Issue 715 // 8 Feb 2021 by Exeposé

exeposé

Officially the UK’s Best Student Publication

ISSUE 715 8 FEB 2021 exepose.com @Exepose

THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1987

Street harassment and stalking reports double since 2016

BAME Counselling service introduced after Wellbeing difficulties Bryony Gooch Editor

HE University of Exeter have introduced long-awaited BAME counselling support to its wellbeing services. This new service is available via the Bristol-based counselling service Nilaari who offer culturally appropriate counselling support for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people. Nilaari offers a range of therapies for those experiencing stress, worry, general anxiety, depression, low self esteem and low confidence. Students who sign up for the service can receive up to six free counselling sessions as agreed with the counsellor. Exeposé spoke to BAME students about their experiences with Wellbeing so far. One recent graduate spoke of their experience of the University’s Wellbeing service before the introduction of Nilaari: “I had contacted Wellbeing many times and nothing was going anywhere… I wasn’t getting replies to my emails or I was getting sent pamphlets. So I went to my doctor and she sped up the Wellbeing process. “I literally didn’t get an ILP for ages. It took so long for some reason. I asked for it in January of first year and didn’t receive it ‘til the second half of second year. “I started doing CBT with the Wellbeing service in first year. Even when

• Charged offenders drops to 7 per cent • Reports peaked at 442 in 2019 • 76 per cent of victims are female EXCLUSIVE Emily Im News Editor

CCORDING to data obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, reports of street harassment and stalking in Exeter have more than doubled over the last five years. Devon and Cornwall Police recorded 200 street harassment reports in 2016. By 2020, the figure increased to 431, although reports peaked in 2019 at 442. Stalking reports also went up from 10 to 79 - an almost eight-times increase. The total number of harassment victims rose from 180 to 355, but there were 58 stalking victims last year com-

pared to just seven, four years prior. The majority of victims for street harassment and stalking are female - an average of 76 per cent across the period. However, there has been a decline in offenders charged for harassment: 28 per cent were convicted in 2016 and only seven per cent last year. This can be partly attributed to the fact that some investigations are still ongoing. Of 2016’s harassment offenders, 92 per cent were male. As for stalking, all of the offenders over the last five years were male. Every year, the most commonly reported form of street harassment is harassment without violence and the same can be said for stalking. Exeposé spoke to the student community about their experiences of har-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

FEATURES Celebrating formative events in LGBTQ+ History PAGe 10

Image: karolina-grabowska (Pexels)

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Image: Pete Syme

MUSIC

A Valentine’s playlist for your sweetheart PAGe 19

SCIENCE What can we learn from Octopuses?

Image: pen_ash (Pixabay)

PAGE 27

EXEPOSÉ

Devonshire House, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4PZ

News Editors Print: Emily Im & Chloe Pumares Online: Elen Johnston & Ella Shadwell news@exepose.com

Beyond Exeter Editor Print: Sumiah Elbortoukaly

Lifestyle Editors Print: Ceri Jackson & Georgia Shepherd Online: Millie Betts lifestyle@exepose.com Arts + Lit Editors Print: Will Evans & Amelia Gregory Online: Lucy Aylmer & Anna Wilmot artsandlit@exepose.com Music Editors Print: Bridie Adams & Ollie Leader de Saxe Online: Tom Bosher & Holly Lamb music@exepose.com Screen Editors Print: Olivia Garrett & Francesca Sylph Online: Olivia Gomez & Jim Norman screen@exepose.com Science Editors Print: Laura Haughey & Lauryn Mitchell Online: Isabel Murray & Vincent Plant sciandtech@exepose.com Sport Editors Print: Joel Edwards & Nick Powell Online: Elise Hamerseley & Harry Scott Munro sport@exepose.com Chief Photographer photography@exepose.com Copy Editors Danni Darrah, David Fallshaw, Emily Mason Proofers Kamila Bell, Bryony Gooch, Pee Syme, Richard Ainslie, George Clark, Blood, Sweat & Tears

@exepose @exepose facebook.com/exepose issuu.com/exeposeexeter Advertising SalesandBusinessDepartment@exeterguild.com

(01392) 722607

The opinions expressed in Exeposé are not necessarily those of the Exeposé Editors nor the University of Exeter Students’ Guild. While every care is taken to ensure that the information in this publication is correct and accurate, the Publisher can accept no liability for any consequential loss or damage, however caused, arising as a result of using the information printed. The Publisher cannot accept liability for any loss or damage to artwork or material submitted. The contents of this, unless stated otherwise, are copyright of the Publisher. Reproduction in any form requires the prior consent of the Publisher.

2020 Best Publication 2021 Best Publication in the South West

NEWS The first five anti-racism projects at Exeter announced PAGE 4

LIFESTYLE How to educate yourself during LGBTQ+ History Month PAGE 14

SCIENCE

Image: Ryan O Niel (Unsplash)

Features Editors Print: Bethany Collins & Joe Newell Online: Simon Eidesvik & Becca Wells Foreign Correspondents Co-ordinator:s: Ross Chatwell & Catherine Lloyd features@exepose.com

love them so much (page 20). And whilst you are here check out (page 21) where Issy Murray examines the significance of the ballroom in LGBTQ+ History Month. But don't stop there, Lifestyle have an article on great resources you can use to educate yourself on LGBTQ+ History not jsut this month but througout the year (page 14). It is almost Valentine's Day, don't worry we didn't forget, even if the vast majority of our senior team is single. But for you lovebirds out there reading this, Lifestyle also have some ingenious suggestions for staying COVID-19 safe on the big day (page 13). Oh, don't forget to check out Features this week where the recent scandal of food parcel outsourcing by the Government is discussed (page 9). Last but certainly not least, Sport have an exclusive overview of the upcoming Men's Cricket Test Series (page 31). We hope this issue can get you through to the halfway point of Term Two with some ease, we know how much of a drag it can be to reach this point of the year sometimes. As always, Exeposé welcomes new writers, proofers and general members. We are a student group that requires you to have absolutely no prior experience, just a passion for all things journalism or a love of creativity. We welcome everyone. All you need is curiosity and a drive for giving things a go. But for now, take it easy. Carry on reading. Kamila & Bryony

Image: Sara Rampazzo (Unsplash)

Comment Editors Print: Isaac Bettridge & Cassia Grace Online: Gaia Neiman & Jennifer Medlicott comment@exepose.com

EADER, we did it! Exeposé won Best Publication in the South West at the Student Publication Association Regional Conference on 5 February. The achievements for Exeposé do not stop there. Our very own Deputy Editor, Pete Syme securred the title of Best Journalist in the South West and we could not be more proud of him. We here at Exeposé just want to say a huge thank you to all of our editors, writers and readers for making this possible. With that said, let's get on with this week's edition. February is LGBTQ+ History Month in the UK and we have some great content from our writers this week that educate, discuss and celebrate. This week in News you can read about the Students' Guild's decision to review their online events protocols (Page 4). Meanwhile, Comment discuss the meme that was filling all of our feeds a couple of weeks ago, Bernie Sanders and his mittens (page 8). This week Arts + Lit have an amazing interview with Exeter's hottest new bookshop, Bookbag. Check out (page 15) where an Arts + Lit editor discusses with the owner what it has been like to open during the pandemic. Head over to Screen where the Valentine's Day content is looking at how gaming could be the new romantic pastime, saucy (page 22). Science provides you with some great information about whether aromatherapy really is worth the hype (page 28). In Music we disucss some of our favourite LGBTQ+ artisits and why we

SPA AWARDS

Image: Clay Banks (Unsplash)

Editors Print: Kamila Bell & Bryony Gooch Online: Madeleine Baker & Ria Kalsi Deputy: Richard Ainslie, George Clark & Pete Syme editors@exepose.com

Editorial

What is the science behind love? PAGE 28 Image: LorieShaull wikimediacommons

SPORT

Victorious Valentines in the Sport world PAGE 30

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE! Visit us at www.exepose.com

Worldwide university news French students promised one euro meals

RESIDENT Macron has promised university students in France two meals for one euro as a way to help them during lockdown. Discounted meals will be available at university canteens and other outlets doing takeaways. His proposal comes following student protests calling for more financial and mental health support. University psychologists have said that isolation, inactivity and concerns about jobs have taken a toll on some students. Addressing students at Paris-Saclay University, Macron said the government would be giving out subsidies in the form of a voucher to fund mental health services. Students have been barred from campuses since October 2020 and would like to return to a mixture of online and in-person teaching.

Pakistan passes bill against harassment

SENATE Committee in Pakistan has passed the Protection against Harassment of Students in Educational Institutions bill, which promises swifter action and stricter punishment for harassers of students in educational institutions. The bill was supported by all political parties, and will become law once passed in the lower house. An independent committee will scrutinise each individual case for a 30 day period. If sexual harassment is proven, the case will be forwarded to the relevant court to begin criminal proceedings. The committee will also be given the power to impose fines and order the dismissal of the perpetrator. This is welcome news by many in Pakistan; multiple protests were staged at universities about the prevalence of sexual harassment. Studies show that 62.2 per cent of Pakistani women experienced harassment whilst in higher education.

New Zealand to welcome international students

New restrictions for Chinese universities

EW Zealand’s borders have been NIVERSITIES in China are putting closed for almost a year, but due new restrictions in place following to the reduction of COVID-19 cases new outbreaks of COVID-19 in multiple universities in the country are celebrating regions. This includes campus closures and that 1,000 international students will be alrestrictions on travelling. Beijing, who anlowed to enter the country. nounced a state emergency on 27 DecemUniversities have been struggling ber, have told those studying there without international students with not to leave the capital. The several having to consider redunMinistry of Education dancies as a result of financial issued a statement at losses. The 1,000 returning the end of Decemstudents will come in two ber for colleges and waves, Education Minister universities to stagChris Hipkins announced that ger their vacation 300 students would be arriving times to prevent mass in April with a further 700 commovement of students ing as MIQ availability allows. It will travelling out to the capital. not be up for students to apply as those elUniversities then notified students igible will be identified. While 1,000 is only of changes to holiday periods. While half a small percentage of the 34,000 internaof Beijing’s universities ended the semestional students usually enrolled in tertiary ter on or before 15 January, many students education in 2019, but it’s been estimated remain on campus, stuck due to the latest that those returning will bring $49 million restrictions on travel. into the economy. Images (L to R): Marjus Winklet (Unsplash), Stories by, Emily Im, Amy Colwell, Chloe Proffessorsolo2015 (Wikimedia Commons)

Pumares & Bryony Gooch

8 FEB 2021 | EXEPOSÉ

NEWS

“ I try and avoid walking in the dark whenever I can now” CONTENT WARNING Sexual harassment, rape

CONTINUED FROM FRONT -assment. One student told us a “random guy” at Lafrowda screamed about detailed sex acts at her. “He kept shouting and the fact he was in the courtyard where I lived made me feel uncomfortable so I phoned security. They said he wasn’t a student and they knew he’d been saying things to people but what he said to me was the most inappropriate so now they had to get the police involved. “They phoned me back later and said the guy legged it when security and police turned up but they had bodycam footage and CCTV. They rang me again later to check I was okay and gave me the police report number. I was so impressed with how they handled the situation; they put me at ease and even got welfare to check I was okay – not that Wellbeing replied to my response to them.” The student had asked to move rooms from the ground floor for a number of reasons, with this incident making them “feel more uncomfortable.” She asked if Wellbeing could help with this process, but never got a reply. Asked whether she felt safe in Exeter, she said: “I try and avoid walking in the dark whenever I can now. Even though

[the incident] happened in the middle of the day, it just makes me feel more uneasy when there aren’t a lot of people about. Honestly, I hate the town here because it feels like a hostile environment. I don’t know the city too well so it’s just not a good environment for me.” Another student told us how she and her friend were followed on Exeter’s High Street last September. “It wasn’t at night, we weren’t drunk or loud and it was quiet. I think he thought we were freshers. It’s

on CCTV because it was outside Tesco. We ended up waiting outside next to the security guard and I rang my boyfriend so he could walk us home. It’s so sick that I have to ask a man to walk me home. Like fucking hell.” The student filed a police report, having seen an article where someone was followed, describing the same man’s appearance. It helped lead to the identification and court case for a rape the year before. “I’m a survivor of rape on multiple in-

stances from a few years ago and after this instance of being followed I feel unsafe in Exeter. Now I don’t walk on my own at all really.”

It’s so sick that I have to ask a a man to walk me home

Female student

She expressed frustration with the reporting process, explaining: “ It was dif-

DH1 Market Place closed “until further notice” Pete Syme Deputy Editor

EVONSHIRE House Market Place, formerly the Guild Shop, has been “closed until further notice” as part of the effects of the pandemic. A University spokesperson explained that the outlet is not closing, but the hours have been adjusted to reflect current student numbers, saying it has remained open throughout the lockdown. The shop is currently shut, with a sign reading: “Market Place DH1 is now closed until further notice”, redirecting customers to the Forum loca-

tion or online store. A meal deal of a sandwich and drink could be bought for £2.19 at the old Guild Shop, while Market Place offers a £2.99 sandwich, snack and drink combo. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has left many casual staff at the University in precarity and without furlough. Student workers were only given shifts “a day before the week starts” meaning furlough arrangements would not apply. One student worker explained: “We have to be scavengers for one shift”. The Guild’s commercial outlets were transferred to the University last Image: Cleo Garrett

November, with “a large one-off payment” clearing their historic debt. The deal also provided “an estimated £400,000 increase” in the yearly block grant, making Exeter’s one of the best-funded student unions in the country. In 2019, Exeposé reported on the Guild’s £283k debt resulting from unpaid VAT. Their yearly sales had fallen, with an annual report noting “significantly reduced number of attendees” at the RAM and Lemon Grove. A Guild spokesperson explained they are not in a position to comment on the outlets following the transfer of operations.

HE University’s Provost’s Office has committed £25,000 to funding five Student-Led Anti-Racism projects out of the ten applications they received. The decision was made by a panel of students and staff who met on 18 December 2020 after the first call for

www.exeter.ac.uk/speakout exeter.nightline.ac.uk Devon Rape Crisis: 01392 204 174

Digital checkin system announced

O Image: Pete Syme

world law and policy issues”. The third project is Creative Switch Exeter which will spotlight BIPOC creatives and their work. Project four, Active Together, hopes to “create long-lasting positive effects on the way Exeter students approach discussions about racial diversity within sports societies”, while the fifth project, The Roots Resistance, wants to continue the legacy of The Rest of Us, Stories

www.exeter.ac.uk/wellbeing

N 1 February the University introduced its new Student CheckIn system for timetabled online

Five student-led anti-racism projects receive funding projects at the start of the month. The money will be used for salary funding and to cover the costs of external speakers, catering and travel. One of the projects, titled Decolonising the Politics Curriculum, aims to “liberate the curriculum from western centricity and potential unconscious bias”. Project two is called Exeter Policy Clinic, which will allow students a “platform to engage with the real-

If these issues affect you, you can get in touch with:

Kamila Bell Editor

Image: Sebastiaan ter Burg

Chloe Pumares News Editor

ficult to know who to report this to and I felt like it wasn’t important enough to ring up. When you’re in a situation like that, you have little energy to invest in reporting when you’re already dealing with the incident itself, so the easier it can be, the better. “There also needs to be a response from the highest position in the University [acknowledging] that this a very common thing happening in Exeter, even during a pandemic. In my opinion, the pandemic has made it worse.” A University spokesperson said: “It is deeply concerning to hear about these incidents and we encourage anyone who has experienced harassment to report it and reach out for support. Students can find out about a range of support and advice on the Exeter Speaks Out website, including information about reporting options formally, informally or anonymously.”

which was a postgraduate online magazine for the drama department. For students hoping to apply for funding in April 2021, the project must be collaborative, focus on anti-racism and centre on students. To learn more about the projects that have already received funding or to ask questions about future funding opportunities, email: educationincubator@exeter.ac.uk.

teaching. Students must check-in via the attendance tile on the iExeter app, similar to the system in place before COVID-19. The new procedure will work via a one time code provided by lecturers at the start of a session. A University email stated: “Student Check-In is part of a new set of tools looking to improve the way we understand attendance and engagement and it can help us to support you effectively.” The Digital Hub explained that its introduction was also part of supporting visa or course requirements. “Many of our courses are accredited by professional, statutory, and regulatory bodies. To maintain this accreditation we must be able to demonstrate graduates have attended the teaching. In addition, if you are an international student on a Tier 4 visa, it’s important to maintain a record of your attendance to support UKVI requirements.” At present the system is optional at the choice of the lecturer.

8 FEB 2021 | EXEPOSÉ

NEWS

Guild set to introduce new 45 shops in External Speaker Policy Exeter have Kamila Bell Editor

N 27 January the Students’ Guild announced they are reviewing their Digital Event Protocols and External Speaker Policy. An email sent to students explained the review was due to a number of factors, including a change of Guild leadership with a new CEO, and planning for a new strategic direction. A Guild spokesperson explained: “Since events have all moved online and we anticipate a growth in digital events moving forward, we need to take some time to pause and develop digital event management protocols that ensure events are run smoothly and that they comply with relevant legislation and review recommendations. “This work has already begun, and a task and finish group has been established with representatives from the University and from our strong community of student leaders, to ensure that the new system is fit-for-purpose for our wideranging student needs. The group has already had its first meeting, so work is well underway.” All societies were asked to postpone and rearrange events that included external speakers from 28 January. Events will

have to be re-submitted under the new review systems and will not be permitted until approval is granted. A Guild spokesperson continued: “We recognise that currently our digital events processes need work to protect student leaders, which is why we’ve asked societies to postpone any speaker events unless they fall in the categories of wellbeing or education. We’d encourage societies to get in touch to discuss whether their events fall into either of these categories.” The Guild noted that the introduction of the new review system may cause difficulties but stated: “We want to thank societies for their patience on this – we’re hoping to have something in place by the end of February, and we look forward to supporting students with our new digital events process.”

Image: Harry Caton

closed since pandemic start

Olivia Garrett Screen Editor

RECENT survey by Exeter’s Chamber of Commerce has found that 57 per cent of Exeter businesses have been severely impacted by national lockdown restrictions and will be striving to survive in the next 12 months. 45 businesses have already been forced to close since March 2020 and 39 per cent of those still running report that they will be able to continue for no more than six months. The Chamber of Commerce attributed these statistics to decreased bookings and sales, event cancellations, cashflow issues and travel restrictions both on the part of the customer and the supplier. Without a clear roadmap from the government businesses are struggling from the constant replanning and rule changes. Local authorities are being urged to provide grants to businesses in order to prevent the city centre from widespread closures.

Social media team “personally attacked” over mental health post Image: Pixabay

Pete Syme Deputy Editor

N a Facebook post encouraging conversations about mental health for Time to Talk Day, the University’s social media team gave insight into a controversy over a removed Instagram post last month. The post on 6 January was promoting mental health support, but commenters accused the University of hypocrisy given the lack of nodetriment policy. It was shared on the Overheard at University of Exeter Facebook page, where Guild Officers condemned its removal, calling it “absolutely unacceptable”. A week later, protests were equated to “cyber terrorism” by a staff member who later apologised following the uproar. Last Thursday, the team acknowledged “We know we haven’t always got things right over the last year” while students commented with their complaints. In response to a student accusing

them of “trying to silence students complaining about the no-detriment policy”, they explained: “I was very worried about the effect the comments may have on people who were looking for help and support. “The comments became very vicious and to be completely honest with you they were causing myself and my team a lot of distress as we were being personally attacked.” The staff member expressed their own struggles with the situation: “It’s been a really awful few weeks for myself and my colleague”, saying “we literally just have to sit here and take the abuse” and “Shooting the messenger doesn’t help anyone!”

“I can’t talk to my parents the same way people in the UK do” Cavern host CONTINUED FROM FRONT I started doing CBT I thought ‘this doesn’t sound right’. The woman was so cold with me. I was so uncomfortable for every session; I hated it. “The CBT didn’t work. At the end, she emailed me saying I was in a worse place than when we started but you can’t have any more assistance from the University. She gave me resources for external services.”

I wish they had BAME counselling when I was there

Recent Graduate

The graduate commented on Exeter’s decision to include BAME counselling as a service: “I wish they had the BAME counselling when I was there because it actually sounds like a really good idea. There were times when I was trying to express something to my doctors and they wouldn’t get it. “I remember my first doctor’s appointment. They asked me how long I had been feeling this way and I was like… ‘maybe eight years?’ and she asked why I hadn’t spoken to anyone. I was like ‘I live in Ghana.’”

“I can’t talk to my parents the same way people in the UK do. It was a really hard thing to explain, that I’m not in an abusive environment, it just isn’t in our culture. It’s not really an option. “I was very reticent to take medication. While I did eventually come round to it, I feel like maybe if someone had that cultural insight and had known that Black people don’t really feel too comfortable with this, it would have made things easier.” Students reported an eight to 12 week waiting time for the new service despite it being announced on 21 January. One student emailed the service on 25 January only to be told of the waiting list.

It’s actually quicker to get a meeting with normal wellbeing

Third Year Student

“So it’s actually quicker to get a meeting with normal Wellbeing services”, a third year student commented. The student went onto state: “Perhaps they should have said when they advertised that there may be a waiting list of eightplus weeks. It’s so frustrating thinking you have found the help you need but then not have access to it for ages.” Ruby Jones, VP Welfare and Diversity,

commented on behalf of the Students’ Guild on this new service: “At urgent suggestions from myself & a group of BAME students last year, Wellbeing are now offering telephone counsel-

This is a huge win for our non-white student community

Ruby Jones, VP Welfare and Diversity

ling for BAME students. This is a huge win for our non-white student community. The service is being provided by Nilaari, a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic led community-based charity in Bristol. Nilaari have a diverse staff team delivering culturally appropriate talking therapies and support. The lack of wellbeing support for BAME students was one of the first issues I raised as an officer, so I am so pleased to see the implementation of this new service.” When asked about the long waiting list, the Guild noted that “this isn’t something we’re aware of but would urge students to get in touch if they’re having issues accessing the support they need.” Mark Sawyer, Head of Student Wellbeing and Welfare, said: “The wellbeing of all our students is an overriding priority for the University.

Working with the Guild, and following discussions with students, the University’s Wellbeing Services has introduced a new telephone counselling service for members of the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic community at Exeter. “The service, which complements our existing Wellbeing Services provisions, is provided by from Nilaari based in Bristol who provide help and support for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities. Their counsellors are trained and qualified in the same way as our own Wellbeing staff. “The service is initially being provided as a pilot project, available over the course of the current term, and will be reviewed regularly. As part of this, the University would be grateful for any feedback from students who have accessed this new support provision, by emailing wellbeing@ exeter.ac.uk”

É If these issues affect you, you can get in touch with: www.exeter.ac.uk/wellbeing www.exeter.ac.uk/speakout Exeter TALKWORKS: 0300 555 3344

virtual festival

Livia Cockerell 2nd Year English & Modern Languages

XETER’S Cavern has long been a venue for live performances from up-and-coming artists and bands, and, miraculously, it has been pursuing this even during lockdown. Although the current situation has meant that the venue is closed to the public, Cavern continues to provide live music that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home. The venue was chosen by Music Feeds online festival as a location for the recording of music sessions from seven artists including Fenne Lily, Steve Mason and Jess McAlister. The virtual event took place on 28 and 29 January with performances from the likes of Liam Gallagher and Sam Smith. Profits from the festival were donated to the charities FareShare, Stagehead and Help Musicians, raising money for those suffering with food poverty, as well as artists who are struggling during this challenging time for the music industry.

LIFESTYLE

ARTS+LIT

MUSIC

SCREEN

LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE /EXEPOSEEXHIBIT

EXEPOSÉ | 8 FEBRUARY 2021

Comment

COMMENT EDITORS:

Isaac Bettridge Cassie Grace

Living with pride in lockdown LGBTQ+ characters in media and more awareness of queer issues amongst the public, issues which were barely spoken of just a decade ago.

Daisy Leason 2nd Year English & Italian

HE first Pride parade was held on 28 June 1970, a year after the 1969 Stonewall riots that broke out in response to a police raid on popular New York gay bar the Stonewall Inn. It was a chance for LGBTQ+ people to celebrate themselves in a way that had never been possible before. Homosexual acts were only legalised in the UK in 1967, and even then with restrictions (such as the age of consent being 21, five years higher than that of hetereosexual acts). It wasn’t until 2003 that same sex sexual activity was legalised in all US states, and it took until 2015 for same-sex marriage to be legalised in all states via a Supreme Court ruling. There are still currently 72 countries where homosexuality is illegal, and eight where it is punishable by death. There seems to be growing acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities in the western world: despite certain controversies, there is an increase in

In many countries, Pride is still a protest, and a dangerous one Yet this year, any celebration will be subdued. There is no possibility of parties in the street, no chance of the usual feeling of togetherness. Pride is usually an opportunity to join with people who have the same experiences as you, even if you are from different walks of life. It is freedom from being marginalised in society; when you are with others who understand and empathise there is no need to pretend or hide. In many countries with queerphobic laws, to come out and show that you are LGBTQ+, with pride takes unfathomable bravery. This spirit is held in Pride events throughout the world, even

where it is legal to be LGBTQ+. There is perhaps a feeling that without this openness, this rebellion, we will sink back into the shadows. There are of course, all sorts of online LGBTQ+ History Month events, both through this University and elsewhere. But for those stuck at home with homophobic or transphobic parents, even for those of us who don’t have to live with this in our home lives,

Image: mm19, Pixabay

it is not the same experience. Being in front of the computer does not have the same feeling of radical celebration as a parade does. So, what can we do this year, when taking to the streets is off-limits? Four out of the five people living in my house are queer, myself included. I realise this is statistically unlikely, but here we are. Each of us has different coming out stories, different experiences as queer people and we show our pride in different ways. Some of us have been out for years, and some just a few months, yet we still have to come out all the time. For us, having pride in our identities is not necessarily to parade on the streets and chant in unison, however fun that may be. It is the strength to come out over and over, or to not come out, because you don’t feel the need to. It is covering your bag in pins, so people know your sexuality before they know your name, or it is people never knowing your sexuality because it isn’t relevant to the conversation. It is writing articles about Pride, or it is

never attending Pride in your life. To have Pride means whatever you want it to mean. That being said, it would certainly be nice to be back celebrating again. COVID-19 has changed our lives in many ways. I did not expect it to make me evaluate the way I associate myself with my sexuality. Having time to ourselves gives us leave to think over the ways we show our pride, and how we can do that at this time, even if it’s just silent acceptance to ourselves. And hoping for a parade next year. If you’re feeling stressed, worried, or just want to chat, the following contacts can help: The Wellbeing Centre 01392 724381 wellbeing@exeter.ac.uk Exeter Nightline Student-run listening service Open 8pm-8am 01392 724000 The Advice Unit 01392 723520

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

More society speaker scandals?

Caitlin Barr 2nd Year English & Film

UST four months after student outcry over anti-LGBTQ+ activist Caroline Farrow being invited to one of its events, the University of Exeter’s Debating Society platformed two controversial speakers. Joanna Williams, who has written a report entitled ‘The Corrosive Impact of Transgender Ideology’ arguing that transgender students should be misgendered at school if they do not have parental approval, and Baroness Claire Fox, who has defended IRA bombings and the Bosnian genocide were invited to speak in mid-January. This sparked heated discussions on both Exefess and Overheard at University of Exeter, with some students vehemently opposing such individuals being given a platform, and others suggesting that not allowing these people to speak was an infringement of their right to free speech.

The event in question, a debate entitled “This house regrets the rise of the snowflake generation’” went ahead despite calls for it to be cancelled or for new speakers to be found, leaving many wondering why DebSoc has repeatedly platformed bigotry. Is this an issue of a lack of effort or resources behind checking the credentials and backgrounds of guests, or is it the case that DebSoc believes that these kinds of views should be given airtime no matter the effect on the mental health of students? A simple Google search would have unearthed writing by the controversial parties in question. In DebSoc’s defence, no-platforming can land you in very murky legal waters. In September, after being no-platformed by DebSoc, Caroline Farrow enlisted the support of ‘General Secretary of the

Free Speech Union’s Toby Young, who wrote a letter to the Vice Chancellor of the University. Farrow was subsequently re-invited by a member of staff at the Guild, so the event went ahead with Farrow involved, instead of risking legal action. This time, they simply let the event go ahead as planned. But is no-platforming really an infringement of free speech, or an effective way to stop hate speech from

Image: Radoan_tanvir, Pixabay

gaining traction? Bigotry that has no base in science or logic (such as transphobia or racism) should not be given oxygen through its inclusion in public debate. Furthermore, free speech in this country doesn’t protect hate speech: the law very clearly states that if a person “uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour” intending to harass, alarm or distress, that is an offence. It is the right of everyone in the UK to live a life free of harassment and abuse; Caroline Farrow had already been banned from the United States for her views on the LGBTQ+ community, so why was it considered appropriate for her to be invited to our University to speak to students? In the snowflake debate last month, Claire Fox defended the right of the American Nazi Party to hold public demonstrations, and said that protecting women was

“regressive” and “patronising” (despite the context of many assaults against our own female students in our city). Joanna Williams compared no-platforming to burning books in Nazi Germany. Are these really the types of people societies should be inviting to speak?

Free speech in this country doesn’t protect hate speech Regardless of whether you believe these people should have been invited to speak or not, it is clear that there need to be more rigorous checks of external speakers. The Guild announced an overhaul of their speaker approval system, but it remains to be seen whether events like this, which fail to protect the wellbeing of students, will still be allowed to go ahead. Will DebSoc learn from its (repeated) mistakes, or will we be seeing another similar scandal in a few months’ time?

COMMENT

8 FEB 2021 | EXEPOSÉ

Debating a no-detriment policy For George Clark Deputy Editor

S we navigate our way through a third lockdown, at least in the UK, it seems institutions are wondering why students need additional support when they have “adjusted” to these circumstances by now. I am going to do my best to argue why additional mitigation is nevertheless needed. Many of us did not manage to

make it back to Exeter before the lockdown, meaning that depending on what course you study and at what level, access to various resources has been—in some cases severely—limited. For example, I am meant to be doing my dissertation this term but am unable to access the resources in the library or the University’s special collections, nor am I able to visit archives in order to more fully engage with my intended research. This is not only frustrating, it also means that I have had to

Image: Pixabay

invest more money in supporting texts which I would otherwise have been able to access through the library. I am also lucky to be able to be in a place where I can afford to invest in an additional book or two.

For some students access to resources has been severely limited

Furthermore, though we have had assurance from the University that such difficulties in access to learning and research will be taken into account, without a more concrete mitigation policy, this leaves the role of accounting for these difficulties with individual markers. I will speculate that staff have not been provided with a specific, “mark-based” way in which to account for these difficulties, as given the pressure on the University for implementing measures such as this, they surely would have informed students of any such policy. And of course, staff are likely to mitigate to varying degrees, depending on their

understanding and sympathy of the difficulties which students face in engaging with these new ways of learning. This is not to put the blame on staff (who have also had to make substantial adaptations to our new way of life and working) but to point out the problem with not having a concrete, “blanket” form of mark mitigation for this year’s performance.

The University’s failure to address these concerns may reinforce existing social issues

On the mental health side, the University’s failure to address these concerns is likely to reinforce and exaggerate existing social issues. Those who were suffering from mental health issues before the pandemic (myself included) have been expected to work to the same standard, despite often by-hourly struggles for motivation and maintaining a sense of stability. Those who have difficult home lives are unable to leave and must nevertheless contin-

ue to work. Those for whom friends at university may have been a relief from this pain may be unable to have the same access to those support networks. Some of those who had jobs to pay their way through University have been made redundant, adding an additional financial stress on top of the struggle to study. Some of us have lost people to the virus. These issues do not affect everyone equally but for some, the pandemic has been a desperate struggle. Surely those who are struggling to make ends meet—financially and mentally—need to be treated better. As far as I am concerned, whether or not a subset of students were to take advantage of more lenient measures is of little note. For many of us, having some kind of no-detrimentesque policy in place would show that the University is truly considering student wellbeing and such a policy is in fact more likely to be conducive to better work, as we can relax into it with a little less performance anxiety. Now more than ever, we need kindness and we need to be kind. The University can and should do more.

Against Cassia Grace Comment Editor

S we reach the first birthday of our dear COVID-19, for whom I think we should refrain from throwing too big a party for (sorry COVID, but you really don’t deserve one), we are all left to consider what the long-term impact will be. Naturally for students, the effect on their degree is a prime concern.

I personally do not want a safety net imposed on my grades.

Students from University of Exeter have organised an online protest calling for the University to save their grades through a no-detriment policy. I spoke with a spokesperson from Students for Acadenic Mitigation (S4AM). He stated that “it’s in nobody’s interest to implement grade-inflating policies;” but that they simply hoped to avoid disadvantage. However, other universities

such as York, are not taking such an approach but are instead opting for what is referred to by S4AM as “comprehensive packages.” Not only does this create issues for other universities who may have comparatively lower results due to their less lenient policies, but it also sets a bad precedent for its students. It is this overarching, whole year form of the no-detriment policy that I take issue with.

Sends a dangerous message to their students.

I should make it clear from the outset that I fully appreciate that some students will have found this year far more challenging than others and that their circumstances may make normal study and life near to impossible. Such people should of course be made aware to the University and should be given its full support and mitigation. Although I respect the right of people to adopt this approach should they need to, I personally do not want a safety net imposed on my grades.

For me, 24 hour, open book exams were enough leeway for me to breathe a sigh of relief and have an inner debate about whether revision was even necessary (my anal, workaholic side won out). If a no detriment policy were to be implemented on top of exams such as these, then it almost seems to remove the purpose of university, which believe it or not involves a lot of hard work and occasionally some learning. Undoubtedly, there will be students who are in desperate need of additional measures, but a general no detriment policy would for the majority of people just be an excuse to avoid making the same effort that they otherwise would. I worry that universities implementing such policies sends a dangerous message to their students that the world will cut them a break or that results don’t require hard work. A fourth year student I spoke to was similarly concerned about a nodetriment policy and the possibility that some would treat it “like a free ticket”. They said COVID-19 has actually made it easier for them to focus on work and has made them more

productive, suggesting that some people “haven’t stepped up to the challenge.” Many people have had an incredibly difficult year but have persevered; I spoke to one second year, who hasn’t seen his parents in over a year and is living in a hotel where he cares for his little sister, but yet he is

achieving far higher grades than ever before. Proof that determination and hard work will always go a long way and that success stories can come out of trying times. For me, having a safety net to fall back on would be highly damaging to my work ethic.

COMMENT

8 FEB 2021 | EXEPOSÉ

Meme of the MONTH: Bernie and his mittens Martyna Smolinska 1st year English

N the cold evening of 20 January 2021, the Democratic Party made history, but not in the way you’d think. The internet loves its memes, editing the “change my mind” guy, adding funny captions to the distracted boyfriend meme, stretching to doge (remember that cute dog from 2010? There is a cryptocurrency named after him now).

Memes have become their own language

The beloved political figure that is Bernie Sanders, or more specifically, his mittens, have become the internet’s newest fixation and received the memefication treatment within minutes of the inauguration of Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States. Much like most of the internet’s humour, the image has been transformed and edited relentlessly, with Sanders being edited into absurd and niche sceneries; he is seen lounging

next to the cast of Friends, having lunch with Regina from Mean Girls and even sat on the moon. As a viral tweet put it: “Bernie dressed like the inauguration is on his to-do list today, but ain’t his whole day.” To put it simply, the internet found this very relatable, and, well, when the internet finds something relatable, you’ll find out about it one way or another. Sanders is undeniably a meme veteran, having been subjected to the memefication treatment early last year, when various edits of his plea for campaign donations went viral. It seems that memes have become their own language that bridges gaps between people in the midst of the current socio-political climate; we satirise politics and other serious matters to cope and compre-

LIFESTYLE

ARTS+LIT

Image: Pixabay

hend them in a lighthearted, relatable manner. For the average person, although they may recognise the importance of politics and important figures such as Sanders, they are a world away from their own life. This is reflected in the low turnout for elections in the US; people do not understand politics and are increasingly disenfranchised. According to Pe w resea rch. org, only 58 per cent of eligible voters cast a ballot in 2016. Clearly, humour is far more attractive than actual participation. Seeing a monumental political figure such as Sanders, sat indifferently with a disposable mask on fogging up his glasses, wrapped tightly in his warm jacket and mittens is a comforting image. The the-

MUSIC

atrics of the past four years in the White House has given the youth nothing but impatience and lack of faith in the system, and we need a break.

Memes have provided us with an escape

While political memes have been around for a while, they hit with full force in 2020, the year of the lockdown when we sat at home and awaited the tiniest glimmer of hope. Memes have provided us with an escape, a distraction from every day goings on, a channel through which we can criticise our leaders through the means of satire and viral images. The rise of political memes critically suggests a level of detachment and desensitisation to the current events of the younger generation. The young adults coming of age in the midst of a global crisis, who read death statistics on a daily basis seem to find their escape to be satire and absurdity and maybe that isn’t such a bad thing.

SCREEN

LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE /EXEPOSEEXHIBIT

Features

8 FEB 2021 | EXEPOSÉ

FEATURES EDITORS: Bethany Collins Joe Newell

Is outsourcing out of date?

Caitlin Barr considers the recent food parcel scandal and a lineage of government outsourcing blunders

NE potato. One pear. Seven biscuits. Two yoghurts. Two apples. Five crackers. Eight slices of bread. One can of spaghetti hoops. Two potatoes. One loaf of bread. Two oranges. One apple. Two slices of ham. Five slices of cheese. One tin of beans. Five bottles of water. One loaf of bread. One tin of beans. Two bananas. Two carrots. Three small apples. Two potatoes. A small bag of pasta. Some sliced cheese. Two Soreen bars. These are just three examples of the food packages that those who usually receive free school meals were given earlier this month. Intended to last between a week and ten days, these provisions were handed out instead of the meal vouchers that had been previously issued during the pandemic. After photos were posted, social media was ablaze with people demanding to know how these parcels could possibly have cost £30. Others want to know why the voucher system had been replaced at all. With the vast majority of children not in school during the current lockdown, why did the government pivot to this new system? Is the huge disparity between the value of the items and the price yet another example of government

incompetence, or perhaps even a more calculated move to profit? The Department for Education’s own guidelines for free school meals state that each child must be given at least one portion of fruit and one portion of vegetables each day as part of their lunch provision. The parcels fall short of this by a long way, with most of them unlikely to last more than a couple of days.

Others want to know why the voucher system had been replaced at all The company responsible for the food package provision, Chartwells, apologised, then insisted that the hampers cost £10.50 rather than £30. They issued the following statement: “We take our responsibility to provide children with access to nutritious food very seriously. We have worked hard to produce food hampers at incredibly short notice during these challenging times. Our hampers follow the DofE specifications and contain a variety of ingredients to support families in providing meals throughout the week. In the majority of instances, we have received positive feedback.” Chartwells asserted that it was the

government guidelines, not their own decisions, that resulted in these insufficient packages, however Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the provisions as “appalling” and “an insult” at Prime Minister’s Questions. Nevertheless, in October, he was one of 320 Tory MPs who voted against extending free school meals through the school holidays to Easter 2021, as did Education Secretary Gavin Williamson who recently said that he was ‘absolutely disgusted’ by the parcels. Images have recently surfaced of the food provided to independent schools by Chartwells, which includes jerk turkey steak, smoked salmon blinis, and miso broth. The gap between what is deemed acceptable for children whose parents can afford school fees of thousands of pounds a year and what is deemed acceptable for children whose parents struggle to put food on the table is vast and troubling.

Outsourcing has made a select group of people very rich indeed Boris Johnson’s government will continue to fail to provide adequate care to the vulnerable as long as they keep outsourcing to private firms

(often owned by family or friends of Tory MPs or key supporters). Isaac Bettridge explored this facet of the government’s pandemic strategy in his November article for Exeposé, pointing out that “for all the government’s rhetoric about how we’re ‘all in this together’ during the worst economic downturn since the 1920s, it’s made a select group of people very rich indeed”. Chartwells was allegedly paid £30 for each ‘hamper’, meaning that they presumably made a fairly hefty profit from the meagre offerings. Whether or not this is intentional profiteering, outsourcing is putting money in the pockets of rich CEOs with ties to the party. In light of this, it seems that this government’s commitment to outsourcing may finally be coming back to bite them.

It is clear that neoliberal privatisation policies have no place in our society After online campaigning by many figures including cook and activist Jack Monroe and footballer Marcus Rashford, who had previously led the government to enact three U-turns on free school meals, new guidance

was issued saying that “schools have the freedom to decide on the best approach for their pupils” with options including the food parcels or vouchers, as had been the previous arrangement. There seemed to have been yet another U-turn from the government, begging the question: what will the government renege on next?

There seemed to have been another U-turn from the government With schools in England recently being told not to provide free school meals over the upcoming February half-term, will this come to be the new backtrack for Mr Johnson? Will this government continue to be characterised by an inability to enact policies that won’t be reversed days later? With all of this in mind, it is clear that there needs to be a major upheaval in provision for the vulnerable during this pandemic. Whether genuine blunders or orchestrated profiteering opportunities, the government’s repeated failures to provide sufficiently during the pandemic make it clear that neoliberal privatisation policies have no place in our society.

Image: Philafrenzy, Wikimedia Commons

8 FEB 2021 | EXEPOSÉ

FEATURES

LGBTQ+ History Month

Three writers celebrate formative events in LGBTQ+ history

HE Stonewall riots are certainly one of the most famous events in LGBTQ+ history, as much for what they represent as for what took place. For those who are not familiar, the Stonewall riots (also known as the Stonewall uprising) refers to the events which took place at New York’s Stonewall Inn in June 1969. The Stonewall Inn was one of the few refuges for queer people, in a time where public laws prohibited, for example, the “solicitation” (encouragement) of homosexuality. Police were frequently known to misuse a 19th-century masquerade law (which criminalized costumed dress, when as a cover for another crime) to target transsexual peoples and those in drag. Though refuges such as the Stonewall Inn were and

still are of immense importance to queer subcultures, they were often subjected to police harassment. In the early hours of 28 June 1969, several police officers entered

Queer refuges such as the Stonewall Inn were and still are of immense importance

the premises, arrested the owners for allegedly operating without a liquor license and assaulted several patrons. Where others mingling there at the time would frequently have dispersed in the past, this time they decided to take a stand. It is unclear who threw the first bottle (accounts vary), or even indeed if it was a bottle that was thrown, or at exactly what moment

HE London Lesbian and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) group was formed in July 1984, four months into the year-long miners’ strikes of 1984-85. During the strike, the Thatcher administration sequestered the funds of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), and in response, support groups across the UK were encouraged to “twin” directly with various mining communities. At the 1984 London Pride Parade, LGSM’s founding members Mike Jackson and Mark Ashton organised a bucket collection to support the striking miners, leading to the formation of the group. Lesbians Against Pit Closures (LAPC) was formed in November 1984 as a kind of "sister" group. Inspired by the London ac-

resistance started. The police were forced to barricade themselves inside the inn, though the barricade was repeatedly broken through and protestors made several attempts to set the place on fire.

It remains unclear at exactly what moment resistance started

The riots continued for five days, sometimes swelling to encompass thousands of people from across the queer spectrum. Wikipedia has attempted to recount the events in detail if you are interested, though bear in mind accounts are sketchy in places. The Stonewall riots are often cited as a foundational moment for

LGBTQ+ politics. America’s first pride parade, then called Christopher Street Liberation Day followed a year later, on the anniversar y of the riots. L o n d o n ’s UK Gay Pride Rally followed two years after that.

George Clark, Deputy Editor

RIDE events may be a celebration of the journey to LGBTQ+ equality, and the freedom to express identities, but the notso-distant history of pride reminds us of their origins and how Pride began as a protest and as a riot. Whilst the New York City Pride march is

now one of the largest annual Pride events in the world, it began as a commemoration of the Stonewall riots a year earlier. LGBTQ+ activists called for a change and no longer wanted to remain closeted. Four activists, Craig Rodwell and Fred Sargeant of the ‘Homophile Youth Movement’, and Linda Rhodes and Ellen Broidy of ‘Lavender Menace’, proposed that the annual pickets should be replaced by a march in New York City. Dubbed the catalyst for the American LGBTQ+ rights movement, the one year anniversary of the Stonewall riots was a fitting date for the country’s first Pride march. Christopher Street Liberation Day, 28 June, 1970, named after the

location of the Stonewall Inn, was a radical statement by those involved as they knew they would face resistance from homophobes. As a result, the beginning of the march saw modest numbers of

tivists, LGSM groups were formed in ten other towns and cities across the UK, including Manchester and Brighton.

The title of the benefit is claimed to have originated from a derogatory headline in The Sun. The alliance between LGSM and the South Wales mining community was an important factor in turning the tide among the trade union movement in favour of equality measures for the LGBTQ+ community. At the Labour Party Conference in 1984, the NUM sent a message of solidarity: “Support civil liberties and the struggle of lesbians and gay people. We welcome the links forged with South Wales and other areas. Our struggle is yours. Victory to the miners.” In 1985, the NUM and mining communities of South Wales famously joined LGSM at the head of the London Pride Parade. The LGSM story is told in the

heart-warming film Pride, and the group reformed in 2014 in response to a new wave of interest. During 2015, members of LGSM participated in twelve Pride marches across the UK, including London, Birmingham and Manchester.

The NUM and South Wales' mining communities joined LGSM in the London Pride Parade The money raised by LGSM was primarily from collections at gay venues, and on the pavement outside Gay’s The Word, the oldest LGBTQ+ bookshop in the UK. The single biggest fundraising event organised by the London LGSM was the ‘Pits and Perverts’ benefit at London’s Electric Ballroom on 10 December 1984, which raised £5650.

The New York Times reported the march stretched for three quarters of a mile marchers, but by the end, The New York Times reported the march stretched for three quarters of a mile. The march culminated in Central Park’s Sheep’s Meadow, where thousands gathered to protest. Between homophobic laws that prohibited

Francesca Sylph, Screen Editor

gay relationships between consenting adults as well as economic and social conditions that made it difficult, and in some cases impossible, for LGBTQ+ people to hold down jobs or rent accommodation, there were plenty of reasons to march. Five decades on, the annual Pride march draws millions of people and has become the celebration we know and love. Pride today celebrates not only the identities of those in the present, but those who fought fifty years ago for freedom and the right to love.

Bethany Collins, Features Editor

Images Top-Bottom: ClkerFreeVectorImages, Wikimedia Commons; Rhododendrites, Wikimedia Commons; Pixabay; bob walker, Wikimedia Commons

lifestyle

screen

A Bowl of marsupials

An LGBTQ+ History Lesson

Image: Anna Shvets, Pexels

Depicting AIDS on FIlm

study study break break

Image: Valeriia Miller, Pexels

Image: Alexandre Chassignon, Flickr

Image: Anna Shuraeva, Pexels

The Art Of Extinction

STUDY BREAK

Image: pixabay

MUSIC

ARTS + LIT

Image:Klaus Nielsen, Pexels

Image: Wokandapix, Pixabay

13 -14

15 -17

19 - 21

22 - 24

LIFESTYLE EDITORS Ceri Jackson Georgia Shepherd

ARTS + LIT EDITORS William Evans Amelia Gregory

MUSIC EDITORS Bridie Adams Ollie Leader de Saxe

SCREEN EDITORS Olivia Garrett Francesca Sylph

STUDY BREAK Puzzles by Matthew and George 8 FEB 2020 | EXEPOSÃ&#x2030;

lifestyle Looking to spice up your sex life?

Bridie Adams, Music Editor, explores bedroom shenanigans

F you’re feeling like mixing it up this Valentine’s Day, why not try a new sex position, or a variation on one of your favourites? While those who are lucky enough to be isolating with a partner this lockdown can experiment with something new in the bedroom together, there are also plenty of opportunities for those relying on FaceTime or phone sex, or, of course, solo-sex. Here’s a few ideas to spend V-Day the way it should be spent: 1. Standing sex I won’t lie, I’ve never really managed to master this one. Shower sex is too slippery and it’s difficult to navigate standing up and balancing during penetrative sex. If you can manage it, however, it seems like it would be great, so why not give it a go? An alternative is standing oral sex, which obviously works for same-sex and opposite-sex couples so whoever you prefer, you can give it a try. 2. Doing it somewhere unexpected We’re all staying at home right now but I bet there are still a load of places you haven’t done it with your partner. Have you tried the kitchen counter? On the sofa? What

about being bent over a desk or table? 3. Missionary Unpopular opinion, but missionary is amazing. It’s a classic for a reason but somehow it gets bad press, being labelled boring or vanilla. Whether you want it slow and romantic or fast and rough, it works. Don’t knock it til you’ve tried it. 4. FaceTime If you’re not isolating with your partner, get freaky over FaceTime. Dress up sexy, crack out some sex toys and go to town. You can get sex toys to mimic oral sex, penetrative sex or clitoral play, so the options are endless. You could also try a Bluetooth-enabled remotecontrol sex toy. 5. Masturbation This can either be on your own, over FaceTime or the phone, or in person with a partner. Mutual masturbation is a lot of fun and can be intimate as well as hot. It’s also good to have some ‘me’ time, so if you don’t have a partner then a cheeky solo wank is always good.

A COVID-safe Valentine's

Jess Steward suggests how you can enjoy Valentine's in lockdown

S we approach Valentine’s Day 2021 people are starting to think about ways to have a date that isn’t a walk and a coffee, because let’s be honest that’s not exactly the most romantic way to spend the day. Whether you are having a Valentine’s Day together, or apart, a first date, or a Palentine's – here are some COVID-friendly date ideas. 1. Take your daily exercise to watch the sunset or stargaze on a walk together.

7. Netflix Party – watch your favourite film together whilst eating a takeaway, either dressed up or lying in bed. It is all up to you! 8. Recreate your first date – if it was at a restaurant, try and recreate your meals using your culinary expertise. If it was the cinema , watch the film together. If it was ice skating , maybe pick another idea. Ultimately, ignite the romance by reminiscing about when you first got together.

5. Online escape rooms – these can be a lot of fun, if you don’t end up killing each other!

9. Order each other a takeaway - If you can't be together, why not arrange to have a FaceTime dinner. Get dressed up, light some candles, and send your significant Image: @fu_psi other a takeaway they love - surprise them. Open the meals together, and then talk and eat with your notifications off. Have all of the joy of a Valentine’s date without ever having to leave the house.

6. The ‘TikTok Date’ - inevitably had to be on the list. Rock, paper, scissors to decide who gets to choose each course of a three or five course meal.

Hopefully, these ideas have given you some Valentine’s day inspiration to have the romantic day, or evening, you thought you would have to write off.

2. Order a restaurant DIY meal kit and cook together, or over FaceTime. 3. Go to a drive-in movie theatre. 4. Take a virtual class! Mixology, cooking, even wine tasting – there are lots of online classes to take, and you do not have to be together.

Image: @Jeremy Bishop

Celebrating platonic love

Maggie John discusses the importance of recognising and celebrating love between friends this Valentine's

LL types of love are important. The love we share with our family or our friends, the love we have for pizza or Netflix, but none are deemed as important as the love between romantic partners. It’s always puzzled me why every year, in the build up to Valentine’s Day we’re bombarded by the importance of being in a relationship, from turning on the telly to going to buy milk. If you’re perpetually single like I am, you’re made to feel as though you’re failing at something, but I’ve realised that’s not true. If love actually is all around, why aren’t we celebrating it? Whilst romantic love is wonderful and magical, it’s not the be all and end all of life. You can be fulfilled and happy in so many other ways. That’s not to say that every type of love is the same, of course it’s not. The love you have for pizza, is not the same type of love you have for your family

and that type of love is different to type of love you have for your friend, but they are all vital and fulfilling and important. I think it’s wrong that all this love is pushed to

the side; deemed insignificant compared to romantic love. So this Valentine’s Day, celebrate all the love in your life because, when you’re surrounded by the idea of be-

Image: @fabrizioverrecchia Image: @fabrizioverrecchia

ing in love, it’s easy to forget you’re doing alright without it. The Ancient Greeks claimed there were eight types of love. One of them was known as ‘Philia’ which is the platonic, yet affectionate love between friends. Our friends provide us with so much love, yet how often do we actually celebrate friendships? Grab your galentines and your palentines this Valentine’s Day and relish in your love, even if it’s only a socially distanced walk. Celebrate how much you love your family, even if it’s just sending them a card to let them know you’re missing them. It will mean so much and as many of us have spent long periods of time away from our families because of COVID-19, it’s more important now than ever. Finally, don’t forget to celebrate yourself this Valentine’s Day. Although we’ve been programmed to believe that loving yourself is narcissistic, it’s arguably the most important type of love.

exhibit

8 FEB 2021 |

EDITORS: Ceri Jackson and Georgia Shepherd

lifestyle

Self-education is key Kamila Bell, Editor, reflects upon the ways we can educate ourselves during LGBTQ+ History Month

ITH Section 28 only being abolished 18 years ago in the UK, and LGBTQ+ sex education only being made compulsory in the UK from September 2020, there has been a vital need to educate ourselves on LGBTQ+ history. Despite Section 28, which banned the “promoting of homosexuality” from schools, being abolished the year before I started primary school, I never experienced any formal education on LGBTQ+ history, relationships or sex education. Being a gay woman myself, with a gay aunt in her 60s, I actively try to educate myself on why I have the rights that I do today whilst trying to understand what it would have been like for my aunt to live through those historic moments of change for LGBTQ+ people in the UK. For those of you who also have never received formal education on LGBTQ+ issues and history I shall list below some of the best resources I utilise and that I hope you will too. A key place to start is by learning about those who were leading activists of the time and whose actions and campaigning were

revolutionary in gay liberation. Marsha P. Johnson was a prominent gay liberation activist, playing a leading part in the Stonewall Riots of 1969 which were arguably a leading foundation of LGBTQ+ liberation in the years that followed. The Queer as Fact Podcast have done an in-depth look into the life of Marsha and is a great place to start if you wish to learn more about her life and of those who she was friends with, that played a vital part in LGBTQ+ liberation history.

I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANY FORMAL EDUCATION ON LGBTQ+ HISTORY The Queer as Fact podcast itself is an invaluable place to start or compliment your learning on LGBTQ+ history, with bi-monthly episodes that discuss a range of issues from the media’s portrayal of Stonewall to

comprehensive overviews of LGBTQ+ figures. There are some amazing movies that take a look into important moments in LGBTQ+ history. The 2014 film Pride is an excellent historical comedy-drama that is based on the true story of a group of lesbian and gay activists that helped raise money for the South Wales mining community that were affected by the British miners’ strike in 1984. It is always key to remember that movies can be adapted for the screen, so it is always worthwhile supporting an LGBTQ+ history movie with wider reading. An invaluable documentary I would suggest watching is Disclosure: Trans Lives on Screen. The documentary sees famous trans people from the present-day film industry providing personal accounts of the ways in which Hollywood’s depiction of transgender individuals has impacted their lives and negatively impacted society’s view of trans people. For more personal accounts, the BBC Archive on The Gay Rights Movement has interviews and historical discussions that were first broadcast 50-60 years ago, giving snapshots of what life was like for gay men and

lesbian women during the 1960s in the UK. The University and the LGBTQ+ society also have a wide range of online events you can utilise this month. This includes an event being run by Professor David Getsy on 10 February, looking into Public Art and the queer experiences of public spaces through Scott Burton’s Sculptures. LGBTQ+ History Month presents an opportunity to understand the past and present struggles of LGBTQ+ people in the UK and globally. Whilst we cannot come together to attend in person events, there are still plenty of opportunities for us to educate ourselves from home. For me, what is important to remember is that what I have discussed is very much modern history. The change the LGBTQ+ community has seen, as well as been instrumental in achieving has primarily occurred in the last 100 years. More importantly educating ourselves does not begin and end in February each year but should be a continuous process.

Images (L-R): Unsplash; Rhododendrites, Sachyn Mital, Gary LeGault, Jérémie Silvestro; all Wikimedia Commons

Rose-tinted memories M

Y favourite Valentine’s Day memory is the first Valentine’s I spent with my fiancé, this time last year. It was the first time I had actually been in a relationship for Valentine’s Day - 2 years before I had just been through a breakup, and every other year I was either in a pointless talking stage, celebrating Galentine’s day with a friend or two, or just very single and watching romcoms at home. So, understandably, it was my best V-Day yet. My fiancé decorated his flat with balloons as a surprise, and treated me to the cutest presents (wine, chocolate, lingerie, jewellery - all pretty standard Valentine’s gifts, but I loved it!) We dressed up all fancy and went out for a meal at my favourite restaurant/cocktail bar - Leonard’s at 39 in Ross-on-Wye, where we both had very pink, very Valentine’s-esque drinks and of course some yummy food. Definitely the ideal way to spend the evening. Bridie Adams, Music Editor

Lifestyle Writers, share their most vivacious Valentine's stories

S someone in a long distance relationship, I’ve yet to share the day with my girlfriend in person. Last year though, we sent each other parcels in the post with letters and chocolates, and I received a beautiful handmade card with photos of us on the front. My main memory of the day was me sat at my desk in my first year accommodation eating the cookies and cream Lindt chocolates she’d sent. Since we’re in lockdown, it looks like we’ll be apart for Valentine’s again, but I’m looking forwards to sending and receiving more cute parcels. Henry Hood

ALENTINES 2019, oh how I wish I could go back in time. Valentine’s Day was in fact the last day of my work abroad year in Brussels and I was determined to celebrate it in style – Valentines or no Valentines. My dear friend and I visited the House of European History’s Valentines exhibition, where we were fortunate enough to have a free tour on how love had developed since World War Two. It was absolutely fascinating! Afterwards we went to a delightful tapas restaurant where we had a few too many bottles of wine. This ‘Galentines’ date taught me how you don’t need to be completely loved up to enjoy the 14th February. Georgia Shepherd, Lifestyle Editor

ALENTINE'S 2019: I had been single for 3 months and was done with dating. I wanted to focus on me and only me. The Cavern’s anti-valentine’s social was my new beginning. I organised to go with friends, but a chance encounter led me to inviting a guy from my course. We were friends and had a lot in common… Little did I know that my anti-valentines was going to up the ante. We stayed out all night and that guy walked me home. But wait, I was done with dating! 2 years later and he's still the guy walking me home. Madison Castle Images L to R: cottonbro, kristina paukshtite. Pixabay Image: @charlesdeluvio

arts + lit

In conversation with Bookbag

Arts + Lit Editor William Evans talks to Malcolm Richards of Bookbag, Exeter’s new independent bookshop

XETER, a UNESCO city of literature and student hub, has curiously been sparse of independent bookshops for many years. When it was least expected, Malcolm Richards, a University of Exeter academic, and partner Charlie, have opened Bookbag in the middle of a pandemic. I spoke to Malcolm about what it means to run and independent bookshop and the challenges that this venture entails. Exeposé: Why did you decide to open an independent bookshop in the middle of a global pandemic?

see a section that relates to antique aircraft that the owner has lovingly curated over years and years and no one else is gonna have that specially curated selection of books. It’s a bit like a lottery. You kind of know what you’re gonna get but you’re not actually sure. And if you’re a lover of books you’re probably gonna walk out with something you didn’t expect to get in the first place. É: What do you want Bookbag to offer as an independent bookshop?

Malcolm Richards: We keep asking ourselves this question as well. It certainly wasn’t a plan. Charlie and I have always loved bookshops and always loved books. We would always love going into a bookshop because it’s an amazing space full of adventure and excitement. There was a lofty retirement plan, a tiny little plan. We said it would be great to have an independent bookshop one day. We got contacted, I think, by somebody at McCoy’s Arcade saying that there was a space there – or we’d seen an advert for it. Lots of people are being brave in this time so we decided to go for it and felt that whatever happens it was the right place to do it, recognizing that Exeter doesn’t have too many independent bookshops. We felt we could do it well and do it justice.

MR: We started off by thinking “let’s go with stuff we like”. We are both avid readers, we both like books that explore different perspectives and are situated in different places and spaces. There’s a bit of a feminist thread that runs through some of the titles. There’s a bit of a radical theme. We’ve got two daughters and really felt there weren’t books available, certainly in physical spaces, that spoke to them and spoke to their experiences and so we were really intentional around that. But, then of course, customers come in and begin to engage with you. We’ve actively sought our community’s advice about the kind of books that they want to see in their independent bookshop. As that relationship grows things will shift and change because, ultimately, it’s the people that make an independent bookshop part of its community. They kind of pick you.

É: Why do you think that independent bookshops can offer a space of adventure in a way that corporations cannot?

É: Bookbag opened in December, just before a third national lockdown was announced. What challenges has this posed?

MR: All bookshops have fiction and non-fiction. But independent bookshops are an amazing community resource which are completely unique to their location. You have time and space to explore titles that you wouldn’t necessarily see in other places. You can go into one bookshop and

MR: Because our start coincided with talk of the second lockdown, it was really small. There wasn’t this mass marketing campaign where we said let’s bombard the world with our offering and our voice because it just didn’t feel right, and people have got other priorities. It was more about opening and letting people know that the space now exists; an independent bookshop in Exeter exists. We really quickly recognised that whatever it is we have in our physical shop, we need to be able to offer stuff online and we need to be able to support people who are interested in getting books or interested in finding out what books we might have. We’ve been able to do that using Instagram, Facebook… We are affiliated with Bookshop. org which is a great online initiative. We click and collect, we offer weekly deliveries, we try to make things as easy and as accessible for everybody.

Image Credit: Malcolm Richards

É: Bookshop.org launched some time last year and Bookbag is affiliated with the platform. Do you think that Bookshop.org is allowing independent bookshops to stay competitive? MR: The bookshop.org model has the potential

to be really transformational for lots of bookshops that don’t necessarily have an online presence and are using their portal and are able to instantly begin to sell online. That can be quite transformational for lots of independent bookshops around the country. É: Were you conscious of Exeter’s lack of independent bookshops when you were opening Bookbag? MR: We were really conscious of that. For a city of its size, for Exeter not to have what we’re describing as an independent bookshop, is really surprising. We’ve discovered since opening that there have been a few attempts. There have been independent bookshops in the past but probably in the last five to ten years or so, for whatever reason, it hasn’t happened. It’s important to recognise that it’s really hard to open an independent bookshop. You’re competing with really well known, established brands like Waterstones… notwithstanding the Amazon Prime. If you haven’t had a bookshop in a long time it’s kind of easy to see why people fall out of love with them. But certainly, a lot of the reports I’ve seen on the news have suggested that there’s been a real resurgence of people falling in love with reading, gaining knowledge, finding different ways other than screen time to engage with knowledge, adventure and wisdom. That bodes well for the future. É: There has been a recent report that 2020 marks the end of a 25 year decline of independent bookshops. Why do you think that now is the time that people have decided to open independent bookshops again. MR: I think a few things have happened: namely, lots of people are trying to engage in self care, slowing down, that idea of stepping off the treadmill and beginning to engage with your surround-

ings and more tactile pursuits. Of course, then, the pandemic literally forced everybody to stop and stay at home. What’s the best way to escape from what’s going on? Read something. It’s a tactile experience. You can dare to dream. Coupled with that, there’s a recognition that some of those big business are omnipresent in our lives. They are Coca Cola and Pepsi and maybe we don’t want Coca Cola and Pepsi all the time, every single day. And so that return to the tactile, the homemade, the… I’m gonna call it real. What’s great is people are reading more, people are spending less time on their screens and people are braver in engaging with independent spaces for learning now that our libraries have all been shut down. E: Do you think that independent bookshops are going to have to replace libraries? MR: What I will say is that the role of libraries in our reading lives has been vitally important. The role of libraries in our educational lives and our kids’ educational lives has been vitally important as well. So, I would describe our libraries as the cornerstone of our reading, language and literacy strategies. Every community should have one. We certainly should not be shutting them down. Let’s fund our library services so that they are once again inspiring a generation of readers. E: Anything to add? MR: I’ve mentioned the word community about a thousand times already because communities, for us, are at the heart of what an independent bookshop should be. If we could be in a place where Exeter embraces us in the same way we would be really happy. Charlie and Malcolm can be found on Instagram @bookbag.shop and on uk.bookshop.org/ shop/bookbag.

exhibit

arts + lit

08 FEB 2021 |

EDITORS: Amelia Gregory and William Evans

Extinction and erasure Floris De Bruin discusses Lucienne Rickard’s 16-month artistic performance of extinction

UCIENNE Rickard has nothing to show for herself. She recently undertook a 16-month art project to raise awareness for the mass extinction of animals, but barely leaves a trace of her efforts. Using the process of drawing and erasing, a harsh metaphor for the cycle of life and death, she has drawn audiences to watch her destroy her delicate pencil drawings in a few swift strokes.

THE WORLD STOOD BY IDLY TO WATCH THE VISUAL EFFECTS OF HUMAN BEHAVIOUR Rickard was confronted by the existential threat climate change poses to wildlife following the recent bushfires in her native country, Australia. Endangering over 100 species and displacing countless more, scientists are undivided that global warming contributed to the 2020 fires. The world stood by idly to watch the visual and tangible effects of maladaptive human behaviour (and the sanctioning of it) wreaking havoc on natural life forms. While extinction is a naturally occurring phenomenon - one that enables evolution as it creates space for new species to appear - its rapid increase of scale and pace are problematic. This comes as a direct result of pollution, overfishing and deforestation which threaten the livelihood of many

animals as their habitats are continually being destroyed. A sense of urgency is felt when scientists claim that we may be on the brink of the world’s sixth mass extinction. Rickard, troubled by her studies on the topic, responded to this tragedy by developing an artistic project called “Extinction Studies’”where she set out to catalogue and depict a wide range of extinct species in pencil. The simplicity of her tools is purposeful as she uses graphite to highlight the delicate and impermanent nature of the creatures she draws.

THE METHOD RICKARD ADOPTS TO INCENTIVISE CHANGE IS OFTEN LIKENED TO A FUNERAL PROCESSION The motivation behind this project is to point out the current problem of mass extinction – previously unknown to her, thinking it was more relevant in the past – and to critique her country’s governance. Home to the highest rate of mammalian extinction in the world, Rickard says: “Australia has a global reputation as a place of natural beauty, however we’re not doing a great job of living up to that. We’re losing species hand over fist…people think that we’re doing a much better job of maintaining our biodiversity than we actually are.” However, the power of her work lies not in

its existence, but in its erasure. She painfully concludes her work by undoing it. This project is more aptly described as a performance, as audiences are robbed of beautifully intricate pieces of art by the artist herself in real time. All that is left is a faint outline of what once was. This underpins her central message: “If we don’t do something soon, this is what will happen.” The method Rickard adopts to incentivise change is often likened to a funeral procession and is unconventional to say the least. However, that does not undermine her efforts. Her unique style of art serves to strengthen her message, as illustrated by many other environmental activists who all push for systemic reform in their own distinct way. Take Greta Thunberg, for instance. She decided to swap her Friday school seat for the steps of Swedish parliament holding a sign that read “Skolstrejk för klimatet.” Something (seemingly) inconsequential gave rise to the popular youth moment Fridays for Future, whereby students around the world collectively organised school strikes to apply pressure to government officials to adopt a greener agenda. This demonstrates that there is much to gain from the creative output of individuals. Rickard’s art serves good purpose in forcing us to re-evaluate our lifestyle choices and pointing a finger to those in charge. If Rickard can change the mindset of just one person, then her work will not have been done in vain because we will be one tiny step closer to a sustainable future.

Valentine’s Day Reads Everything I know about love Dolly Alderton

ES, this may appear to be an awfully apt title for Valentine’s Day, but one should not be deceived. Dolly Alderton is anything but a romance guru. In fact, the anecdotes of her sexual rendezvous including, might I add, references to the “Hooray Henrys” of Exeter (her words not mine!), are often utterly cringe-worthy due to their authentic and hilarious honesty. Despite these jovial accounts, I can truthfully say, that this book revolutionised my attitude towards love. This is not a book on how to lead your life like a fairy tale romance. It is a book that shows the highs and lows of real relationships, that encourages you to embrace the love that surrounds you in all aspects of life, a book about learning how to be alone. For me, a key lesson I extracted from Alderton’s narrative was that true love is not solely restricted to a romantic partner. In fact, many of us will find our soulmates within friendships, and this love is no less fulfilling. Upon understanding this, I felt a great sense of relief and contentment, and perhaps this is something many of us need to remember during these strange times when finding love seems more difficult than ever.

Building for Instagram

Max Shepherd looks into how Instagram is influencing our skylines Image credit: Hu Chen, Unsplash

HE Empire State Building, the Sydney Opera House, Big Ben; these are probably what comes to mind when I ask you to think of iconic architecture. But what about the Nanjing Zendai Himalayas Center, Wuxi Taihu Show Theatre or the Burj Al Arab? These represent just a few examples of a growing number of mind-boggling iconic structures being thrown up all over Asia. These new builds tend to be located in places where urban centres are quickly growing and planning permission is easier to secure - although exceptions, such as London’s Shard, do exist.

MANY OF THESE NEW ARCHITECTURAL MARVELS SEEM DESIGNED TO BE PERFECTY INSTAGRAMABLE For those of us with a Eurocentric worldview, a lot of these architectural wonders fly below the radar. China and the Arabian Gulf are home to many new architectural feats so it is fitting that Dubai is home to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world and exemplar of modern iconic architecture. The general motivation behind such architecture

has changed little since the Pyramids 5,000 years ago – to show off wealth, elicit awe, and project a general sense of impressiveness to all who clap eyes on these structures. A motive that the Egyptians didn’t have in mind when building the Pyramids is the omnipresent Instagram feed. Many of these new architectural marvels seem designed to be perfectly Instagramable, attracting tourists in search of new photographic offerings. Indeed, many of these outwardly magnificent buildings contain nothing more interesting than office units and will not be entered by the vast majority of those who take snaps of them. But in an age where image is everything and context is secondary, this does not matter. A few million hashtags can do more to advertise a city than a multi-million dollar ad campaign. So why not add a few strange angles or even a few hundred feet to a new building to make it stand out? The problem arises however when everybody has the same idea. If every new building is weird and wonderful then very soon the novelty will be lost. If the desire to out-build everyone else becomes all consuming, then other concerns such as sustainability and practicality might fall by the wayside. Despite these concerns I am generally supportive of

the creative attempts to liven up the skyline of new metropolises. The last thing we want is a world of cities like New York: a grid of rectangles, each filled with more rectangles. Many of these new structures or plans include a consideration of nature, Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay for example. These ideas may not be the answer to our current environmental crisis, but at least help to break up the concrete jungles we have historically decided to entomb ourselves in.

IF EVERY NEW BUILDING IS WEIRD AND WONDERFUL THEN VERY SOON THE NOVELTY WILL BE LOST Even if these projects arose from a cynical desire to advertise and aggrandise, who cares? Instagrammers will Instagram no matter what, so better to funnel them towards cities rather than towards places of natural beauty that cannot take the strain of mass tourism. Europe had its hey-day of iconic architecture, then came America, now its Asia’s turn and I for one am interested to see what they come up with.

exhibit

arts + lit

EDITORS: Amelia Gregory and William Evans

8 FEB 2021 |

Rewriting narratives: the significance of LGBTQ+ fanfiction Sophie Wellington discusses the importance of LGBTQ+ fanfiction Image: Pixabay

NYONE familiar with the world of ‘fandoms’ will most likely have some knowledge about fanfiction. Although I never wrote any myself, flicking through stories featuring my favourite fictional characters was my favourite thing to pass the time when I was a teenager. Even now I find myself going back to Tumblr as a bit of self-indulgence, and it is by no means a space exclusively for teens. Fanfiction, stories written by fans that include existing characters from the media, has become so popular that there are now over a dozen sites that allow the publication of such works. Probably the fastest rising of these sites is Archive of Our Own, which reached three million registered users in November 2020. Despite its obvious popularity, fanfiction has an unfair stigma surrounding it that it is merely a form of amateur eroticism. However, these stories act as a form of escapism. In the case of LGBTQ+ fanfiction, and why I read so much of it as a young adult, it is a way to reshape and explore narratives so that our community is better represented. Of the 100 most written about pairings on

Archive of Our Own in 2020, a staggering 72 were between characters of the same gender. When you look at the couples themselves, very few have actually been confirmed (or made canon) in their show or film. Viewers, mostly LGBTQ+, rewrite narratives in a way that explores non-heterosexual couples they believe have potential, or pairings that have dangerously been queer-baited by writers but not discussed seriously on the show. In addition to this, many LGBTQ+ couples have been written or handled poorly, so fanfiction becomes a way of correcting these portrayals. No other couple epitomises the issues I have discussed above more than Supernatural’s Dean and Castiel (more commonly known by their ship name “Destiel”), one of the oldest fan-favourite pairings. I am going to delve into some detail that may spoil plot points of the show; so be warned. Last November, among the chaos of the US election, a large corner of the internet had erupted after Destiel had supposedly been made canon. Fans of the fantasy show, first aired in 2005, had become increasingly frus-

trated with the hints to a romantic relationship between the characters. Many viewers wrote fanfiction to fulfil the potential they believed Destiel had for LGBTQ+ representation. As of now, Destiel is the ship with the most fanfiction written about them, with over 90,000 works just on Archive of Our Own. So, the confirmation of the couple at first appears to be a long-awaited moment. However, the way in which the show executed this revelation was heavily criticised, and actually more damaging than it was progressive.

FANFICTION BECOMES A WAY OF CORRECTING THESE PORTRAYALS A glaring issue with Destiel becoming canon is that it happened moments before Castiel was dragged into Hell. Now, this is an example of the ‘bury your gays’ trope (LGBTQ+ characters being killed and denied a happy ending) taken to the extreme. Not only this, but Castiel poured his heart out, with tears in

his eyes, while Dean stood there unreactive. Many fans expressed their disappointment online, so much so that Destiel was trending above the US election on Twitter at one point. Although I had never been a fan of the show, I sympathised with the Supernatural community greatly. After the pairing had been teased for the best part of 12 years, to have an unexpected, one-sided love confession before Castiel was sent to eternal doom was a huge kick in the teeth. Still, as these communities so often do, the Supernatural fandom banded together and an influx of Destiel fanfiction was posted online, rewriting their tragic ending. Although LGBTQ+ representation on TV has continuously risen since 2015, there is still a severe lack of healthy non-heterosexual relationships in the media. For young members of the LGBTQ+ community, it becomes so frustrating to not see our identities portrayed at all, or even more so to have to see them portrayed in a damaging way. Fanfiction remains a perfectly harmless way to fill that void, but also to bring to attention that representation needs to be better.

LGBTQ+ recommendations

Caitlin Barr recommends LGBTQ+ writers Danez Smith

Kae Tempest

Danez Smith’s work is both beautiful and urgent. They focus on the experience of life as a queer black person, mingling humour with tragedy. Their most recent collection, Homie, is an ode to friendship and intimacy, while also commenting on anti-blackness and violence. Their work feels incredibly original, and some pieces read more like conversations between close friends, which gives each poem a sense of closeness. Start with: Dinosaurs in the Hood, how many of us have them?, The 17-Year-Old and the Gay Bar, dogs!

Multi-talented Kae Tempest, who came out as non-binary last year, writes about their experiences being attracted to women, as well as political commentary and ruminations on modern life. Their 2016 novel, The Bricks That Built the Houses is a tightly woven, thrilling story about London and boredom, with characters lifted from their epic poem Brand New Ancients, based on Greek myth. Their poetry is acerbic and lyrical all at once, full of classical references juxtaposed with modern observations about growing up queer in a workingclass community, heartbreak, and community. Start with: On Clapton Pond at dawn, India, Age is a Pervert. Youth is a Fascist, Europe is Lost

Olivia Gatwood

Starting out in the slam poetry scene, Olivia Gatwood has published two poetry collections (New American Best Friend and Life of the Party) and has a novel coming out early next year. Her poetry focuses on her childhood in Trinidad and New Mexico, her sexuality, gendered violence, and true crime. Her work is as funny as it is relatable and haunting, and to hear it spoken (many of the poems are available either on YouTube or on Gatwood’s website) is incredibly powerful. Start with: Aileen Wuornos Takes a Lover Home, Alternate Universe in Which I am Unfazed by the Men Who do Not Love Me, I Must Have Only Loved Her in the Summer, Ode to my Lover’s Left Hand

Ocean Vuong

Born in Saigon, Vuong creates work that is brutally beautiful, unashamed, and intimate. His poetry, shaped by his experiences as a gay man living in the backdrop of his family’s history of conflict, grief, and instability is sophisticated and powerful. His first novel, On Earth We Are Briefly Beautiful, was published in 2019. Start with: Telemachus, Homewrecker, Because It’s Summer, Immigrant Haiburn

Cat Stone recommends LGBTQ+ romances

S we celebrate LGBTQ+ history in February, reading reminds us that queer love has always existed, even under the threat of persecution and dismissal of LGBTQ+ identities. Twentieth century romances such as Annie on My Mind and Maurice have become classics for their honest portrayal of love and desire; important in their time for ending well, when too often gay romances were depicted as inevitably tragic. There are many excellent historical fictions that thoughtfully show homosexual relationships, such as The Lies We Tell Ourselves, where two girls fall in love in segregated America; and the funny, fast paced The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue, where two best friends realise their intense feelings for each other on their ‘Grand Tour’. Madeline Miller made waves by reimagining The Iliad as an epic love story in The Song of Achilles. In recent fiction, particularly Young Adult, there has been an outpouring of very hopeful stories focusing on LGBTQ+ teenagers falling

in love for the first time, some positively bubbly like the m/m romances Red, White and Royal Blue and the Heartstopper graphic novel series. Let’s Talk About Love has an asexual protagonist and If I Was Your Girl a transgender one – both follow girls as they struggle with self-acceptance and crushes. Becky Albertalli‘s Creekwood series shows friends Simon and Leah finding love, giving a twist to the formulaic straight high school romance. Others are more intense and grapple with darker themes. Call Me By Your Name has become a modern classic for its depiction of infatuation and heartbreak in the 1980’s. Aristotle and Dante is another coming of age story that beautifully renders two boys navigating their changing relationship. In fantasy, Carry On and its sequel Wayward Son is a romance between the Chosen One and his school nemesis. This Is How You Lose the Time War is an epic love story of two female time travel agents. The LGBTQ+ romance genre will only continue growing, creating many more diverse perspectives, stories and couples for all readers to fall in love with. Image: Pexels

music

They love me/they love me not Caitlin Barr recommends some tracks for Valentine's Day - whether you're in love or heartbroken.

Yellow House Love In The Time of Socialism

Ellie Bleach Leave Me Alone

Perhaps we'll build a home/ In the shadows of the forest 'Love in the Time of Socialism' is a sweet folkstyle song by South African songwriter Emile van Dango. It dreams of a multitude of different lives, experienced side by side with the person you love.

Cause you had me cryin' in the kitchen/Annoyin' all my friends/And you had me watchin' Casablanca/And we all know how that ends This cool track is full of witty lyrics.

Matt Maltese Rom Com Gone Wrong Long baths, podcasts/I'm crying when I'm smashed Maltese’s brutally honest break up song speaks to the monotony of grief, while still managing to be a somewhat upbeat bop.

Jay Jay Pistolet Vintage Red You're a cashmere sweater/ Hand-written letter/You are blonde on blonde/But a whole lot better This dreamy song transports me to carefree summers in the Med. Sure, that might not be possible now but let this song take you there.

Kate Rhudy I Don't Like You Or Your Band Your cigarettes, your leather shoes, you, your friends/ And your middle-class white boy blues This is the perfect song to help you get over someone. I think we’ve all known a cigarette-smoking, leather-shoe wearing, middle-class-white-boy-blues-having person, especially in Exeter!

Bright Eyes First Day Of My Life Yours was the first face that I saw/I think I was blind before I met you This is a sweet song full of hope for a new relationship and happiness. It's uplifting and relaxing. The gentle fingerstyle guitar matches the mood perfectly and creates a beautiful sound.

Tom Rosenthal Cos Love (If You Miss It) Love, it's not the thing that they said it would be/The bending of the knee/A thousand violins singing into the sea Tom Rosenthal’s signature whimsical lyrics speak of falling in love and the world changing shape entirely.

Nick Lutsko (You Aren't So) Beautiful Your eyes, they shine just like a lampshade/From the dark side of the moon Nick Lutsko’s fun track is full of biting insults, perfect for the anger stage of the grief cycle.

Vintage Trouble Gracefully Do you see what you’ve done to me/Gone and washed away my misery This blues-infused, tender love song is perfect.

Carly Simon You're So Vain But you gave away the things you loved/And one of them was me A classic break-up anthem about arrogance. You left a note in your perfect script/Stay as long as you want/And I haven't left your bed since

Father John Misty Chateau Lobby 4 A love song you may not have heard, is unconventional track from indie-sweetheart Father John Misty features

many iconic lyrics, and stunning trumpet solos that make the music soar.

Lana Del Ray Norman Fucking Rockwell Your poetry's bad and you blame the news This has an Old Hollywood feel and successfully eviscerates its subject, like most Del Rey songs do.

Rex Orange County Loving Is Easy Yeah, loving is easy/When everything's perfect/Please don't change a single little thing for me This fun bop features a dreamy keyboard melody with sweet, joyful lyrics about how good love feels when you meet the right person.

Lauren Aquilina Psycho

fun. The Gambler I swear when I grow up, I won't just buy you a rose/I will buy the flower shop, and you will never be lonely A vision of a long life spent with a loved one, fun.’s song has tender lyrics and is actually based on the lead singer’s own parents. And yes, his dad really did buy his mum a florist.

Wolf Alice Don't Delete The Kisses I see the signs of a lifetime, you 'til I die A mainstay of the indie scene, Wolf Alice really shine on this song about the beginnings of a relationship, characterised by night buses, dingy bars, and crap parties. The beauty of this song is that it can be positive, negative, or anywhere in between.

'Cause I followed your car, now I know where she lives/ Please, send my regards to your favourite thing A strangely cheerful tune about stalking your ex after they cheat on you.

Kele Okereke Capers No, I'm not in love/I don't claim to be/But are you free on Sunday? This jaunty song from Bloc Party’s front man is as sweet as it is catchy.

Billy Bragg A New England I saw two shooting stars last night/I wished on them, but they were only satellites/ It’s wrong to wish on space hardware Billy Bragg’s signature folk rock tune is bitter but doesn’t take itself too seriously. The song is both ridiculous and sincere at the same time, and has a gorgeous, stripped back guitar riff with a wall of emptiness behind it.

Images left-right: Yellow House, seven four seven six, Stiff Records, Kate Rhudy, Wikimedia Commons, Saddle Creek SCE-79, Ellie Bleach, Kudos Records, Nick Lutsko, Elektra, Bella Union, Polydor Records, Rex Orange County, Lauren Aquilina, BMG, Utility, Nettwerk Music Group, Dirty Hit

exhibit

EDITORS: Bridie Adams and Oliver Leader de Saxe

music

8 FEBRUARY 2021

LGBTQ+ artist spotlight

Exeposé Music Writers share their love of some of the most groundbreaking artists from the LGBTQ+ community

ARIE Ulven Ringheim, or girl in red, appealed to the LGBTQ+ demographic since her debut in 2017 with songs and lyrics about queer love, earning her the label of a “queer icon” by Paper. She identifies as queer and gay, and enjoying her music has become synonymous online (particularly on the platform TikTok) as a way to identify as wlw. She skilfully produces music from her bedroom and has amassed over 150 million steams as of late 2019, with her single ‘I wanna be your girlfriend’ and ‘We fell in love in October’ amassing particular praise, the former even listing as number nine in The New York Times list of 68 best songs in 2018. The sincerity and tenderness of the love she describes lyrically, combined with touching on mental health and the deeper aspects of life, appeals to a demographic of the LGBTQ+ community that is often reduced to fetishisation or a phase in the music industry. girl in red’s music fills a niche felt personally by many, and does so skilfully and personally whilst embracing the audience she has attracted. Amber Hogan

ESPITE only having really released an eight-track mixtape in his career, drumaq is one of my favourite artists. The mixtape released in 2019, Vitamin D, shares drumaq’s experiences as a young man in his twenties experiencing the world around him in both a courageous and vulnerable way. ‘Take Out’ details the clouded judgement you have when taking someone back you know is bad for you, but the high you get from them means, as drumaq sings taking what you can get. In an earlier interview with online publication Out, drumaq explained that he has always made an effort to use “he” and “boy” when singing about love interests because that is who his songs are about. I am in awe of his personal dedication to making sure his true self is known through his music by not giving up his identity in order to appeal to a wider audience. drumaq has explained that it was witnessing other queer artists strengths in being themselves that inspired him to create music with the hope of providing that place of acceptance for his young queer fans. Kamila Bell, Editor

DISCOVERED FLETCHER’s music when I was not yet out to myself or family and her womenloving-women music videos have had a big impact on me. FLETCHER’s third EP The S(ex) Tapes, which she “leaked” earlier than advertised in September 2020, is nothing but addictive. Her raw emotion shines through in every song and you can’t help but drag yourself through every high and low with the artist on the record. When COVID-19 hit America, FLETCHER decided to quarantine with her ex where they spent their time cultivating The S(ex) Tapes, and shooting accompanying music videos, which largely revolve around their on-again, off-again relationship. My favourite song from the EP, ‘Bitter’ perfectly details that moment the post break-up fog clears, and the halo-effect of your ex is gone. FLETCHER’s music does not shy away from the gritty details of those emotions you experience when going through love, heartbreak, and anger. She produces these feelings into songs that surprisingly hype you up, accompanying them with music videos that remind you (me) just how single you are. Kamila Bell, Editor

Images Left to Right: john, drumaq (right)

It's okay to cry

Bryony Gooch, Editor, looks back on the legacy of the boundary-pushing avant-garde pop producer SOPHIE

N my first year at Exeter, I stumbled upon Oil of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides at a house party. The track ‘Immaterial’ pulsated through the crowded kitchen with people chattering excitedly. I sipped a can of Tesco’s cheapest cider – a first year staple – listening as SOPHIE asked: “without my legs or my hair/ without my genes or my blood/ with no name and with no type of story/ where do I live? Tell me where do I exist?” If you strip back everything that makes us who we are in society, who are we? Why should we accept at first glance the way we are defined? It is in the track ‘Immaterial’ that SOPHIE celebrates identity beyond the boundaries of society: “I can be anything I want”. Queerness and identity permeate Oil of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides. ‘Faceshopping’ clashes industrially as SOPHIE chants: “My face is the front of shop. My face is the real

shop front. My shop is the face I front. I’m real when I shop my face.” By contrast it is an emphasis on the material – on finding authenticity and comfort in choosing your appearance. ‘Ponyboy’ also clashes domineeringly, a kink track for the masses.

I revisited the album following the heartbreaking news of SOPHIE’s death on 30 January. For many people, the track ‘It’s Okay To Cry’ took on a whole new meaning as fans and fellow musicians reckoned with a world without SOPHIE. The truth is, SOPHIE was the future. SOPHIE was a future cruelly snatched away from us before we could truly appreciate what we had. If not for SOPHIE, we would not have 100 Gecs or Rina Sawayama. You may not have realised this but SOPHIE’s glitchy trademark was on every bit of music you may have enjoyed in the last decade. From frequently working with Charli XCX to producing for Let’s Eat Grandma; I smiled at the realisation that the same person who wrote ‘Immaterial’ – a take on Madonna’s own ‘Material Girl’ – also produced on ‘Bitch I’m Madonna’. My personal favourite is SOPHIE’s work with Vince Staples on Big Fish Theory, originally mistaken for an electronic hip-hop album despite its subtle and expansive drill influences. All these build an impressive portfolio tied together with sparkling sensory overload fit for the

sweatiest, most packed nightclub. The night belonged to SOPHIE. In an interview with i-D, SOPHIE noted: “I’ve always dreamt of creating some sort of community atmosphere which is queer, fluid, diverse, genderless, dynamic...”

SOPHIE's glitchy trademark was on every bit of music you may have enjoyed in the last decade As many fans across the world mourn the loss of the genius producer, I read an anecdote about SOPHIE performing at a club in Brooklyn back in 2018. “No-one needed to use subtle signals nor hide their identities. It was a silent understanding of mutual love and struggle. In short, it was safe.” While I had never been lucky enough to see SOPHIE live myself, may we all take knowledge in knowing that SOPHIE not only fulfilled that dream in forming a safe and fluid community atmosphere, but that it will remain a key aspect of their legacy which has forever changed the soundscape. Image: TheArches

exhibit

music

EDITORS: Bridie Adams and Oliver Leader de Saxe

8 FEBRUARY 2021

In conversation: Marsupial Soup

Bridie Adams, Music Editor, sits down with ex-music editor Sam Norris to discuss his new bedroom pop group

ARSUPIAL Soup are a bedroom pop outfit from South Wales based in Leeds who dropped an EP in 2019 demonstrating a knack for sunnys hooks and sweet harmonies. Having dropped new singles throughout 2020, and with a new track just released, Bridie Adams has sat down with the exExeposé alumni to discuss their writing process and the future. Exeposé: Have you always been into making music? Were you involved in any music societies or anything at Exeter? Sam Norris: Yeah I’ve been playing guitar since I was ten or so and messing about with production for a long time. My brother and I have been in various bands and projects since school. When our earlier wacky punk bands fizzled out, we decided to ditch the traditional band set-up and make a tongue-in-cheek, lo-fi pop twopiece. At Exeter, I was Online Music Editor for Exeposé so got really involved in writing and organising gigs. Weirdly, though, I never actually played any live music myself while I was there. I remember slapping some phat bass at a Campus Bands social which went down well but I never

had the gumption to approach other people to make a project. Kind of wish I had! But I think that’s what drew me to bedroom pop as a genre: it’s a very introspective and informal thing, without any of the pomp and ceremony of forming a band, etc. The line between “proper” music and messing around is quite hazy. I like that modesty with it, you can sit in a space between sincerity and irony and be less intense and formal than your meat-and-chips rock band, but still have reflective stuff to say. É: Bedroom pop is big at the moment who are your main influences? SN: Within bedroom pop we’re big into Still Woozy, Clairo, Gus Dapperton and Steve Lacy - the main players really, stuff with a DIY, hastily-cobbled-together vibe. The genre is still coalescing though and we also like artists like Crumb, Sports and Men I Trust which have less

of an overtly lo-fi approach but keep the same ethos. Outside of bedroom pop, Liverpool two-piece Her’s are a huge influence. They played this offkilter, bossa-nova infused romance pop with nostalgic twinges, a really sunny vibe that we try to replicate. É: How would you describe your music, particularly your new single, to someone who hasn’t heard it before? SN: Our music tries to take a playful look at some of bedroom pop’s main targets: personal insecurity, nostalgic longing, mental health, everyday romance, etc. Bedroom pop’s strength is its authenticity and we’re trying to jump on that sense of democratising music. Anyone can make a beat on their

laptop now; they can say whatever they want, and the more naive, mundane and real, the better. So all our jangly major seven chords, plastic drums and sing-song bass licks are trying to get at that uneasy authenticity. As for our new track, ‘Kumiko’, it’s an eccentric, mischievous groove that tries to capture some of the weirdness of Haruki Murakami’s magical realism. The lyrics touch upon unfair treatment in a relationship, and set to the song’s uneasy strut, it tells a story of trying to tentatively break out of relationship bonds and how disorientating, but liberating, that can be. There‘s also a guitar solo. Is that lame in 2021? You’ll have to give a listen! É: What are you planning next? Will there be an album? SN: The plan is to release a single a month for the next year and to try and build our presence up bit by bit. We’d ideally like to be gigging and expanding that way but sadly that’s out the window! If anyone has any digital marketing tips, we’d be all ears. For now, we’re happy just making wacky pop in our rooms, stuff that will make people smile and see something in. Image credit: Sam Norris

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Getting the ballroom rolling

Issy Murray, Online Science Editor, explores the cultural signficance of the ballroom for LGBTQ+ History Month

HEN asked to think about modern LGBTQ+ culture, it’s fair to assume many people would conjure up images of Pride events or imagine shows such as Ru Paul’s Drag Race. However, much of what is now considered as "mainstream" LGBTQ+ influence has a common history, stemming from an underground subculture that undoubtedly constitutes a cornerstone of queer culture: the ballroom scene. Originating as far back as the 1920s but becoming heightened around the late-1970s, the ballroom scene in New York City, and particularly Harlem, was founded by the African American and Latin American queer community. What ballroom aimed to create was a safe space for all manners of self-expression. This accepting atmosphere was severely lacking in the heteronormative attitudes held by contemporary society; notably the height of ballroom coincided with the HIV/AIDS epidemic that was particularly threatening within LGBTQ+ spheres and used as a source of shaming the community. Unfortunately, as you might expect LGBTQ+ rights were seriously substandard in comparison to those of the straight man, and this lack of empathy and understanding translated in many families disowning members who came out as

queer. As a result, many LGBTQ+ identifying people were left not only marginalised and feeling isolated, but physically homeless. Ballroom culture was a form of queer resistance, offering a place of solace and acceptance, where queer individuals across the spectrum could come together. Nonconformity was the norm in these pockets of inclusivity. In essence, ballroom consisted of a competition, whereby participants "walk" to different categories and a panel of judges score you out of ten based on how much you creatively encapsulate the category. You would have to get creative to make outfits, makeup looks and performances that most excited the crowds and impressed the judges. Categories covered a vast range of themes such as "executive realness", and walking in these, while sometimes mistaken for mimicry of heteronormative values, was instead a powerful subversion.

BALLROOM CULTURE WAS A FORM OF QUEER RESISTANCE The opportunity given to win awards and recognition for this art returned to LGBTQ+ creatives some of what everyday life had

confiscated from them. Walking could be done individually, but often people chose to join (or in some cases started their own) "houses", which to name just a few include the House of LaBeija and the House of Xtravaganza. If you impressed a house, they would take you under their wing, not unlike the enduring concept of having a "drag mother". These were collectives that represented a sort of chosen family, an important comfort if your biological family had rejected you. Houses would work as a unit, in competition with rivals, to win as many categories as possible and gain respect amongst their peers, becoming legendary. In 1990, one distinct aspect of ballroom culture blew up in the mainstream thanks to Madonna, a long-term ally of the LGBTQ+ community and who frequently took inspiration from them. Her song “Vogue” drew massive attention to the iconic form of dance it’s named after. In the grand tradition of Paris

is Burning (a film released that same year), voguing is an instantly recognisable dance that emerged during the ballroom scene and involves stylised, sharp movements between powerful poses often particularly engaging the hands in exaggerated gesticulation. Voguing, along with other dances emblematic of the ballroom scene like the duckwalk, has remained iconic through the ages (Vanessa Hudgens’s comment on Drag Race that she is ‘so into voguing right now’goes to somewhat show how it’s become increasingly envisioned in mainstream terms). The music that dominated the ballroom scene, therefore, had to match the fierce struts and dances that accompanied the ballroom’s scenes and message of self-confidence. While it’s great to see how much society has progressed in terms of LGBTQ+ acceptance, with elements of queer culture becoming assimilated into the mainstream, it’s crucial that the histories behind these pieces of culture aren’t forgotten or misremembered. They should be celebrated. Image: S Pakhrin

screen

All heart images: Pixabay

Unconventional romances

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, a selection of Exeposé Screen Writers recommend their favourite offbeat love stories

OANNA Hogg’s semi-autobiographical 2019 drama follows film student Julie (Honor Swinton Byrne) as she attempts to make a The Souvenir film and falls in love with an older man, Anthony (Tom Burke), who works at the Foreign Office. However, this is far from your average indie girl meets boy narrative – Anthony is a heroin addict, and this has a myriad of effects on their relationship. Julie has to deal with the emotional and physical impacts of Anthony’s addiction, and the film doesn’t shy away from depicting the harsh reality of this, as well as the more tender, joyful elements of the relationship. In the end, The Souvenir can be said to be a love story dedicated to loving yourself enough to let go, even if doing so is deeply painful. Tilda Swinton and Richard Ayoade both have brilliant smaller roles in the film, and will reprise them in the film’s upcoming sequel, with Charlie Heaton and Harris Dickinson joining the cast. Caitlin Barr

Image: Her, Untitled Rick Howard Company LLC, IMDb

PIKE Jonze’s Her never fails to astound me. It produces a genuine, loving and human relationship onscreen deHer spite the fact that one of the lovers is not human at all, but AI. The direction that Jonze chooses to take Her is perpetually breath-taking, showing the audience a constantly changing world of bright hues of colour. Yet despite this palette of bright reds and deep yellows, Her depicts an incredibly lonely world, where much like our protagonist, Theodore, we are left empty and alone if not pleased by the aesthetic. The connection between Joaquin Phoenix’s Theodore and Scarlett Johansson’s Samantha gives us a new lease of life, this connection to something deeper that I think we can all in some ways relate to. This newfound love is best displayed through the glorious music by Arcade Fire, showing us the passion that the two have for each other as well as Samantha’s changing nature, ultimately making the final scenes brutally acceptable. Archie Lockyer

AL Ashby’s 1971 cult black-comedy-slash-heartfeltromance follows possibly the strangest love affair Harold and Maude onscreen. Rich and riddled with angst and existentialism, death-obsessed teenager Harold spends his free time hanging around cemeteries, driving a hearse and contemplating creative ways to commit suicide. When attending a stranger’s funeral, Harold meets 79-year-old Maude, a Nazi concentration camp survivor and all-around ray of sunshine. Confronted with his polar opposite, and everything he claims to despise, Harold’s perspective on life and love shifts dramatically. What begins as an offbeat friendship transforms into an offbeat romance as their disregard for social convention upsets those around them. Cat Stevens’ melodic, poetic and bittersweet accompanying soundtrack creates and intoxicating atmosphere of love and loss. With dark humour and witty dialogue, Harold and Maude is the very definition of an unconventional love story. Francesca Sylph, Screen Editor

HE Dreamers is possibly the most French film ever made. It concerns the extremely unconThe dreamers ventional relationship between American exchange student Matthew (Michael Pitt), who meets up with fellow cinephiles and siblings Théo and Isabelle (Louis Garrel and Eva Green in her first onscreen role) at a protest against the firing of a famous film preservationist. As the trio grow closer and closer, their relationship soon turns erotic as Matthew discovers the ex-conjoined twins live a life of hedonism and sexual liberty, and the film very quickly turns into an insightful analysis of the relationship between the three characters and their growing attractions to one another. What makes The Dreamers great is the deep characterisation of the three leads, and the conflicts that develop between them as Matthew ruptures the twins’ incestual paradise. About as unconventional a romance movie you can get, The Dreamers is a truly brilliant and raw film, maybe just don’t watch it with a Valentine’s date. William Thornton

Love on the split screen

Jacob Sturgess suggests a new kind of romantic pastime this Valentine’s Day

ITH the country trapped inside perpetually, new activities are always sought for and boredom is easy to come by. But until you are repeatedly stabbed with a diamond sword by your significant other, you will not have felt true pain. Gaming wouldn’t be the first romantic pastime that comes to mind this Valentine’s Day. What with gamers being so apparently “violent”, one might find it hard to associate it with relationships. But things can kick off with something as simple as a “what are you playing?” comment or an online scribbl. io date, and it’s easy to be hooked with mul-

tiplayers being so abundant. Sharing the experience over the screen can brighten the whole adventure.

BUT UNTIL YOU ARE STABBED BY YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER, YOU HAVE NOT FELT TRUE PAIN After baking one too many pumpkin pies and enchanting all your gear, Minecraft can get old (despite still not slaying the Ender Dragon). The current obsession is Supercell hit Brawl Stars. It is a mobile arcade game that

is particularly enjoyable as a pair due to its two-player battle royale mode in which you work together to be the last team standing. The minute-long matches are so fast-paced that you cannot get sick of playing, and with every narrow loss you find yourself saying the magic words: “okay, this one is the last game.” When the Wii is available, I despair when I am blue-shelled on the Mario Kart race track, and she despairs when I yeet Luigi off a giant mushroom and into the Super Mario Bros. void. However, it is hard to maintain date night in the lounge when your nosey housemates want a piece of you on Rocket League

or Board Game Island. But this is no loss, when it comes to Jackbox party games and you’re all crashed on the sofa trying to offend each other. Anything but Among Us, to be honest, especially if she’s peeking over your shoulder and constantly killing you first (not holding a grudge). So, gaming doesn’t always have to be massively competitive and can provide a wholesome timewaster to while away the not-doing-your-dissertation hours. If the restaurant doors are still closed on the 14th, why not try something new – grab your laptop and punch a tree.

Screen EDITORS’ PICKS: valentine’s day edition Francesca Sylph Screen Editor

olivia garrett Screen Editor

Lars and the Real Girl (2007) Ryan Gosling stars as the painfully shy but kind-hearted Lars who develops a romantic, yet sweetly innocent, relationship with the doll he orders online. On the advice of his doctor, Lars’ family and surrounding community go along with his delusion. What follows is a deeply touching and tender film about Lars learning to love. Image: Lars and the Real Girl, IMDb

About Time (2013) Among the likes of Four Weddings and Love Actually, About Time is Richard Curtis’ fourth edition to the rom-com scene. A classic combo of love and an awkward stringy lead, except this time there’s a twist. Criminally underrated with a vibrant soundtrack and a heart-breaking message, this is not one to miss.

Olivia Gomez

jim norman

Online Screen Editor

When Harry Met Sally (1989) There is a very strong argument to be made that When Harry Met Sally is the greatest rom-com of all time. It’s a slow burner to be sure, but watching the titular couple fluctuate between being together and apart is enough to leave anyone rooting for their romance.

Image: When Harry Met Sally, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc, IMDb

Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind (2004) My pick for a Valentine’s Day movie is Eternal Sunshine Of A Spotless Mind by director Charlie Kaufman. This film has a quirky and dramatic plot that proves that love will conquer all – even strong attempts to erase it from one’s memory.

Image: Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind, IMDb

exhibit

screen

EDITORS: Olivia Garrett and Francesca Sylph

8 FEB 2021

AIDS onscreen: representing the stigma T

Nick Powell, Sport Editor, discusses the depiction of AIDS in It’s a Sin and more

HERE is a certain irony in Russell T. Davies being the man who has produced arguably the boldest and most complete depiction of AIDS – and how it affected those who were victim to it – released onscreen in the UK. It was he who made his break as a writer with the 1999 series Queer as Folk, which did not make a single mention of HIV or AIDS despite depicting the group who had been most affected by it: gay men, with the peak of diagnoses of HIV coming a few years after that series had been released. Why that series contained no references to HIV/AIDS is clear when you understand the context in which Davies wrote it: a majority of people when asked thought homosexuality was “always” or “mostly” wrong (according to a British social attitudes essay of that year). Indeed, that number rises to 66 per cent when including those who thought it was “sometimes” or “rarely” compared to just 27 per cent who thought it was “not wrong at all”. Many of that majority who thought it was morally wrong had a clear association between gay men and AIDS. Why Davies’ series failed to mention it, and minimised the number of flamboyant and “camp” characters was deliberate; to show that gay men were simply normal people. More than 20 years on, and Davies has written a drama on a

subject he admits “he looked away” from “for years”, and boy was it worth the wait. Davies is undoubtedly a talented writer, but while much of his work has been flawed, It’s a Sin was magnificent. It captured the release and relief of coming out, the hopes, dreams and realities of aspiring actors, the devastation of the AIDS epidemic on young people and the covert – and indeed overt – homophobia that existed at the time. It was likely those last two aspects that made writing this series, and others writing about it, all the more difficult.

IT CAPTURED THE RELEASE AND RELIEF OF COMING OUT... THE DEVASTATION OF THE AIDS EPIDEMIC The pervasive homophobia that existed during the 1980s – which saw headlines like “US Gay Blood Plague Kills Three in Britain” in The Sun – meant that little attempt was made to portray the epidemic until the 1993 film Philadelphia. This film was so important in so many ways, with big name actors Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington involved in a project that made over $200 million at the Box Office (nearly $400 million today). It

provided education on the illness and most importantly, depicted one of the central characters’ journey from homophobia and fear of contracting the disease via contact to showing compassion and a full understanding of the illness. The film reserves all its fury for unpleasant partners in a law firm rather than the toxicity of societal homophobia and fails to go anywhere near to capturing the lived experience of its AIDS victim’s life as a gay man. Nonetheless, it was a vital starting point and hopefully some of the lessons the characters learned translated to viewers. The critically-acclaimed Angels in America, a 2003 HBO miniseries went some way to doing this. With much-loved former President Ronald Reagan now far enough in the past to be able to be attacked for the ineffectual policies of his government, It’s A Sin does this too for its British equivalent, Margaret Thatcher. Ten years on from that, and twenty on from Philadelphia saw the release of Dallas Buyers Club. While this failed to attack government in the same way, its message on the predatory nature of drugs companies and the Oscar-winning performance of Matthew McConaughey received much praise and was vitally important – perhaps not so much its use

Image: Pixabay

of a cisgender man as a transgender woman, but that somehow scooped an Oscar too.

A STORY THAT HAS REENERGISED THIS MOMENT IN LGBTQ+ HISTORY IN POIGNANT FASHION Since then, there has been a disappointing lack of film or television on the subject, prompting a feeling of unfinished business. Whilst I have not mentioned many other projects on the topic, most of these have been low key or simply documentaries, which can be very powerful but tell their own story. But now, Davies has finally had the courage to put a story on paper that has re-energised this moment in LGBTQ+ history in poignant fashion. Incredibly, he was initially turned down by Channel 4, ITV and BBC One before returning to Channel 4 to put the story on screen. Whilst It’s A Sin’s brilliance has pretty much earned the monopoly on depicting AIDS in 1980s London, I suspect TV bosses will think again before turning down potential series’ on the topic because, as ITV bosses put it in their rebuff of Davies, they’re “not quite that sort of channel yet.” Images: It’s a Sin, Channel 4, IMDb

Remembering The Goddess Bunny Francesca Sylph, Screen Editor, pays tribute to the late tap-dancing cult icon, Sandie Crisp

CONTENT WARNING

Medical negligence, physical and sexual abuse

ANDIE “The Goddess Bunny” Crisp was an American drag queen, actress, entertainer and model. She passed away on 27 January 2021 after a colourful and vibrant life. A transgender disabled cult icon, Sandie became a staple of the Los Angeles underground art scene and LGBTQ+ subculture in the 1980s and 1990s. Born in 1960, Sandie contracted polio and underwent several botched surgeries as an infant. Subject to the medical malpractice of multiple doctors, including a spinal implant that severely stunted her posture and growth, Sandie’s body was left permanently disfigured and wheel-chair bound. She grew up in various foster homes for disabled children and throughout her childhood, she routinely endured both physical and sexual abuse, largely due to her gender identity and disability. Despite facing such adversity, Sandie remained carefree and joyous, never considering herself a victim. In an article

for Dazed and the accompanying dreamy short film, one of Sandie’s “adopted sons” – Hunter Ray Barker, a USC film student in his mid-twenties – claimed that “she told me that the only problem she has in her life is the lack of jet fuel needed to put in her wheelchair to blast us to the moon.” In the 1980s, Sandie found unexpected (to others, but not to Sandie, who always considered herself something of a star) underground fame in Hollywood. She worked as a model for high-profile artists, including Rick Owens, and acted in various films, including Hollywood Vice Squad alongside the beloved Carrie Fisher. She even posed nude with swans for acclaimed photographer Joel-Peter Witkin. Sandie’s work captured Los Angeles’ often-overlooked underground LGBTQ+ scene during this period, and she was the subject of the 1994 documentary, simply titled The Goddess Bunny. In 2007, she gained widespread online fame for

a viral video that became known as ‘Obey the Walrus’. In that video, she is seen tap-dancing, which she was able to leave her (hot pink, of course) wheelchair to do for short periods of time. Sandie entertained, inspired and gave hope to generations of queer punks through her tap-dancing, film roles and avant-garde performances. Sandie also appeared in Dr. Dre’s ‘Puppet Master’ video and Marilyn Manson’s ‘The Dope Show’ but later claimed in a 2016 profile for VICE magazine to have been underpaid or not paid at all. Despite being hailed as the queen of the underground, Hunter insists that Sandie rejected the label, explaining that she “identifies as an A-list Hollywood celebrity… Sandie put every breathing second into being a star, believing that it is only the world that is not ready for her”. Details about Sandie’s life are difficult to pin down as she was an inventive and masterful storyteller who provided different, and often conflicting, recollections of her colourful life. In addition to the multitude of sexual encounters with various Hollywood celebrities, Sandie claimed to have been born during sunset at

the very top of the Santa Monica Ferris Wheel. Throughout her lifetime, Sandie “adopted” many of her adoring fans, considering them her “sons” and “daughters”. She had an affinity for strays and in her VICE profile, Sandie claimed that she once “had 28 kids in one apartment.”

LONG LIVE THE SHE-DEVIL ON SIX WHEELS. MAY HER LEGACY LIVE ON FOREVER. REST EASY, GODDESS According to Hunter, Sandie’s Will states that her life insurance policy must be spent on an elaborate funeral. She demands to be buried in a glass casket like Snow White, and will be taken down Hollywood Boulevard by a horse-drawn carriage while ‘We’ve Only Just Begun’ by The Carpenters plays. In a GoFundMe page for funeral expenses, it notes that: “One of her wishes was to be buried in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery as she wanted to be buried a star forever. In true Goddess fashion, she wanted to make sure the funeral was just as extravagant as she was.” In the words of Hunter Barker, long live the “she-devil on six wheels”. May her legacy live on forever. Rest easy, Goddess. Images: Chuck Grant

exhibit

screen

EDITORS: Olivia Garrett and Francesca Sylph

Ringing in 20 years

8 FEB 2020

Amber Hogan considers the impact of the film industry’s biggest ever trilogy

WENTY years and one unexpected journey later, The Lord of the Rings trilogy stands as one of the biggest endeavours in cinema history. It was a genre-defining achievement and even now, over two decades later, it remains an example of cinematic achievement of the highest standard. So much so that it changed the film industry and the way fans engage with movies in a way that is still expressed in the attitudes towards the fantasy genre, book-to-film adaptations, the use of special effects, and the creative process in general. From the memes to soundtrack, this trilogy has a lot to boast.

THE FIRST SUCCESSFUL USE OF MOTION CAPTURE IN A MAJOR FILM Peter Jackson’s approach to box-sets is perhaps the foundation for what sets this trilogy above and apart. With the final edition being one that spanned across 15 CDs, Jackson’s team meticulously documented the craft of filming. They interviewed the cast to preserve the atmosphere on set, giving creative insight to fans in a way that seemed to light up with passion. This strengthened the bond between

fans and the filmmakers and gave way to trivia, pop culture engagement, and film studies. Furthermore, Jackson continued filming for The Lord of the Rings even after the theatrical release had won Best Picture in the 2004 Academy Awards, for an entire month in fact. This was due to the dedication he had to capturing every aspect of the story possible for the final release. Scenes that could be deemed inappropriate or unsuited to the theatrical release were not left on the cutting room floor but included in the box-set. This was a move so appreciated by the fans that not only is the extended edition now

almost a regular expectation of films, but to watch the original version of the trilogy is seen as a fool’s move. It wasn’t just the volume of film that was popular, but the care that went into the content itself. Jackson adapted material into cinema that was considered previously un-filmable. The vastness of Tolkien’s lore and writing was thought to be too huge to convey well as a live-action. There was also the problem of characters and settings being so fantastical that it seemed genuinely undoable, but the creative team went above and beyond to the extent that the final product practically oozed talent and care. New Zealand has even preserved the Hobbit holes

Image: New Line Productions, IMDB

Trading ratings

as art installations for tourism.

CINEMATIC ACHIEVEMENT OF THE HIGHEST STANDARD It was also, groundbreakingly, the first successful use of motion capture in a major film, with Andy Serkis and a bunch of stuck on ping-pong balls somehow turning into Gollum. The once-Hobbit even made a guest appearance at an award ceremony that really drove home the capability and adaptivity of this new media. This combination of innovative and still-admired perspective shots (to get a natural sense of scale from the smallest Hobbit to the tallest elf ), a highly trained cast, and lines and scenes so iconic they’re still popular for references and memes, you have the kind of cinematic world-building that’s withstood the test of time. Now, thanks to this shining example of creative accomplishment, filmmakers and creative teams can see how far ambition and hard work will take things and expansive media like Ender’s Game, Jurassic Park, Alice in Wonderland and soon Dune are able to be put on screen for our enjoyment.

Harry Scott Munro, Online Sport Editor, discusses the BBFC’s decision to change the ratings of classic movies

T seems that, in this current day and age, nothing can be left as it was. Everything now seems to have to be judged on the high moral standards of those preaching cancel culture, without ever considering that movies, amongst many other things, should be judged as they are: a product of their time. With that in mind, the decision taken by the BBFC to recategorise the ratings of a large number of classic films seems, on the face of it, to fall into this same category; taking the op-

Images left to right: Hivebrain, Retrocdn.net; Zade Rosenthal,IMDB; Murray Close, IMDB; Mary Cybulski, IMDB

portunity to judge what is appropriate away from parents and movie-goers alike. Admittedly, the introduction of the 12 rating in 1989 and the 12A rating in 2002 - after the BBFC were overruled by local councils - allowed for parents to choose what they thought was appropriate for their children to view. However, one must consider whether recategorising in retrospect is necessary. In my opinion, it is not and never has been. When watching any film, you understand that it is a product of its time, whether that be the cinematography, the visual effects, right down to the rating it has been given. Films such as The Wolf of Wall Street are critically acclaimed but rated as an 18 by the BBFC due to its “very strong language, strong sex and hard drug use”. Whilst the film does have all of this in abundance, many 16 or 17-year-olds would been able to watch and appreciate the film for the story it tells. You have to wonder whether Scorsese would even be allowed to make and release the film in today’s current climate of recategorising without the BBFC having to invent a 21+ rating.

Looking at more child-friendly movies and cinema classics, 1993’s Jurassic Park was rated a PG, whereas the BBFC attempted to rate Spider-Man in 2002 as a 12, leading to the creation of the 12A rating after parental backlash. Spider-Man as a film is, on the face of it, far more child-friendly than Jurassic Park, yet the latter is a cult classic - rated and judged upon the facets of society and films of the time. It would be wrong to retrospectively change that and deny any under-12’s the opportunity to watch such an iconic film if their parents deem it acceptable today.

TAKING THE OPPORTUNITY TO JUDGE AWAY FROM PARENTS AND MOVIEGOERS Other films such as Ghostbusters have been retrospectively recategorised from a PG to 12A, leaving me to question just how far this will go. This current madness at its core removes parental discretion and puts modern filmmakers at an inherent disadvantage as they must adhere to a strict set of rules to reach the widest audience. Not only that but it erases the accessibility of some of the core parts of the film canon.

BLACK FILMMAKER SPOTLIGHT NOMA DUMEZWENI Although Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was not something to be wholly celebrated by fans, Noma’s performance as the first Black Hermione was. It’s not easy being cast in such a formidable and beloved role, especially against the backdrop of J.K Rowling’s attempts to retcon her way into inclusivity whilst also spewing hateful words. And yet, Noma carried the role with an originality, quirk and mature grace that removed her from the shadow of Emma Watson and straight into the realm of book Hermione. For this she received her second Olivier Award (the first being for A Raisin in the Sun) and a Tony nomination for her stints in the West End and Broadway. Not just a stage queen, this actress has a vast number of film and TV appearances under her belt, including Mary Poppins Returns, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind and Doctor Who. She has conquered a myriad of roles like the concerned teacher, the taciturn soldier and the Minister for Magic, bringing to them all a real and quiet dignity rarely shown. This actress is severely underrated and one to watch in the future. Olivia Garrett, Screen Editor Image: Emil Cohen, IMDB

study break

| 8 FEB 2021

exhibit

STUDY BREAK CROSSWORD

Across

SUDOKU

Down

1 Foyer - meet a branch (anagram) (11) 1 Parisian’s 21 16? (5) 2 Anger (3) 4 Until later (3,3) 3 Single thing (4) 7 Full (with) (7) 4 Appearance (6) 8 Relative by marriage (2-3) 5 Rekindle (8) 10 Roman’s 21 16? (4) 6 Young nocturnal animal (with a hooter?) 12 Dark-haired person (8) (5) 14 Breach of the peace (6) 9 See 11 15 Horse’s building (6) 11/9 Berliner’s 21 16? (3,11) 18 Broadcast - bald zone (anagram) (8) 13 Osaka’s 21 16? (8) 20 Current affairs (4) 22 Indian yoghurt-based dish - tiara (anagram) 16 Type of extra run in cricket (3) 17 Small stone (6) (5) 19 Valencia’s 21 16? (5) 23 Studious (of tomes?) (7) 21 Having suitable qualities - virtuous (4) 25 Getaway (6) 24 Climbing plant (3) 26 Dye on (anagram) - senior (professor, for example) (5)

ANSWERS

Valentine’s Trivia corner

1. valentine’s day has its roots in which ancient roman festival? 2. besides love, what is the titular st. valentine the patron saint of? 3. who was it that “kissed the girls and made them cry”? 4. who first wrote and sang “La Vie en rose”? 5. which roman goddess is cupid’s mother? 6. which shakespeare play features valentine and proteus? 7. why am i single?

5. Venus; 6. The Two Gentlemen of Verona; 7. TBA Trivia: 1. Lupercalia; 2. Beekeepers; 3. Georgie Porgie; 4. Édith Piaf; . 21 Good, 24 Ivy 11/9 Auf wiedersehen, 13 Sayonara, 16 Bye, 17 Pebble, 19 Adios, Down: 1 Antechamber, 2 Ire, 3 Unit, 4 Figure, 5 Reignite, 6 Owlet, Bookish, 25 Escape, 26 Doyen. Brunette, 14 Affray, 15 Stable, 18 Blazoned, 20 News, 22 Raita, 23 Across: 1 Adieu, 4 For now, 7 Teeming, 8 In-law, 10 Ciao, 12

LIFESTYLE

ARTS+LIT

MUSIC

SCREEN

LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE /EXEPOSEEXHIBIT

Science

8 FEB 2021 | EXEPOSÉ

SCIENCE EDITORS:

Lauren Haughey Lauryn Mitchell

Underwater love

Rose Booth explores what the Netflix story of My Octopus Teacher could mean for marine conservation

HERE was a time not so long ago when a documentary telling the story of man and his friendship with an octopus in a kelp forest off the coast of Cape Town would have passed under the radar of most. But in a time when escapism and natural wonder are top of our viewing lists, it is hardly surprising that Foster’s Netflix love story has captivated hearts across the world. And yet, beyond the warm feelings and breath-taking footage - has My Octopus Teacher actually contributed to our scientific under standing of these aliens of the sea? The anthropomorphic techniques

employed are unsurprising – the shot, soundtrack and narration combination are straight from the Attenborough playbook. When transported to Foster’s underwater world, the octopus’ tale is captured through a uniquely intimate lens, sparking debate on what storytelling and employing empathy within scientific literature could mean for supporting nature.

My Octopus Teacher provides a subject so enthralling and enchanting

If creative narratives are appropriately applied and in keeping with scientific understanding, there is potential for increased success in conservation efforts. Fundamentally, if we are to define science as “the pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the natural world following a systematic methodology based on evidence”, as stated by the Science Council, Foster’s contribution is surely undebatable. Marine biologists have praised Foster’s ability to highlight the complex intelligence of octopuses; some have even said they witnessed behaviours previously unseen in the documenta-

ry, such as the shell suit (first shown on Blue Planet II) but previously never recorded. It’s somewhat irrelevant what resonates after watching this documentary: whether it’s Foster’s narrative, the ecology of the rare kelp forest, or our intrinsic link to the natural world. My Octopus Teacher provides a subject so enthralling and enchanting, and probably beyond most of our understanding of cephalopods, that we cannot help but share Foster’s love.

Image: Pixabay

The science of political polarisation

Issy Murray, Online Science Editor, discusses the data science behind polarisation

OLITICAL polarisation is a term that seems to crop up again and again in conversations surrounding social media – but why are these two concepts so intrinsic to each other? The recent Capitol insurrection has provided a rude awakening for many concerning the dangers of social media’s impact on political expression and the part algorithmic science may play in this.

Algorithms use your data to create echo chambers and bubbles Algorithms are “a set of mathematical instructions or rules that, especially if given to a computer, will help to calculate an answer to a problem.” In a social media context, algorithms are what dictate what we see online. TikTok’s for you page, for example, is aptly named – the algorithm is responsible for creating personalised feeds that show you content you’re likely to enjoy. This falls under the umbrella of “persuasive technology” and is based on how you behave online, including who you follow and what sort of things you interact with. One of the most visible ways the algorithm’s influence manifests is in recommended content or content creators, such as ‘who to follow’ tabs.

While this modern technological advancement appears at a glance to be convenient for internet users, there are equally dangerous consequences One of the most worrying aspects of algorithmic control over social media is how this fact often goes unrecognised. The degree to which we are conscious of this situation is defined as “algorithmic awareness”, but usually critically analysing the factors that affect your feed (why you’re seeing what you’re seeing and who benefits from you seeing it) can hardly be described as being at the forefront of many minds. A 2015 study discovered that almost 63 per cent of people were ignorant of how Facebook’s news feed is generated, for instance. However, it is a mistake to overlook how algorithms are not alienated from the people who create them, as they take on their creators’ aims and motivations. Similarly, social media should be envisioned as having a two-way influence upon the average human subject (non-creators); algorithms work for you, based on your online activity, but also on you. This is what makes algorithms arguably more

incendiary than simple “fake news”: their larger scale and subtler impact

accessible and communities that share similar opinions can be formed (“ideological homophily”). However, the The internet is a danger is that algorithms use your data difficult sphere to to create echo chambers and bubbles. These both contribute to political ponavigate even without larisation whereby people encounter adding politics predominantly similar outlooks, offering only reinforcement and no chalHow this connects to the insur- lenge to their worldview. This envirection that took place at the Capitol ronment tends to foster more extreme is emblematic of a larger problem. political positions through providing The internet is held as a valuable plat- a narrower picture of the world. form for people to express their politi- The polarising effect of internet cal opinions on, with the benefits be- algorithms has been present in a lot ing that politics becomes more widely of recent US history, with Google even being accused of skewing search results towards a Hillary Clinton- bias during the 2016 presidential campaign – a not unbelievable possibility given in 2017 the European Union fined Google billions for distorting search results. However, the insurrection at the Capitol showed overtly how political bubbles online endanger democracy. The involvement of Parler, a social networking service with a dominant Trump-supporting user base, in the planning of the riot demonstrates explicitly the Image: Pixabay encouragement of extreme

attitudes with appeals for violence having been made. These types of events raise questions as to what can be done to help prevent this becoming a recurring occurrence, with a US poll indicating 68 per cent of Republicans do not believe this particular act of insurrection poses any threat to democracy according to Independent Australia, leaving the horizon open to repetition.

This environment tends to foster more extreme political positions So, what can be done? The internet is a difficult sphere to navigate even without adding politics to the balance given the absence of nuance and non-verbal signals like body language to consider. Although Trump did get his accounts banned on most major sites as a result of the insurrection, the wider issue is a complicated one to resolve. It is unlikely that the internet can be reformulated without algorithms, and regulation of content raises questions about freedom of speech. However, if this incident has proved anything it is that an ethical consideration of how political discussions are conducted online is necessary.

SCIENCE

EXEPOSÉ | 8 FEB 2021

The fight against antibiotic resistant bacteria

Lauryn Mitchell, Science Editor, looks into how researchers are tackling antibiotic resistance

NTIBIOTIC resistance is becoming one of the biggest threats to mankind today, with bacteria evolving mechanisms deemed indestructible against current antibiotics. Humans are accelerating this process with the overuse of antibiotics clinically and agriculturally. On the bright side, we could have a solution for this, as scientists from The Wistar Institute have found a class of compounds which directly destroy an entire host of multi drug-

resistant bacteria. This new class of antibacterial drug is called ‘dual acting immuneantibiotics’, DAIAs for short. These drugs target the bacterial MEP metabolic pathway which is needed for survival. Luckily, this metabolic pathway is not present in humans- making it harmless to us. Lead author Faokh Dotiwala said “we believe this innovative DAIA strategy may represent a potential landmark in the world’s fight against antimicrobial resistance”.

The team created a molecule which can penetrate the bacterial membrane and inhibit an important enzyme in the metabolic pathway called IspH. Computer models have shown these to be effective with a wide range of bacteria, including Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial cells. They also found that these inhibitors were better at killing specific types of bacteria compared to antibiotics currently in use. The team responsible for the design of the new

drug said “our DAIA pro-drugs are more effective against several species of multi-drug resistant bacteria”.

Antimicrobial resistance could claim ten million lives per year in 2050 With it being estimated that antimicrobial resistance could claim ten million lives per year in 2050, it is clear that we desperately need new,

innovative methods to combat bacterial (and other microbial) infections. Sadly, the synthesis of antibiotic drugs is a hugely under-funded area as many companies see antibiotics as non-profitable due to the rapid drug resistance of bacteria, meaning that their drug would only have a shortterm use. However, since this project has shown promising preliminary results on multi-drug resistant bacteria, it could be a successful drug to solve this problem.

Love is all you need (kind of) Stanley Murphy-Johns delves into the science of love ahead of Valentines day

ALENTINE'S Day might be my least favourite of all the "days" just on principle. A day designed to make people celebrate love, a thing that they may not have at that point in their lives is almost certainly bound to do more harm than good. But considering it’s approaching, now is as good a time as any to emotionlessly deconstruct the science behind love. I am sure you all agree that what you really want to be informed of right now is that your feelings can be boiled down to basic science rather than anything

profound. Romantc, right? According to a team of scientists l e d by Dr Helen Fisher at Rutgers University, there are three distinct categories in which love can be broken down into: lust, attraction and attachment. We are of course accustomed to these words when referring to romantic relationships, which is important because it displays how simplistic love could perhaps be. With that in mind, here’s the ‘sciencey’ bit. Lust is somewhat self-explanatory: it connotes the ini-

tial attraction between people and is driven by an evolutionary desire for sexual gratification. The hypothalamus of the brain is the main culprit for creating lust as it stimulates the production of the sex hormones testosterone and oestrogen. The argument could be made that our next section, attraction, is too similar to lust to have its own dedicated section. On the contrary, the reason for making the distinction is in fact to do with reward behaviours, meaning that during attraction high levels of dopamine and a related hormone, norepinephrine, are released. These chemicals make us giddy, energetic and euphoric, which explains (at least to a certain extent) why the first few weeks of a relationship are

often so exhilarating. As such the split between attraction and lust becomes clearer; one is immediate sexual gratification, whilst the other is prolonged stimulation through any assortment of activities. It could almost be seen as a one-night stand vs dating. Finally, we move on to attachment, which is without a doubt the most important of the three if attempting to maintain a long-term relationship of some kind. The two main chemicals involved are oxytocin and vasopressin, both of which crossover into non-romantic situations. Oxytocin is produced by the hypothalamus and released in large quantities during sex, breastfeeding, and childbirth. This may seem like a very strange assortment of activities – not

all of which are necessarily enjoyable – but the common factor here is that all of these events are precursors to bonding. Within modern society we have become beholden to a slightly toxic concept of love, born of outdated customs mixed with an unquenchable desire to settle down and reach a point in life by which you become spontaneously and inexplicably happy. So, this article is perhaps a small attempt to disprove that toxicity, because if it’s just chemicals, there is no pre-ordained perfect match, then there’s no reason to worry about any of the toxic stuff I just mentioned. Therefore, to anyone not in a relationship this Valentine’s Day, don’t worry about it.

Aromatherapy: is it all a myth?

Image: Pixy.org

Lauryn Mitchell, Science Editor, looks at the benefits of aromatherapy and discusses if it has any medical value

HE aromatherapy phenomenon has taken the world by storm, with many claiming it has positive medical and mental effects. As the name suggests, this is the use of plant extracts (in the form of oils) to provide a therapeutic effect on an individual. Although this has been brought to the forefront in recent years, the use of aromatic essential oils in a holistic setting has been around for thousands of years, being used in the ancient cultures of Egypt and China. Aromatherapy comes in many forms. Some choose to diffuse it in an aroma diffuser, and some use it on the skin. One essential oil widely used is lavender which has been valued for over 2,500 years, originally used by

the Romans for cooking and mummification. As lavendar allegedly has a sedative effect, it is sometimes used to treat insomnia and anxiety. As well as this, it is also said to have anti-inflammatory properties. Another oil that is practiced in aromatherapy worldwide is peppermint, which is used topically (on the skin) and is said to improve headaches and muscle pain.

Lavender has been valued for over 2,500 years So, do these actually work? Dr Edzard, from the University of Exeter, has been studying aromatherapy for many years and has published two reviews on the health effects of it.

He has found evidence of the positive benefits of aromatherapy - mainly easing effects of anxiety in hospital settings. However, due to the lack of good quality studies, he concluded that “the evidence is not sufficiently convincing that aromatherapy is an effective therapy for any condition”. Not everyone agrees with the conclusions drawn by Dr Edzard and one study conducted by the University of Vienna found that some oils could activate the nervous system, with the effects being increased attention span and sleep quality. Recent pro-aromatherapy studies have found that ginger can decrease nausea after surgery and lemon balms can reduce agitation in those with dementia, but even the researchers involved in these studies

stress the importance that other factors could cause these results. These oils must be used cautiously as some users have chosen to ingest these essential oils. For example, peppermint has been ingested to treat gastrointestinal disorders. In many cases this has had extreme consequences as many oils are poisonous. The University of Sydney found 4,412 cases of essential oil exposure and or poisoning from 2014-2018. Some experience side effects. For example, some have seen that overuse of essential oils on the skin can cause allergic reactions resulting in skin rashes and hives. There is supporting and contradictory evidence for the health benefits of essential oils and aroma-

therapy, but many people continue using essential oils. Not just for the proposed health benefits, but for the amazing smells they produce when diffused. These oils are not harmful when used in a sensible manner, but caution should definitely be applied when using this method. Image: Pixabay

SPORT

Y desire to write on this subject began when Manchester United players Axel Tuanzebe, Anthony Martial, and Marcus Rashford reported the racist abuse they received after their 2-1 loss to Sheffield United. Digging deeper into this issue felt like digging into a world of filth under the sparkle of 'the beautiful game', and even though the evidence is so glaring, little seems to be done on this subject.

A world of filth under the sparkle of 'the beautiful game'

8 FEB 2020 | EXEPOSÉ

The elephant on the pitch Henry Hood discusses the racism that still poisons British football are perhaps the most alarming. In Ferdinand’s documentary, he meets with Troy Townsend, Head of Development at the anti-racism charity Kick it Out. Troy said every time he speaks out 'he puts his job at risk' since the charity is funded directly by the FA, PFA and Premier League. He also noted the bizarre rule which prevents the charity from reaching out to victims while they are under investigation in case it 'impedes' the process. In the post-production section, the BBC

Image: Egghead06, Wikimedia Commons

Some incredibly illuminating BBC documentaries have uncovered the truth of the racist abuse in English football. Shame in the Game and Anton Ferdinand’s Football, Racism and Me both shine an incredibly bright light on the draining effects of racial abuse, but in both documentaries it’s the post-production comments that

leave a statement from the FA denying any of these claims and state it is all part of their written policy to support the charity’s work and not to pressure the charity in any way. The BBC then leaves a blunt follow-up, stating the FA declined to show this written policy.

Kick it Out is unable to reach out to victims during investigations The Shame in the Game documentary leaves an equally impactful poststatement, stating they reached out to all 20 Premier League teams in the 2019/20 season, but Watford were the only club that arranged for their players to participate in the documentary. It is evident that the issue of racist abuse is not just with the fans, it is an institutional problem. It is all very well that Premier League clubs release club statements condemning racist abuse, but little ever seems to be done in the

follow-up. Most of the blame is placed on the social media companies for failing to crack down on racist abuse, and while they’re absolutely right, what can really be done? England internationals Jordan Henderson and Tyrone Mings recently held talks with the Government about fighting against social media abuse, and again while this is absolutely the right thing to do, why are the players holding these meetings instead of the FA?

Why do players have to hold meetings with the Government rather than the FA? The overall picture here is a football climate still teeming with racist abuse, and a complacent governing body that does little to help. Time after time, players come out publicly to complain about the racist abuse they’ve sustained, and each

A couple of winners

ITH Valentine’s Day just around the corner, love is in the air. And if you ask me, two star crossed lovers with a competitive sporting edge is about the most romantic story you could ask for. Although they often don’t work – here’s looking at you Rory McIlroy – I want, this year of all years, to focus on the ones that did. So, without further ado, on your marks, get set, snog! Roger and Mirka Federer Rumour has it these two shared a dorm room at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. Although mixed dorms does seem a little far-fetched, even for Australia, it is certainly true that the couple did meet and share their first kiss at the tournament.

If there isn't a future mixed doubles Federer team at Wimbledon, I'll feel cheated Although his sporting prowess has certainly outshone hers, theirs is one of the most well-known sporting love stories. They married in 2009 and soon after announced they were expecting their first child. Skip forward five years and two sets of twins later, they are still going strong.

time the FA and governing bodies release squeaky-clean statements condemning the racist abuse without ever adding new measures, rules or regulations to help the victim or find the attacker. But on a positive note, it seems the tide is slowly beginning to change. Players speaking out will spread awareness, and hopefully, sometime in the near future, the FA and the Premier League will make genuinely helpful changes to protect their players, guide them through counselling to deal with the abuse, and put more pressure on social media companies to crack down on racist abuse.

Image: Reubentg, Wikimedia Commons

Rose Booth talks victorious Valentines and potential prodigies If the double twins never compete in the mixed doubles Wimbledon final, I will feel cheated. Laura and Jason Kenny Of all the couples on this list, these two came to my mind first – probably because London 2012 was the best summer of my life (I’m not joking). They have ten gold medals between them, and at 28 and 32 respectively, I doubt they have finished. In their downtime they are incredibly low-key, enjoying walking their dogs and Sunday roasts. Sounds pretty dreamy to me, until you realise that apparently Kenny proposed to Laura whilst she was sat on the sofa watching EastEnders - not quite Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. Although I forgave them after they posted a video of their two-yearold learning to ride a bike last summer. Another prodigy perhaps? Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird Ranking by current success on both parties, surely this iconic American duo come out on top. Rapinoe is a two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion and Olympic gold medallist. Meanwhile Bird has won three

WNBA championships and four Olympic gold medals. Their relationship timeline also includes spats with Donald Trump and cover shoots on ESPN’s The Body Issue. They are one of the most iconic LGBTQ+ sports couples and I don’t think either of them are finished with sporting success.

Rapinoe and Bird are one of the most iconic LGBTQ+ sports couples Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall It’s easy to forget Zara Phillips sporting prowess. Although not quite in stratosphere as others on this list, she has collected golds at various eventing championships as well as being voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2006. She also competed at London 2012, where she was awarded a team silver medal, presented by her mum, Princess Anne. Mike Tindall was part of the World Cup Squad as well as competing in 11 Six Nations tournaments. The couple met in Aus-

Image: fourthandfifteen

Image: Chris Eason

tralia in 2003 and became engaged seven years later. They now have two daughters and, like many other retired couples on the list, prefer the quieter life (as quiet as royal life can be). Kate and Helen Richardson-Walsh Childhood friends, teammates, Olympic gold medal winners, wives and now parents, this couple has a story to rival them all. Pioneers in sporting diversity, this pair have spoken openly about their journey, and proudly hold the title of the first same-sex married couple ever to win Olympic gold. They welcomed the birth of their daughter on Instagram in January last year and have both now retired.

Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi If you thought I’d forgotten, how could you? Of course, we had to finish on the greatest sporting love story of all time. Individually these two where iconic sporting stars: Graf being the only tennis player, male or female, to ever achieve the Golden Slam; Agassi the only to achieve the Career Super Slam. With 30 Grand Slams between them and a combined net worth of $205 million, their success is unrivalled. There are many rumours about their first meeting, first date and first kiss, but arguably, what does it matter? They will have been married for 20 years this October and have a son and daughter. Move over Romeo and Juliet, these two are my #couplegoals.

SPORT

EXEPOSÉ 8 FEB 2021 |

The Lampard Experiment falls short

Harry Richards, looks at the acrimonious end to Frank Lampard's spell in charge of Chelsea

O, just like that, it is over for Frank Lampard. Chelsea have never been a club for long-term projects, and if Lampard hoped that his legendary playing career would change that, this week has shown he was mistaken. Yet, we should be careful not to underestimate Lampard’s impact. He only took Chelsea to 66 points in his first season, behind Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United. Indeed, 70 points was not enough for Arsenal to clinch fourth the season before, and by Chelsea's standards, this was by no means a stellar season. Nevertheless, in the context of the transfer ban and developing young players such as Reece James and Mason Mount into starters, a place in the Champions League was an impressive achievement. So when Marina Granovskaia condoned the spending of more than £200 million on new players, there was justified optimism for Chelsea’s season.

That Lampard has failed to convert these signings into an improved attack – Chelsea had scored 2 more goals at this stage last season – is a crucial reason for his sacking. This is despite multiple factors out of Lampard’s direct control: Hakim Ziyech has been hampered by injuries and Kai Havertz by COVID-19, whilst Timo Werner has undergone the worst finishing spell of his career.

You cannot absolve Lampard of blame On the other hand, you cannot absolve Lampard of blame. Havertz has operated most frequently in the number eight role in a 4-3-3 and has never looked comfortable. Lampard’s version of 4-3-3 has also seemed to affect Werner negatively, with the forward spending far too much time near

the touchline. On paper, Werner seems to suit an attacking 4-3-3, since he is at his best coming into goal from the inside-left position. However, he has played far too wide and Lampard has not coached or mentored him out of his finishing rut. The system has also been an uncomfortable fit for many of the players Lampard inherited. Kante in particular has been poor as a number six in the 4-3-3, and it is telling that Tuchel has already declared that he is best in a "double six". He also never settled on his favoured number nine, with neither Giroud nor

Abraham ever establishing true rhythm. Reports coming out after Lampard’s sacking suggest more flaws in the Englishman’s approach to management. His relationship with Chelsea’s director of football had collapsed, while some players were affected by his public criticism and beamoned a lack of tactical instruction.

Players were affected by his public criticism A question the ruthless sacking raises is whether Lampard would have got into this negative spiral so quickly at a club that had a history of giving their managers more time. If he were at a Liverpool, or Tottenham, and the directors believed in the long-term possibilities of his project would he have been more patient with his out-of-form

players, and not reacted badly in the press? Unfortunately, these hypotheticals do not help Lampard now. The fact of the matter is that he is not at the level of a Klopp or Pocchetino just yet, and the Chelsea hierarchy are justified in their move for an obvious upgrade in Thomas Tuchel. He cannot be criticised for taking his dream job so early, but he can for his failings in his dream job. At a club like Chelsea, extended poor runs of form simply cannot happen, and Lampard’s siege mentality in the last month has shown he is aware of this. Yet, Tuchel will be glad to have joined a Chelsea team far more rounded than the one Lampard inherited. His development of Mount and James in particular will be appreciated, even if his 18 months as Chelsea manager have to be judged a failure by the standards of this incredibly merciless football club. Image: Chelsea Debs, Wikimedia Commons

England take on India

NGLAND kick-off a huge tour on Friday when they face a strong India side in the first test in Chennai. The upcoming series has the potential to be an enticing one with both teams coming into the four match test series in good form. England have shown class in Asian conditions with a clinical and ruthless win against an albeit weaker Sri Lanka, whilst India displayed grit and determination from 1-0 down to beat a very strong Australia side away from home in what many are considering one of the greatest Test Series of the modern age. For the first time since 2005, Test Match Cricket returns to terrestrial TV with Channel Four showing all four matches live. Hopefully the series lives up to the famous Ashes series of that year showing the thrilling nature of Test Match Cricket. Despite their victory in Sri Lanka, England will be the underdogs going into the series given the 4-0 drubbing experienced in India four years ago. For the first time in a long time, the English opening partnership looks relatively stable with Rory Burns opening up with Dom Sibley due to the wrist injury Zak Crawley suffered on Tuesday’s practice session. Sibley will be hoping to fare better, given the fact that he failed to adapt to Asian conditions and the new ball spin of Lasith Embuldeniya. Given the fact

Senthur Shanmugarasa, takes a look at this high-stakes Men's Cricket Test Series whoever opens on Friday have never played in India before means greater weight is put on the bat of the captain Joe Root.

Virat Kohli slots back into the captaincy role Root, set to play his hundredth test match, arrives in great form having hit two big hundreds against the Sri Lanka team last month quelling any ideas

Image: Naparazzi, Wikimedia Commons

about his poor half century conversion rate. Bowling-wise, it is likely Moeen Ali looks to return to fold after 18 months away at the expense of Dom Bess. Ali and Jack Leach will be looking to reach the form of Monty Panesar and Graham Swann who carried England to an unlikely win in 2012. There will be two veterans who played in that series, James Anderson and Stuart Broad who successfully played a defensive role in Sri Lanka. Even without a world class spinner, the return of Woakes and Stokes means England can play a well rounded bowl-

ing attack without reducing the batting quality. After the high of beating a full strength Australia away from home for the second consecutive tour, India look to seal their status as one of the top Test playing nations. What made their success down under even more remarkable was they played the majority of the series without Virat Kohli who slots back into the captaincy role. The return of Kohli (below) just bolsters an already strong batting order with the rise of young stars such as Shubnam Gill. The absence of all

rounder Ravindra Jadeja, should not weaken the Indian line up too much with them having the choice between Washington Sundar who performed well on debut in Brisbane and Axar Patel. With the first two matches at Chennai Chepauk Stadium expect the bulk of the Indian wickets to go to hometown favourite Ravichandran Ashwin, who is chasing a landmark 400 test wicket. It wasn’t too long ago India could not find a coherent pace attack but now they have a plethora of options, which may prove beneficial given the importance of rotation in the new world of the pandemic and isolation. Probably the most important debate is who should keep wicket: Rishabh Pant, whose fourth innings counterattack against Australia showed his talent coming to fruition is likely to start However, expect any slip up keeping wise to result in him being replaced for Wriddhiman Saha, the superior gloveman. Given the recent successes of both teams this should be an exciting series full of drama. Expect the home advantage and superior batting to allow India to prevail this time. The cancellation of Australia’s tour to South Africa means New Zealand qualify for the final of the inaugural ICC world Test championship. An Indian victory by two or more matches will mean they join Kane Williamson’s men in the final. Any other result will see an all Antipodean clash.

Sport

8 FEB 2021 | EXEPOSÉ

SPORT EDITORS: Nick Powell Joel Edwards

Grassroots

Where do we go from here?

Image: Pixabay

Harry Scott-Munro Online Sport Editor

EARLY twelve months on from “three weeks to flatten the curve”, grassroots sport is still stuck in an enormous hole without any hope of climbing out. Whilst several professional sporting leagues have continued apace, on the grassroots scene, it remains desolately quiet. The impact of this blanket ban on all grassroots and communal sports is laid bare by several very real statistics. Firstly, as reported by Martha Kelner, over three million adults previously involved in grassroots sport are now not active at all. When extrapolated outwards, a study by UK Active Health suggests that since the first lockdown in March, there have been 700 million fewer individual sports and leisure visits than would be expected in the United Kingdom. This has led to a collective revenue loss for grassroots

sporting bodies of somewhere in the region of £21 billion. Currently, 11 million adult sports club members are unable to participate in any shared or team sporting activity. Bleak Januaries could not be any bleaker. The usual image of muddied amateur rugby pitches resembling more of a bog than a grass pitch throughout the early months of the year seems a distant memory, with players not even allowed to attend training, and league seasons cancelled in their entirety.

There have been 700 million fewer individual sports and leisure visits than expected Sport and physical activity are so important for mental health as well as physical health, yet it seems to be being

completely neglected by the government and scientific chiefs alike. Back in the summer, phased reopening of sports clubs and training sessions seemed to point the way forward, with a gradual build up on numbers allowed to train and how much close contact training was allowed. As recently as early December, governing bodies such as the RFU were planning and preparing for clubs to play friendly matches against other local teams. Yet here we are again, even further back than square one. Collectively, this false hope given to sports and players alike has led to a loss of identity, trust and responsibility. Robbie Savage’s gut-wrenching video back in November laid the problem bare. Sports clubs, especially for juniors, are a crucial part of their development, physically and socially. Clubs did everything they could to fall in line with a raft of last-minute changes to what they were allowed to do, but still functioned

and allowed their members to train and keep fit. Yet they were shut down again without any real notice or reasoning.

Sports clubs are a crucial part of junior development, physically and socially For those grassroots sports that function throughout the winter period; rugby, football, hockey or even indoor sports such as basketball or squash, the long-term damage to their membership numbers will be seismic. These well-established sports may well survive. However, spare a thought for those more niche sports like korfball or even badminton. The action and training they are currently unable to provide could potentially be terminal for those sports and their members. For smaller Olympic sports such as table tennis or volley-

ball, their hopes of producing the next Olympic-worthy talent appear to be fading with every passing day that they are not allowed to operate. One can only hope that come September, when the seasons for these sports are due to start again, that they are in a position to bounce back with renewed vigour and dexterity. However, it will take a seismic effort to drag themselves off the canvas. Whether you agree or disagree with lockdowns, team sports are difficult to continue if one has been declared by a government. But, as this article has already stated, sport is about so much more than just physical wellbeing. Rather than putting padlocks on tennis courts and locking the doors to gyms and sports facilities, could this Governmen finally allow personal discretion and choice on what individuals feel comfortable with when it comes to getting grassroots sports back on their feet?

For live scores and in-depth reports, follow us on Twitter @exeposesport CONTINUED ON PAGE 31