C Magazine Vol. 5 Edition 6

May 2017 Vol. 5 Edition 6

C Magazine Arts & Culture

TORN WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE QUEER AND RELIGIOUS?

24

' EDITORSletter Dear readers,

As the new editors of C Mag, we are incredibly excited for our first issue and the

volume ahead. We would like to thank the previous leadership team for inspiring growth with each passing cycle, and their dedication to developing the magazine into what it is today. We certainly have big shoes to fill!

With graduation approaching, Rosa Schaefer Bastian cooked up delicious treats

that are a perfect addition to a senior graduation party. Discover the recipes for these fun goodies in the food section.

This edition's cover story, “Religion and Sexuality,” provides insight into the lives

of those belonging to both relgious and LGBTQ communities. Written by Maddy Buechler, Katie Look and Rosa Schaefer Bastian, the piece features four different profiles that depict what it’s like to reconcile these identities.

Writers Ahana Ganguly and Nicole Li took a trip to the Minnesota Street Project in San Francisco, a collection of buildings which serve as gallery and living spaces for up and coming artists. Read more on page 40.

In the culture section, Reilly Filter and Sarah Shapiro profile the Zero Waste Girl,

a girl who fits the amount of trash she used in a year in a single mason jar. Don’t forget to check out “Disney’s Cultures” to get a sense of what it was like for Paly students to see Disney films portraying their heritage. The article takes a dive into the impact film has on students’ lives and examines the beloved classics through a new lens.

We are so grateful to have been chosen as editors, and we can’t wait to continue

creating content that you enjoy.

Happy Reading!

Chiara Biondi, Hannah Darby, Amanda Hmelar, Ally Scheve Editors in Chief

Editors-in-Chief •Chiara Biondi, Hannah Darby, Amanda Hmelar, Ally Scheve Web Editor-in-Chief Lhaga Dingpontsawa

Staff Writers Jasmine Abeyta, Atusa Assadi, Hollie Chiao,

Managing Editors Maddy Buecheler, Alexis Pisco, Rosa Schaefer Bastian

Gabe Cohen, Reilly Filter, Ahana Ganguly, Ryan Gwyn, Fe

Creative Director Katie Look

Orloff, Rima Parekh, Katie Passarello, Julianna Roth, Sarah

Creative Illustrator Jordan Schilling

Shapiro, Emma Staiger,Talia Stanley, Yashvi Tibrewal

Copy Editor Stan de Martel

Illustrators Yoonjung Cho, Chloe Patterson

Social Media Lara Nakamura

Adviser Brian Wilson

Hmelar, Darrow Hornik, Nicole Li, Olivia O’Farrell, Mattie

PALO ALTO HIGH SCHOOL, 50 EMBARCADERO RD. • WWW.CMAGAZINE.ORG • @C__MAGAZINE

table of contents

culture 9

ZERO WASTE LiVING

12

DISNEY CULTURES

14

C MAG SIMPLIFIES: TRUMP'S FIRST 100 DAYS

FOOD

34

16

SUMMER's SUMMONING A LOOKBOOK

STUDENT ENTREPRENEURS

4

36

ARTIST OF THE MONTH

Bay Area Bread Tour

18

38

Spilling Ink

6

C MAG PERSPECTIVE: DRAWBACKS OF THE DIGITAL AGE

The COOLEST POPS

21

GREEK LIFE

MINNESOTA STREET PROJECT

8

40

GRADUATION SNACKS

24

In the mornin playlist

42

SENIOR PLAYLIST

TORN

44

POETRY

46

THE 5 MOST ANTICIPATED ALBUMS OF 2017

25 For more on our website scan here

32

SUMMER EVENTS

ARTS

Bay Area Bread

TEXT, DESIGN AND PHOTO BY ATUSA ASSADI, YASHVI TIBREWAL AND FE HMELAR

Are you a frustrated local bread connoisseur, unfulfilled by the quality of the carbs in your vicinity? Look no further! Yashvi, Atusa and Fe present the best bread in the Bay Area. Pop in your rickety car with $10 of gas in the tank, and hit up these cult favorite (albeit a small cult of our families and friends) bakeries and farms, to get the best dough for your dough!

FOOD | 4

d Tour

Tartine Bakery ($5-12) 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Assortment of Loaf Breads

Step out of the Mission’s renowned landmark, Dolores Park, and walk to the end of the Guerrero block. You will be struck by a colossal line wrapping around the corner. If the line isn’t enough to draw you inside, maybe this will: Tartine’s bread is so delicious, that it has its very own cookbook (seriously, find it at your local bookstore). Tartine caters to everyone including the most devout line-haters — you can skip the line and get your loaves delivered. However, we recommend you get the full in-bakery experience, complete with a lively bustling ambience, friendly service and divine coffee. We promise it’s worth it! Good things truly come to those who wait. If you want to get your hands on their iconic bread, be sure to get there early — it typically sells out by 3 p.m. Tartine’s proximity to Dolores Park makes it even more appealing, as you never have to worry about the bakery being full, just walk over to the park and enjoy your loaves there.

Cal Ave Farmer’s Market ($3) 490 California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306

French and Sourdough Baguettes Located on California Avenue, Palo Alto’s good ole reliable Sunday farmer’s market is a hot spot for bougie locals in search of delicious, authentic and cage-free experiences. With everything from the classic array of gorgeous fruit and vegetables to bouquets of fresh flowers that make the perfect surprise gift for mom, to live music, food trucks, kitty adoption stations, and more, a morning spent at the cal ave farmer’s market is a morning spent well! The majority of the local farmers dress in vibrantly colored clothing and make everyone feel at home by smiling and handing out bite-sized samples of their heavenly produce. While we enjoy the farmer’s market experience as a whole, farmer’s market goers and bread seekers in particular will want to be sure to stop at this spot for their memorable bread. At the start of the farmer’s market, beside Joanie’s cafe, there are two booths set up where one can enjoy freshly baked baguettes, sourdough boules, and pastries as early as 9 o’clock. It’s the most authentic french baguette we’ve tried this side of the Atlantic.

Harley Farms ($5) 205 North St, Pescadero, CA 94060

Signature Freshly Baked Bread

Looking to make friends with some cute and spunky kids? Obviously we mean baby goats!

Head over to Pescadero on a sunny day and treat yourself to a delightful country farm experience. Fair warning though, if you want to go hang out with the goats and go trekking through the mud in search of the perfect Insta pic, we recommend you leave your favorite heels behind. Ditch those for your converse or rain boots so you can initiate your baby goat friendships with no fear of the mud! The bread at Harley farms is honestly best enjoyed at the rickety old fashioned wooden picnic tables, with cheese purchased in the adorable farm store and a feast of your choosing! We recommend the garlic herb goat cheese, and the chocolate pot to finish off your picnic. For the truly devoted bread fanatic out there, we advise a quick stop at another one of Pescadero’s local treasures, Arcangeli Grocery Co. to pick up some of their memorable artichoke sourdough bread.

FOOD | 5

THE COOLEST POPS TEXT AND DESIGN BY HOLLIE CHIAO AND ALEXIS PISCO • ART BY TEDDIE STEWART

No matter how long this next month may feel, summer is just around the corner! With the weather finally warming up, C Mag has you covered on how to stay cool during break.

BLUEBERRY MINT MOJITO -½ cup sugar -½ cup water -35 mint leaves -2-5 blueberries per popsicle -1/2 lime 1. In a small saucepan combine sugar, water and 25-30 mint leaves.

2. Simmer over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved.

3. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

4. Once cooled, strain out the mint and pour syrup into a large bowl.

5. Squeeze lime juice into the bowl and mix until it is combined with the sugar mixture. Pour into popsicle molds until ¾ of the way full.

6. Toss one fresh mint leaf and about 7 blueberries into each mold and freeze overnight.

ROOT BEER FLOAT

POPPIN’ PETALS

- Root Beer -Vanilla Ice Cream

-¾ cup sugar -1 oz edible flowers -1 bottle of sprite

1.Using chilled root beer, alternate layers of ice cream and root beer into the mold. (Make sure to clean up overflowing foam!)

2.Insert sticks and freeze overnight.

VITAMIN C MAG -2 cups of chopped pineapple -3 bananas -2 oranges, peeled 1. Pulse all ingredients together in a blender until smooth.

2. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze overnight.

1. Mix 1/4 cup of water and 3/4 cup of sugar in a small saucepan.

2.Warm mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.

3. Allow sprite to chill first so that the bubbles stay in the finished product.

Place it in a bucket of ice for about 45 minutes before you open the bottle.

4.Remove from heat and let the syrup cool slightly, then add in sprite, mixing until the two have combined.

5.Divide edible flowers between the popsicle molds. Make sure to not over fill them and add about three to five flowers per popsicle depending on their size. If you add too many, the popsicles will break when you remove them.

Freeze overnight.

FOOD | 7

graduation snacks TEXT DESIGN AND PHOTO BY ROSA SCHAEFER BASTIAN TEXT DESIGN AND PHOTO BY ROSA SCHAEFER BASTIAN

Cupcakes with Diploma:

Strawberries with Grad Cap:

Ingredients:

Ingredients:

Cupcake: - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - ¼ teaspoon fine salt - 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder - 2 large eggs at room temperature - ⅔ cups sugar - 1 ½ stick unsalted butter, melted - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract - ½ cup milk Frosting: - 3 cups powdered sugar - ¼ cup butter, softened - 4 tablespoons milk - chocolate sprinkles Diploma: - 6 white airheads - Twizzlers Pull n Peel candy

8 | FOOD

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. 2. In a medium bowl, mix together the dry ingredients. In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the wet ingredients until light and foamy.

3. Continue beating and slowly add in the butter and vanilla. Next, add in the flour mixture and milk.

4. Once thoroughly mixed, place an even amount of batter in each cupcake tin.

5. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes and cool cupcakes in the tin for 10 minutes.

6. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, mix the butter, 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar, and 3 tbsp. milk. Slowly add in the rest of the sugar and the milk.

7. Frost the cupcake and cover it in chocolate spinkles.

8. Take the white airhead and heat it for four seconds in the microwave. Using a rolling pin, flatten out the microwaved airhead.

9. Cut it in half and then twist up one half in such a way that it looks like a diploma.

10. Tie a Twizzlers Pull n Peel candy around it and viola you have proudly graduated.

- 1 strawberry - ½ chocolate graham cracker - 1 dark chocolate square - ¼ cup dark chocolate - 2 googly eye sprinkles - Twizzlers Pull n Peel candy

Directions:

1. Melt the dark chocolate in either a microwave safe bowl in the microwave or in a pot on the stove.

2. Take the back sides of two googly eye sprinkles and dip them in the melted chocolate.

3. Stick the dipped-chocolate sprinkles onto the strawberry (closer to the tip).

4. Taking the chocolate square, place one large dot of dark chocolate on the back of it and place it on the tip of the strawberry.

5. Dip the Twizzlers Pull n Peel candy in the dark chocolate and place it on the back of the dark chocolate square.

6. Serve these graduation strawberries as is or make them a festive cake topper.

ZERO

WASTE

TEXT AND DESIGN BY REILLY FILTER AND SARAH SHAPIRO ILLUSTRATIONS BY YOON JUNG CHO

9 | CULTURE

W

hat if, over four years, you could produce called Zero Waste Palo Alto, whose goal is, according to its so little waste that it would all fit into a web home page, “… to help the community reach its Zero 16-oz mason jar? Not only is this entirely Waste goal of virtually eliminating waste being burned or doable, but it’s the current accomplish- buried … it’s a systems approach that first seeks to elimiment of 24-year-old blogger Lauren Singer. She leads a nate waste wherever possible, and then manages discards Zero Waste lifestyle, which she documents on her online through reuse and recycling.” The mission, which was adblog “Trash is for Tossers.” The principle is to minimize or opted in 2005, is to have virtually no waste burned or bureliminate your production of waste, or items that will go ied in Palo Alto by 2021. to landfill or be discarded on Earth, by replacing unsusPaly’s own Zero Waste Initiative is funded by the City tainable options with reusable, recyclable and compostable of Palo Alto, and is comprised of student members and a alternatives. faculty advisor, Christy Resinger, who hope to transition Alicia Szebert, an AP Environmental Science teacher at Paly into a zero waste campus. Leila Solatan, a junior at Palo Alto High School (Paly), incorporates Zero Waste al- Paly, is involved with the Zero Waste Initiative at Paly. Like ternatives into her daily life. Szebert has been environmen- Szebert, Solatan advocates for more awareness regarding tally conscious since high school, but became truly aware waste production. “I think it’s really important for people of the harmful effects of waste on the environment in col- to understand in the United States how much stuff we are lege. “The Zero Waste [lifestyle] has always been something consuming constantly,” she said. “A lot of it, even if it is rethat I’ve known was possible, but it [wasn’t] until I started cycled or compostable, we don’t think about where we put taking classes in college that I realized the effects of waste it. Even being able to reduce that waste by a third or a fifth as much,” she said. can make a huge impact.”

A major effort by Zero Waste living is to decrease the As a part of Paly’s Zero Waste Initiative, part of Solatan’s amount of plastic produced and then discarded on Earth. focus is on recycling and composting. Solatan feels that Plastic does not disappeople are generally fapear; every piece that is miliar with recycling at created artificially will home, but composting “It’s toxifying our waters, it’s never break down. Acis a newer trend that potentially toxifying the air, cording to the advocacy more people should and it’s just something to be group Ocean Recovery adopt. Overall, she emaware of — how really bad this Alliance, it is estimated phasizes that the simplastic is.” that 33 percent of plasplest thing a Paly stutic manufactured worlddent can do to help the Alicia Szebert wide is used once, then environment is propertossed. It is also estimatly recycle and compost, ed that 85 percent of the world’s plastic is not recycled. If as Paly now has full sets of trash, recycling, and compost we continue at this rate, by 2050 oceans will contain more bins. “If you wanted to just do your part as a Paly student, plastic than fish by weight. “Thinking about the plastic you just sort properly,” she said. use, if it’s not necessary, if you don’t need it, one little piece Because of Paly’s proximity to Town and Country, many of plastic that for you is this single-use plastic, is getting people buy lunch in takeout containers which then become out into the ocean,” Szebert said. “It’s toxifying our waters, food packaging waste. “That’s a problem we are trying to it’s potentially toxifying the air, and it’s just something to solve right now,” Solatan said. An example is buying coffee be aware of — how really bad this plastic is. And it lasts during break. “When you get a cup, and you don’t bring forever! That’s the really scary thing.” your own thermos, you have the paper cup and the plastic Szebert advocates for people to change their mindsets re- top … people just throw it in the trash because they don’t garding plastic use. “People think, ‘That’s life, we use plas- want to separate it when the bottom can be composted, tic,’ that’s how it is, but it doesn’t have to be that way,” she and the top can be recycled. It’s something as simple as said. “There are alternatives for everything.” With more that — stopping for one second, separating the contents of people attempting Zero Waste living, companies produce your waste, and just distributing it properly.” She hopes upZero Waste products, making the transition to Zero Waste coming projects will be able to decrease this effect, such as living more realizable. An example is The Simply Co, which introducing a system of reusable containers to get takeout Singer created to provide sustainable alternatives. “There from, and then returning them to a station at Paly. are a lot of eco companies out there that do everything they Whether transitioning to a fully Zero Waste lifestyle or can to have products that are Zero Waste, and don’t use just making a few important changes, being environmenplastic, and use things that have been recycled, and can be tally conscious and living more sustainably will make a recyclable,” Szebert said. “I think it’s important that every- positive impact on Earth. This can include reducing your one is aware of that and starts to use those products.” plastic usage and recycling and composting effectively. As The City of Palo Alto and Paly are trying to do their part Singer said in a TEDxTeen talk, “I want to be remembered in decreasing waste production and helping the environ- by the things I did while I was on this planet, not for the ment. Palo Alto’s Public Works Department has a division trash I left behind.”

10 | CULTURE

CHANGES YOU CAN MAKE Szebert szuggests: Bar of soap for shampoo and conditioner “I use just a bar of soap. This helps with not using plastic so if you use your traditional shampoos and conditioners, you’re actually using plastic containers that you have to constantly re-buy. So if you use things that are just bars, even washing your hair with a bar of soap, a lot of people think that’s weird, but it works just as well, and you don’t have any plastic wastes with that.”

Homemade toothpaste

Thrift Stores

“I use something called tooth powder. So it’s basically sodium bicarbonate that works to clean your teeth. But it comes in a glass container and you can refill it, so then you don’t have the waste of constantly purchasing toothpaste. If I do use a traditional toothpaste I’ll use a recycled toothpaste, the one I like is called David’s. It actually uses metal instead of plastic, so it kind of uses better resources that way and it’s recyclable, so that’s a good product.”

“The more material things that you need to buy new from the store, the less waste you’re creating and the less toxins you’re putting into the environment. People don’t realize how bad clothing is for the environment, how much water it takes. And they’re finding now that a lot of the fake, polyesters and polymers are polluting the oceans, just like plastics are so that’s something a lot of people are unaware of.”

Disposable plastic bags // Organic cotton tote bag Plastic water bottle // Metal reusable water bottle

Body wash/shampoo // Unwrapped Bulk Soap

New clothing // Used clothing

CULTURE | 11

Disney

text and design by nicole li, mattie orloff and ahana ganguly photos by jordan schilling and ryan gwyn

I

t’s easy to say that Disney movies are just that — movies with no importance or value in the real world, purely entertainment for young children. But that may be precisely why they make such an impact. Since we are sharing these stories with our children, are we giving them information that will help them respect humanity in all of its forms? The answer is complicated.

Pocahontas

Dakota Jenkins

As a child, senior Dakota Jenkins was excited to see “Pocahontas.”

Since then, her understanding of her Native-American culture and community has expanded greatly, and she perceives the movie in a different light.

“I find it degrading almost,” Jenkins said. “It’s not at all how it is, and the things that are brought up are very sacred. It’s almost as if it’s being poked fun of — they’re not educated enough to be making a Disney movie out of my culture.”

From an outsider’s perspective, it feels as though Disney simply took the stereotypes about Native-American culture and turned them into a movie.

“If they really wanted to make it appropriate, they would have included Native-American artists, Native-American directors — they would have Native-American input on it, but they didn’t,” Jenkins said.

“They have a very white, European view on it. It’s quite different from reality, and how it really was. They do a good job of emphasizing the Spirit World, which is appreciated, but it’s really hard to say that they did a great job.”

The Princess and the Frog

Nadia Leinhos

In 2009, Disney released the much-anticipated film for the portrayal of the first ever African-American princess. Senior Nadia Leinhos’ thoughts on this pivotal installment could fill a tome.

“I’m glad it exists,” Leinhos said. I’m glad that when they have the giant V-formation of all the Disney princesses now, sometimes Tiana ends up in the middle or behind Rapunzel.”

“I’m glad she’s got a giant ball gown every once in awhile to fit this ideal that Disney princesses have. However, looking back at it, I realize that the only black Disney princess ever spent the majority of the movie as an amphibian.”

Leinhos was stuck on the idea that Disney was checking off a box.

After years of pestering from producers and critics, they finally gave the world a black princess, and yet she’s a frog.

However, Leinhos appreciates the effort and the down-to-earth moments that shine through the often muffling curtain of movie magic.

“There’s a line that goes, ‘A little woman of your background can’t own a business!’” Leinhos said. “I appreciated that that was there. Little girls would hear that and realize Tiana isn’t treated very nicely, and her debutante friend has a much nicer house than she does, while she has to work all time.”

Cultures Paly students discuss the Disney characters meant to represent their cultural backgrounds

Leinhos hopes to see more black heroes in leading roles moving forward, and also discusses the idea of normalizing difference.

“The best characters and the ones that have the most revenue brought in, in TV at least, are the ones that are so human and so driven by their whole life, not just their blackness, that sometimes white audiences will forget that they’re black,” Leinhos said. “First and foremost, they’re human. First and foremost, they’re heroes.”

Moana

With “Moana,” Disney transitioned into a new era of cultural sensitivity. When the movie previews and ads for the movie first aired, seniors Cassie Fong and Lauola Amanoni were understandably jazzed.

“I was really excited, because Disney has already made movies about other cultures, so I was really happy that they made something about Polynesian culture,” Amanoni said. “Especially where we are, there’s not really many people who know what Polynesia is.”

In addition, the detailed animations of the islands and Auli’i Cravalho’s songs worked wonders to win Amanoni and Fong over. However, the movie did not meet all expectations.

“I thought it would be more focused on one island within the Polynesian community, but it kind of mixed in different islands,” Fong said.

Both expressed the sentiment that the movie sped through aspects it could have presented in more detail, but there were also many positive aspects.

“I like how they made the ocean be a character, because they didn’t make the ocean be a type of barrier,” Amanoni said. “The ocean connects all the islands, it represents why all the island cultures were mixed in.”

Fong also reflected on some highlights. “I like how they incorporated the character of the grandma and how she played an important role, because in the Polynesian culture, grandparents play a big role in your life, especially in my life.” Fong also added: “I think even though they told the story really quick, it was still a good portrayal of the community and what our values are.”

Though lacking in some areas, “Moana” helped Disney bridge a cultural expanse it has struggled to cross in the past.

Fong also points out: “I think it brings awareness that we’re not Hawaiian, we’re not Filippino, we’re our own culture, our own people.”

Cassandra Fong

Endnote

Standing the test of time and critical thinkers, Disney has undeniably grown, showing that mass media can be improved to positively impact society and youth. But all change starts from individuals.

As she matured, Jenkins’ views on Native-American representation shifted, too. “Learning more about the culture, making a point to educate myself and learn more from family, friends and people who are more acquainted with the culture — that’s what changed.”

Lauola Amanoni

C MAG SIMPLIFIES:

LESSONS FROM THE

Trump’s Firs

LITTLE A brief overview of President T immigration

TEXT AND DESIGN BY YASHVI TIBREWAL AND JASMINE ABEYTA • ART BY TEDDIE STEWART

One of President Trump’s most controversial executive orders, the travel ban, initially issued on Jan. 27, called for an indefinite ban on travelers and prospective U.S. citizens from seven majority Muslim countries: Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan and Libya. Trump claimed that the ban was implemented in an effort to combat terrorism and protect national security; however, he did not seek legal guidance from the Justice Department before the travel ban was implemented, and few instructions on howA to enforce ban were given to the Department of Homeland ARE YOU EXCITED TO BECOME TEENSecurity. This ultimately led to chaos and confusion, as it became unclear if Green Card holders AGER? were exempt from the travel ban. Seeing as the original order was deemed unconstitutional, revisions were made shortly following the implementation of the ban. Even so, a federal judge in Hawaii succeeded in blocking Trump’s order. As of now, travelers are no longer banned from entering the country, but visas are no longer issued to those from the countries listed on the travel ban (excluding Iraq since the Iraqi government has agreed to work with the White House on fighting terrorism), and refugees are still denied admission into the U.S. I am excited to become a teenager ‘cause then I’ll be able to have my own computer, my own iPad, and my own phone and call my own friends.

- Natalia, 8

foreign policy

Throughout his campaign and during his inauguration speech, President Trump claimed that his foreign policy agenda would put “America first,” meaning that the U.S. would adopt a more isolationist policy stance and stay out of international I don’t know, not really.

People affairs.

4, really the Syrian government used chemical weapons on its annoying and weird Yes. Because 13 is myHowever, on Aprilare own people, which resulted in the death of over 100soSyrians. and moody in ninth grade, no In response, Trump favorite number and authorized the launch ofthank 59 Tomahawk missilesa lot on from the Syrian airbase which haryou. I’ve heard teenagers are 13. attack. Trump’s policy decision signalled mythe sister.

- Flo, 7 bored the warplanes used to carry out a break from his initial stance of unilateralism - Mateo, 12 and isolationism. The missile strike was effective in enforcing a red line — a figurative “line in the sand” that the Syrian government should not cross — but has also caused a strain on foreign relations with Russia and Iran, two countries that are alligned with Syrian president Basharal-Assad and his current regime.

14 | CULTURE

TEXT BY RIMA PAREKH • ILLUSTRA

What DO YOU THINK MAKES UP A HAPPY AND SUCCESSFUL LIFE?

rst 100 Days

You do what makes you happy, and not because it makes good money.

- Mateo, 12

t Trump’s first 100 days in office

Studying, and having good grades. Since my mom is a high school teacher, she usually tells me about high school stuff.

- Shanley, 9

health care

I could say ... Never be so hard to yourself. Nobody told me this advice, I just made it up myself.

- Shanley, 9

The Mexico City Policy, also known as the globalHave gag rule, wasand reinstated friends family,by President Trump during his first day in office. This policy has been called the play with your friendsglobal and gag rule because of the “suffocating” restrictions it places on doorganization, fun stuff. and it was first introduced in 1984 during Reagan’s presidency. The policy - Alex,does 8 not allow federal funding for family planning services to non-governmental organizations that services to women.

What is offer the abortion best advice you wouldTrump’s give toexecutive order is not new to the political scene — ever since Reagan introduced the policy, every Republican president has reinstated it, FUTURE while everyself?

Democratic president has rejected it. Trump, however, your has called for more expansive changes than previous administrations have, and this has been an area of concern and confusion for several health organizations and women. Previously, the policy restricted government funding to family planning services to organizations offering abortion, but Trump’s version cuts off all global health funding, including services that combat HIV/AIDS and promote maternal and child health.

I would try and take a little bit of a breath and think of stuff that makes me happy so I’m not as stressed.

environment

- Flo, 7

President Trump has made it clear that he does not believe in climate change or environmental regulations, especially when reform comes at the cost of reduced business opportunities for large corporations. So, it wasn’t surprising when Trump signed an executive order on March 28 which rolled back some of his predecessor’s policies. The executive order has called on the Environmental Protection Agency to To be confident … and don’treview think it’s and modify President Obama’s Clean Power Plan, which capped emissions gonna be scary if there’s a hard you for test power plants in order to combat climate change and to protect the environhave to do. (or to do work and feeling ment.

The order also removes a moratorium on federal coal leases, a lease granted tired) I would say, “Come on,bywake up the government to mining companies. While experts do not believe Trump’s Alessia!” executive order will have an overwhelming impact on nationwide initiatives to pro- Alessia, 8 mote sustainable and renewable energy, his actions encourage the unrestricted use USTRATION BY CHLOE PATTERSON of coal and oil.

CULTURE | 15

STUDENT ENTREPRENEURS C Mag profiles three high school entrepreneurs in Palo Alto who have made an impact in their community TEXT AND DESIGN BY LARA NAKAMURA AND RIMA PAREKH • ILLUSTRATIONS BY RIMA PAREKH

ADITYA GANAPATHI Aditya Ganapathi, a senior at Gunn High School, has built a business around a rising issue in the global community that still needs to be addressed: gang rape and sexual assault.

Ganapathi’s product, the nGuard, is a small bluetooth device that women can easily carry on their person or in a purse. nGuard allows the victim to readily contact authorities in the event of an emergency through a corresponding smartphone app.

According to Ganapathi, the nGuard’s functionality allows for accessibility and ease that a phone may not provide. “Rather than having to pull out your phone and contact help, which the attacker may not allow, all you have to do is press a button … It contacts your emergency contacts as well as any authorities in the local area.”

Not only does the nGuard serve as a communication device between two parties, but it also serves as a GPS — whoever is contacted will be provided with GPS coordinates.

Ganapathi didn’t always know he wanted to create a product like the nGuard. As a participant in Distributive Education Clubs of America, more commonly known as DECA, Ganapathi was assigned the task of coming up with a product idea, but he didn’t know what function his product would serve.

At the time, however, the Nirbhaya Delhi gang rape case in Delhi had become a huge story, and Ganapathi was inspired by this fatal incident to take action.

Currently, Ganapathi is selling his product exclusively in India. Ganapathi was able to publicize the product through local Indian

TV channels and even reached out to government officials who helped get his product off the ground. Only a small percent of the sales are sold privately or in local convenience stores, while approximately 95 percent of sales are to corporations that provide the product to their employees.

Ganapathi plans to continue working on the nGuard for the future. In particular, he wants to expand the product so that it is more accessible to everyone.

Even though there is still more work to be done regarding sexual assault, Ganapathi says: “I hope that it can make some small difference in what’s been a growing issue in India.

Whatever I can do to combat the issue is a success in my mind, regardless of how many units I sell.”

EVAN BALDONADO Paly sophomore Evan Baldonado came up with an idea for a website when he attended his elementary school’s annual fall festival.

The festival consisted of what you might expect: food trucks, arts and crafts, and a hand-done haunted house put on by fifth graders.

However, the main attraction for most was the large table in the center of the festivities, the prize table. Some prizes were received by winning the highly popular goldfish toss. The goldfish toss consisted of a player tossing a ping pong ball into an array of glass bowls each filled with water. If a player managed to land a ball in one of the bowls, they could claim the prize of a live goldfish. Baldonado was one of these winners and took home his goldfish, Caramel.

As an animal-lover himself, Baldonado was alarmed when he heard of other winners whose prizes had not lived long upon homecoming. This deep concern inspired

Baldonado to create a website with a care sheet that informed goldfish-owners on how to take care of a pet fish. With his father’s help, Baldonado purchased the domain of his website AquariumKids.com and posted his very first care sheet. At the beginning, the website was plain and generic. “It started out as a really dumb looking website,” Baldonado said. “It had one button to one care sheet and yes, it was in Comic Sans.”

However, Baldonado was inspired to make progress on his website. Throughout the creation process of the site, Baldonado picked up coding along the way. While never attending a formal coding course, Baldonado attributes most of his learning to Stack Overflow, a questionnaire website that he describes as a “Yahoo Answers for coding.”

Baldonado believes the largest obstacle as an entrepreneur is scheduling. As his school workload has increased and the website’s coding has become more advanced, Bal-

donado has found it harder to complete his schoolwork while also finding time to improve the site. By juggling school and the website, Baldonado has learned an important lesson. “[The website] has taught me that other people actually care, even if it’s on the Internet … People said one person can make a difference — I didn’t believe that until I actually had the site.”

Today, AquariumKids.com is no longer in Comic Sans and has evolved heavily since then. The website has progressed from a generic website template built on elementary coding with one care sheet to a manicured, well-kept site with multiple care sheets for multiple species of fish. Additionally, Baldonado has recently started a YouTube channel on which he receives over 2000 daily views.

One thing is for certain: Baldonado’s simple idea from when he was twelve years old has turned into an effort that has had an effect on the community.

RIA VORA A relatively new industry, 3D printing is a mystery to most. The manufacturing process, also called AM for additive manufacturing, consists of producing a three-dimensional object in which layers of the material are constructed by a computer. There are limitless possibilities as to what the object can be, as 3D printing can produce any geometry or shape.

For Ria Vora, a Paly sophomore, the countless possibilities of 3D printing has captivated her since freshman year. “I found it intriguing, and I got so into it that I really wanted to get one [3D printer] of my own,” Vora said.

Her parents, on the other hand, were not easily convinced due to the high price tag.

Vora was required to do extensive research and a series of projects before her parents were persuaded to invest in the printer.

Vora owns and operates her own printer under the 3D printing service platform, 3D Hubs. 3D Hubs is an Amsterdam based com-

pany that operates a network which allows everyday people and companies access to 3D printers in their area. The platform allows for easy communication between customer and printer, offering the listed printers or ‘Hubs’ near them.

Vora originally operated the printer with her father’s help; however, due to his continuously busy schedule, the majority of the responsibility weighs on her shoulders. “I do all the maintenance with the printer,” Vora said. It used to be lot, but we’ve got it under control now.”

Vora’s dad also wanted her to have the experience of running the printer as a company.

This includes a finance sheet where she tracks the filaments, or actual printing material, and any maintenance costs for the printer itself.

The printer cost $1100, and other expenses were around $400; Vora and her dad have made about $1300, just $200 short of their original expenses. “It was a really great feeling to finally redeem the cost of the printer —

we’re really close to breaking even,” Vora said “We’re only $200 away; I’m really excited for that because then it means we can actually start making money.”

It has been a year and half since Vora and her dad started operating the printer.

Since then, they have worked with Stanford students and small startups all across Silicon Valley. Vora talks about some of her favorite items which she has printed, including drone parts and prototype pieces for baby monitors.

On looking into the future of her printer, Vora views her 3D printing service as a larger commitment than she can afford if she is to attempt to expand her ventures. All the work and time that Vora has put into her business has only left her with positive motivation for her future endeavors.

“Once I started this, it was an amazing experience for me … It kind of showed me that I do want to start business … Entrepreneurship is definitely something that I take really great interest in.”

CULTURE |17

C MAG PERSPECTIVE:

Drawbacks

TEXT AND DESIGN BY ATUSA ASSADI • ILLUSTRATION BY CHLOE PATTERSON

E

ver since a Verde verbatim came out about self-driving cars, for which I was quoted sounding like paranoid grandma meets conspiracy theorist with a low I.Q., technology being my “biggest fear” has been a running joke among my friends. Granted, I gave the interview after getting next to no sleep the night before and I sounded (and looked) a little less polished and intelligent than I like to think I normally do, but the sentiment still rings true. Personally, I believe that rapid advancement in technology comes with heavy costs. In the heart of Silicon Valley the name of the game is technological innovation. But, we have to pay attention and be skeptical of what we as a society are so blindly agreeing to. We cannot immediately accept new and different things as better. Modern society seems to be obsessed with the notion of change just for the sake of it. Innovation implies improvement, not just something new.

More and more people increasingly rely on technology for information, entertainment and task efficiency, which has caused a mass dependency on instant gratification.

This faster, more restless lifestyle makes people impatient and stops them from partaking in formerly treasured rituals because they are no longer necessary. We crave speed and instant highs more than meaningful and thoughtful experiences.

One example of a meaningful ritual that we have phased out is letter-writing.

Although news can be conveyed much more quickly in a text or a phone call, it pains me that we have lost the pleasure of writing and receiving letters. There’s a unique beauty in having a personal message from someone immortalized on paper and something thrilling about receiving long anticipated letters in the mail. However, letter-writing is understandably obsolete now. Constant connectivity with phones leaves people with little doubt about what’s going on in the lives of everyone around them and eliminates the need for such a slow form of communication.

There is something to be said about the themes of prophetic science-fiction movies

of the '60s to '90s that foresaw a future in which machines rendered humans totally obsolete. There is some discussion now about job loss to machinery, a concept we have been familiar with since the Industrial Revolution, but now the scale is larger and the stakes are higher. I am not proposing you throw your phone off a bridge and go hide under a rock for the rest of your life so the robots won’t get you (although if you do, you might find me under that rock in a few years, I could use some company). I’m not even suggesting you give up technology you may already depend upon. I just think you should consider what aspect of our humanity we must sacrifice in order to accept and incorporate the latest technology into our lives. What do we, as a society, lose when the invention of one thing inevitably leads to the elimination of another?

Some of us are sentimental and attached to things like records and bound-paper books and whatever the equivalent of those will be in 40 years when the next generation looks back on the forgotten relics of their childhood. I mourn the loss of certain things that I feel gave life enriched meaning, several of which, like the aforementioned letter-writing, were already on their deathbed when I was born.

I lie on my bed, staring up at the ceiling as David Bowie’s voice fills every corner of my room. The decline of records is a prime example of how, as new technology is welcomed into our society, our interactions with the world around us shift. Records create unique intimacy with the artist and their work by allowing you to interact with music more meaningfully, listening to the whole album, together the way the artist intended for it to be heard. Unlike playlists, which we often skip through and which are often interrupted by ads, records require you to be present. They have multiple sides that you have to physically change, each side with a soul and flow of it’s own. It isn’t lazy. You have to take care of your records, make sure they don’t get scratched. And when they do, you know every glitch and imperfection etched on your vinyl. Only you can discern lyrics from the creaking and groaning they

make in places that were once songs recognizable to others. This experience of listening to a careful selection of songs brings you closer to the artist and their work: It puts you into their head. Why did they choose a certain song order? Why that particular chord progression? When you own records and listen to them a thousand times it feels as though you’re getting to know the artist better which each new lyric. Owning a record is commitment, unlike putting a song by an unknown artist that you heard once on a playlist. You learn about their life story and tend to be more invested in each artist as a person, more so than what is common for the modern age of relative impersonality.

I smile to myself as the familiar sounds of the iconic Ziggy Stardust album fill my bedroom and my eyes begin to flutter. Awake or not, I know the exact moment “Ziggy Stardust” fades into “Suffragette City.”

To me, the greatest threat of technology is that it will little by little replace the things that make us human by making us think and feel. I cling to print books and records because, while the experiences do feel more special to me, most importantly they represent a slower lifestyle that I believe encourages creativity and original thought, which I view as the essence of humanity and the opposite of a robotic standardization of everything. What frightens me most is that mass media and technology have influenced people to the point that they question things less and less. Value on general knowledge appears to take a back burner when Google and other search engines can provide you with almost any information within seconds. In recent years, there has been a huge homogenization of popular and Internet culture and the media that people consume, which has led to the majority of people (especially in densely populated politically and socially homogeneous areas) reading, watching and hearing the same few things and regurgitating them. I believe that if we want to fight back against the inexorable mass “improvement” of society via technology, we must be more selective about embracing innovation and more reluctant to give up what we cherish.

of the Digital Age As technology advances, the experiences that make us human are increasingly undervalued.

If You Want to Advertise With C Magazine Contact: cmagazinepaly@ gmail.com

GReek liFe

With many seniors heading off ot college in the fall, a new decission looms: whether or not to go greek.

K

TEXT AND DESIGN BY EMMA STAIGER PHOTOS COURTESY OF BENJI BEAR

appa Kappa Gamma, Pi Kappa Alpha, and Phi Delta Theta are only a few of the Greek names that can be spotted on college campuses across the country. Membership in Greek organizations is central to many students’ collegiate experiences, and the bonds made within a sorority or fraternity often last a lifetime.

However, students’ experiences in Greek life are not necessarily identical at all universities across the country.

Greek life is an important part of the social scene at all types of schools across the U.S., however, the atmosphere that surrounds Greek life can vary tremendously from one school to another. At Stanford University, for example, Greek life feels more relaxed. “I think Greek life at Stanford is a lot more low-key than it is at some other schools,” said Kylie Callan (Palo Alto High School class of ‘16), a current freshman at Stanford who recently joined the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. The Greek community at Stanford is smaller than at some larger schools, however the inclusivity of Stanford’s Greek environment makes it a key aspect to social life at Stanford.

According to Callan, “many of the parties open to freshmen are fraternity parties, and there are many events thrown by Greek organizations that are open to everyone, so in that way [Greek life] feels prominent.”

Most students, regardless of the school they go to, are exposed to Greek life for the first time during a period of time called rush, when they | 21 CULTURE

visit sororities or fraternities in order to find the house that is the best fit for them. At many schools, the first opportunity for students to rush is in the fall, and the process lasts about a week. At Stanford, however, students undergo a process similar to rush called “recruitment” that takes place during the first weekend of spring quarter. The timing of recruitment allows Stanford students to settle into college life and learn about the Stanford community before choosing which sorority or fraternity to join. “The fact that we do not go through recruitment until Spring quarter makes it so that people usually have a lot of friends in many other sororities, so we continue to do joint events and meet more girls in other sororities than we might if we joined sororities at the beginning of the year,” Callan said.

In contrast to the late cycle of recruitment at Stanford, rush at University of Alabama begins before students are even admitted to the university. According to Oliver Rowles (Paly class of ‘15), a sophomore at Alabama, rush starts for guys “whenever they can make it down to Tuscaloosa [the location of University of Alabama] for a party… or an event at the house where we get to know the kids and see if they seem like a good fit with us.”

Similar to many large schools in the South, Greek life is a huge part of life at Alabama. “Greek life at Alabama is probably the biggest thing

here besides the football program. If you aren’t an athlete, you’re in a sorority or fraternity, essentially two paths” Rowles said. A whopping 36% of Alabama students participate in Greek life, and their social lives are often determined by their fraternity or sorority’s schedule. “I can’t really imagine not being in a Greek organization here,” Rowles said. “Greek life runs pretty much every facet of my life here besides classes and school work; whatever you’re doing the upcoming weekend always has to do with your organization.” Greek life at Alabama is more than just a part of student’s social lives. “Greek life is probably at the height of seriousness out of all schools here,” Rowles said. “It’s who your friends are and who you hang out with and pretty much how you’re defined.”

At University of Southern California (USC), Greek life is not quite as prevalent as it is at Alabama, however, it feels just as large to the community. “Technically, I believe 20% of students at USC are involved in Greek life but being a part of it the community seems much larger,” said Paige Anderson (Paly class of ‘15), a sophomore at USC. Part of the reason that Greek life at USC feels so large lies in the organization of the Greek houses themselves. “We have an actual ‘Greek row’ that all of the houses are on,” Anderson said. “I think that being situated on Greek row definitely contributes to Greek life’s popularity because it makes it much more of a community knowing some of my best friends are literally right next door and I can see them whenever I want.”

Unfortunately, the USC administration is not as enthusiastic as its students about the school’s Greek community. “The USC administration has definitely always had a negative outlook on Greek life and especially in recent years has really tried to crack down on it,”Anderson said. “USC students have begun fighting back but it’s hard because the administration really dislikes the stigma that comes with Greek life in general.”

This negative view of Greek life is mirrored at University of Wisconsin-Madison, where administrators have developed a hostile stance against Greek life in general. “The dean of students said several years ago that she wants Greek life to end at Wisconsin by 2020, and since then more than half of the houses, both sororities and fraternities, have been disciplined for minor incidents,” said John Carter (Paly class of ‘15), a current sophomore at Wisconsin. “Multiple fraternities have been kicked off campus in just my two years here and at any given point in time there are several houses that are suspended.”

The critical outlook that some school administrations have on Greek life commonly stems from the unfavorable stereotypes that often for everyone, even if that means it’s not what you originally expected.”

The friendships formed and the memories made through Greek life surround sororities and fraternities. According to Rowles, “everybody assumes you’re privileged and stuck up just by being in a Greek orga- are some that will last a lifetime. “I honestly would never have expected nization.” Carter has noticed similar behavior, noting that “a limited for it to be such an incredible experience” Anderson said. “I have made the most amazing friends through number of people dislike Greek life and will make certain assump- “I have made the most amazing friends through Greek life. There’s so much comfort in knowing that the girls I’ve tions about you fitting the typical Greek life. There’s so much comfort in knowing met in my house will be there stereotypes of ‘frats boys’ and ‘sothat the girls I’ve met in my house will be there for me no matter what and to rority girls’.” have such an amazing network of Regardless of any potential for me no matter what” people who are always willing to drawbacks or stereotypes that help has made the transition to surround the community, many -Paige Anderson (USC) college so much easier.” Rowles students agree that joining a fraternity or sorority is a wonderful experience. Although rush can be characterizes his Greek life experience as “amazing, better than I could stressful, students concur that it is important to focus on being yourself have ever asked for. I’ve had some really great experiences here through and learning about the Greek community at your school during rush. Greek life and love every second of it.”

Overall, Carter believes that “joining a fraternity was one of the best “Rush is a time to meet new people and decide where you fit in best,” Carter said. “Be outgoing, make new friends, and use it as an oppor- decisions I’ve made in college; my participation in Greek life has introtunity to talk to older students about their experience at your school.” duced me to some of my best friends and has made this big school feel Anderson agreed, adding that “it’s so important to go into the experi- more like a small community.” When asked if he would alter his Greek ence with confidence and know that there is going to be a perfect fit experience at all, Carter responded “I wouldn’t change anything.”

IN THE MORNING (A PLAYLIST BY CHIARA BIONDI) DESIGN AND PHOTO BY KATIE LOOK

TEENAGE GIRL • CHERRY GLAZERR APRIL’S DAYDREAM • DEVONTE HYNES BLUE BOY • MAC DEMARCO BUDDY • WILLIE NELSON CAN’T NOBODY LOVE YOU • THE ZOMBIES THE STARS KEEP ON CALLING MY NAME • MAC DEMARCO SALAD DAYS • MAC DEMARCO FLY ME TO THE MOON • FRANK SINATRA SLEEPWALK • SANTO & JOHNNY JONNY’S ODYSSEY • MAC DEMARCO I STAND CORRECTED • VAMPIRE WEEKEND JOLENE • DOLLY PARTON NOWHERE MAN • THE BEATLES MARATHON • TENNIS PUFF THE MAGIC DRAGON • 70s GREATEST HITS PASSING OUT PIECES • MAC DEMARCO FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE • STEVIE WONDER C A M P U S • VA M P I R E W E E K E N D GOLDEN REVOLVER • SAN CISCO CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE • ELVIS PRESLEY DANCING IN THE MOONLIGHT • KING HARVEST LET HER GO • MAC DEMARCO BROWN EYED GIRL • VAN MORRISON DON’T KNOW WHY • NORAH JONES HERE COMES THE SUN • THE BEATLES PASADENA (FEAT. VIC MENSA) • DONNIE TRUMPET LA VIE EN ROSE • ÉDITH PIAF HEAVEN • PURE X HALAH • MAZZY STAR COME AWAY WITH ME • NORAH JONES SWEET CAROLINE • NEIL DIAMOND PILEDRIVER WALTZ • ARCTIC MONKEYS DANCING IN THE MOONLIGHT • THIN LIZZY REWIND • HOTEL EDEN

2424 | CULTURE | CULTURE

LOTTERY • KALI UCHIS HORCHATA • VAMPIRE WEEKEND I’LL BE SEEING YOU • BILLIE HOLIDAY GOING TO CALIFORNIA • LED ZEPPELIN BABY’S WEARING BLUE JEANS • MAC DEMARCO FRIDAY I’M IN LOVE • THE CURE BETWEEN THE CHEATS • AMY WINEHOUSE PUT YOUR RECORDS ON • CORINNE BAILEY RAE HUNTER • SAN CISCO SEPTEMBER • EARTH, WIND & FIRE CAPE COD KWASSA KWASSA • VAMPIRE WEEKEND I SAY A LITTLE PRAYER • ARETHA FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL LOVER • CAYUCAS TELESCOPE • CAGE THE ELEPHANT J E S U S , E TC . • W I LCO CHAMBER OF REFLECTION • MAC DEMARCO VALERIE - LIVE AT BBC RADIO 1 LIVE LOUNGE • AMY WINEHOUSE GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN • CYNDI LAUPER MR MAGIC (THROUGH THE SMOKE) • AMY WINEHOUSE P.Y.T. (PRETTY YOUNG THING) • MICHAEL JACKSON BACK TO BLACK • AMY WINEHOUSE THE KIDS DON’T STAND A CHANCE • VAMPIRE WEEKEND LIKE A STAR • CORINNE BAILEY RAE GO GO CHAOS • BONJAH MRS. ROBINSON • SIMON & GARFUNKEL STRAWBERRY FIELDS FOREVER • THE BEATLES OBVIOUS BICYCLE • VAMPIRE WEEKEND DREAMS • THE CRANBERRIES SWEET LIFE • FRANK OCEAN WAKE UP ALONE • AMY WINEHOUSE WHAT YOU WON’T DO FOR LOVE • BOBBY CALDWELL I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY (WHO LOVES ME) • WHITNEY HOUSTON RIP TIDE • MODERN DIET HOME (RAC MIX) • EDWARD SHARPE & THE MAGNETIC ZEROS

I

Queer religious people are often expected to have similar tales of oppression. The real stories prove the diversity of their experiences.

t was not all bad."

That’s how Matt Perry describes what he says is the one thing he wants people to understand about his experience as a gay Mormon man. Although Perry in some ways represents a fairly unique perspective, his point of view, of course, isn’t a solitary one. That’s not to say the lives of queer religious people are free of conflict, but being both religious and queer doesn’t always mandate confessional booths, conversion therapy or Westboro Baptist protests. Others, however, have wrestled with the uneasy alliance between religion and sexuality for at least the last 2000 years.

Depending on one’s translation of the Bible, anything from “man lying with man” to “homosexuality” itself is condemned in Leviticus 20:13 as an abomination worthy of death. The Torah, containing this same passage, is cited similarly in condemnation of homosexuality. While interpretation of the Quran promotes much discussion, most Islamic scholars agree that sodomy is a major sin.

Looking only to direct interpretations, most of these texts clearly indicate a denunciation of homosexuality in some form. While many people turn to religion for moral guidance, that same quest for righteousness has historically evidenced motivation to persecute those whose actions or identities violate religious teachings. Historically speaking, some religious bodies have been persistent proponents of the oppression, shaming and torturing of queer people. The Westboro Baptist Church, a Baptist church of Topeka, KS, is infamous for its expansive campaigns against gay people and consistent usage of the slogan “god hates fags.”

The reality, however, is that regardless of any supposed irreconcilability of religion and homosexuality, queer religious people do exist. Some spend a lifetime seeking this balance of seemingly contradictory identities, but this begs the question: why is there an expectation for queer religious people to conform to any structure at all? These people have stories and experiences far more complex than most are exposed to. The truth is that there is no single story, whether of oppression or liberation, secrecy or advocacy, to surmise the life experiences of queer religious people. Here, C Magazine profiles four people whose stories shed light on the diversity of this topic. disclaimer: C Magazine would like to address our usage of the word “queer” throughout this story.

We understand and fully acknowledge the word’s historically pejorative use and debated designation as a slur. However, certain contexts mandate use of an umbrella term and we found “queer” to be the most fitting due to the diversity of sexual orientations and labels found throughout this piece. We intend to make clear that our usage of the term is with solely respectful intentions.

TEXT AND DESIGN BY MADDY BUECHELER, KATIE LOOK AND ROSA SCHAEFER BASTIAN

CULTURE | 25

Matt Perry • 28 • Palo Alto, CA

not ones who were also religious. Having someone with similar feelings would have helped him accept who he is earlier because he would have realized that his identity was not a source of shame.

“I think I would have had a much less painful childhood and adolescence if I had had more of a concept of being a variant of normal rather than broken,” Perry said. “There was not really any way to picture a future that I fit into. The only visions that I had of what could be would have required some pretty significant changes that were not in my power.”

At age 17, Perry looked past his fear of rejection and accepted that he was gay. Shortly after, he came out to his parents and began to trust others with his secret.

It wasn’t until he began college at Brigham Young University in Utah, a school affiliated with the Mormon Church, that Perry realized he did not agree with all of the lessons the church was teaching. For example, the church’s support for Proposition Eight, which prohibited same sex couples from getting married in California, repelled him from the philosophy of the church.

“To me, the way that the Mormon church was involved with Prop. Eight was clearly morally wrong,” Perry said. “There were arguments made that were logically unsound that the church supported wholeheartedly. The church is clearly wrong and if the church is wrong about this well I guess everything is on the table now.”

The realization caused Perry to take a break t age 12, Matt Perry realized the truth behind his sexuality. from religious practices. However, after a few years he decided to return “I didn’t really have a frame of reference to know what it was so that he could consider how impactful church was on his life, and that was different or what that meant,” Perry said. “For the how truthful he believes its teachings are. longest time I just thought that I was broken in my sexuality “Around the end of last year enough pieces clicked that I felt combecause I wasn’t attracted to girls and I was attracted to guys and that’s fortable saying the answer is no, [religion] is not important for me and not how things are supposed to work.” it’s not good for me,” Perry said. “So, I am preparing now, just taking Perry reflects fondly on the traditions of the Mormon Church that care of some loose ends, [and then] I’m going to remove my name largely impacted his upfrom the church records and bringing: going to church on officially not be a Mormon.”

I would have had a much less painful childhood Sundays, reading scripture Perry concluded that the every morning, participating way the church treated him and adolescence if I had more of a concept of in a Wednesday night youth and others who experienced being a variant of normal rather than broken. group and spending time similar oppression is irrecwith his family practicing oncilable. But he is also nochurch lessons. ticing slow, small changes Once Perry realized what he was feeling, he went to his pastor for occurring within the church to improve their acceptance of homosexuguidance. “That framed the issue for me from a very young age in terms ality. “They’re slowly changing where they can reconcile with their gay of resisting temptation and doing what was right, what religion said to membership,” Perry said. “They have blown their chance for people be right,” Perry said. who have come before. There is not any change yet, but they may be Perry spent his adolescence feeling ashamed because he did not fit moving in that direction.” into the “ideal” Mormon mold. When he sought advice, according to Despite this, Perry does not resent growing up with Mormon values.

Perry, his pastor told him, “You’re a good kid, just try to keep that “There was good stuff that came to me out of being raised a Mormon under control.” and having been a Mormon for most of my life up until to now,” Perry Hearing that his feelings needed to be suppressed did not aid Perry’s said. “For me at least, I want to make sure that the good parts don’t get situation. He did not know any gay people he could talk to, especially left by the side of the road.”

A

26 | CULTURE

Jon Arnell • 30 • Redwood City, CA

how to be a Mormon and be gay,” Arnell said. “I have spent a lot time figuring what I was going to do, what I was going to take and what I oving between North Carolina and Virginia, Jon Ar- was going to discard.” nell spent his childhood never expecting to be able The visibility of the LGBTQ community within the religion is not to come out. “I was quite aware I was [gay when] I absent. There are organizations dedicated to helping the gay people was ten or 12, and I didn’t think I was going to tell within the Mormon church. Many people have also taken to social anyone what I was experiencing,” Arnell said. “I kind of figured I was media to fight for the rights of LGBTQ Mormons. going to hide it forever.”

“To be honest, queer people in Mormonism, right now, are very visLater, he went to Brigham Young University and knew that at a ible,” Arnell said. “We have several organizations dedicated to LGBTQ religious school his sexuality was something he would not be able to ex- Mormons and get a lot of attention, especially on social media. There press without facing non-acceptance from the community. In the rules are little things that are happening.” of conduct of BYU, homosexual behavior is viewed as inappropriate Even though Arnell did not think he could come out when he first and a violation to the Honor started feeling changes in Code. Arnell was aware that his identity, he is now haphe would have to get away py with his decision to show There’s not that much advice about from the school before he people his true self. “I feel would be able to consider pretty settled with myself,” how to be a Mormon and be gay. coming out in a safe enviArnell said. “The one part ronment. that feels continuously a litArnell needed more than tle unsettled is interpersonal just acceptance from the church; he was acutely aware of how those relationships; relationships with family and friends are still a little unaround him would react if he were to come out and was fearful for his settled just because not everyone is quite on board. I just have to manreputation. “One thing that could’ve helped was if my parents could’ve age boundaries and keep my relationships as tight as possible given that have been more explicitly accepting,” Arnell said. “If my parents had I know who disagree with me. But for myself, I feel settled.” told me very clearly that there was nothing I could do to make them reject me, that would’ve been a very big deal. My parents didn’t really say any of those things. This would have allowed me to come out earlier and be able to process easier.”

Despite his general disapproval of the Mormon Church, Arnell has been able to apply some of the religious ideas he’s been taught to his life as a gay man.

“There are a lot of principles taught in my religion that are very encouraging to a gay person,” Arnell said. “There are principles of selflove, self-acceptance and hope. There is a lot of talk about personal value and the importance of love, kindness and compassion.”

Although he grew up with these principles, it took him time to reconcile his identity and the teachings from youth. “I have always been aware of my own feelings and have been able to sort out and interpret them appropriately,” Arnell said. “So, during a time period full of influences around me that made me doubt my sexuality, I was still very conscious of what was inside.”

Having just moved to the Bay Area, Arnell felt that he was ready to share his secret. His new group of friends made him feel comfortable enough to come out, and he believes that the experience of coming out would have affected him differently had he done it in the southern culture of Virginia or North Carolina.

Despite the supportive community of the Bay Area, the difficulty of coming out was still present. “There’s not that much advice about

M

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Lina Landström • 23 • New York City, NY

L

ina Landström was surrounded by religious influence during her upbringing in Sweden, yet she maintained distance from the Lutheran Church. “I didn’t go to church with my family and mostly stayed away from it,” she said.

However, as she grew older, Landström made the choice to begin attending a Lutheran church, following the example set by her friends.

She actively participated in church events and classes, and was confirmed at age 14.

After coming out, Landström understood the consequences of the clash between religion and sexuality. While the Church did not deny her, they offered no outright acts of acceptance. “It [my sexual orientation] made me feel afraid of church and that’s why I stepped away for quite a while,” Landström said. “I didn’t know if they were going to reject me, but I was unsure they were going to welcome me either, so that fed into a ton of anxiety.”

As Landström grew older and moved to the United States, she sought to find a way to marry her two core identities.

“I did seek out queer accepting churches, but it took many years for me to actually go to them,” Landström said. “I would’ve gone earlier if I hadn’t been so afraid.”

Even today, fear of non-acceptance dominates her everyday life.

“I am still conscious of my fears when I hear a person is Christian, a pastor, or a church goer,” Landström said.

“I remain wary and need to understand what kind of faith they have before I can fully trust them.”

From this fear, she has realized the challenges of being a queer person of faith. “It makes you feel very fragmented since you’re never really home within a religion, but you’re never really home in a queer community that is against religion, especially Christianity,” Landström said.

According to Landström, the relationship between religion and sexuality exchanges tensions, with fear and friction on behalf of both communities. “The queer community believes religion and being gay do not mix,” Landström said. “There is a lot of unawareness in the

28 | CULTURE

queer community, as well as a lot of fear and hurt. They think that all Christians and all people of faith will be hateful towards them. It’s not just resistance within religion, we also face resistance in the queer community.”

In the wake of President Trump’s election, Landström feels that an anti-religious sentiment has grown within liberal communities, sometimes spawning subtle accusations against religion in their activism.

“While I think these protests are very important, and while I definitely do not agree with Trump, I think that a lot of protesters were lumping all Christians into one wing and listing them as an Evangelical group.

[They were] hating on that instead of taking time to learn that the Christian religion is just as diverse as the queer community.”

Currently living in New York City, Landström is turning her experiences into actions by addressing the issues surrounding the identities of queer religious people.

Landström could not tolerate the conflict separating her identities, and in a fit of frustration she created a Facebook group called “Queers of Faith.”

The intent behind the group is not a radical plea for change, but rather a forum for love and support. “[The Facebook group] is trying to get people who identify the same way I do to come together and share their thoughts and struggles openly in a way that feels more whole,” Landström said.

“While there are organizations for queer Christians, I felt like a place of community is what was lacking.”

Landström realized the initial Photo courtesy of Lina Landström impact of her group within a few months.

“I think there is so much we can learn from one another,” Landström said. “I am currently trying to get in touch with the Muslim and Jewish communities here in New York to organize something together with them that is interfaith on the topic of LGBTQ questions. I think we share a lot of similar struggles and I think we can learn by working together.”

In a world where two strong circles have collided, Landström has been a driving force to break the barrier through awareness and acceptance. “Visibility [of queer people of faith] goes a long way in showing the LGBTQ community that there is such thing as open and affirming religion and not all religious people are going to hurt or reject them.”

Daniel Ross-Jones • 32 • East Palo Alto, CA

D

aniel Ross-Jones may not have always known he would work in religion, but those around him certainly did.

“I would sing music from worship in the shopping cart as we did our weekly shopping,” Ross-Jones recounted.

Growing up in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, he didn’t know he was gay, either, until his senior year of high school. Within a couple of years, most people around him knew that, too. Except his grandmother — “she went to the grave without me ever having told her.”

Grand Rapids, a small, mostly Evangelical Lutheran town, was the backdrop for what Ross-Jones considers a fortunately sympathetic upbringing. He attributes some of this to the fact that his hometown was also the birthplace of Judy Garland, whose sizable gay following would often flock to the town as a sightseeing destination. “It was a town that had a lot of art and culture,” RossJones said. “There was no real objectionable cultural conservatism at play in the same way as perhaps other small towns or areas. While that narrative may be increasingly common, it’s still far from universal. I’m really lucky because of the town I grew up in.”

The religious aspect of Ross-Jones’ childhood was characterized by his participation in two different churches — the one his family attended, he says, was “a really open, welcoming, warm congregation,” while the church he attended for Wednesday night gatherings embodied a conservative faith.

However, Ross-Jones says it wasn’t the “hugely confrontational, adversarial, judgemental, hyper-aggressive, conservative Christianity” that he would encounter later in life. When he would later face adversity — death threats, for example, during his time as a university chaplain — in response to his identity, Ross-Jones says these childhood experiences helped him reach an understanding about the intentions of those who persecute him. “I want to give them the benefit of the doubt that they are emerging from a genuinely good place. I always go back to, ‘no, I actually do know people who hold these convictions, and it’s not that they’re bad people, they just disagree.’”

These beliefs help to explain how Ross-Jones has maintained a re-

markable understanding of the prejudice he has faced. “I don’t think that I’ve experienced bitterness,” Ross-Jones said, “I think that I’ve experienced misunderstanding.” He’s decisively optimistic about what it will take to address these misunderstandings, too: “Let’s sit down and talk about it. That’s what I understand as a Christian minister is my call to ministry.”

Ross-Jones says that he’s never felt his identity was conflictual; the thought of any necessary reconciliation of religion and homosexuality didn’t cross his mind until long after both had taken root in his life.

When he moved to the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul area following his eighth grade year, Ross-Jones had his first memorable run-ins with the vocalized prejudice he would continue to experience throughout his life. “I never heard ‘faggot,’ I never heard any derogatory language until we moved,” RossJones said.

About a decade later, with a newly-minted degree in Communications from an Evangelical-Lutheran-affiliated university in Wisconsin, RossJones accepted a job as the communications director for the regional Lutheran church body in southeastern Wisconsin. Though it wasn’t his intention at the time to pursue a job within the church body — “I was like, ‘ok, I’ll do that until I get my real job that I really want to do,’” he recalled — he’s been working in ministry ever since.

Ross-Jones was ordained as a minister of the United Church of Christ in 2011. He came to the decision to leave the Lutheran church, which he had grown up within, following a realization about his role within the anti-gay-ordination Lutheran Church as a gay man. “While I fit in that denomination, almost to a tee, in terms of what I believe and what I understand and what my understanding is of the trinity, my calling wasn’t to be the poster child exception to the rule.” Though the Lutheran church changed its anti-gay-ordination policy in 2009, Ross-Jones has continued his membership with the United Church of Christ and now works as an Associate Conference Minister for the United Church of Christ’s Northern California Nevada Conference.

An inevitable smile fills Ross-Jones’ face when he explains his recent work with the Bay Area branch of the Southern Baptist church.

They’ve done what many churches have done before them: they’ve de

CULTURE | 29

I don’t think that I’ve experienced bitterness, I think that I’ve experienced misunderstanding.

cided, after immense study, that the Bible presents no opposition to the ordination of gay ministers. The difference, however, lies in the fact that their generally conservative denomination prohibits the baptism, and therefore ordination, of gay individuals.

According to Ross-Jones, the church’s aim wasn’t to take a stance on gay ordination. The congregation simply felt that some of their gay community members were well equipped for leadership roles within the church. However, once members of the Southern Baptist Convention realized that the local church was not acting in alignment with the Southern Baptist Convention’s stance on LGBT issues, the Southern Baptist Convention promptly broke ties with the church.

Ross-Jones says that stories like this, of faith communities defying traditional systems of belief in order to further seek righteousness, represent the future of religion. “That challenge of presumption is part of how I’ve understood God at work in my own faith journey,” Ross-Jones said. “It changes the narrative. We are evolving to find more ways of widening those boundaries and more ways to push up against the human construct of grouping.”

For more profiles, visit cmagazine.org.

T

hroughout recent years, there have been small and slow changes within the tensions of religion and sexuality.

Anti-gay rhetoric by groups like the Westboro Baptist Church are more often receiving hate speech designations. Support groups for queer religious people are more common than ever, like Landström’s “Queers of Faith” Facebook group, or Affirmation, a resource for LGBT Mormons. There is more support available now than ever before, but that’s only part of the story.

Narratives on the experiences of queer religious people are uncommon. Those that do exist often paint the nature of these experiences into a singular box. These people are portrayed as unhappy with the circumstances or environments within which they were raised. There are people who are brutally abused, who are put down by degrading statements and who wish for nothing more than to be born into an accepting community. However there are also people who are grateful for the values they learned, the people they have met, and the encouragement from the uplifting messages that religious texts can send.

The experiences of queer religious people are far from identical. To project an inherent identity conflict, which for some is false, is to strip queer religious people of the ability to create their own narrative free of expectations.

It’s tough to say what the solution to this is — some say it’s to increase visibility of the stories of queer religious people, others say to continue to push for structural changes within the churches — but many, including Daniel Ross-Jones, have high hopes for the future.

“There are those who disagree in love, and there are those who don’t disagree in love,” Ross-Jones said. “And the same is true on the other side of the equation; there are those who are open and progressive and affirming in love, and those who do it militantly and aggressively in ways that are not helpful either. The way to break down those barriers is to have people who are willing to talk with one another.”

S

R

ME M U Summer in the Bay Area is a great time to attend a concert, support a cause or visit a national park.

Text by Darrow Hornik and Talia Stanley Design by Talia Stanley Photo courtesy of Sabrina Hall

S

E

VENT

Outside Lands Music Festival August 11 - August 13 Golden Gate Park 3-day ticket: $375 Future Nobody Safe Tour June 15 Shoreline Amphitheatre General admission ticket: $29.50 San Francisco Pride Parade June 24 - June 25 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Civic Center Plaza Free Palo Alto Art Festival July 8 - July 9 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

University Avenue Free AIDS Walk July 16 Golden Gate Park Free Free Museum Day August 1 Over 30 museums (see freemuseumday.org for full list) Free Free National Park Day August 25 Any U.S. National Park Free

32 | ARTS CULTURE

Trevor Noah Comedy Show June 23 at 7:30 p.m.

Mountain Winery in Saratoga Tickets start at $140

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Summer’s

Summoning: A lookbook A young, penniless, lady of fashion’s guide to warm weather wardrobe magic.

A

s the chilly winter mornings that make all the California girls want to crawl back into bed finally begin to ease, summer greets us, and this particular Cali girl is most excited about one thing: Summer fashion (what a shocker). Summon those denim skirts and vibrant crop tops from the depths of your sad winter closets ladies, and get your pretty lil’ butt on the next Caltrain to San Francisco and make your way to Haight and Ashbury.

Oh, you’re broke? No worries girl, this one’s for the ladies rolling on a budget. The Haight, one of San Francisco’s most iconic neighborhoods and home to the quintessential Bay Area stoner and hippie, is a hub for enthusiastic thrifters and pioneers of the latest alternative looks. Stores, Relic Fashions, Buffalo Exchange, and Decades of Fashion offer a vibrant ensemble of garments with a range of clothing from the 1800s to the hippest most current trends. Leave the heels at home and brace yourself for a full day of fashion enlightenment.

So once you’ve swooped those unique steals, lay ‘em out on your bed and take a minute to admire the day’s conquests. Then begin to brainstorm. Would this high waisted, suede mini skirt compliment my new velvet stilettos? The answer: Absolutely not. Girl, this ain’t the 2004 Jersey Shore club scene, this is PA. Instead, opt for your favorite pair of comfortable sneakers; personal favorites include Converse, New Balance, and the classic Adidas.

Alright, so once you’ve managed to complete the basic task of pairing a solid tank with a denim skirt (which trust me, always seems to impress people) it’s time to whip that face and hair into shape. Lucky for us lazier girls, the “natural” look is in this season. A simple coat of mascara and perhaps some brow gel will do. As for the hair. let it loose.

Don’t worry about straighteners and curling irons. Work what your mamma gave you and simply brush through. So now my dear ladies, you have been briefed on all the summer’s upcoming trends. Have fun, enjoy the fashion, and remember you were not put in this world to be mediocre. The same goes for your outfits.

TEXT AND DESIGN BY FE HMELAR PHOTOS BY SOPHIA MUYS

34 | CULTURE

Artist of the Month:

Alia CuadrosContreras TEXT AND DESIGN BY JASMINE ABEYTA

The Beauty and the Beast star shares her passion for theater and the importance of the arts in our society.

36 | ARTS

Photo courtesty of Rob Wilen

ackstage, the murmur of performers running through their lines one last time and the indistinct sounds of various vocal warm ups create a busy atmosphere. Yet, Palo Alto High School (Paly) senior Alia Cuadros-Contreras is unphased; she gives herself headspace in an isolated corner, focusing on perfecting her first song of the show and being present within her character.

Although she has been in theater since she was nine years old, Cuadros-Contreras didn’t decide to commit to musical theater until freshman year. Her passion for musical theater not only stems from her love of storytelling, but also the emotional connection that develops between her and the audience through singing and dancing.

“Singing is a wonderful way … to express inner feelings to be able to look inside a character’s mind,” Cuadros-Contreras said. “When they have their solo on stage and they’re singing their ballad by themselves, it’s a great way to get a glimpse into a character. I like musical theater a lot because it’s a heightened way of expressing humanity on stage, which is why I also love straight theater.”

Growing up in Silicon Valley, which is known for being a very STEM-oriented community, Cuadros-Contreras faced a lot of criticism for her choice to pursue the arts. As a strong math and science student, she has had teachers doubt her choices to “waste away her smarts” for a passion that will not make her as much money.

“It really sucks...I’ve had people tell me ‘but you’re so good at math, don’t you want to go into STEM?’” Cuadros-Contreras said. “Whenever I have to miss class or need an extension on something because I have rehearsals, many of my [math and science] teachers are always like ‘Why are you in theater? Why are you wasting your time doing that when you’re so good at math and science and all of these things that can actually be beneficial to society, that can also make a difference in our world?’”

However, she feels as though having grown up surrounded by a community that does not support the arts as much as it does STEM has helped her develop a stronger appreciation for the arts in general; it has allowed her to realize her own opinions on why the arts are such an important part of our culture.

“I think that arts are really important because they help build compassion in society,” Cuadros-Contreras said. “I feel like it’s

Photo courtesy of Kristina Vetter

Photo courtesy of Kristina Vetter

the best way to see people on stage, to see parts of ourselves on stage, and see how we’re more similar than we are different. You see someone on stage, and they’re experiencing similar things to what you’re experiencing, you get to see them go through that struggle, you get to sympathize with them; so I feel like this allows us to understand each other better, to understand ourselves better, and to be more sympathetic and compassionate to those around us.”

Though she typically selects characters based on her vocal range and physical size, Cuadros-Contreras has portrayed a vast range of characters, both male and female. Most of her success when portraying a character on stage stems from her ability to think like her character. All of her character’s thoughts and emotions become hers, and she becomes fully immersed in the character that she is portraying.

“When I’m on stage, it’s weird because I’m aware that there’s an audience, but at the same time I’m so immersed in my character that I feel like I am my character,” Cuadros-Contreras said.

“I have to get what my character wants, I have to say what she needs to say to get what she wants, I have to achieve all of her objectives. It’s weird because even though you have an awareness that there’s an audience, you’re so invested in your relationships with the other characters and what you’re doing on stage that it doesn’t really matter that there’s someone watching.”

Over the last two summers, Cuadros-Contreras has attended NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts theater programs to improve her vocal, dance and acting skills through intensive training.

Next year, she plans to attend NYU Tisch for her undergraduate studies to obtain her Bachelor in Fine Arts (BFA) in drama, followed by her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in teaching theater.

She aspires to become a theater professor while acting professionally part-time.

Caudros-Contreras said: “I felt almost ashamed, like I’m wasting all of these smarts that I have doing something like theater, when doing something creative in the arts is also a different type of intelligence. It’s just different than the intelligence used for STEM. The idea that you can’t make money off of the arts is kind of stupid because it doesn’t hold full validity … you can always make things work.”

Spilling Ink TEXT AND DESIGN BY JULIANNA ROTH AND STAN DE MARTEL • DESIGN BY TEDDIE STEWART • PHOTOS BY STAN DE MARTEL

C Magazine sat down with Johnny and Lisa, two tattoo artists, at the Redwood City Tattoo Company. We asked them some questions about their experience becoming tattoo artist and some of their fondest memories.

What is your favorite part about being a tattoo artist?

Johnny: For me, tattooing is more of a craftsmanship than art in a way.

Once the tattoo is done it lasts a lifetime and the person remembers the tattoo artist forever. You also remember where you are in life and what you are doing when you get the tattoo. It makes people happy and it makes me happy seeing people happy about the tattoo I just gave them.

I’ve seen people cry before after they receive their tattoo, but to me the ones that mean the most are the ones I do on my close friends and family. I try to do my best work on everybody but for some reason they always turn out the best on my friends. Tattooing is the first job i’ve ever had where I can wake up every morning and not get mad about going to work.

What is the most memorable reason that someone came in for a tattoo?

Lisa: Due to certain illnesses, some people have no option but to remove certain body parts. Tattooing gives clients the option to tattoo them back on, for example women who have had breast cancer and have had their breasts removed. Those are probably the most memorable stories because you’re really transforming someone’s body for good.

Unfortunately, a lot of times those tattoos are not publicized because of censorship. Those are the stories that nobody really sees and are more private. For this reason, they [the tattoos] stay with us a little bit longer.

What is the biggest stigma surrounding tattoos?

Johnny: All the stigma surrounding tattoos has discouraged many from getting tattoos. There used to be a bigger stigma back in the day. It died. In 1990 only thugs, bikers and gangsters got tattoos. But now it’s changed, soccer moms are getting tattoos, you have ministers getting tattoos, cops, doctors...they all have tattoos. That was really the only stigma, I can recall, and as you can see it has basically ended.

38 | ARTS

Was the training hard work?

Johnny: Yeah, a lot of people fail and quit because of the hard work that comes before being a tattoo artist.

Bosses can recognize when someone wants it enough because they are willing to put in the hard work. You have to keep your head down and do what they tell you and work hard and eventually you are blessed with the gift and start taking walk-ins full time and boom you are a tattoo artist.

Why have you found most people get tattoos?

Johnny: People get tattoos for various reasons. Lots of people just like the art.

My tattoos have no meaning to me whatsoever it’s just about the artwork.

When people are going through pain people get tattoos of where they’re at in their life, that why a lot of people get quotes, there will be a time in their life where a quote really means something to them and they’ll want to put it on their body.

How did you first become a tattoo artist?

Johnny: For the longest time they [the bosses] had me trace flash which are these little designs. I would just trace that over and over again. I would always wonder why they would have me do this and not have me draw [tattoos]. I would trace a zillion roses and skull designs and one day the boss would tell me to draw it out of memory, and because I had traced so many I had created a muscle memory for it.

ARTS | 39

ARTS | 39

D

eep in the heart of San Francisco’s industrial Dogpatch district, a place of trucks, abandoned warehouses, and construction pollution, a revolution is blooming.

On the corner of Minnesota and 24th, this black-and-white building reveals nothing of its interior glories from afar. Little moved in this area on a Wednesday morning until the building doors opened at 11 am, when a couple of well-dressed millennials emerged from parked cars. Chatting jovially, they entered, among them the Rena Bransten Gallery representative China Langford.

“Minnesota Street Project was started by philanthropists Deborah and Andy Rappaport, in hopes to keep some of the galleries and the artists that they saw being forced to leave San Francisco here,” Langford said. “This building that we’re in houses galleries — ten permanent gallery spaces. The building across the street from here has 34 artists in residency, and then there’s a third building that has art storage and art handling facilities. The three of those together are all part of Minnesota Street Project.”

a community of galleries and artists changing san francisco’s art scene

40 | ARTS

Inside the building is a cavernous atrium flocked by two floors of gallery spaces. Pillars lit by fluorescent neon strips run down the center of the enormous room. At the back, a simple wooden staircase leads to the second floor. A space along the side remains sealed off, but come fall it will house a new restaurant.

Although the ten galleries inhabit the same warehouse, each forms a unique world. Here’s what the gallery owners, directors, and representatives had to say about their own projects.

Andrew Mcclintock, Owner of Ever Gold Projects: Sounds of heavy machinery permeated the air when McClintock switched on the video projector in his gallery. The exhibition features a series of movies by South African artist Cameron Platter. “I had my gallery in the Tenderloin for about seven years before I moved here,” McClintock said. “I started it when I was still in my last semester at the San Francisco Art Institute, and I just started with a couple of friends. We found a vacant spot in the Tenderloin. It was an old jewelry store, and it was abandoned. So it was kind of started with

the intention of having a fun space.”

McClintock’s story took a turn that many artists in the area could relate to. “I had been evicted from [the] Tenderloin. There are other galleries that are getting kicked out of other spaces, the scene was just so spread out, and even though the city is small, it was just very hard to get people to come to things.”

For him, Minnesota Street Project marks a new start. “It’s just a really good example of a good mixed-use space that brings people together, increases foot traffic, increases visibility, kind of fabricates an actual scene. It’s been a huge positive impact on the city.”

Jenny Baie, Director of Rena Bransten Gallery: As one of the first galleries to sign on to the project, the Rena Bransten Gallery holds the work of established artists as well the stories of seasoned curators. “We used to be downtown for about 27 years, for one space we were at, and we had to move out,” Baie said. “They basically kicked us out for a tech company.”

After setting up a temporary space on Market Street for two years, the Rappaports ap-

minnesota

proached the gallery about being part of the project. “It was a fantastic idea, we loved it, we said yes, and here we are.”

In terms of how the project has affected the gallery since then, Baie had positive feedback to give. “I think it’s fantastic, I think it’s nice for us galleries to have a community of galleries again, a place where we can all interact with each other and not be all spread out in all parts of the city.”

Nina Veaco, Volunteer at Fake Newsroom: An art community of this scale brings some curious pieces with it. As a volunteer, Veaco’s job is to print images from the Associated Press website and lay them out on the floor.

“Larry Saltin, Mike Mandel, they got access to daily images that came from the news.

They were taking the images without text and just sequencing them out. This was what they did back in 1983, and so for a couple hours we just pick some pictures that we like, that speak to us. And no Trump, that is not allowed.”

What do they do with Trump photos? “If you want though, you can pick out a picture,

and you may shred it,” Veaco said. “So that’s how we deal with that issue.”

Nancy Toomey, Owner of Nancy Toomey Fine Art: Another seasoned gallery director, Nancy Toomey, recounted her gallery’s nomadic movements. “I was downtown in the 49 Geary building for about 18 years, and I got the opportunity to move to this wonderful location.

The rents had gone up downtown, and it just seemed like a paradigm shift. A lot of the galleries were moving out of downtown. The Rappaports invited me — I was one of the initial members to sign up here — and it was like a breath of fresh air, a brand new location.”

Toomey’s outlook on the future of the area was positive. “When the restaurant opens it’ll be even more lively. I think that there’s going to be a lot more of a cultural shift down to the outlying areas of San Francisco because the rents can no longer sustain arts organizations.

I think it’s going to have a big impact on a lot of the condos being built, and I think it’s just providing another cultural hub for the city, especially for the neighborhood.”

What will be the catalyst? “It’s not just galleries that are here, there’s all sorts of things — parties, private events, book fairs, print fairs,” Toomey said. “It’s created a lively hub, and hopefully it will introduce younger people to art.”

Clea Massiani, Co Director of Bass & Reiner Gallery: Although a relatively new gallery, Bass & Reiner has already made waves in San Francisco. “We’ve been around since September 2014, in the Mission,” Massiani said. “The Rappaports owned this building and many other buildings around. They saw what was happening in the San Francisco art scene — everybody was getting displaced, artists were leaving, and so they wanted to act fast.”

Bass & Reiner contacted the Rappaports and made an instant impression — they were young, they had low prices and they brought in a different perspective from minority artists.

Thanks to the project, Massiani said, the gallery has benefitted quite a bit. “We get more visibility, we get more clients, and we get a lot more attention.”

street project

text and design by nicole li & ahana ganguly

ARTS | 41

THE SOUNDTRACK OF OUR HIGH SCHOOL YEARS TEXT AND DESIGN BY REILLY FILTER AND SARAH SHAPIRO PHOTOS BY JORDAN SCHILLING

7 1 0 2 f o s s a l C g C Ma

Music is arguably one of the most important parts of growing up. This story features three song selections from every senior on our staff that they felt accurately captured the roller coaster that is high school, whether in words, melody or memory.

Teddie Stewart

1. Easy - Mac Ayres 2. Frannie’s Blues - Patrick Sweany Band 3. Baby Boy - Childish Gambino

Fe Hmelar

Nicole Li

Rima Parekh

1. Whenever, Wherever - Shakira 2. Pumped up Kicks - Foster the People 3. Blue - Marina and the Diamonds

1. Roots - Imagine Dragons 2. We Don’t Talk Anymore - Charlie Puth 3. I Lived - One Republic

1. Stressed Out - 21 Pilots 2. Okey Dokey - Song Minho 3. Whip Nae Nae - Silento

42| ARTS

Reilly Filter

Sarah Shapiro

Nathan Zeidwerg

1. When The Lights Go Down - Journey 2. Closing Time - Semisonic 3. Laughed Until We Cried - Jason Aldean

1. Sunday Candy - Donnie Trumpet 2. Stop This Train - John Mayer 3. San Francisco - The Mowglis

1. Under Pressure - Queen 2. Loser - Beck 3. Bored To Death - Blink 182

Jasmine Abeyta

Jordan Schilling

Katie Passarello

1. Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap 2. Sober - Childish Gambino 3. Super Rich Kids - Frank Ocean

1.. All My Friends Are Wasted - Snakehips 2. Gold Digger - Kanye West 3. One More Time - Daft Punk

1. Last Friday Night - Katy Perry 2. Fast - Luke Bryan 3. Anna Sun - Walk The Moon

Atusa Assadi

Ahana Ganguly

Yashvi Tibrewal

1. Up - Sing Street 2. Rebel Rebel - David Bowie 3. Miss Atomic Bomb - The Killers

1. Run On - Moby 2. A Poem on the Underground Wall Simon and Garfunke 3. Leftovers - Johnny Flynn

1. California Girls - Katy Perry 2. We’re All In This Together - HSM 3. Cake by the Ocean - DNCE

ARTS | 43

Since this is the last edition, and the last time I will be able to contribute to CMAG, I wanted to write a poem. I have been publishing my poetry since I was a young cubby sophomore, and it felt fitting to write another, for the last time.

So, as I sat on 9 different planes, because I have been traveling every weekend of april, I wrote a poem. For the writers out there, I hope you can relate, that I absolutely love writing on planes.

Maybe it is the sense of literally being above your problems that makes one introspective, or maybe it is the jolt you get from the causal possibility of free falling. Either way, it can result in some good writing.

I did write a poem, with full intention to publish, but what came out was too personal for me to share. That is something I always struggled with. Do I feel comfortable sharing this with the abundance of possible readers?

And If I can give one advice to high school poets who are unsure about sharing their writing; share when you are ready, not because you feel pressured to.

It does not make you cowardly to be unsure.

You are brave because you gave yourself an outlet to write about the things that make you uncomfortable, that is a bold and brave characteristic, regardless if you decided to share. I am proud, and forever will be, of the writers I have meet at PALY. I believe the student and teachers at PALY need to give themselves a break and remember that it is perfectly acceptable and necessary to do things without any intention behind it. Write when you need to, share when you want to.

In conclusion, I decided to publish these two poems that have very different rhythm to them, because variety is the spice of life, yah know? I hope you connect to them in some way. Thank you for reading my work.

LAST HURRAH POEMS BY TEDDIE STEWaRT A False Light Hearted Affair Ms.Fee had knees as long as trees And carried a basket filled with many things All of which, embodied her glee Of waking up, with mr. Lee But Inside you’ll find A rubber toothbrush, for a floppy clean And of course, a love affair with Mr. Gleam Someone once said, she was building a wall Between her life of love And a life she called A necessary break from the land of all “Must keep things separate, my dear, it’s most important not to fall” So she closed her bag of many things That held dragons, a circus, some christians, and beans And her love of Mr. Lee Was an act of symmetry To her need, for a very hidden Mr. Gleam

The Spaghetti factory One night you said I needed to be better While the hushed lighting misted around the table, you told me you couldn’t handle both our problems.

It felt so humid. The condensed moisture clung to the sides of my face, and inside of my palms.

It had tickled my arm hairs to a sticky tower I wanted to tell you it wasn’t fair, that you can’t decided when my problems were done But I was sinking in muggy atmosphere and I drowned to stop disturbing the surface.

Power.

Don’t give them your power.

Don’t.

Don’t forget what you believe in.

Don’t do it.

Don’t fall off your path.

Please, just don’t.

Don’t give him your power.

He will take it.

Yes he will.

And he won’t give it back.

He will keep it.

And you will be held hostage.

Stuck under his spell.

His power.

Which you gave him in the first place.

Keep your power.

Don’t give it away.

But if you do, Brace yourself for the worst pain you will ever feel.

Power.

POEM AND ILLUSTRATION BY AN ANONYMOUS C MAG STAFF WRITER

The 5 Most Anticipated Albums of 2017 TEXT AND DESIGN BY GABRIEL COHEN AND RYAN GWYN ILLUSTRATIONS BY YOON JUNG CHO

Travis Scott Hip hop superstar Travis Scott has teased his third album for a 2017 release. The album will be titled “Astroworld,” named after the Houston theme park Travis used to visit as a child. “Astroworld” will follow 2016’s “Birds in the Trap Sing Mcknight.”

We expect it to drop sometime in early September, due to the fact that “Birds in the Trap” and Scott’s first album “Rodeo” were also released in September.

LANA DEL REY

With an instagram post featuring the cover art of her new album, Lana Del Rey announced her new project: “Lust For Life.” This will be her 11th studio album and first since “Honeymoon” in 2015. So far, we have one track with the same title as the album featuring The Weeknd.

We don’t have the tracklist yet, but hope to see more features and another round of huge pop songs from the singer/ songwriter.

Lil Wayne

Lil Wayne is expected to release his 12th studio album, The Carter V, this year. The Carter V will be the fifth instillation in Wayne’s “Carter” anthology, a string of albums that many of Weezy’s fans consider to be his best. We hope that Lil Wayne digs in deep, and puts out material that stacks up against his dubbed golden era, which seems to be glowing dimmer and dimmer.

LCD Soundsystem LCD Soundsystem plan on releasing their fourth studio album later this year. This album will mark LCD’s first release since their 2010 dance masterpiece “This Is Happening.” The band debuted material from the upcoming album for six nights at the Brooklyn Steelin mid-April. LCD’s trademark blend of dance music and classic new wave has been rumoured to appear in the new songs, but strict no-phone policies at the shows prevented fans from sharing the experience online.

gorillaz It’s safe to say that we went a bit crazy when Gorillaz announced their 11th studio album earlier this year. Seven years without a word from the band left us with only an imagination of what the next album could be like. It’s the suspense that makes this project so enticing for fans. Titled “Humanz”, the album from the English-based alternative hip hop quartet was released April 28th and featured a massive tracklisting at 26 songs. Thus far, the band has released five songs that seem to vary greatly from their original alternative and experimental genre. We hope to see great things from the many features on the album and a new style emerging from the seven year silence.

46| ARTS

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