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THE DAILY ILLINI February 10, 2020

SEX & DATING GUIDE

BRIAN NGUYEN THE DAILY ILLINI

Thursday, February 11, 2021

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The Daily Illini

Thursday, February 11, 2021

Consider Planned Parenthood birth control options BY AVA TRAVERSO ASSISTANT BUZZ EDITOR

With Valentine’s Day steadily approaching, there is no better time to reassess birth control methods or receive STI testing to ensure you are as safe as you can be with your partner. While some clinics may be far, expensive or it can be nerve-wracking to make appointments, Planned Parenthood serves as a solution. Located conveniently by County Market, Planned Parenthood may be the step you need to take charge of your health in a safe and budget-friendly way. I spoke with Michelle Verlinsky, Planned Parenthood Generation Action’s secretary, to get an inside look at the organization’s services.

buzz: What can students go to Planned Parenthood for help with? Michelle Verlinsky: Students can get an array of services at Planned Parenthood. They can get support, medical attention and resources regarding abortion, birth control, cancer, gender identity, health and wellness, pregnancy, sex and relationships, sexual orientation and sexually transmitted infections. (Its) website is filled with awesome information about all these categories and is a great tool for credible information. It is also important to note that you do not need health insurance to receive help at Planned Parenthood. RYAN ASH THE DAILY ILLINI

The Planned Parenthood clinic in Champaign sits on the corner of Stoughton and Third streets. The office offers several services relating to sexual health to the Champaign-Urbana community.

buzz: What types of resources are there for buzz: What is one tip you selecting a birth control could give about selecting type? a birth control type? MV: The Planned Parenthood website has an extensive list of the types of birth controls available. They offer the success rate, price, doctor approval, STD protection and other birth control characteristics to get a good idea of what is right for you. It can also help to talk with friends who have taken various birth controls to get their anecdotal perspectives. Finally, always consult a health care provider. Whether at Mckinley (Health Center), Planned Parenthood or your doctor, it is crucial to understand how these birth controls may affect you personally.

MV: When selecting your birth control, remember that different birth controls have different levels of hormones and can affect you in different ways. Be patient with your hormonal birth control, and if you continue experiencing unwanted side effects, talk to your doctor about another type of birth control. There are non-hormonal birth control methods like the copper IUD and condoms, but it truly depends on you and what’s best for you. Don’t be afraid of starting birth control, and don’t be afraid to address concerns with your health care provider and switch prescriptions. Also, remember that you do not have to share this information with your parents.

Once you are 18, doctors need your approval to report any medical information to your parents. Be aware of side effects, know contingencies and disclose you are on birth control to doctors.

buzz: What does Planned Parenthood Generation Action do? MV: Planned Parenthood Generation Action is dedicated to education, advocacy and engagement. We want to educate students (who) may or may not have had proper sexual education in schools and expand on that knowledge. We are also passionate about introducing people to planned parenthood to help them get involved in creating change.

buzz: What is one thing you want students to know about Planned Parenthood and its resources? MV: Men can come to planned parenthood, too! UIUC has a women’s health center but not a men’s health center. If you need to talk about STD testing, medications for transitioning, or anything else, you can find support and medical assistance at planned parenthood. We also have an outstanding trans health program! avat2@readbuzz.com

Thursday, February 11, 2021

The Daily Illini

Why are so many recent songs about love? BY CASEY DALY STAFF WRITER

We are in love with love. Life supplies us with a smorgasbord of themes and problems to dwell on artistically. There is the hero’s journey, the struggle to find oneself, the longing to broaden horizons. Sure, there is more to life than love. Much more. There is travel, spirituality, self-improvement and financial security. I am someone who can neatly tuck these items into a shut and stickered planner. But then, there is love. This burning hot, dark looming storm cloud, this bursting and cursed, this month-long, this forever thing called love that tramples down the rest of it all, the burning feelings of “Candy” and “If Beale Street Could Talk.” The narrative arcs of love in movies — and I dare you to name a film without one — are what makes young girls squeal and kick seats in the movie theater. In high school days, it was Avril Lavigne’s and Taylor Swift’s heartbreak lung bursters that blasted through our car radios and circulated with the warm air into our melted McDonald’s ice cream. It was love that caused us to nearly tear the pages of “Pride and Prejudice” and “Eleanor and Park” in voracious attention to the fabricated love stories of strangers. Love, heartbreak, longing and sex have brought countless pens to paper magnetically, and rightfully so. Isn’t art derivative of love, after all? As a fact, most of the songs that exist are about love in some way. A study on the “psychology of music” determined about 67% of lyrics in every song, every decade since the ‘60s, were somehow about love. Close seconds were money, partying and depression. Let’s dissect this week’s Billboard Top Pop Songs, which are either focused on love or have at least one reference to it: 1. “Drivers License” by Olivia Rodrigo: Disney star Olivia Rodrigo mourns a lost love while driving through her ex’s neighborhood. 2. “Mood” by 24kGoldn feat. Iann Dior: Iann Dior wants to know why his girlfriend is always in a bad mood. 3. “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd: Abel can’t sleep without someone’s touch. 4. “34 + 35” by Ariana Grande: = 69 5. “Levitating” by Dua Lipa featuring DaBaby: Dua Lipa wants her sugar baby to dance with her under the moonlight. 6. “Positions” by Ariana Grande: Grande reflects on gender roles in her relationship. 7. “Holy” by Justin Bieber featuring Chance the Rapper: A biblical ballad for Bieber’s boo. 8. “Good Days” by SZA: SZA ruminates on an ex-lover who has her bummed out, but she believes in good days to come. Why is love, in all its beauty and ugliness,

PHOTO COURTESY JESSI ROTI / CHICAGO TRIBUNE

Rapper Juice WRLD performs at ComplexCon in Chicago on July 20, 2019. His song “Who Shot Cupid?” is one on buzz’s “Timeless Love & Heartbreak” playlist.

such an attractive topic to swoon over through our AirPods, car radios and the speakers at Campus Pantry? According to my calculations as buzz’s love expert, here are three reasons to hypothesize love’s prevalence in pop music.

types of love. There is philia, affectionate love. There is pragma, enduring love. There is storge, familiar love. There is ludus, playful love. There is mania, obsessive love. There is philautia, selflove. And there is agape, selfless love. Love is a force that disintegrates boundaries of age, gender, location and status. Love will always be part of the human experience in some form or Cause an artist emotional pain, and watch another. The human tendency to love and crave what valiant masterpieces unravel. For every love is undeniable and inescapable. song written about the upsides of love, two are written about the downsides, and, sometimes, they are more fun to listen to. Pain = art, which is a universal law. Nothing hits quite like If it is not yet clear, love is the driving force heartbreak, which is why I think many artists beneath great works of art, touching cinema gravitate to their music as an emotional outlet and moving literature. It is a force to be reckfor the many losses that inevitably accompa- oned with and a force of creation — the Taj ny the topic at hand. For the sensitive like me, Mahal was created out of a great emperor’s heartbreak can cause a loss of appetite and an love for his partner. For some of us, love is the overall disinterest in many aspects of life. And reason we are here today. Love will always be nothing serves as a therapeutic outlet like tear- and has always been the driving force for most fully blasting Adele until the unit next door com- of what we do as humans — and our music is plains. Songs about heartbreak work as a heal- a microcosm of that. ing mechanism for the artist and the listener.

Love is painful

Love is powerful

Love is universal

Romantic love, or eros, is just one of eight

Buzz’s Timeless Love & Heartbreak Playlist:

1. “My Girl” by The Temptations 2. “Love My Way” by The Psychedelic Furs 3. “Do You Love Her Now” by Jai Paul 4. “Something’s Got a Hold On Me” by Etta James 5. “Heart of Glass” by Blondie 6. “Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac 7. “Alewife” by Clairo 8. “Raspberry Beret” by Prince 9. “Who Shot Cupid?” by Juice WRLD 10. “cowboy like me” by Taylor Swift 11. “When You Sleep” by My Bloody Valentine 12. “Love Galore” by SZA 13. “How’s It Going To Be” by Third Eye Blind 14. “Thinkin Bout You” by Frank Ocean 15. “Boy, I’m Just A Loser For Your Love” by Good Morning 16. “Cherry Wine” by Hozier 17. “Vas” by jagger film 18. “I Melt With You” by Modern English 19. “The Middle” by wet 20. “Killing Me Softly With His Song” by Fugees caseyd2@readbuzz.com

The Daily Illini

Thursday, February 11, 2021

LGBTQ+ musicians promote inclusivity, individuality BY NATE SUN STAFF WRITER

As music is a form of expression, many artists have used their platforms to express LGBTQ+ values and identities. In recent years, one of the more prominent voices is a Scottish DJ known as Sophie. Her legacy persists as a talented musician and icon who boldly came out as a trans woman to an industry where trans artists are not very prominent. As one of very few openly trans artists to be Grammy-nominated for her 2017 album “Oil of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides,” Sophie’s legacy is monumental. Sophie’s mark in music entertainment falls in a long history of LGBTQ+ developments in the industry. This history can be traced back to the 1890s, with lax New Orleans prostitution laws opening up for gay musicians to come out. Lyrics about gay relations became more prevalent, and many of these artists spread their influence into genres such as blues, jazz and even Broadway musicals. In fact, without these artists’ influences, popular music would not have been shaped the way it is today. That is not to say that these LGBTQ+ musicians didn’t face scrutiny, though. Many artists were pressured into hiding their identities, and greater acceptance for these identities

wouldn’t be more accepted till the mid-to-late 1900s. You can chalk this up to iconic musicians such as Freddie Mercury and Elton John, who if you’ve seen the recent films “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Rocketman,” you’d know are famously gay. Having wildly successful LGBTQ+ artists was a big step forward in the progression of the social movement. Chart-topping songs, including “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper and “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga, are heralded as massive gay anthems. Even songs that aren’t outrightly gay are still considered empowering for the LGBTQ+ community, like “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston and Marvin Gaye’s soul classic “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Hearing these songs at pride rallies, on the radio or on music television is instrumental in shaping the public’s perception as they promote the LGBTQ+ perspective to such a large amount of people. Furthermore, the artist’s persona away from the music is also significant. David Bowie’s androgynous dressing style gave the world a controversial yet impactful queer representative. Teddy Geiger and Jackie Shane coming out as trans and then being nominated for Grammy’s shows the world that these are people with artistic

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significance to be taken seriously. This movement in music entertainment has not only helped the public come to understand LGBTQ+ values better, but it has also helped comfort those who identify within this group. The pertinence of this kind of music is that many people who are LGBTQ+ feel atypical, which can lead to many mental health issues. Having an outstanding voice for the group shows the normalcy of being LGBTQ+. And being that music is a vessel to create emotion and foster empathy, having this kind of representation is making a connection to more people. Thus, the LGBTQ+ community will be looking fondly upon Sophie as a brave idol. All condolences go out to Sophie’s family and anybody close. Like so many other great LGBTQ+ artists, Sophie’s songs are powerful and show the impact people can have through music. In an interview with Jezebel, Sophie said, “I’ve always found expression through music. That’s my chosen method of communication. I can speak through my appearance a bit as well, but the medium I’m more experienced with is music.” And that’s all we need to know that love is love. nssun2@readbuzz.com

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Thursday, February 11, 2021

The Daily Illini

Watch out for red flags in dating scene BY CAROLINA GARIBAY ASSISTANT BUZZ EDITOR

Sometimes spotting red flags in people is easy. A lot of people may have a good radar for who is and isn’t partner material. However, some red flags are subtle and harder to spot, especially considering the nature of hookup culture. Here are a few red flags you should look out for in a relationship or considering someone as a potential partner.

Intermittent attention (also known as “breadcrumbing”)

Intermittent attention, or “breadcrumbing,” usually occurs in the talking phase and even shows up in relationships from time to time. This happens when someone sends you texts or Snapchats every now and then (inconsistently) to keep you on the hook. People might do this to keep you around while talking to other people if they don’t work out. They might also struggle with keeping constant communication out of fear of commitment. This can be difficult for the receiver because when people breadcrumb you, they send you two contradictory messages that you perceive as equal. The first message occurs when a person isn’t interested in you, since they are ignoring you or leaving you on read for a while. The second message occurs when the person is interested in you because they will eventually reach out to you after days, weeks or months of limited to no communication. Often, when this happens, people will start looking for other information that validates the belief that the other person is actually interested in them, which can lead to an obsession of proving to themselves that the person likes them, when in reality, they might not. If you think someone is breadcrumbing you, it’s important first to acknowledge the two different messages you are receiving and decide whether or not that bothers you. If this does bother you, you can reach out to that person and ask what their intentions are. Hopefully, that person will be honest with you so that you can decide what to do next.

You notice changes in your self-esteem

Changes in self-esteem aren’t always easy to notice because they can happen so gradually. A few low self-esteem signs can include self-doubt, constantly comparing yourself to

ANGELINA CHAN THE DAILY ILLINI

others, overly criticizing yourself and feeling sad, anxious or depressed. These are just a few ways self-esteem manifests itself emotionally. If you notice that, since you’ve started dating someone, you’ve been feeling some of these or have been having a lot of negative thoughts about yourself, that could be a sign that your partner is contributing to your low self-esteem. One sign that your partner might be contributing to your low self-esteem is a need for your partner to be overly competitive with you, whether that be by undermining your accomplishments or always trying to one-up you. Another sign is blaming you in situations or constantly making you feel like you did something wrong. We often judge our self-value based on the ways other people treat us, so if your partner puts you down or doesn’t seem to value you, that will reflect onto you and lower your

self-esteem. If you notice this is happening to you, you can tell your partner that you don’t believe you are being valued or appreciated the way you should and remind your partner what you expect out of them as a romantic partner. Any signs of gaslighting, a form of emotional abuse where someone makes someone else feel “crazy” or question their sanity by manipulating them, should be taken seriously. If you believe you are experiencing emotional abuse, you can call the National Domestic Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

You’re running out of things to talk about

aren’t very talkative, and that’s OK. This can become a red flag when you either struggle to open up to your partner or hesitate to tell them something you might tell other people or want to tell your partner. You might feel a disconnect when you find you and your partner running out of things to talk about, and this might be a sign that you maybe aren’t compatible. Similarly, if you feel that your conversations are one-sided or that your partner doesn’t seem to be interested in what you’re saying, you might want to talk with them to make sure both of you are on the same page in your relationship. These are just a few red flags that, though subtle and often easy to miss, could be very telling signs that someone either isn’t right for you or isn’t partner material.

This can happen with a lot of people. Sometimes people have days where they garibay5@readbuzz.com

The Daily Illini

Thursday, February 11, 2021

REBECCA ORIZA THE DAILY ILLINI

Sexual communication is key to healthy relationships

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2020

Champa

Knowing yourself and your needs is essential in any relationship. Sexual needs are also a significant aspect of romantic intimacy. Sexual needs have often been considered taboo in the past, especially for women. Increasingly, it is becoming more acceptable to discuss these topics and share insights. The most important thing to remember in any sexual relationship is that both parties have equal control. Both people should be responsive and caring for their partner’s needs. At any point in a relationship, it is okay to stop or pause sexual acts. Be honest and open about your boundaries. People always say communication is key, and that does not change regarding sex. Asking for more or less of something sexual is, for lack of a better word, awkward. No one wants to make a partner feel like they are not delivering enough or doing something wrong. Pick a partner you know and trust to avoid awkward situations. Another tip is to be confident in yourself and knowing your worth. If you know you are worthy, the other person will listen to you. There is a considerably large stigma around even being pleasured. More often than not, people would choose not to fully enjoy themselves instead of having the conversation to make their interactions better. It is much more beneficial for both parties to feel comfortable expressing their wants sexually. When having sexual relationships, it is imperative zln2@readbuzz.com to be confident enough in yourself and your relationship to initiate these conversations. Sex isn’t going to be perfect every time, even if you have the best communication. If

STAFF WRITER

any issues arise, take it as an opportunity to talk about them instead of festering in disdain for the other person. However, there’s one rule that should be a given: You need to respect your partner’s boundaries, and never push your partner to do something they’re uncomfortable doing. If they say “no” or show any apprehension, it’s your job to stop what you’re doing and not escalate the situation any further. A relationship is a twoway street, and sex is the most intimate act people can enjoy. In some cases, sex is the glue that keeps everything together. If your partner isn’t feeling something sexually, don’t treat it as an opportunity to bring it up until they cave in and go with it. It’s a shame to see so many relationships fail because one partner can’t value the other enough to respect sexual boundaries. When it comes to sex, it can sometimes be hard to get both people on the same page, but bringing in new elements can help spice up the romance. The best thing is to communicate and reach a common understanding. Whether that means toys or just a bit more foreplay, mixing things up can add a lot to a sexual relationship. Wanting change or spicier sex is not something to be ashamed of, and your partner might have these desires as well. Remember your needs and wants are valid, but be mindful of your partner’s needs, too. Be safe, and always take care.

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Thursday, February 11, 2021

The Daily Illini

Rom-coms to watch for those who hate genre BY RUKAYAH HUSSEIN BUZZ CALENDAR EDITOR

Valentine’s Day is not for everyone, and neither are romantic comedies. There are diehard rom-com fanatics who will call you cynical, bitter or a party-pooper — but rom-coms don’t appeal to every one of us. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, I would like to offer a few rom-com recommendations for those who aren’t fans of romantic movies but want to appease a friend or try something new. There are some delightful rom-coms out there that stand out within the genre and are a bit more gratifying to watch too. The first on my list is “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” the Netflix original adaption of the young adult series by the same name. It stars Lana Condor and Noah Centineo, who have excellent chemistry together both on and off the screen. This movie targets younger audiences, as Lara Jean Covey and Peter Kavinsky are high schoolers. Still, the movie’s pacing and drama are enough to keep anyone interested. It is nostalgic, funny, heart-warming and just aesthetically pleasing overall. There’s even a fake-relationship trope if you are a fan of that sort of thing. One rom-com duology that stands out as a set anyone can love are the “My Big Fat Greek

Wedding” films. They follow the life of Toula Portokalos, a Greek American woman, and her relationship with Ian Miller, an Anglo-Saxon man, and the struggles that occur between the differences in their backgrounds. It’s funny, it’s relatable and it’s incredibly satisfying. A recent romantic comedy that has captured the hearts of many is “Crazy Rich Asians.” The movie stars Constance Wu as Rachel Chu, who accompanies her boyfriend, Nick Young, portrayed by Henry Golding, to Singapore for his friend’s wedding. She soon discovers that Nick’s family is very wealthy and learns to deal with this new aspect of their relationship. It is an extravagant whirlwind of a time. This next romantic comedy is a bit darker but still as heartwarming in the end as the rest. “Silver Linings Playbook” follows the characters, portrayed by Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, who must work together to compete in a dancing competition. They both have tragic and trying pasts, and while they may not admit it so early on, they’re infatuated with each other. The movie contains great acting and incredible chemistry. “Mamma Mia!” and “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” is a classic and beloved rom-com pair. Starring actors like Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Colin Firth, Dominic Cooper and Lily

James, the cast will draw you in. Not only are the stars great, but these romantic comedies are also musicals, featuring their versions of iconic and catchy ABBA songs. Everything from the drama to the scenery, the characters and the music are enticing. The romantic comedy “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” is a gem within the genre. It features Judi Dench, Dev Patel, Bill Nighy and Maggie Smith. The story is about elderly British retirees that decide to spend their retirement at a hotel in India run by Dev Patel’s character, Sonny Kapoor. The hotel is not exactly what they thought it would be, but with characters forming bonds and relationships over time, the hotel turns out to be a beautiful and enchanting place. Finally, “Love, Simon” is a heartwarming story about a high schooler named Simon Spier, portrayed by Nick Robinson, who has not yet come out to his friends and family. The only person who knows he’s gay is a classmate with who he only interacts online, with a hidden identity. This romantic comedy will make you laugh and cry. You can dislike rom-coms, but we’ve all watched at least one. Why not watch another that will leave you with a new perspective on PHOTO COURTESY OF IMDB the genre? Constance Wu and Henry Golding star in “Crazy Rich Asians.” The film was released on Aug. 15, 2018.

rukayah2@readbuzz.com

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The Daily Illini

Thursday, February 11, 2021

Celebrate being single this Valentine’s Day BY BECCA BERTRAM STAFF WRITER

Being single on Valentine’s Day will be something that some of us have to endure once February comes around, but it doesn’t need to be a pity party. Seeing all the happy couples can be triggering. Still, technically, Valentine’s Day is a day of love and celebrating relationships, so what better relationship to celebrate than the most important of all: your relationship with yourself? Self-love will never be something that you can have too much of, so why not shower yourself with love this Valentine’s Day? Valentine’s Day will be quite different this year as there won’t be many places open to have a sit-down meal due to COVID-19. Staying inside this year’s holiday seems like the only viable option without having to risk your and the public’s health. The sadness that can come with this holiday will most likely be amplified from the pandemic, but you can make this designated day for love all about yourself. One form of self-love is food. Target and Hobby Lobby both sell Valentine’s Day baking cooking ware like heart-shaped cake and cupcake pans to make cute heart-shaped treats for yourself to enjoy. If you’re not into sweet things, you could opt for a heart-shaped pizza from several participating pizza places like my favorites: Papa

JONAH OZER THE DAILY ILLINI

John’s and Lou Malnati’s. Thin crust to deep dish, a heart-shaped pizza is fun for anyone. When and if you’re not feeling like eating pizza, plenty of other restaurant chains take part in Valentine’s Day discounts and specialty meals. Dunkin’ Donuts is a popular choice. Their menu features a Pink Velvet Macchiato, Mocha Macchiato, Brownie Batter Donut and Cupid’s Choice Donut. Of course, the donuts are heart-shaped! The best part is that no one will be around to judge you for how much food you can take down in an hour. Perhaps the most exciting activity you do if you have extra cash is to feed your ex to a zoo animal. This Valentine’s Day, the San Antonio Zoo is holding a fundraising event called “Cry

to do all the simple activities you love. Whether watching your favorite movie or taking an extralong nap, you don’t need to spend money to celebrate being by yourself. Simply taking care of yourself can be the best form of celebration,. One of my favorite ways to celebrate is to make a big pan of chili cheese dip and eat the whole thing while watching Disney movies with my dog. Practicing self-compassion and thinking about everything you’re grateful for can take your focus off of the happy couples and channel it into making sure you’re okay before everyone else. As RuPaul always says, “If you don’t love yourself, how the hell are you going to love somebody else? Can I get an amen?” Remember, you can always invite your single friends over so that you won’t feel too alone because, once again, friendships are loving relationships. Have a Galentine’s photoshoot dressed in something that makes you feel confident. If none of these options sound fun enough, take the day to reflect on yourself and let yourself feel your emotions instead of keeping them pent up. If Valentine’s Day needs to be sad, then so be it, but I highly encourage everyone to make the most out of the holiday.

Me a Cockroach.” You can name a cockroach for just $5, and the zoo will feed it to an animal on Facebook Live. The zoo also offers rats for $25 donations to feed to a reptile (even more fun if your ex is a snake). However, the cutest part of this fundraiser is if you are vegetarian or vegan, you can pay $5 for an herbivore option. This is a unique way to be petty and celebrate Valentine’s Day while donating to a worthy cause. Why not show some animals love during the pandemic, especially since zoos have been struggling financially due to decreased park visits and stay-athome orders? If you’re trying to save money, my favorite rlb4@readbuzz.com option is giving yourself a few hours or the day

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Thursday, February 11, 2021

The Daily Illini

LGBTQ+ representation evolves in film Movie industry sheds light on queer lives, experiences BY SYDNEY WOOD STAFF WRITER

In 1992, B. Ruby Rich, a film scholar and LGBTQ+ activist, christened the term “New Queer Cinema” to describe the increasing prevalence of independent LGBTQ+ films in the early 1990s. Chin said the New Queer Cinema genre opened the doors for young, LGBTQ+ American filmmakers to share a post-Stonewall openness to questions of gay identity and politics. In Michele Aaron’s “New Queer Cinema: An Introduction,” Aaron said films from the New Queer Cinema era shed light on the voices of the gay and lesbian community and of the sub-groups within the community, such as the experiences of LGBTQ+ people of color. Aaron said New Queer Cinema increased Hollywood’s awareness of LGBTQ+ audiences. Still, it created little-to-no change in cinematic LGBTQ+ representation because the film industry appropriated and diminished LGBTQ+ issues. “An upside to Hollywood’s appropriation of the new LGBTQ+ potential of cinematic storytelling was the budding acceptability of mainstream display and circulation of LGBTQ+ characters and themes,” Aaron said. Since the early 2000s, there has been an increase in LGBTQ+ films and the popularization of LGBTQ+ films. From “Milk” to “The Kids Are All Right” to “Pariah” to “Moonlight” to “Call Me By Your Name” to “Happiest Season,” it’s safe to say LGBTQ+ films have gained a more secure footing in the film industry. While LGBTQ+ representation in film has come a long way since the 1930s, there is still a lack of cinematic representation for LGBTQ+ people of color and LGBTQ+ people with disabilities, according to the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, known as GLAAD. The 2020 GLAAD Studio Responsibility Index, a report that tracks the quantity, quality and diversity of LGBTQ+ characters in movies released from major studios during 2019, found that only 22 films out of 118 films included LGBTQ+ characters. The Responsibility Index found that the racial diversity of LGBTQ+ characters saw a significant decrease in 2019, with 34% of LGBTQ+ characters being people of color, compared to 42% in 2018. Out of 50 characters in 2019, 33 were white people, 11 were black people, four were Latino and two were Asian/Pacific Islander. In 2019, there was only one LGBTQ+ character with a disability in major movie releases. Although the amount of LGBTQ+ characters has increased in mainstream commercial films, the film industry still struggles with including LGBTQ+ characters in movies, especially including LGBTQ+ characters of color.

Although the amount of LGBTQ+ representation in films has grown in recent years, the LGBTQ+ community’s portrayals have always existed within movies. The history of LGBTQ+ representation in films is far from short. From the ‘30s to the ‘60s to the ‘80s to 2021, LGBTQ+ representation in film has evolved from subtle hints of gay characters to full-blown movies surrounding the lives and experiences of LGBTQ+ people. In 1930, the Motion Picture Association of America adopted the Motion Picture Production Code, known as the Hays Code, to censor portrayals of sexual perversion or deviance in the film industry. While the Code never explicitly banned homosexuality, it was universally assumed homosexuality was forbidden. In the 1940s, a budding culture of the experimental, avant-garde film was created by gay artists, such as Kenneth Anger, Gregory Markopoulous and Curtis Harrington, according to freelance blogger Daryl Chin. “These films were created without the support of commercial movie studios, and these independent, low-budget films often portrayed themes that were thought of as too controversial for mainstream cinema,” Chin said. “By the 1960s, this experimental film culture became known as ‘underground film,’” Chin said. “This culture was influential in creating a theme of homoeroticism that would eventually be reproduced in mainstream commercial films.” In 1968, the Hays Code was replaced by the MPAA film rating system, a voluntary rating system created to help parents determine what films are appropriate for their children. “In the 1970s and 1980s, gay and lesbian film festivals emerged, which created a space for an audience consumption of LGBTQ+ characters and stories,” Chin said. “During this time, gay and lesbian filmmakers began experimenting with narrative form.” “During the AIDS crisis, the accessibility of video provided gay and lesbian artists of color a platform for their films,” Chin said. Some of these artists were Marlon Riggs, who produced, directed and wrote documentary films such as “Ethnic Notions” and “Tongues United”; Shari Frilot, who directed “Fly Boy” and “Black Nations/Queer Nations”; and Cheryl Dunye, who produced the experimental documentary “Janine” and the narrative short film “Greetings from Africa.” smwood@readbuzz.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF IMDB

The cover for the movie “Tongues Untied” is pictured above. The film was released in July 1989 and was one of several LBGTQ movies produced by Marlon Riggs.

The Daily Illini

Thursday, February 11, 2021

Date safely with socially-distanced activities BY CAILEIGH ALEXANDER STAFF WRITER

The pandemic has negatively impacted all of our social lives. Whether it be meeting up with friends, having in-person classes or dealing with isolation, it has been hard for everyone to adjust to our new living conditions. As Valentine’s Day rears ahead, the biggest concern for many of us is being single. Yes, the dreaded words. Single, alone, uncommitted, untaken, companionless, whatever way you want to put it — not having a partner can be challenging as Feb. 14 comes closer. Of course, being single can be empowering and a meaningful way to find yourself in your early adult years. However, for those looking for a partner(s), how can you date safely during a pandemic?

Dating Apps

In the middle of a pandemic, it can almost feel impossible to meet someone organically. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! Dating apps do not always have to be scary. Although using apps like Tinder, Bumble and Hinge may seem hopeless and tedious at moments, remember that it may take a few tries to find someone you can connect with

on a higher level. Try to choose pictures that you feel confident in and show off parts of your personality. Making your bio can also be a fun part to show off yourself and may give other people potential conversation topics. Also, don’t be afraid to start the conversation. Send that a cheesy pick-up you think is funny. Ask them about something in their bio, such as why they chose their major. Make things happen for yourself!

Zoom Dates

Zoom dates can be a great way to get to know someone on a first date. It takes away the stress of meeting at a coffee shop, bar or restaurant. There’s no need to worry about who’s going to pay because both of you are in the comforts of your own homes. Both of you could try a cooking date over Zoom while you get to know each other. The best part about Zoom dates is you don’t have to be afraid to wear pajama pants. Zoom can take the pressure off how you look on the first date and make the both of you focus on the conversation. Zoom is also an easy escape if the date is going bad. No longer do you have to come up with an elaborate plan with your friend for them to call you if the date has gone south.

All you have to do is press the “End Meeting” button.

Movie Dates

Movie theater dates are a classic date idea, especially with Valentine’s Day around the corner. Unfortunately, movie theaters are closed, but that doesn’t mean the two of you can’t enjoy a nostalgic, romantic comedy. Pop some popcorn and buy your favorite candy (which is much cheaper at the store than at movie theater concessions). Find out which streaming platforms you both have and start the movie at the same time. You can do this on FaceTime or Zoom, or you can try apps such as Rabbit, Watch2gether or Syncplay.

Take it Slow

If there is one good thing that came out of this pandemic, it is taking relationships slow. Don’t be afraid to draw out the talking stage when you are first getting to know someone. There is no pressure to meet in person, so take the time to know each other before forcing the first date. Whether through text, phone calls or video calls, getting to know a partner is the most critical part. When you

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are ready to meet in person, tell each other what you are comfortable with emotionally and sexually. Whether it be a mask or socially distanced date, let the other person know your boundaries. cda8@readbuzz.com

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Thursday, February 11, 2021

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