-one will stare and wonder But it gets easier and more what I am doing alone. It is dark, the lights are out. The sound is all-encomenjoyable every time. passing and swallows me whole into the movie.

THE BENEFITS OF NATURE BATHING

By Ben MacSwan

Nature bathing, to nature is always which in fancier terms i good for appreciating the s known as “forest bathing ]of smaller things; the cheep Shinrin-Yoku Forest Therapy’ (quite a of a bird, the swishing noise water mouthful there), has been used since the makes, or seeing a squirrel hunting 1980s for preventative health care. Youcan for food.Nature bathing can also which bring you practice this mindful hobby in any safe natAnd keep those boost immune function – stress happiness.It helps you to ural space. You must walk slow and silently, nasty phones silent hormones can compromise immune reconnect with nature and use your senses to bring and out of sight! You efficiency, so therefore the earth, but also has other peace and tranquillity to can’t connect to nature , a walk a day will keep the doctor surprising benefits.It can help to your mind & find those if you’re constantly distracted away improve your mood, which can subse things in nature by a mobile device. quently help to reduce anxiety and perceived stress – therefore it is great Most importantly, for those suffering from mental enjoy the experience of health or anxiety disorders. An bathing in Mother Nature increased sense of /God’s gift to us. connectedness Image Credit: BBC

by your period.

So, now you know about these conditions, if you are relating to any or have ramps, blo ting, irritable concerns, please go speak to your doctor. moodcravings…sound familiar?

Here are some self-care things you can For people who get periods, these do if suffering from any of these sympare common symptoms. Periods are toms while waiting for a diagnosis and sore, uncomfortable and will usuhopefully a treatment plan and support ally last 2-7 days depending on the that works for your body. person.

Going back to the basics - eating enough, For some people their symptoms can drinking plenty of water, getting at least be more severe. Their cramps can be 10 minutes of exercise (appropriate to so painful they cannot stand, walk or pain levels) and NOT isolating yourself. move at all. Their mood can become PMDD otherwise known as Premenstru-These are the key things for good mental so dangerously low they consider al dysphoric disorder a condition where health in general but will also help with hurting themselves or ending their your period symptoms feel so extreme your period. life completely. This is debilitating. you can struggle to cope with daily Taking pain killers, using hot water This level of despair, agony and suf- tasks. As a person with PMDD, for me itbottles or patches, gentle stretching, or fering can be an indication of differ- is like typical PMS but amplified by 100.even having an orgasm can all relax your ent conditions related to periods.

The symptoms can include muscle pain,muscles and relieve some pain.

Many individuals get diagnosed with headaches, sleep problems and emotion-It can be hard not to feel shame for the Endometriosis, a condition where al distress. way you cope with your period because tissue similar to the lining of the It is important to note there is also PME.of the way our society treats them but womb grows in other places, such as This is when a pre-existing mental focussing on the shame can make the the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This illness is exacerbated by your period. symptoms worse. Try to be kind to yourcan cause many issues such as pain PME and PMDD are often confused. self, your pain is valid, and you deserve during sex, back pain, severe pelvic The main difference is PMDD happens to rest when you need to.You are not pain and infertility issues. only during your cycle, whereas PME alone.

Another common condition is happens all the time but is made worse

By Skyler Dickie

C

a

PERIODS

Image Credit: Pinterest

VS MENTAL HEALTH

ALL THE FEELS UNMASKING AUSTISM : THE POWER IN BEING ME

Image Credit : Lacuna magazine

By Hannah Coyle I have a brain that has the ability to make me feel as though everyone is speaking a language I can’t understand.

Sometimes, it’s like I’m looking at a different world to those around me and no matter how hard I try, the invisible glass blocking my way stops me every time.

For me, this is what it can be like living as a late diagnosed autistic person in a world built for neurotypical people. And the hardest part, I spent 22 years not being privileged to this information.

I have been labelled many things in my life, most of them couldn’t be further from the truth. Growing up I was a ‘difficult child’, always being told off for answering back, being rude or acting out. My autistic meltdowns mistaken

for tantrums and sucking my thumb to stim mistaken for immaturity. In reality I was just a kid who couldn’t regulate the whirlwind of emotions going on inside her head. Unfortunately it’s really common in our society for girls to go misdiagnosed for so long. Partly because of our oppressive medical model, to some extent because of how girls are conditioned from a young age and also due to the lack of research on how autism presents in girls and gender nonconforming people.

It is no secret that girls and boys are conditioned and moulded very differently. Girls are taught to be polite and quiet; it is rude to say no and to always make sure to smile.

We hold girls to a much higher standard and in turn they have a higher pressure to conform to societies rules. Often, autistic girls will learn that their traits are not accepted by society and

those close to them and so they quickly learn to mask these traits. Masking is when autistic people suppress behaviours to be accepted by those around them, often unconsciously.

I was an autistic child who struggled to conform to societies rules but at some point I learned that I had to be more like others to fit in. So, unconsciously my autistic traits were masked before I even had a chance to understand them myself, and I became a shadow of the person I could really become.

Supressing autistic traits to fit the mould doesn’t make you not autistic though, and in turn those feelings, behaviours and cognitive thought processes still need somewhere to go. What’s most common for young girls and women who are undiagnosed is a plethora of mental health

I remember dreading parties, social interactions, fearing the food, and the people and the plethora of conversations I was going to have to have that I’d spent all morning rehearsing in front of the mirror.

At eighteen I was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, and I felt as though I was broken, something shattered that needed pills to piece back together. She does not fit with society so let us alter her brain to make sure she does.

And whilst society and the medical model was determined to label me unhinged, unstable and insane, my newly found knowledge had set me on a path to prove them wrong. What was different was me, I knew myself better than I ever did, and I had self-awareness about my trauma and the things that I struggled with – and I knew, that they did not fall under the category of mentally ill.

For the next two years of my life, I threw myself into getting

to know my brain, how she worked, what she needed, and teaching my inner child the empathy, patience and tools I’d needed when I was younger.

I could never understand why everyone around me was always speaking in words I did not understand and always saying the opposite of what they meant. Or why when I spoke back, they did not understand me, or shouted at me for being rude, or acting confused. I knew I saw the world differently, saw details others couldn’t see. Could find patterns in everything around me, and never understanding why made me feel isolated and alone.

Until I began consuming academic journals, books, studies and all kinds of research surrounding the mechanisms that I had so badly struggled with all my life. When the words on the pages all came together ‘sensory overload,’ ‘communicates differently to neurotypical individuals,’ ‘has difficulty in social situations’, ‘repetitive behaviours’– they connected in my brain with the part of me that’s never quite understood why I never fit in. Sensory processing issues that made eating food impossible, something that if I had known, may never have turned into an eating disorder.

My resistance to change and the way my brain can hyper focus and absolve everything about a topic I am interested in. The sensitivity to light, sound, textures – there was a reason for all of it. And that reason was not that I was mentally ill or unfit to be a part of society.

Realising that I was not broken, that my brain just processed things differently, and that I had been navigating a world that was not set up for me, without the tools to do so for twenty-four years, was like finally coming home to myself for the first time.

The Uk’s official statistics claim that 1 in 100 people are autistic, but these figures are wildly out of date, the US claim that it is now 1 in 44, however all of this research is based on white boys, and Ireland claims 1 in 22 – so there really is no official statistic that we can say for sure, but what we do know for sure, is that girls in the UK are still being diagnosed 3-4 years plus after boys (The Autistic Girls Network).

For autistic girls like me the world often leaves us to grow up feeling like an outsider, an alien, as if we are so severely different that we will never be accepted – and it does not have to be like this.

It is necessary that new re-

Image credit : Specturn News

search is conducted where a trauma in itself, and healing the demographic focusses on from that, and navigating my autistic girls of all ages as well new life, will not be linear. as trans and gender non-conThere is anger, resentment forming people– learning how and fear all wrapped up in this autism presents in every autisbox, to my parents, to society, tic individual is paramount to the medical professionals who allowing autistics’ to thrive and dismissed me and to all those have the tools to become their people who allow us to live in a most authentic self. Instead society where the only crediof being trapped in a system ble research on autism is done determined to have them through studying white boys. sectioned, sedated or labelled For myself, and every other auwith a misdiagnosis for half a tistic women who fell through lifetime. the cracks, Now, I stand proud that I advocated for myself, and proud of being on the way to becoming my authentic self that I was never able to be. Learning to I ask why? Why did society unmask is a tough journey, start pathologizing women’s accepting and understanding experiences? Why isn’t it ok new things about my brain for young autistic girls and every day is certainly a chalwomen to act lenge. But unmasking is liberout with societies ating, and it allows my brain norms without being labelled and my body to express itself mentally however it needs to, without ill and why are worrying about what others girls and think. Which is still something women always unheard?

I am trying to get used to.

Nevertheless though, growing up autistic and undiagnosed is

SOUL SEARCH Quick tips: 1.Acknowledge and accept your fear

Recognize that fear is a normal and natural response to perceived threats, and that everyone experiences fear in different ways.

Accepting your fear can help you move forward and act despite the discomfort.

2.Reframe fear as a signal to act

Rather than seeing fear as a negative emotion to be avoided, view it as a signal that something important is at stake and that action is necessary. Use fear as motivation to take steps towards your goals or to protect yourself from harm.

3.Practice self-compassion

Be kind and supportive towards yourself when experiencing fear. Treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion you would offer to a friend who is going through a difficult time.

4.Challenge negative thoughts

Often, our fears are fuelled by negative thoughts and beliefs. Challenge these thoughts by asking yourself if they are based on facts or assumptions, and if they are helping or hindering your progress towards your goals.

5.Practice relaxation techniques

Fear can trigger a physical response in the body, such as increased heart rate and rapid breathing. Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, can help calm the body and reduce the intensity of the fear response.

6.Seek support

Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional can provide valuable support and perspective when dealing with fear. They can offer guidance and encouragement, and help you reframe your thinking in a more positive and constructive way.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FEAR AND FAILING

By Samantha McBride

Fear and failure are two words that are often associated with negative experiences.

However, there are important reasons why we should rethink our perception of these notions. Let’s explore the importance of fear and failure in our lives in the hope to break down the stereotypes attached to them.

Fear

The feeling of fear is a natural response to a perceived threat or danger. It is often characterized by feelings of unease, apprehension, or dread, along with physiological responses such as increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and sweating. In some cases, fear can be a survival tool that helps us avoid danger and stay safe.

With this said, fear can also manifest in situations where there is no immediate threat, such as when we face new challenges or responsibilities. In these situations, it is important to recognize that feeling fear is valid and normal. It is a sign that we care deeply about the outcome and want to do our best.

It is important to note that everyone experiences fear and nervousness in their lives at some point. It can be tough to face these feelings head on and not let them stunt your progress or dreams; but not letting these feelings dominate our decisions or hold us back from pursuing our goals is really important to our wellbeing. When a situation arises and you’re afraid, Instead try using your fear as a signal of the importance of the situation and as motivation to push through and succeed.

Failing

Failing is a common experience that many people encounter at some point in their lives. It can occur in different aspects of life such as academics, career, relationships, or personal endeavours. Failing can be a subjective experience, with different individuals and situations having varying definitions of what constitutes failure. However, failing is not always a negative experience. In fact, it can provide opportunities for growth, learning, and self-improvement.

One of the benefits of failing is the opportunity it presents for learning and growth.

When we fail, we have the chance to reflect on what went wrong, identify our mistakes, and adjust for the future. This can help us develop resilience, problem-solving skills, and a growth mindset that allows us to approach challenges with a sense of curiosity and openness to learning.

Failing can also help us clarify our values and priorities. Sometimes we set goals that are not aligned with our true desires or strengths and failing can provide the necessary feedback to reassess and redirect our efforts towards more fulfilling pursuits.

Failing is also great because it can be a source of motivation and inspiration.

Many successful individuals have experienced failure multiple times before achieving their goals, and these setbacks can provide valuable lessons and insights that help us persevere in the face of adversity.

Of course, failing can be a difficult and an uncomfortable experience. It can be discouraging and frustrating, especially if we have high expectations or attach a lot of significance to the task at hand. However, how individuals respond to failure can influence their future success and resilience in facing challenges.

THE PURPLE DIARIES

Take a break

Image Credit : Self Care Emporium

By Aysun Bora

I was about 15 when I fainted tank new fuel.

out of exhaustion for the first Why is it that we don´t treat time. I had studied for an exam our body at least as well as

By Deanna Dawn for hours, forgot the time, for- we would treat an object?

Learn to trust got to eat and went to bed after There are two fundamental Intuitive living, described simstudying. ply, is the act of listening to your A lot of this method of living problems: the perception of relies on your ability to trust When I woke up to go to the inner wisdom and intuition bethe self and self-worth. toilet at night, I found myself Sounds too spiritual and fore making decisions regarding your intuition. We are taught lying on the floor. your lifestyle or daily choices. It to put aside personal inclinavague?

The funniest part about this is a careful balance of listening tions in favour of work, school Stick with me. and others. While sometimes story is the morning after. My 1.We live in our bodies, in to your body, mind and paying mum tried to make me under- ourselves, without distinattention to your spiritual needs. necessary, this blocks us from fully experiencing our feelings stand that I fainted and not To live intuitively is to listen guishing between the body “just fallen asleep on the toilet” and the self. We see it as one. to your gut feelings and uncon- and taking into account what we need. By trusting that your - like I was convinced I had. scious knowing consistently.

While your body and your intuition knows what is in your It took my mum three painful soul are directly tied to one By allowing your intuition to highest good, you can ease into hours to finally make me go to another and influence each lead your actions, intuitive the hospital to get a check-up. other constantly, they are not living instils a deep sense of ful- a new way of experiencing life News flash: I actually had filment and purpose. In today’s more comfortably. the exact same thing. fainted on the toilet at night 2.Self-worth is a deep subject world, it’s not uncommon to be Be spontaneous It may sound frightening to because I studied too long. swept up in deadlines, social that many people have writmake plans spontaneously, or to Not only that, but I also had ten many books about. I will life stresses, negative thinking change them at the last minute, a concussion and had to stay and worries about the future. not even try to go there and at the hospital for three whole keep it very simple: Intuitive living slows down your but this is a key part of intuitive living. Giving yourself permisdays until my body function internal pace, allowing you to If you valued yourself recovered. experience gratitude and reduce sion to be flexible allows you enough, you would not treat Moral of the story: Screw stress, therefore, increasing your to work in line with what your yourself this way. school, don´t study. Unfortu- You don´t treat others this physical and mental well-being. body is asking you for. nately , it´s not that What does it take to live intu- Change the way you speak way, so what is the differIt’s too easy to explain away The point I want to make is: itively? ence? Depriving yourself None of this would have hap- of the pleasure of a break is Intuitive living is a commitment self-care by labelling it as a ‘lazy day’ or another minimispened if I had taken a breath made to the self. It takes disciharmful. for one second and taken pline, but in a way that many are ing phrase. Consider how you Well, all of this is great, but healthy breaks in between. My what is the solution, right? unfamiliar with. Instead of forc- speak to yourself and refer to your actions. Are you being body wouldn´t have had to go There is no one-fits-all. ing yourself to stick to a strict ‘lazy’ or taking valuable rest? through a complete shutdown. However, trying a new aproutine that perhaps doesn’t Try to start sentences which That is why checking in with proach has always helped me serve you as well as it should, would otherwise be negative your body is a vital habit to intuitive living encourages gain some perspective. If it with words like “I feel...” or “My gain. doesn´t work, you can always honesty as to how much you Sometimes trying harder only change it. can do without sacrificing your body is telling me...”. throws you off even more. wellbeing. It also means under- For many, intuitive living is one You are more than your of the best decisions they have You wouldn´t scream at your achievements. standing when, for example, a car to go faster after it has run Take a break. You are worth social gathering or a day full of made. The benefits vary from person to person, as does the exout of gasoline; you would take it. your favourite foods is needed tent to which someone commits a break at the gas station to to soothe the soul and increase life-satisfaction.

to this method of living.

HOT GOSS

By Sofia Scula ti Lady Gaga has been in the entertainment industry for almost two decades and is no stranger to being called crazy by the press and public, due to her extravagant stunts and stylistic choices. Her boldness has paid off by making her a household name in the pop Hall of Fame, however, unapologetic and unstoppable women do not fare well in a male-dominated industry.

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She has officially been cast as the new as it could be Harley Quinn in Joaquin Phoenix’s Jok“too close to er sequel and it has been confirmed that home”. However, her version of the character will be a far her fierce army of cry from previous depictions such as the Monsters, comic’s or Margot Robbie’s, who famously alongside the brought Quinn to live action in Suicide film’s cinematographer, Squad. In this depiction, in fact, the two Lawrence Sher, are convinced main characters will meet in Arkham she is the perfect choice for the role, with Sher admitting in an Asylum, where we left off Arthur Flack in Joker, only this time, Quinn will be a fellow interview that “The two (Phoenix and Gaga) will be exactly what we hope, which is exciting, and we’ll find magic every day on set. Hopepatient, rather than his psychologist.

TO JOKER FACE

Her playing a clinically deranged character has caused quite a stir, with many claiming it might be a risky choice for Gaga

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fully, we’ll also have a bit of madness in there. We like when there is a little bit of chaos.”

Once her music career was secured, she took on acting and, in the last couple of years, has portrayed roles such as the Countess in American Horror Story, Ally in the fourth remake of A Star Is Born and Patrizia Reggiani in House of Gucci, three women united by great determination and…original solutions to unforeseen obstacles (see the former and the latter). Harley Quinn is indisputably a challenge for any actor, as she requires to tap into humanity’s darkest realms and oscillate between sanity and non in order to give an incredible performance. Gaga is a self -proclaimed method actor, having reportedly spoken with an Italian accent throughout the whole shooting of House of Gucci, on and off camera.

So playing a mentally unstable role can be a dangerous task. The artist has been confirmed to suffer from depression and anxiety and this has some fans worried the method acting might affect her own mental health, much like what happened to Heath Ledger while playing the role of Joker in the 2008 The Dark Knight.

WHY IS THE NEWEST TREND TO CAPTALISE ON OUR VAGINAS

Image Credit :ELLE

By Ali Rees Kourtney Kardashian announced via an Instagram post that she is launching new line of vaginal health supplements, Lemme. Kourtney Kardashian says “Vaginal health is such an important part of a woman’s overall well-being (and not talked about enough)” which is true enough, but that’s where it starts to go downhill.

The fact that vaginal health and well-being aren’t well-known subjects is why we keep seeing products like this. However, what Kourtney Kardashian has done has identified a real problem impacting people and chosen to exploit their vulnerability rather than solve it.

“We combined real pineapple and Vitamin C with the power of clinically-studied SNZ 1969™ probiotics to target vaginal health and pH levels that support freshness and taste.” claims the Instagram post.

Braw spoke with Dr Tom Bowers, a Trainee Histopathologist in England, about the claims made by Kardashian’s supplement.

“There is a long history of health products aimed at people with vaginas that make claims to improving cleanliness, odour, pH balance, etc.

At best these are dubious and in the case of some historical remedies, outright harmful,” said Dr Bowers.

Products such as these supplements imply that the natural odour and taste of a vagina is a problem which needs to be solved. The idea of somehow ‘improving’ them in order to appeal to a partner is highly misogynistic.

“I like that we are bringing attention to vaginal health but this idea that your vagina is dirty and should smell like a flower or taste like a bakery is ridiculous,” Dr Carolyn Moyers, an OB-GYN in Texas and CEO of Sky Women’s Health spoke about the new product to BuzzFeed News “The vagina is actually self-cleaning. This distorts our body images and makes women feel something is wrong with them; it perpetuates this idea that we are broken and need to fix our body to be appealing.”

A concern of many people with regard to products like this one is that people will ignore genuine health concerns and medical advice and instead seek out cosmetic solutions. One of the main things that can cause an unusual smell in the vagina is bacterial vaginosis, but as Dr Bowers notes, there is no evidence that this supplement or

any of its ingredients will help.

Braw asked Dr Bowers what they would recommend if someone noticed an unusual scent. “While this product seems unlikely to cause harm, it is also not likely to offer significant medical benefit. The vagina is a remarkable organ and like most of the human body, very capable of maintaining its own environment. Day-to-day changes in odour and secretions are natural and highly variable between individuals and represent numerous factors including diet and hormonal changes. In the case where someone suspects they may be suffering from BV or any other abnormal vaginal discharge, then they should consult their GP, local sexual health clinic or other appropriate specialist services.

Its clear the this product is praying on people’s natural insecurities, which is heavily influenced by society beauty standards. Vaginas are the superhero of the body, tell me an organ that is the entry point for other human life as well as being responsible for the biggest pleasure centre in the human body.

You wouldn’t perform with the pressure to fit into this perfect little pink box so why does society and the Kardashian empire think vaginas will.

HOME AND AWAY DUBLIN: THE PERFECT GETAWAY

By Isla Glen For my 21st birthday, I hopped on a plane to Dublin and fell in love with the Guinness - I mean the city.

We booked last minute Ryanair flights from Edinburgh that set us back around £40 each for a return, paying the extra to sit together.

Three days’ worth of belongings stuffed into a small rucksack and we were determined to make the most of our trip, leaving some room for souvenirs.

Dublin welcomed us with sunny skies thankfully, meaning we could explore the city on foot. In my opinion, this is the best way to find hidden gems and see the glory.

Pro tip: you can buy Dublin Express tickets from a stand outside the airport.

We were super organised, however, and had them ready on our phones.

Dublin is built around the River Liffey, which flows through the centre and separates the north and south sides.

The Liffey’s gentle flow through Dublin’s vibrant cityscape is a picturesque blend of urban energy and natural serenity.

Being the massive Skulduggery Pleasant fan I am, I simply had to see the Ha’Penny Bridge and it did not disappoint.

In fact, every single bridge

over the Liffey is unique in its own way, with distinctive and unrivalled designs.

Traversing Dublin on foot let us see iconic buildings, cobbled streets and the charm of the city.

Even the traffic crossings are miles better than the ones at home. They bloop bloop bloop instead of beep beep beep.

You don’t even need to press a button, just hover your hand near a sensor. Goodbye and good riddance germs.

The first day, we walked as far as we could. We saw the spire of Dublin, caught our first glimpse of Temple Bar and stumbled across St Stephen’s Green.

That night, in the hotel bar, we enjoyed our first pint of Guinness while listening to a fantastic singer.

The Guinness in Dublin is next level, nearing the point where I wasn’t sure if I could ever enjoy it anywhere else.

It was fresh, smooth, flavourful and simply divine.

It’ll come as no surprise that we took on the Guinness Storehouse the next day. It’s an absolute must-do for any Dublin visitor.

Student tickets were priced at €22 and this included a self-guided tour, a Guinness tasting experience, and a glorious pint in Gravity Bar overlooking the entire city.

Each floor tells a story, from the ingredients to the advertising, and we found ourselves transfixed by the little things that go into making

the stout, like how the barrels were made.

Next, we visited the Irish Museum of Modern Art which is housed in a beautiful building.

To be honest, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the exhibits and that’s okay. Art is subjective, that’s the whole point, and there were plenty of people enjoying it.

We walked back to the centre for a pint in the Temple Bar - as typical tourists do - and managed to find a green postbox to show my mum on the way.

The thought of leaving Dublin was unbearable.

Three days simply wasn’t enough time but my poor student bank account thought otherwise.

We made two stops before

returning to the airport: Trinity College and the National Gallery of Ireland.

Trinity was breathtaking.

Nothing will ever compare to the magnificent Old Library, adorned with books, busts and gawping visitors, and the Book of Kells was a medieval masterpiece.

I loved the range of artwork and how timeless it was. Even the children’s display impressed me.

Dublin gave me the best birthday I’ve ever had and everyone should go, even if it is just to be enlightened by the Guinness.

It truly is next level, but so is the entire city.

Image Credit: Explore Dublin

TRAVEL GUIDE KEEPING YOURSELF SAFE WHEN THE WORLD WON’T

By Sofia Sculati

tries have the same mentality.

Beware of the Bargains! Unfortunately, some cultures Womxn, more than men, don’t view women the same tend to get scammed a lot: way you might be used to. Femlocals can smell tourists inist culture shock is something from a mile away, and are you should be prepared for, and not afraid to ask women for sadly there is no way out of it: outrageous prices! Now, you have to understand you are I’m not saying you should in their home now and have to disrespect them by offerrespect their ways for what they ing ridiculously low prices are. but it’s good to stand your Gals and non-binary pals ground and let them know looking out for each other you are aware of how much If you are on a budget but don’t things are worth. Taxi pric- feel safe going to mixed hostels, es and organised tours are there are womxn-only hostels, prime examples. as well as sites like Couch The mindful feminist Surfing or Host a Sister. You Now, remember, not all Coun- should check out what options

Let’s be honest, there is nothing more daunting than embarking on the great adventure of travelling, especially when you are a woman or read as one.

The world news is seldom comforting, and it can make us overthink our destinations or even cancel our plans, but there is nothing to be afraid of, really.

Even since I was a baby, my mum has been taking me all over the World, sharing her passion for travelling and teaching me skills I needed to stay ahead of the game. A little secret? … we’ve never travelled with a man! So, let’s debunk the myth that women need to be accompanied by men to travel safely items. the country you are heading to Fashion Smarts has to offer.

If you are a fashionista (even a Protect your valuables backpacking one) always pack If you have hold luggage, your bag clothes in a maximum leave your favourite items of two to three colours that go out of it! Always have your well together, so you’ll have toiletries and at least 1 outfit numerous outfits to mix and in your hand luggage: airports match without having to carry are not as organised as they an overpacked bag around. used to be, and, especially if you have a transfer … you For more helpful travel tips don’t want to give them the check out the full article on our benefit of the doubt with vital website

STUDY ABROAD: WHY IT’S A MUST FOR YOUR

By Jules Adamska UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE

Ever wondered what it’s like to live abroad? Imagine for a moment- a completely different culture, most likely a foreign language and thousands of miles away from home. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it?

For many students that fantasy can become reality, thanks to the study abroad options for third-years. And we’re about to tell you why you should apply for it.

Personal experience some funding bodies do have visa’s if nesseary but the paperWhat is study abroad ?

I study abroad in San Diego, Study abroad is either a year specific policies. The rest really work is worth it.

California, and I’m loved depends where you go. You or a semester you spend on Is it worth it? every second of it. Truth be might apply to a university in 100 per cent, you’ll absolutely an exchange at a partner a country where life is much university. You get to expelove it. You will have the chance told, every day was an adventure. Meeting new people, cheaper than the UK. If it’s rience living abroad while to make new friends, explore still in Europe, you won’t even new places and learn all about a exploring, partying, just living continuing your degree. It’s spend that much on the plane culture from the locals, perhaps my dream. like a very long holiday, exChanging your environtickets. Although, a lot of stu- even pick up a new language. cept you need to open your dents end up on the other side It’ll be like being the main char- ment is sometimes enough textbook, sometimes. to escape all your problems of the globe, like in Australia, acter of a show you can’t take Is it expensive? and sometimes escape is Thankfully most tuition fees Japan or in the States. Plane your eyes off. It’s a chance for what we need to re group. tickets there are much more are taken care of by your personal growth, but it’s also a Reading this and thinking, i expensive, and costs of living funding body and your tuchance to flex to your friends wish that was me? Apply to might prove a little higher. You that you’re studying abroad. tition fees are waived at the study abroad now! abroad university. However always have to make sure you Trust me, they’ll be jealous. sort things like imsurance and be sure to check because

QUEERIES

Braw’s Guide to Non-Binary Identities

By Ali Rees

One of the things that is emblematic of the 2020s is an increasing understanding of how diverse our experience of gender can be.

In the past, most people who felt uncomfortable with the binary choice of ‘man’ or ‘woman’ had to just deal with it. Slowly but surely, we are casting off the gender binary and proclaiming who we are.

Often though, the first step to understanding something so nebulous is having the words to mould our ideas around. For a long time, I thought I was just weird and wrong in some way. The label of ‘woman’ made my skin crawl, but ‘man’ felt even more wrong, and my limited understanding of ‘non-binary’ meant I didn’t feel like I fit that either. I figured I was just bad at being a person.

When I was introduced to the term ‘genderqueer’ things really started to slot into place. I finally felt like I had a place in the world.

Labels aren’t the be-all-end-all but vocabulary can lead to understanding, so without further ado, let me present: Let BRAW be your guide

THE 411 ON GENDER IDENITIES Non-binary - if someone says they are non-binary, they are really just saying that they aren’t a man and they aren’t a woman. That level of distinction might be enough for them and there’s no need to get more specific.

Genderqueer - this term is often, but not always, interchangeable with other similar ones, such as gender non-conforming or gender variant. Each individual will have a preferred term and you should respect their choice. A genderqueer person’s sense of identity is often wrapped up in the word ‘queer’ and can be quite a personal experience. Some people use it while they are still figuring out the finer details of their identity before switching to something that fits them better, and some people set up camp in genderqueer.

Agender - the prefix ‘a’ is often used to denote being without something, and someone who identifies as agender is someone who does not identify with gender at all. This can be a very complex identity to come to terms with because of the gendered nature of our society.

Non-binary is both an identity in itself and an umbrella term. Any gender outside the male-female binary is by definition non-binary, and it emcompasses people who feel like they are a combination of male and female, neither male nor female, or something completely disconnected from male and female. They can also be very fluid identities.

These are not all the non-binary gender identities that exist, but they are some of the more common ones. If a person tells you they experience gender in a certain way, trust them to be the arbiter of their own experience.

Are all non-binary people trans?

In a strictly definitional sense, yes. Someone who is transgender is someone who does not identify with the gender they were assigned at birth. Because humans tend to assign genders based on external genitalia and there are no physical elements associated with being non-binary, everyone is assigned either male or female, and identifying outwith that is a transgender experience.

Bigender - a fluid form of gender identity usually used when someone feels that they move between the two ends of the binary gender spectrum of male and female. Some bigender people feel they identify as both male and female.

However, not all non-binary people identify with the label of transgender. Gender is something that is hard to stratify based on strict definitions and hard lines, so the idea that someone can be non-binary but not feel they live a trans experience is entirely unsurprising.

Demigender - demigender people usually identify more with one gender identity than another, but still not as completely as a cisgender person. They also often have some degree of identifying with another gender to a lesser degree. A demigirl will identify as being a girl more than other genders, but may also feel a connection to another gender.

A note on pronouns

For some people, pronouns are small bursts of gender euphoria or shards of dysphoria, whereas for some they are simply language tools. No set of pronouns is attached to any non-binary identity and the only way to know for sure what someone prefers is to ask them and then to respect their choice.

Misogyny In The Queer Community

Image Credit: The conservation

By Finola Clarke Misogyny in the queer community is an interesting and almost conflicting matter, how does an already marginalised community manage to enact the discriminations of a heteropatriarchal world at times?

I say this is relation to lesbian women, perhaps the answer lies that the lesbian identity is one that excludes men. Men are neither desired by lesbians nor do lesbians desire men so it must be this perceived ‘exclusion’ that angers men, the only way they perceive lesbians is through a fetishized way thus diminishing lesbians to something only for the male gaze. Although this is true there is also a flip side, gay men seem to love women.

This is done in a very selective manner though; they take the parts of femininity which are deemed ‘fun’ and ‘iconic’ in their eyes and leave the rest behind. Through this superficial lens the ‘shiny’ and ‘fun’ parts

of femininity are worshipped too many plastic surgeries and and the not so fun parts are now she’s ‘too old’ and ‘needs ignored or cast aside. I think to retire’. Her physicality and this comes from a contrasting gender expression are no longer closeness and distance that can palatable to the gay male gaze be seen with gay men’s relaand thus she is discarded, the tionship with femininity. Often ideal ‘femininity’ that gay men times misogyny stems from a seem to want is not to dissimiplace of viewing women as in- lar to the mainstream attitudes ferior in an objectified manner showcased toward women. but since gay men do not view Although the praise is tenfold women in a sexually desirable so is the condemnation. Just way a distance is created. As because they dress it up with the assumption is made that an attitude of feeling a kinship gay men cannot oppress wom- with the challenges that their en in the same way that straight icons overcome doesn’t mean men do. that gay men are immune to This assumption that they are misogyny that plagues women not ‘threatening’ in the same as well. way. Whilst this can be true to To be honest, the nuances and a certain extent in does seem as intricoes of the gay male misogif gay men forget that they hold yny feel difficult to capture but a card of privilege, they are still I think it can be boiled down to men. some key concepts; despite the Their pejorative language differences between women and toward women still has the gay men the latter still have the same effect as if a straight man ability to benefit from the patrisaid the same thing, Madonna archal structures and attitudes is a gay icon until she’s had one (as well as perpetuate them)

and so this can be utilised as a shield.

Whilst they are oppressed due to be being gay, they are not due to being men and so this kinship with female ‘gay icons’ comes from this shared sense of oppression, but this oppression is not the same which is often times forgotten. Hence why the use of pejorative language towards women can be seen to be used in good fun ignoring the implications it holds all in the name of a good laugh at the expense of the group they hold in high esteem. Femininity is only held in high esteem by gay men if it is something that fits their view of femineity, oftentimes a hyper femineity that misses out the depths of what is to be a woman. In this way it could be said that a gay male gaze is just as bad as a straight male gaze as both only value femininity in certain ways and don’t allow women to just be but rather demand a high standard to be met.

QUEERIES

I wanted to get rid of those thoughts. Whenever the gender question popped into my mind, I’d immediately think: ‘I’m a girl,’ followed by: ‘Am I? What does it even mean to be a girl?’

Do you ever feel like something is wrong with you, without being able to place it? You’re going around missing something and not even realising it? You may be able to go your whole life without this feeling nagging at your brain, filling your mind, haunting your thoughts. Sometimes, I truly wish this feeling was never awoken within me.

For me, it happened the summer before my first year of university. It was a mere comment from someone online who said I looked ‘androgynous’ in a photo. It made me smile,

GENDER A

but I didn’t give it much thought. But they kept insisting ‘you seem like someone who is neither feminine nor masculine’, they said about another picture.

Having a few transgender friends, I took it as a compliment. Then, the next week I was walking my dog and got into a strangely pensive mood, resulting in suddenly being reminded of those two separate situations. Because, the thing is - I agreed with them. I did look androgynous in those photos. Arguably, I looked androgynous in others as well, or whenever I looked in the mirror. I’ve always been comfortable with my gender identity, or so I thought.

Those two comments awakened something and triggered a whole gender identity crisis I was in no way, shape or form prepared for.

I wanted to get rid of those thoughts. Whenever the gender question popped into my mind, I’d immediately think: ‘I’m a girl,’ followed by: ‘Am I? What does it even mean to be a girl?’

I started considering things I’d never considered before. I started thinking how I’ve always liked more baggy clothes; how I preferred wearing leather jackets that made my shoulders look broader; how I often picked shoes or accessories from the unisex shelf; how I liked wearing makeup one day and hated it another; how I disliked skirts and dresses; how I was called a tomboy in primary school; how my grandma would say I should have been more

By Jules Adamska

feminine.

It all started building a picture in my head, like puzzle pieces coming together. Suddenly, the picture was there, but it was blurry. ‘If I’m not a girl,’ I thought, ‘then what the hell am I?’ I realised I felt like an imposter in a female body. I didn’t feel like a woman, but then again, I didn’t feel like a man either. I felt more masculine in the same way I felt more feminine sometimes, depending on the day. I could never decide, it was always changing.

Then, I remembered how I had gone shopping with my mum to get a prom dress. I really liked the dress, and I didn’t hate wearing it in the dressing room. I tried it on a couple more times and, while sometimes I felt uncomfortable in it, other times I quite liked it.

On the day prom came, I could only think about the dress and heavy makeup I was wearing. I didn’t mind the stilettos, but I hated the tight fit of the dress, revealing all of my body curves. I wanted to cover it all. I couldn’t stop thinking: ‘I should’ve worn a suit,’ even though no other girl was wearing one.

I liked how bushy the makeup artists made my eyebrows look, but I hated the pink, glossy lipstick. It made my mouth look soft in a very feminine way. It was incredibly uncomfortable .

I don’t like my birth name, I don’t think I ever really liked it, always preferring to be called some variation of it. When my father gave me a gender-neutral nickname, I immediately wanted everyone to address me using it. My 16-year-old self didn’t question it.

To my 19-year-old self, it was another puzzle piece.

Months after ignoring my gender, the awakening began, I told someone who was comfortable with their identity that I was strug-

AND ME

gling with mine. We were talking about being non-binary and what that meant for different people. ‘Sometimes, I wish I had a d****,’ I confessed.

They looked at me with a conflicted face. ‘I don’t think you’re a girl, Jules,’ they replied.

I didn’t think so either.

One time during the pandemic, I was coming back home and one of my neighbours said, ‘What’s up, man?’ after seeing me. I greeted him and, after recognising me immediately apologised for confusing me with a guy. I told him not to worry about it, because I didn’t. In fact, I couldn’t stop smiling long after entering my flat. I realised I wanted to be seen as male that day, and experiencing it brought a strange sense of euphoria I’d never felt before.

I’ve never described myself as non-binary, the term doesn’t feel right.

Sometimes I wake up, do my makeup, brush my hair, look into the mirror and see a girl. I use she/her pronouns and it doesn’t feel weird to hear people address me as such.

At other times, I wake up and I hate my body. I make my chest as flat as possible; I wear hoodies and cargo pants to hide my physique. I hide all my hair inside a hat and wear a face mask. I slouch more than I normally do. I take longer steps, too self-aware of my hips going from side to side as I walk. I wish to be a ‘he.’

Having done a ridiculous amount of research on it - and also having experienced a ridiculous amount of mental breakdowns after repressing it for so long - I am now ready to call myself a non-cisgender person. I’m comfortable enough to put a label on it, though I realise labelling isn’t necessary, it gives me stability and support to know I’m not alone in this.

I’m genderfluid and happy to say it.

I’m not out of the closet with this, having only come out to a limited number of people in my closest circle. I’m pretty sure that’ll change after this article is published, but I don’t care. Let people think whatever they want; if they have a problem that’s their problem, not mine.

Remember baby gay, you never have any responsibility of coming out to anyone. If people assume you’re straight and you don’t feel like correcting them, that’s completely fine. You don’t need a grand reveal to announce to the world you’re not a cishet.

If you want one, go for it, but remember - you’re coming out is for you, not other people. If I learnt anything from my gender identity crisis, it’s that it is a full-on crisis. And it lasts, and lasts, and lasts like it’s never going to end.

Sometimes it gets easier, and sometimes it gets harder, like a journey, because that’s what it is. Sometimes you have to climb up first to be able to go downhill.

But that’s okay because you can take your time, and no one is rushing you. It took me 20 years to realise being a woman isn’t mandatory, so take your time.

Be honest with yourself, because being comfortable in your own body might mean getting out of your comfort zone first.

Embrace who you are, love, no matter what’s in your pants.

LIBRARY CARD LIBRARY CARD

I used to be the kid with glasses and a thick fantasy book in her school bag. Reading 20 or 30 books a year would seem like nothing to me; it was pure joy, completely separate from reading goals, self-improvement, and schedules.

But somewhere in my teens I lost the free time I had in primary school, and along with it I lost the zeal for reading. I only managed to ignite it in my first year at university, when I dealt with stress by re-reading my alltime favourite Percy Jackson.

In 2021, I tried to get out of the reading slump once more. I started off strong with the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series and some Isabel Allende, and then, in my third year, I decided I need to read more non-fiction books. The problem was I put so much weight on the knowledge non-fiction gives you, I disregarded fiction as something less valuable.

For the first time ever, I hit my Goodreads challenge goal in 2022 by reading 12 books, only three of them fiction. That was also the time when I was preparing for my dissertation, and I was researching the topic of housing. I read Leslie Kern’s Feminist City,

COMING BACK TO FICTION

By Simi Borovskà

gave up on Owen Hatherley’s Clean Living Under Difficult Circumstances, and started Chloe Timperley’s Generation Rent.

As the stress and anxiety from my dissertation were getting to me, my therapist was asking me how I relax. I told her I had been trying to set aside time before bed for reading. Fantastic, she said, what kind of book was I reading?

It was this non-fiction book about the topic of my dissertation with loads of statistics, data, and words like interest-only mortgage and negative equity. It’s funny how you often don’t see the problem until you try to justify it so someone else.

On the podcast “Goes Without Saying”, Sephy and Wing were discussing active rest and they asked: “Is it comforting or just comfortable?” I realised my go-to relaxing activities of watchImage Credit:BookPage

ing Emily in Paris and scrolling TikTok were more numbing than restorative. I was not addressing my exhaustion; I was avoiding thinking about it.

Reading Klara and the Sun feels different though. Time starts working differently.

It feels like I can squeeze two 30-minute episodes of Emily in Paris into half an hour of reading. And it is much easier to close a book than persuade Netflix that you really shouldn’t watch the next episode. For some reason, there is the anxiety of getting back to work behind every episode ending, yet it doesn’t have the same power over me when I’m reading.

And so I’ve slowly begun incorporating reading Klara and the Sun into other parts of my day, especially as something to lay my eyes on while I eat. The plot of the book has taken up a corner of my mind, and I find myself wanting to know what happens next.

I will finish Generation Rent eventually.

But for now, I need fiction to keep my head above the treacherous waters of my dissertation.

THERE’S MORE TO BOOKS THAN THE WORDS ON THE PAGE

By AJ Whyte

People have been reading books for hundreds and thousands of years. We have been telling stories since the very beginning of humanity. Cave drawings, spoken word, they’ve stood the test of time and all have ended up in a book, somewhere.

Right now, we’re in a wave of reading and I don’t want it to slow down. If you’re not a reader, or even if you are let me give you some of the reasons why books have so much more value than the words on the page.

Health

Mental Well-Being

Turns out reading is absolutely bloody If you’re like me and struggle with anxiety and then can’t sleep and fantastic for you. It can make you then get in a vicious circle with no more empathetic, especially if you read about the complex inner lives of sleep and borderline panic attacks, others, fictional or non-fictional. One reading is like medicine for your mind. It helps turn off all the other study from 2013 found that reading consistently over nine days improved thoughts racing round and forces you to focus on what’s right in front connectivity in the brain which was of you. It takes concentration but clear from the scans of the particit helps relax you like nothing else. ipants. In fact, this lasted for days afterwards and wasn’t just when they There’s been so many times where I’ve fallen asleep in the middle of a were reading the book. BIG BRAIN good book, and unlike other nights, THINGS! Who doesn’t want that?I’ve slept right through the night.

Image Credits: Bookpage

Representation As a white woman, I understand the privilege my skin colour carries. But I wouldn’t have understood it without reading about others unlike me. I wouldn’t have known or understood the struggles without works like The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, which shows the fight a young black girl is forced into after witnessing police brutality first-hand. Starfish by Akemi Dawn Bowman is another book I fell in love with and details the struggles of a young half-Japanese schoolgirl who grapples with her identity and how that affects her relationship with her narcissistic mother and the unrelenting social anxiety that controls her life.

These books are important to the world and part of the reason why everyone should read.

m

HOW TO GET OUT OF A WRITING RUT

By Hannah Coyle

I had lots of exciting plans for my writing this summer, from another poetry book to finishing my novel and a plethora of article ideas. Somewhere along the way though, those plans fizzled out for multiple different reasons, and I just couldn’t get my brain to write.

We all struggle to get our creative electrons buzzing in our brain, the best writers have writers block every now and then. Very often it can be your brain telling you to take a break, that you are burnt out and need to rest. No matter how experienced you are, there’s only so much magic you can create in one sitting. But more often than not, our brains want to write, have a million magnificent ideas but still, the page stays blank. Frustrating right? When you’ve got characters you want to flesh out, stories that need closure, and settings that just need an extra something to make them shine, but your brain is in a rut.

Keep reading and find out the best ways to get your imagination flowing and finish that half written dusty novel that’s sitting on your shelf!

Start with self-care!

Word vomit on a black page!

You can’t expect your brain to create if you’ve not given your body and brain what it needs to get those creative juice flowing! Get clean, showers help you think! I have produced some of my best ideas in the shower, it’s a perfect place to connect with your brain and just let your thoughts stream. Getting yourself into the right mindset that works for you is vital to this process, so whether it’s yoga, a smoothie, meditation or music, healthy dopamine hits help!

Get outside and experience nature!

Draw inspiration from the world around you, it is amazing what your imagination can do with some prompting from the outside world. I find that quiet, open spaces help me think, places with animals and plants. But coffee shops and busy places can evoke great ideas too, it may be controversial, but the tail end of randomers conversations can sometimes spark the best stories. And if anything, getting outside might help you find a new perspective, and there is endless possibilities to an open mind.

Sometimes it is just a case of not being able to start, so take a blank page and just began writing the first thing that comes to mind and keep going until you have a full page and an empty brain, the opposite of how you started. You have a full-page of ideas to work from, I find it helps to then create spider diagrams for all my ideas and begin the word vomit process all over again.

Create a space that works for you!

Having a space that belongs to you, that is set up to accommodate yourself can change your writing drastically.

Whether that be neat and tidy with a prepared schedule for the day ahead.

Or organised chaos all over your desk, everyone’s brain is different, but it’s important to find what environment works best for you, so that you’re writing can have the best chance to thrive.

Write a little every day!

It’s no secret that the best writers have a writing routine because when it comes to writing, practice makes progress. Even writing for a couple of hours everyday can help you develop skills and enhance your writing style/technique. Just as E.B White told the Paris Review after he wrote Charlotte’s Web “a writer who waits for ideal conditions under which to work will die without putting a word on paper.” Create your own ideal conditions because it’s also naive to think we can write without inspiration.

Our inner critics serve as well sometimes, but more often than not they can be our worst enemies. Try to refrain from judging yourself and comparing yourself to other writers, it won’t make you write better, but it will knock your confidence. Focus on your skills and nourishing them, turn the stress of the writers rut into fun games like making to do lists for your characters or seeing how many metaphors you can produce in a minute. And please for the love of yourself, stop editing, there will be time for that. For now, just enjoy the process and write.

TREND ALERT

BEAUTY OVER STANDARDS: BOLD BUZZED AND BEAUTIFUL

By Emma Victoria Jenky

As a young girl, so much importance was carried in the strands of my hair. Long, blonde, and thick enough to weave into rope.

Old women cooed over it and its golden glow whereas young women would beg me to never cut it off. Growing up, so many things around me changed, but the one thing I carried with me was the significance of my hair.

It wasn’t because I though t it was beautiful or important, it was because of the emphasis put on it by the society around me.

I was 13 when I went to war with myself. Battles of anxiety and conflicts between me and my body. The toxic relationship with my hair began to grow, expressing everything that couldn’t be seen.

Little did I know, this was on ly the beginning, and this toxic relationship would progressively get more abusive with age. In the process, it rusted what once was a golden crown.

After years of experimenting with my hair as a means of trying to ‘find my identity’, I realised it had become more of a mask, a disguise, something which was a given, not a choice. No matter how hard I tried, every hair style, every colour and every cut was one step further from who I was. For a long time, I was the victim of self-inflicted gaslighting. I bought into every society set beauty standard. Sprouting the idea that my hair was the only part left of me that was ‘beautiful’. And the worst part is, it wasn’t, it was the least authentic part of me.

It wasn’t until recently, after one of the worst battles I have ever been in with myself, that I decided enough was enough. I wanted to love me, I wanted to accept me, I just wanted to be me; but I didn’t know how to do that with all the expectations and standards of beauty. However, one thing I did know is that my hair was holding me back. So, I did what any sane person would do: I shaved it off. In

Image Credit: Ciara Tait

the hope that this would leave me no choice but to learn to love myself for everything I am - without my hair. It has encouraged me to be authentic regardless of the norms, because now I have already broken them.

shaving my head had nothing and everything to do with my aesthetic appearance. I didn’t do it for recognition, attention or as a fashion statement. I did it in opposition to those things. I didit in an aim to focus on the other parts of my being,inside and out. To strip myself of any beauty standards unintentionally met and heal the wounds caused by them. I thought, if people are giving me funny looks for my bald head, no matter what the rest of me looks like, why shouldn’t I just let go of my insecurities?

Being bald as a girl is an experience that I feel extremely lucky to be living.

The good, the bad and all of the hard parts included.

All of a sudden, every head turns when I walk past, not always necessarily in the way I would usually want. After a brief second, most of the turning heads eventually meet me with a smile. Without your hair, everything else about you stands out, your energy isn’t held back by the superficial standards we are born into. Knowing this doesn’t stop the funny looks, the head tilts, and mut-

tered comments. What it does do is teach me how to not care about what others think or expect from me. The back handed comment flow faster than a waterfall. However now, they land on dry, unbothered rocks. The endless “why did you shave your head” comment are met with a different sarcastic response each time – “I just woke up like this” or “thanks I’ve been growing it out

I have said goodbye to any ‘pretty privilege’ I may have had and said hello to judgement and discrimination. A lot of people not so secretly mock, while others gossip to their friends under their breath. Jokes are made that I have to pretend are funny and when I meet someone new, their eyes wander to where my hair used to grow from, visibly flooding with internalised questions and preconceptions.

On the flip side, the attention it has brought has led to people seeing me as interesting and beautiful in my own way. And I know they truly see me. I could go on to talk about how men treat me now I don’t have luscious locks, or how I wish I still had my hair but that isn’t what this is about. The point is to let go of these things, because really, I don’t care about my decline of sexual attraction to others or my insecurities that surround having no hair. It’s about knowing the outcome and still being comfortable in my decision.

This journey of self-discovery and acceptance isn’t one which is easy or even enjoyable.

I won’t lie. Its isn’t one which makes me feel stereotypically beautiful.

It’s one which makes me feel at peace with myself and in return, the most confident I have ever been.

Without my hair, I can’t just fade into the background, in the way I would always aim to. I can’t just ‘fit in’, and that’s the exciting part. It allows me to question if I am being my true to myself, every day. Exploring until I find the person underneath the hair that used to grow. They day that I look in the mirror, and love the way my buzz cut hair looks, is the day ill grow it back, because only then will my journey be over.

Now, I see a completely new person. The one I feel I was always trying so hard to be. I purged myself of all the harboured negativity, standards, and expectations, cutting them off and disregarding them, along with my hair.

The love that I am growing for myself blooms flowers of authenticity and acceptance. Every day I look in the mirror and I see that I am a reminder to myself, and hopefully other women, that beauty standards don’t really mean a thing. Not if we don’t let them.

TREND ALERT

By Julie Brinking

A GLIMPSE INTO THE RIGHTFUL RUNWAY ly ai D t: di re eC ag Im

hell, CinIan McKellen is the derella’s fashion icon we didn’t stepsisters know we needed. needed to calm Everybody’s favourite wizard down. strutted the runway for London Fashion Week in February, dressed in nautical design Celebrity brands are from S.S. Daley. It was a pleasant surprise to often the ones to really miss the target. Just a few all when the 83-year-old actor opened the show to Kate Bush and delivered lines from years ago did Kylie Jenner introAlfred, Lord Tennyson’s Arthurian poems. A duce her line of swimwear, which received massive backlash from fans moment for the fashion history books.

l ai

M

and consumers over the atrociously small world. amount of fabric at the crotch area of the It is swimming costumes. The quality was abexpensive horrent, the material see-through, and the and difficult to front coverage less than 5 cm wide (about work with several 2-3 fingers). block patterns for the The change is coming same design and collabDespite such fantastical appearances, and the It seems counterintuitive to narrow the orating with several models clothes aside, the runway is not all drama market size by catering to a small portion instead of just one. Sometimes, and fairy-tale. Inclusivity is one of the biggest of consumers, but high-end fashion and time and money is the issue. challenges of our time regarding the fashion designer clothes are a luxury and excluSinéad O’Dwyer believes that working community. Some do it well while others do sivity is a value. with fewer styles in collections and instead not. Mainstream brands have started expandA positive stand out at the Autumn/Winter focusing on size inclusivity is the solutionto ing their size ranges, following in the foot2023 collection at the London Fashion steps of independent and smaller businesses, Week is Irish designer Sinéad O’Dwyer. ill-fitting or size-limited clothing.However, comas they often build the clothes around the The model sizes cast for the show ranged menters on runway videos point out that the modperson and their demographic. Let it from 8 to 26, ethnicities were showed in els cast were not properly trained to model: their be emphasised from the beginning multiplicity, pregnant people and wheel- walk is sloppy and faces unengaged. This might be that clothes should fit the body, chair users stole the show. O’Dwyer seen as trivial in the grand scheme of events, but it the body should not fit into explained in an earlier interview that she gives the impression that the people hired to showthe clothes. It is not is prioritising inclusivity in her work. She, case the clothes and inclusivity of the design are worth cutting off a too, is aware that garments are typically there on a whim to check off the point on the list toe to fit into made from conventional patterns that fit that reads ‘inclusivity’. The designs are the trend, the new smaller sizes. inclusivity is not; and unfortunately, some designPrada It is ground-breaking to know ers still need to be reminded of this. that the industry has come a long It helps when large figures, just like Florence Pugh, way since the 90s’ super-skinny enter the stage portraying an authentic representasupermodels, but that inclusivity is still tion of themselves: cellulite; nipples and all, they mostly for show. The cookiedemand the representation that we deserve. cutter pattern of conformity is For it is about damn time that all ages, bodies, upheld ethnicities, races, sexes, and disabilities are dressed when the clothes aired in clothes that fit. on the runway The drive forward is coming from younger designdo not trans- ers, models, and lovers of fashion. They are setting late to the a new standard, now the big brands just need to real let go of the old fairy-tale ideas of skinny elegance, Rising star Florence Pugh also made a noteworthy appearance at Harris Reed’s show.

She spoke the words of the designer and in the monologue reiterated the transformative power of clothing.

If the shoe doesn’t fit, don’t wear it

for authentic beauty which is found in Image Credit: Fashionista

real people.

THRIFT YOUR WAY OUT

OF THE FAST

FASHION

CYCLE

By Carly McKim

Image Credit: BeBiodiversity

Fast fashion has been growing the last few years, thanks to the rise of apps like TikTok it seems that we have been going through trends much quicker. A “trend cycle” usually lasts around 10-20 years. Which makes sense when we have iconic fashion from decades like the 80s and 90s as not many changes. These days this has not been the case due to TikTok and other social media.

Microtrends have been growing at an accelerating rate. A microtrend is in regard to a style or item of clothing that rises in popularity extremely and falls out of favour just as fast. This can be months or sometimes even weeks. A good example is Vivienne Westwood pearl choker necklace. During 2020 boys and girls on TikTok wore this iconic piece while dancing to Doja Cat and posting their thirst traps. Fast Forward only 3 years, it is nowhere to be seen.

You may be thinking “so what, things go in and out of style all the time” but there is more to it. We all want to dress well and join in on the trends, but can this be affecting our planet?. The Fashion industry contributes to 10% of all greenhouse gases which is a huge percentage for one industry.

If there are shorter trend cycles that means, there’s more clothes, we are convinced we must buy.

In order to head towards a more sustainable lifestyle we cannot carry on like this. The need and pressure to follow trends we see online and has gone too far. It is perfectly okay to like a trend but to constantly change your wardrobe every couple month is not a sustainable way to be. It is killing our individuality.

I’m sure you’ve heard someone say, “There is not an ethical way to consume under a capitalist society” This is true to an extent but when we have better options, if we are able to choose them, we should. Here at Braw we want our readers to learn how their individual choices can help to make our planet a better place, because who doesn’t want that.

Step away from the microtrend. You don’t have to find clothes all the time, all year round. Trends can be fun to join in on, but you don’t have to follow every single one of them. Instead try to figure out what you like and what suits you best. It can take a bit of time but discovering how you want to present yourself to the world can be a very fun experience. Leather is trending but hate the fabric?

Just don’t buy it, missing out on a trend won’t make your clothes look any older, you will look more yourself.

Sustainable companies tend to be more expensive. For the average broke student this isn’t an option. Apps like vinted and depop have become very popular over the last few years. With some people saying that vinted is much better at being able to find cheap clothes. By shifting through the overpriced “Y2K” tops there is a chance you can find a real gem in there. It just takes some time.

Selling clothes that no longer serve a purpose is a great way to earn money and also gives your clothes a chance to be loved again instead of fencing up in a landfill.

WHAT TO THRIFT We all should Thrift more. As no new materials need to be imported, no additional manufacturing is necessary, no carbon is emitted during shipping, no money is spent on marketing, and so on, thrifting avoids many sustainability issues. It's a win for our bank accounts and the environment. Here's 4 simple things to look for when you’re trying to shop second hand.

Denim Denim Denim

It can be hard finding the right pair of jeans and even harder for the right price. Buying second is way more convenient for everyone. Those old Mum Jeans that don't fit the same anymore could easily be given a new home

The Basics

Some of the easiest pieces of clothing to find are your basic t-shirts.

They are timeless and go with literally anything. Why buy that brand new black top when there's 100s of them over on vinted and depop.

A Brand You Love

Shops like Urban Outfitters and Motel Rocks have lovely clothes but can be very pricey at times. Searching hashtags using Brands and Stores you love can help you find that top you’ve been looking at a lot quicker.

You might even find something that isn't in stores anymore that needs a new owner,

Accessories

Funky sunglasses for the summer are a need each year, especially with festival season upon us. Why not try to be different from the rest and get your sunnies second hand. You tend to find much more variety in charity shops.

BETWEEN THE SHEETS

Sexual kinks: the theories behind why and how

Image Credit: Glamour

Sexual kinks refer to specific behav-

suggested that there may be certain neurological and cognitive factors that are associated with a greater likelihood of engaging in or being interested in kink-related behaviours.

So, what causes sexual kinks? The answer lies in the complex interplay between biology, psychology, and culture.

For example, foot fetishes are a type of sexual preference where individuals experience sexual attraction or arousal towards feet. While the exact causes of foot fetishes are not well understood, it is believed to be related to the way the brain processes sensory information. Studies have shown that there is some overlap between the neurons responsible for processing genital and foot sensations in the brain. This means that the same areas of the brain that respond to genital stimulation can also be activated by stimulation of the feet.

By Samantha McBride iours or preferences that deviate from what is considered “normal” sexual behaviour. These kinks can be a source of excitement and pleasure for those who engage in them, but they can also be stigmatized and misunderstood by those who do not.

Biology From a biological perspective, sexual attraction and arousal are driven by a complex mix of hormones, neurotransmitters, and genetic factors. For example, research has shown that the hormone testosterone plays a role in shaping sexual preferences and behaviours in both men and women.

However, it is important to note that not all individuals who have foot fetishes necessarily experience genital sensations when their feet are stimulated. Additionally, the brain is a complex organ, and the exact mechanisms behind the development of foot fetishes are still being researched.

There is limited research on the relationship between neuropsychology and Moreover, A study published in the sexual kinks, but some studies have Journal of Sexual Medicine used

functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine brain activation in response to visual sexual stimuli in individuals with and without atypical sexual preferences. The study found that individuals with atypical sexual preferences had greater activation in the amygdala, a brain region involved in processing emotions, compared to those without. This suggests that individuals with kinks and fetishes may experience a stronger emotional response to sexual stimuli.

Similarly, another study published in the Archives of Sexual Behaviour used EEG to measure brain activity in response to sexual and non-sexual stimuli in individuals with and without fetishes. The study found that individuals with fetishes had greater activation in the prefrontal cortex, a brain region involved in decision making and impulse control, compared to those without fetishes. This suggests that individuals with fetishes may have a heightened ability to control their sexual urges

Psychology Psychologically, sexual kinks can be linked to a variety of factors, including

childhood experiences, personality traits, and sexual fantasies. Some experts believe that early experiences, such as sexual abuse or trauma, can shape a person’s sexual preferences later in life. Others argue that kinks may arise as a way of coping with anxiety, stress, or other emotional issues.

Conditioning refers to the process of learning by association, where an individual learns to associate one stimulus with another through repeated exposure. For example, if someone has a positive experience while wearing a particular type of clothing, they may develop a fetish for that clothing.

Some studies have suggested that there may be certain personality traits that are associated with a greater likelihood of engaging in or being interested in kink-related behaviours.

In terms of conditioning, a person may develop a fetish by repeatedly associating a particular stimulus (such as an object, body part, or activity) with sexual arousal or pleasure.

One study published in the Journal of Sex Research found that individuals who reported engaging in BDSM activities (bondage/discipline, dominance/submission, and sadomasochism) scored higher on measures of openness to experience, conscientiousness, and extraversion, and lower on measures of neuroticism, compared to those who did not engage in BDSM activities.

For example, if someone is exposed to a specific object or activity while experiencing sexual pleasure, they may learn to associate that object or activity with sexual arousal and develop a fetish for it.

It’s important to note that not all fetishes are caused by conditioning, and there is no one-size-fits-all explanation for why someone may develop a fetish. Factors such as genetics, early childhood experiences, and individual differences in brain structure and function may also play a role in the development of fetishes.

Another study published in the Archives of Sexual Behaviour found that individuals who reported having a fetish (a sexual attraction to an object, body part, or material) were more Image Credit: Glamour likely to score higher on measures of extraversion, openness to experience, and neuroticism, and lower on measures of agreeableness, compared to those who did not report having a fetish.

It’s important to note that these studies have limitations and are not conclusive, and that engaging in kink-related behaviours or having fetishes does not necessarily indicate any particular personality trait or disorder.

Sexual preferences and behaviours are complex and influenced by a variety of factors, including personal values, cultural norms, and individual experiences. It’s also important to engage in sexual behaviours that are safe, consensual, and respectful of others.

Conditioning

Culture

Cultural factors can also play a role in shaping sexual kinks. For example, different societies and cultures have different attitudes towards sex and sexuality, which can influence the types of behaviours and preferences that are considered “acceptable” or “normal”.

Some kinks, such as BDSM (bondage, dominance, submission, and masochism), are more widely accepted in certain cultures than in others.

While sexual kinks are often viewed as taboo or deviant, it is important to recognize that they are a normal and natural aspect of human sexuality. By understanding the complex interplay of biology, psychology, and culture that underlies sexual kinks, we can better appreciate the diversity of human sexual expression and work towards creating a more accepting and inclusive society. However, it is also important to recognize that consent and mutual respect are essential in any sexual encounter, regardless of the presence or absence of kinks.

MEET YOUR WRITERS Fionla Clarke

Samantha McBride

Jules Adamska

Aysun Bora

Ali Rees

Isla Glen

AJ Whyte

Carly McKin

Ben McSwam

Simi Borovskà

Julie Brinking

Emma Jenky

Deanna Dawn

Skylar Dickie

Sofia Sculati

Hannah Coyle

WHAT A BRAW WEE BUNCH Freya Deyell

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