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  • Micah Yip

    Micah Yip is a writer and student based in California. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science Journalism at California State University, Sacramento. Micah has been a freelance writer for about two years and has covered topics within pop culture, film and television, social issues and mental health. When he’s not in class or working, he enjoys travel, playing guitar, visiting vintage markets in Sacramento and watching movies with his cat.
Why We Need To Talk About Kim Petras—the First Trans Woman to Win a Grammy
Motivation

Why We Need To Talk About Kim Petras—the First Trans Woman to Win a Grammy

Of the dozens of Grammys bestowed upon stars this year, the winner who stands out boldly from the rest is Kim Petras, as she became the first openly transgender woman to win the prestigious award. Petras, along with non-binary singer Sam Smith, won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for their sexy, chart-topping song, "Unholy." RELATED: Elliot Page’s 6 Most Important Lessons about Authenticity for Trans and Cisgender PeopleFrom her youth spent in a small town in Germany to come out as trans, to her start in the music industry to her historical Grammys win, here is Kim Petras's story, and how she brings inspiration to her fans—both cis and trans alike.Kim Petras's Music Career, from Performing at Gay Clubs in Germany to Commanding the Stage at the Grammys@kimpetras/InstagramKim Petras was born and raised in Cologne, a city in Germany. She was assigned male at birth, but knew from a young age that she was a girl. In her early teenage years, she appeared on a German documentary which detailed her transition. The documentary was wildly insensitive—and at times, outright offensive—about her identity. Petras says, "became a joke as a 12-year-old on TV." She was harassed by strangers and bullied by her peers. She became suicidal and spent her days hidden in her room, turning to pop music for solace. Inspired by the likes of Madonna, the Spice Girls, Cher and Britney Spears, Petras dedicated her days to songwriting and singing. At 14, Petras began performing in gay clubs, the only place she said she could be herself. At 19, she moved to Los Angeles to break into the music industry. She released her debut single, "I Don't Want It at All," in 2017. RELATED: Marvel Finally Revealed a Superhero as Queer in Thor: Love and Thunder – And That’s CrucialEarly in Petras's career, Sam Smith reached out via Instagram DM, expressing they wanted to collab with her. Years later in 2022, the duo released "Unholy." The song became so popular it reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making Petras and Smith the first trans woman and non-binary person, respectively, to top the charts.On Sunday, Petras and Smith accepted their Grammy award. Smith graciously gave Petras the stage for the acceptance speech. In the speech, Petras thanked "the incredible transgender legends performing who kicked these doors open for me so I could be here tonight," and Sophie, a trans woman and musician whom Petras had collaborated with who passed away two years ago. She honored Madonna, for "fighting for LGBTQ rights." She praised her "Unholy" co-singer, Smith, for their unwavering support. And she honored her mother, who she said, "believed me that I was a girl and I wouldn't be here without her and her support." How Kim Petras Inspires Both Her Trans and Cis Fans Alike@kimpetras/InstagramThe significance of Petras winning this prestigious award cannot be overstated. Petras's success is an inspiration to trans and queer people everywhere, proving that transgender people can shine, even in a hostile world.RELATED: What is ‘Queerbaiting’ and Is Billie Eilish Guilty of It?Petras is conscious of her trans identity, and while she wants to be a light to the trans community, she also wants to showcase who she is outside of gender. In an interview with Billboard, she says, "Do I talk about being transgender in interviews and stuff like that, or then does everything become about me being transgender? Does the trans community not feel like I’m talking about it enough? Things like that are difficult, but we’re figuring it out. I just always want to make people feel good about themselves with my music.” With her rise in popularity, it's clear that Petras is doing just that—making everyone, both cis and trans, feel good through her musical talent and unapologetic personality. And she's only getting started.KEEP READING: At 64, Madonna Upsets Everyone With a World Tour—Proving She Doesn’t Care What You Think

What is 'Queerbaiting' and Is Billie Eilish Guilty of It?
Celebrities

What is 'Queerbaiting' and Is Billie Eilish Guilty of It?

Last year, singer Billie Eilish came under fire for her "Lost Cause" music video and an accompanying Instagram post. "I love girls," read her caption. To some, this might've seemed like a simple appreciation post for women. But for others, it sparked the question, "Is Billie Eilish coming out as part of the LGBTQ community?" The answer is no, she did not, and her heterosexual relationship history suggests she's straight. Of course, that's not a problem whatsoever; what people found problematic was that her actions came across as queerbaiting. RELATED: Billie Eilish Revealed a Secret, ‘Really Weird’ Condition – And How It Makes Her StrongerThis Billie Eilish controversy has contributed to the larger queerbaiting discourse, which has become more prominent in recent years. But what is queerbaiting, why is it problematic, and is Billie Eilish guilty of it? What Is Queerbaiting? Queerbaiting is defined as, "a marketing technique for fiction and entertainment in which creators hint at, but then do not actually depict, same-sex romance or other LGBT representation." Creators will queerbait in order to attract the widest audience possible, drawing in a queer audience while still retaining homophobic viewers who don't want to watch shows or films depicting overtly gay relationships. This is problematic, because media creators who participate in queerbaiting are essentially profiting off of the LGBTQ community while not actually contributing to them in a significant way. They queer-code their characters, add homoerotic friendships that remain perpetually platonic, or insert other forms of queer subtext. Examples of queerbaiting include the relationship between Luca and Alberto in Disney's Luca, Betty and Veronica in Riverdale, and Finn and Poe Dameron in the recent Star Wars installments. Some people believe that real people, not just fictional characters, can serve as queerbait, too, thus the criticism of Eilish. Another example of a public figure scrutinized for queerbaiting is Harry Styles. RELATED: Halle Berry’s Hilarious Reaction To The Little Mermaid Mix Up Is a Must SeeMany in the LGBTQ community feel they're being taken advantage of or manipulated by companies that release queerbait media. They're drawn in by queer subtext only to be let down upon realizing the creators never intended to provide true queer representation. In this way, many queer fans felt baited by Eilish's "Lost Cause" video. The Billie Eilish Queerbaiting Controversy, ExplainedIn June of 2021, Billie Eilish released the music video for her song, "Lost Cause." The video shows what appears to be a fun girls' night or sleepover. Billie and a group of young women play Twister, dance in the kitchen while eating candy and drinking, and lay with each other on a bed, all to the tune of Eilish's catchy beat. While the scenes could be interpreted as several close friends hanging out, there is a lot of sensual, sapphic subtext that alludes to more. RELATED: How Dance Moms Star JoJo Siwa Overcame Hate to Become a Powerful LGBTQ+ IconFor instance, Eilish and her friends snuggle on the bed, swaying together to the beat, hands on each others' bodies. Their Twister game is equally as sensual at times. Eilish even shares a small kiss with another girl as the group dances in the kitchen.Again, all of these things can be done platonically, but some viewers felt the sensuality was giving sapphic undertones reason to believe she was hinting at queerness or bisexuality. The Many Sides of the Billie Eilish Queerbaiting DebateOnce the video reached audiences, speculative murmurs of Eilish's sexuality began spreading on social media, which was further exacerbated by Eilish's Instagram post. The post featured behind-the-scenes photos of her and the other women with the caption, "I love girls." To add fuel to the fire, both the music video and the Instagram post were released during Pride Month, further reinforcing the public's notion that this was Eilish's coming-out. "[D]id billie eilish just freaking come out?!...if this is another case of queerbaiting i'm suing," a fan posted on Twitter. RELATED: Popular Examples of Gender-Neutral Celebrity Baby Names – And Why They’re ImportantOne user replied, "Can't she say she loves girls and be straight?" Another retorted, "Her sexuality is none of your business." And yet another user commented, "Can’t a human experiment [with] their sexuality without the need of labelling? Why do we assume everyone has to be straight until proven otherwise? Less labels more love."These are all valid points. Women can love other women in platonic ways; nobody owes anyone else an explanation for their identity or sexuality; and folks can explore their sexuality as they see fit. Thus, many fans brushed the queerbaiting accusations aside. But others that felt baited expressed their opinions online, too. RELATED: Why Adam Levine’s Sexting Affair Is No Joke – It’s Deeply DisturbingA fan on Twitter who self-identified as a lesbian provided her opinion with this Tweet: "(I’ve loved billie since 2018) her music video “lost cause” wasn’t queerbaiting. however, her post after the fact was annoying. she captioned her post “i love girls”. i 100% think that’s queerbaiting..." LGBTQ public figures also weighed in on the matter. YouTuber Samantha Lux, who is a transgender woman, said she didn't think Eilish was queerbaiting. Rather, the "Lost Cause" video was about "finding a sense of comfort and finding a sense of intimacy with your close friends," Lux suggested. On the other hand, another YouTuber, Kristina Maione, who is pansexual, felt queerbaited, and shared her frustration in her YouTube video.RELATED: Justin Bieber Ranks #2 in the World for Something That Will Shock His Haters"Billie Eilish promoted that video, being like, 'I like girls, and look at us girls licking each other, and all over each other,' and then promoting that to her millions of followers, getting millions of views, and probably making millions of dollars off of it," Maione said in her YouTube video. This feeling of exploitation is the problem that Maoine and many other LGBTQ fans had with the music video and Instagram post. To them, it felt like Eilish was profiting off of their identities. Maione adds that Eilish's song "was planned and produced and put out there into the world during Pride Month, it's like the epitome of queerbaiting, the epitome of exploitation of a marginalized queer community." Maione's words reflect what many other LGBTQ-identified folks feel, not only about Billie Eilish, but about queerbait media in general. While some are hurt by what they feel is exploitation, others remain unbothered. Ultimately, it's fair to say that the Billie Eilish queerbaiting controversy is subjective. However, it can be said that queerbaiting overall is hurtful to the LGBTQ community. In a world where queer folks are still fighting for their rights, adequate queer representation is needed now more than ever -- not for exploitative profit, but for the support and love of the LGBTQ community. KEEP READING: Elliot Page’s 6 Most Important Lessons about Authenticity for Trans and Cisgender People

Caffeine Addiction 101: Everything You Need to Know
Diet & Exercise

Caffeine Addiction 101: Everything You Need to Know

Caffeine might currently be the most ubiquitous substance in western society. In fact, 62% of Americans drink coffee every day, and, on average, drink about three cups daily. One might look at those statistics and think, It's just coffee -- how harmful can that be? Well, when consumed in excess, it can be addictive and lead to negative physical and mental health consequences. Caffeine might not be as devastating as addictive substances like alcohol and drugs, but nevertheless, it's beneficial to consider its affects -- both positive and negative -- and evaluate how it might be impacting you.RELATED: What Is BeReal – And Is the ‘Authenticity-Focused’ Social Media App Really Healthier Than Instagram?Here is a guide to caffeine addiction, what it is, how it affects the body, signs of addiction and how to quit caffeine entirely or reduce consumption.What Is Caffeine Addiction, and Is It Even Real? While caffeine isn't addictive in the way drugs, alcohol and other substances are, one can develop an unhealthy dependency on it, just as an addict develops a dependency on their desired substance. Like other drugs or substances, the more a person uses caffeine, the less effective it becomes. Eventually, the person develops a tolerance and must consume more to obtain the desired effects.Caffeine is most known for its ability to "wake" a person up in the morning. While caffeine might help a person feel more alert, it doesn't wake someone up in the way one might think it does. Caffeine is a stimulant to the central nervous system that, upon consumption, quickly absorbs into the brain and promotes a feeling of alertness. This is because the substance blocks the brain's sleep-promoting receptors known as adenosine receptors. Caffeine can do this because, on a molecular level, it looks similar to adenosine, a molecule in the body that usually binds to these receptors to help regulate the sleep/wake cycle. Though most people think of coffee when they think of caffeine, the substance is found in many other products. Other common sources include soda, tea, chocolate, energy drinks and some over-the-counter pain medications, just to name a few. When consumed mindfully, caffeine can still be enjoyable and even beneficial. The FDA recommends keeping caffeine consumption to around 400 milligrams (equivalent to about four cups of coffee) per day.How Caffeine Affects Your Health, Your Body and Your BrainCaffeine is not all bad. There is scientific evidence promoting both the beneficial and detrimental effects of caffeine. However, it's important to know the risks one might encounter when consuming any substance. First, caffeine has been shown to have an effect on pregnancy. A 2017 study found a correlation between miscarriage and the amount of caffeine the pregnant person consumes; however, it does not influence fertility. RELATED: Are You at Risk of Exercise Addiction?Additionally, overconsumption of caffeine can be found in other mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder, depression, sleep disorders, eating disorders and schizophrenia. Some research shows that excessive caffeine consumption could cause the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) to skip beats. However, the good news is that caffeine doesn't cause irregularities the upper chambers of the heart (atria).Signs of Caffeine AddictionAn overconsumption of caffeine becomes an addiction when it begins to affect one's ability to function in everyday life. Again, while caffeine use disorder is not an official diagnosis, the DSM-5 (Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), it has been placed under Conditions for Further Study. According to the DSM-5, here are the criteria that must be present to determine if one has a caffeine problem: Heart, stomach and urinary issuesInsomniaIrritabilityDepression and anxietyDifficulty thinkingWithdrawal Inability to control, reduce or eliminate useContinued use despite harm Who Should Avoid Caffeine? For some populations, caffeine should limited. These include: People who are pregnant or breastfeedingChildrenPeople with anxiety disordersPeople who have chronic headaches or migrainesThose with a sleep disorderRELATED: Billie Eilish Revealed a Secret, ‘Really Weird’ Condition – And How It Makes Her StrongerThose who take certain stimulants, such as heart medicinesPeople who have high blood pressurePeople with a fast/irregular heartbeatThose who have GERD or ulcersPeople with the mental disorders previously mentioned in the "Signs of Caffeine Addiction" section of this article should be wary of caffeine overconsumption also, as it can exacerbate their symptoms.Caffeine Withdrawal and SymptomsPeople who quit caffeine after addiction to it could experience caffeine withdrawal, a medically recognized condition that can be characterized by the following symptoms: Low energyIrritabilityHeadacheTremorsAnxietyRELATED: Amber Heard’s Histrionic Personality Disorder Diagnosis Is Vital to Understanding Celebrity CultureFatigueNauseaConstipationDifficulty concentrating Depressed moodDecreased energyDecreased motor activityUnlike other substances, caffeine withdrawal symptoms only last for around 7-12 days and the recovery period overall is relatively short. During that time, the brain will reduce the number of adenosine receptors Tips for Quitting Caffeine In order to minimize withdrawal symptoms, the best way to quit caffeine is to taper off gradually. Stopping consumption abruptly will exacerbate withdrawal symptoms, leading the person to start using caffeine again to avoid them, and the cycle continues. This article suggests slowly decreasing the number of coffees, teas, energy drinks, etc. one consumes in a day. Then, start substituting these for decaffeinated equivalents. For example, one could alternate between regular and decaf coffee every other day until they're able to switch to decaf fully. If done successfully, caffeine should only take about 2 to 3 weeks.

'Cancel Culture' Almost Killed Constance Wu - Her Comeback Is a Significant Lesson for Everyone
Celebrities

'Cancel Culture' Almost Killed Constance Wu - Her Comeback Is a Significant Lesson for Everyone

Constance Wu of Crazy Rich Asians and The Terminal List recently returned to social media after a three year hiatus. A vulnerable post on her Twitter account on July 14 revealed the reason for her absence: her mental health had severely declined after she was "canceled" on social media in 2019, causing her to attempt suicide. RELATED: Will Smith’s New Apology Video and What Chris Rock Teaches Us About NOT Being a VictimAfter seeking therapy, Wu is slowly reclaiming her story, and her comeback can serve as an encouraging lesson for everyone.Why Was Constance Wu Canceled? Before 2018's Crazy Rich Asians elevated the actress to prominence, Wu played the matriarch of an Asian American family in ABC's 2015 sitcom, Fresh Off the Boat (FOTB). In 2019, ABC announced FOTB would be returning for its sixth season. In response to this announcement, Wu posted a string of tweets: "F*****g hell," one of her Tweets read. "So upset right now that I'm literally crying. Ugh. F**k," another read.RELATED: Bella Hadid’s Toxic Relationship with Alcohol Is a Lesson for Immediate ChangeWu's words gave the impression that she was unenthused at the prospect of returning to her FOTB role. Consequently, the actress received harsh backlash from FOTB viewers. The show meant a lot to Asian American fans; FOTB provided Asian American media representation that was and is so lacking in film and television, so it's understandable that fans were upset seeing one of its lead actors post negatively about it. Fans and others in the Hollywood industry now saw Wu as ungrateful, spoilt by her Crazy Rich Asians fame. One Asian actress even went so far to say that Wu had "become a blight on the Asian American community." Constance Wu Mental Health Drastically DeclinesWu tried to clarify her tweets, admitting that her words were "ill-timed." She said she loved FOTB, but was disappointed at the news of its renewal because it meant she'd have to give up another project she was excited about.However, the internet shaming continued. And while her Twitter followers saw words exchanged on their screens, they didn't see the actress slowly breaking on the other side. Eventually, her mental health took a nosedive, driving the actress to attempt suicide. RELATED: The Real Reason Serena Williams Quit Tennis Is a Bittersweet Lesson in SacrificeThankfully, she was saved after a friend found her and got her to a hospital in time. However, this was a wakeup call for Wu, a sign that she needed to step back from the public eye. She deleted her social media accounts, took a break from Hollywood and started seeing a therapist. Now, three years post-attempt, she's slowly started to reenter the spotlight.Constance Wu Has Returned, and She's 'Making a Scene'On July 14, Constance Wu posted from a new Twitter account, @ConstanceWu, a vulnerable explanation of where she'd been, why she'd left, and her behind-the-scenes struggle. "I was afraid of coming back on social media because I almost lost my life from it: 3 years ago, when I made careless tweets about the renewal of my TV show, it ignited outrage and internet shaming that got pretty severe. I felt awful about what I'd said, and when a few DMs from a fellow Asian actress told me I'd become a blight on the Asian American community, I started feeling like I didn't even deserve to live anymore. That I was a disgrace to AsAms, and they'd be better off without me." RELATED: Rebel Wilson’s Latest Comments on Body Shaming Expose a Dangerous Problem in Our SocietyWu elaborates on her Asian heritage, reflecting on how "AsAms don't talk about mental health enough. While we're quick to celebrate representation wins, there's a lot of avoidance around the more uncomfortable issues within our community." Further, Wu said it hurt when her "AsAm colleagues decided that was the time to avoid [her]," in reference to when the internet shaming sent her into a downward spiral. "[B]ut it also made me realize how important it is to reach out and care for people who are going through a hard time," she added"That's why I wrote my book and why I'm here today," the actress elaborated. "[T]o reach out and help people talk about the uncomfortable stuff." The book she's referencing is called "Making a Scene," which details her experience growing up in a culture where she wasn't allowed to express her feelings. Constance Wu's Example and How Anyone Can 'Make a Scene' TooThough her journey was no doubt difficult and painful, her story and comeback can serve as an inspiration to everyone. First, in communities of color, especially the Asian American community, which Wu writes about, talking about mental health or emotions is not encouraged, and going to therapy is shameful. For anyone who feels ashamed that they are struggling with their mental health, the actress is a beacon of hope. Though she was raised in a culture that told her to bottle up her emotions, she was able to break that cycle and get the help she deserved. Additionally, Wu's decision to write about and publish her story in "Making a Scene" is admirable, and a valiant act of reclamation. She doesn't owe anyone an explanation for her absence, yet she's willing to publish her journey to help others. She's taking back her power from a dark situation by sharing her narrative and telling her side of the story. RELATED: Stranger Things Addresses Depression and Mental Health in the Most Crucial WayOf course, this is not to say everyone has to write a book in order to reclaim their story. There are many ways to go about doing this. Reclamation can be re-engaging in a hobby or passion once enjoyed. It can be seeking therapy, or creating art that tells the story of one's mental health journey. It can be writing a list of one's values and living life according to those. It can be choosing to take medication under the guidance of a licensed psychiatrist. It can be writing out a mental health "timeline," a long journal entry or bullet points of significant moments in one's life that lead to where they are today. These acts of reclamation can be public, like Wu, or private.All of these things can serve to help a person process their experiences and reclaim their story and parts of their life their mental illness took from them. However, vulnerability is necessary in any emotional healing process. As Wu wrote in her recent Twitter post, "If we want to be seen, really seen...we need to let all of ourselves be seen, including the parts we're scared of or ashamed of--parts that, however imperfect, require care and attention." KEEP READING: Stranger Things Addresses Depression and Mental Health in the Most Crucial Way

Stranger Things Addresses Depression and Mental Health in the Most Crucial Way
Pop Culture

Stranger Things Addresses Depression and Mental Health in the Most Crucial Way

Warning: Some may find the following topics triggering. Since it premiered on Netflix back in 2016, Stranger Things has captivated audiences with its compelling mix of sci-fi/horror and good ol' 80s nostalgia. The mysterious world of the Upside Down came with terrifying monsters the characters had to defeat, but this season's villain, Vecna, is the most horrific yet, and not for the reasons one might think. RELATED: Stranger Things: There’s a Reason You Love Eddie Munson – And It Isn’t That Guitar SoloSure, Vecna is powerful, with abilities that surpass even Eleven's. But what makes him so scary is that he is the personification of depression, trauma, and suicidality. Through Vecna's targets — Chrissy, Fred, Patrick, and especially Max — Stranger Things Season 4 presents the most heart-wrenching yet cathartic allegory for depression and suicide. How Stranger Things Shines a Light on Trauma The most potent allegory comes with Max Mayfield's main storyline. She's dealing with immense depression over the death of her stepbrother Billy, who was killed last season by the Mind Flayer. Between these two seasons, the guilt seems to have eaten away at her, because the very first episode presents a Max who is a shell of herself. Her wit and personality have been replaced with an aura of sadness. She blames herself for her brother's demise, and consequently, suffers from survivor's guilt, believing she could have done more to save him. Her nightmares and flashbacks are signs of PTSD. Her witty personality is dampened and she's isolating herself from her closest friends. She's seeing the school counselor but has trouble opening up to her. RELATED: What Wes Anderson’s ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’ Taught Us About Finding Humor in Trauma and DysfunctionThese are all symptoms of depression, and as if this illness wasn't difficult enough to endure, Vecna steps in to make it even worse. It is revealed that he is the one inflicting the nightmares and flashbacks, amplifying the immense feeling of guilt, feeding into her deep sorrow. It's clear Max is suffering terribly, especially as signs of suicidal ideation begin to make themselves very apparent.Vecna Is the Physical Form of Depression After Vecna murders Chrissy and the others, he continues to torment Max with horrifying visions, feeding her false belief that she's to blame for Billy's death and adding to her psychological instability. Eventually, in Episode 4, "Dear Billy," Max realizes Vecna is coming for her next, which prompts her to write letters to her loved ones. Presumably, these are goodbye letters, and it's common for such letters to be left behind by victims of suicide. Shortly after this scene, she goes with Lucas, Steve, and Dustin to the cemetery where Billy is buried. The three friends know something is up, so Lucas tries to stop Max before she goes to her step brother's grave. "Just talk to me. To your friends," Lucas pleads with her. "We're right here. I'm right here." RELATED: Stranger Things Is Breaking One Dangerous (And Deadly) Hollywood PatternMax's expression displays a mixture of contemplation and emotional numbness before she turns from Lucas and towards Billy's grave. This is yet another parallel to real-life depression. In many cases, such as with Max, the sufferer may feel that they are "bad" and unworthy of help, causing them to push away their support systems.Away from her friends, she begins to read the heartfelt and heart-wrenching letter to her step-brother's headstone. And once she finishes reading the letter, Vecna strikes. The villain pulls her into the Upside Down while her physical body remains in the cemetery, eyes rolled back in a trance-like state. Luckily, Steve, Dustin, and Lucas rush to her aid, playing Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill" through a walkman while they desperately scream for her to come back. But sufferers of depression can't just "snap out of it," just as Max couldn't snap out of the trance Vecna put her in.RELATED: How Dan Levy Fought through Anxiety to Change The World – One Love Story at a TimeWhile this is happening in the cemetery, Vecna has Max trapped in the Upside Down. She has visions of a bloodied Billy, who tells her she wanted him to die, and reminds her of how she sometimes wishes she could've followed him into death. "That is why I am here, Max," the vision of Billy says. "To end your suffering once and for all." That's really all sufferers of depression want — for their suffering to end. And sometimes, it's difficult to see any other way out.Max Teaches Us How Depression Can Lead to IsolationTrapped in the dark, bleak, grotesque world of the Upside Down, it seems there isn't any other way out for Max, either. Vecna is about to kill her — her depression is about to kill her. Here is where the iconic "Running Up That Hill" scene begins. Steve, Lucas, and Dustin run to her aid, playing the Kate Bush song through a walkman in hopes of bringing Max back. Just as music can be a very useful coping mechanism in real life, music serves as a temporary escape for Max as well. The song cuts through the darkness, and in the distance, Max can see her friends crowded around her body, pleading for her to come back. RELATED: Is Social Isolation Affecting Your Mental Health? There’s a Term For ThatIn her darkest, most desperate hour, Max can see how much her friends love her. Flashbacks of her happiest memories play in her mind as the music swells and a semblance of hope seems to return to her. This gives her the strength to break away from Vecna and run to her friends, dodging everything the Upside Down throws at her in an attempt to thwart her escape. She returns to her body in the Hawkins cemetery, jolts awake, and falls down to the ground, her friends there to catch her and comfort her. Once again, this scene allegorizes the experience of depression and suicidal ideation, this time emphasizing how powerful a steadfast support system can be. When Max is at her lowest, her friends stick by her. She's able to see and realize how much she's wanted and remembers happy moments. And though it is anything but easy, she finally has the strength to run to the people who love her and accept their help.The Stranger Things Kids Show Us The Need For Friendship in the Darkest of TimesStranger Things Season 4 Max and LucasThough Max appears a little less downtrodden throughout the rest of the season, she's nowhere near in the clear. Just as with any mental illness in the real world, coming back from a major depressive episode and narrowly escaping a suicide attempt is only the beginning of the recovery process. Max continues to wear the walkman, constantly listening to "Running Up That Hill," and while music can be a good distraction and grounding tool, it only works temporarily for people who are suffering mentally. This is evident in the way that Max can avoid Vecna with music, yet cannot completely rid herself of him.RELATED: 11 Stranger Things Quotes to Turn Your Life Upside DownMax sticks close to her friends for the rest of the season, and her friends stick close to her. There are scenes where her friends keep checking in on her and get a little frightened when she's out of their sight for even a minute, afraid Vecna could strike again at any moment. This is similar to how, when a person is experiencing a mental health crisis, their loved ones may remain physically close to them should any self-harm thoughts resurface.Stranger Things Season 4's underlying theme of mental health struggles is powerful, especially for sufferers of depression and suicidal ideation. When done correctly, it can be cathartic for someone to see their experience reflected to them on screen. Stranger Things lives up to this standard, as it conveyed the experience of depression through Max and Vecna in an artistic yet relatable and accurate way, including the symptoms one might feel and the enormous difficulty that is recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text TALK to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.KEEP READING: Stranger Things’ Millie Bobby Brown Has Powerful Words Against Sexualizing Her – And Hollywood Needs to Listen

Marvel Finally Revealed a Superhero as Queer in Thor: Love and Thunder - And That's Crucial
Pop Culture

Marvel Finally Revealed a Superhero as Queer in Thor: Love and Thunder - And That's Crucial

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has finally confirmed what fans have known for years, King Valkyrie (played by Tessa Thompson) is bisexual. Valkyrie, who first appeared in 2017's Thor: Ragnarok returns to the big screen in Thor: Love and Thunder. The film makes it clear that Valkyrie is queer, a fact established in the comics and confirmed by Thompson (who is bisexual herself) back in a 2017 interview with Rolling Stone. RELATED: Elliot Page’s 6 Most Important Lessons about Authenticity for Trans and Cisgender PeopleWhile Marvel and its parent company Disney are decades behind other film companies when it comes to LGBTQ+ representation, the way Love and Thunder presented Valkyrie's bisexuality was near perfect. From Marvel's awkward portrayal of the gay Grieving Man in Avengers: Endgame to its more well-rounded gay character, Phastos, Valkyrie's bisexuality is perfectly balanced with the rest of her identity, emphasizing her sexuality yet not making it the central point of the character. Marvel's Past Problems with LGBTQ+ RepresentationDisney is notorious for neglecting its queer fans. Its attempts at "allyship" have been disappointing and slow. Disney Parks didn't openly acknowledge Pride until 2019, and only at its Paris location; Pixar animators stated that corporate historically insisted they remove "nearly every moment of overtly gay affection" in their films. Disney has recently come under fire for its resistance to condemn Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill quickly enough. While it's true that Disney and its subsidiaries have included small scenes with gay characters in them — think the moms at the aquarium in Finding Dory or LeFou in the live-action Beauty and the Beast — these are blink-and-you'll-miss-it moments that are sorry excuses for real representation.Marvel is under the Disney umbrella, so it's been slow to include explicitly LGBTQ+ characters. The MCU started with the most subtle introduction of a gay character in Avengers: Endgame, when the Grieving Man, who is gay, attended Steve Rogers' support group. Needless to say, it wasn't as groundbreaking a moment as the creators thought at the time. RELATED: Chris Hemsworth Revealed Why He Almost Quit as Marvel’s Thor – And the One Thing That Stopped HimEternals introduced Phastos, a gay superhero with a husband. This was a better representation, as Phastos was actually a main character. Additionally, Loki and Sylvie are confirmed as bisexual in the Disney+ series, Loki. Other characters are queer in the comics but not yet confirmed to be in the MCU, such as America Chavez, Wiccan, Speed, and Ayo. Some fans believe Bucky Barnes and Captain Marvel are also queer-coded. Valkyrie was brought into the MCU before all of these characters and is lauded as the studio's first major LGBTQ+ character yet her bisexuality was only addressed in the most recent film, Thor: Love and Thunder. Maybe it was worth the wait as Valkyrie's queerness was depicted well for a studio usually lacking in queer representation. Is Valkyrie Bisexual in Thor: Love and Thunder?Even though King Valkyrie's bisexuality wasn't addressed in her first Thor appearance, actress Tessa Thompson pushed for it to be. Initially, she pitched a scene for Ragnarok to director Taika Waititi that would allude to the warrior's queerness with a shot of a woman leaving Valkyrie's bedroom. It would've been a very small bit of representation, not quite Phastos-level but definitely better than Endgame's Grieving Man. Sadly, the scene was cut from the film. RELATED: George Lucas’ Biggest Star Wars Risk Will Destroy Your Fear of FailureWhile that moment didn't make it into the film, Thompson still played Valkyrie as bisexual in Ragnarok. The actress told Rolling Stone (via ScreenCrush) that during the flashback scene where the Goddess of Death kills Valkyrie's warriors, "There's a great shot of me falling back from one of my sisters who's just been slain. In my mind, that was my lover."Love and Thunder finally makes Valkyrie's sexuality crystal-clear. Midway through the movie, a previous girlfriend of hers is mentioned in a conversation with Korg (who is also confirmed gay in the film). There are also subtle signs of her interest in Jane, as Valkyrie seems to be flirting with her, and even tells Thor that she's "Team Jane." The Importance of Valkyrie's Queerness in Thor 4While Valkyrie's sexuality and romantic life aren't heavily explored in Love and Thunder, making her bisexuality apparent is a step in the right direction for the MCU. The film also portrays her sexual identity in a way that is meaningful yet isn't the focal point of her character. In an interview with Yahoo Entertainment, Thompson says she and director Waititi talked a lot about how to include Valkyrie's sexuality in the most recent film. RELATED: Stranger Things Is Breaking One Dangerous (And Deadly) Hollywood Pattern"It was a big topic of conversation," she said. "Because I think rightfully there’s this real want in audiences to see characters be very clearly queer or LGBTQIA inside these spaces. And I think it’s hugely important to have representation."“And also as humans, I think that we are not defined by our sexuality, and by who we love. And so sometimes I think to hang a narrative completely on that is a way of actually diminishing the humanity of the character. Because you don’t allow them to be anything else.”RELATED: Ms. Marvel’s Iman Vellani ‘Manifested’ Her Disney+ Role – And You Can, Too!Thompson could not be more right. The best queer characters are the ones that are depicted with nuance and balance, who have personality and strengths and weaknesses and things that don't center on their sexuality or gender identity. A vast majority of film and television characters are cisgender and heterosexual, and while those are important parts of their identities, their storylines aren't solely focused on their sexuality and gender. And that's what LGBTQ+ folks are asking for, to see themselves on screen as wholly developed characters who happen to be LGBTQ+.What Tessa Thompson Thinks of Portraying an Openly Queer ValkyrieValkyrie in Thor: Love and Thunder gives Marvel and Disney a little more credit in the area of queer representation. She's a bi character in a central role, not a fleeting 60-second cameo of someone who might be gay, if you watch closely enough; a bi character that is multifaceted, interesting, and admirable, along with having an LGBTQ identity. Marvel and Disney have a long way to go as far as representation, but King Valkyrie is a small movement in a positive direction. RELATED: Elsa Pataky Reveals Why It’s Hard Being Married to ‘Bossy’ Husband Chris HemsworthThompson is satisfied with where Love and Thunder took her character. In the same Yahoo interview, the actress states, "I hope that [Valkyrie's] a character that fans continue to connect to, that we have a lot of time to explore her, in all of her humanity... [She's] still a fabulous queer character that is open to finding love when it makes sense.”KEEP READING: Marvel’s Will Poulter Called One Thing about Superheroes ‘Unhealthy’ – And He’s 100% Right

Rebel Wilson's Latest Comments on Body Shaming Expose a Dangerous Problem in Our Society
Celebrities

Rebel Wilson's Latest Comments on Body Shaming Expose a Dangerous Problem in Our Society

Since its inception, the media has loved to scrutinize public figures on their weight and bodies. When a celebrity gains weight, unflattering pictures of them are splashed across every tabloid; when they lose weight, countless articles and YouTube videos appear, telling people how these celebrities changed their bodies (often through unhealthy methods). RELATED: The Way Selena Gomez Avoids Justin and Hailey Bieber Drama Is a Lesson to Us AllRebel Wilson has been the subject of both sides of this type of scrutiny. Recently, the actress took to Instagram, sharing an important message about self acceptance that can benefit everybody. Rebel Wilson's Instagram Post About Self-AcceptanceSeveral days ago, Wilson posted this photo to her Instagram, with a caption that reads: "I just noticed I put on [weight] on my holiday[...]. But you know what? I can get up tomorrow and go to the gym, and hydrate and eat healthy and love myself. It doesn’t help to be hard on yourself but I know what it’s like to feel guilty and not great after eating[...]. But if you’re like me just know YOU are more than just your weight, your weight doesn’t define you, just try your best to be healthy and don’t be so hard on yourself. Be the best version of you." In a culture that worships conventionally attractive bodies and praises restrictive eating and overexercise, Wilson's message is radical. Fatphobia and the Fetishization of Weight LossFatphobia -- a negative bias, stigma or prejudice towards those in larger bodies -- runs rampant in Western society, and there's a large movement among Gen Z and Millennials to eradicate it, along with raising awareness for body positivity/acceptance and Health at Every Size. RELATED: Chris Hemsworth Revealed Why He Almost Quit as Marvel’s Thor – And the One Thing That Stopped HimFatphobia affects everything from a person's self-image to the kinds of clothes available to them in retail stores, to negative mental health outcomes and medical discrimination and misdiagnosis. Wilson experienced the latter when, in 2019, a fertility doctor told her she’d "have more success freezing her eggs if she lost weight."However, what wasn't recognized was Wilson's polycystic ovarian syndrome, a hormonal disorder that's common among women and people who can get pregnant, affecting one's ability to become pregnant. Scenarios like this are all too common in medical treatment among larger-bodied people. Instead of considering other factors, doctors emphasize weight loss over addressing more pressing underlying health issues and has led to worse health outcomes. RELATED: Stranger Things Is Breaking One Dangerous (And Deadly) Hollywood PatternAs a public figure, Wilson has experienced bias from Hollywood due to her appearance as well. When hosting this year's British Academy Film Awards, she poked fun at her weight loss experience, saying, "Guys, seriously, I did not lose weight just for a guy. As if. I did it to get more acting roles. I am so excited I can play the non-funny love interest in an Adam Sandler movie."It's a joke, yes, but holds truth. Hollywood typecasts actors based on their looks. Society has deemed thin women with European features as the most beautiful, and therefore, women like this get to play the love interest or the lead role. Women in larger bodies are deemed only fit to play the funny best friend. Wilson's recent role in Netflix's Senior Year has already proven this media bias. In this film, the actress stars as the main character. She's still funny, but she's not the goofy BFF like she was in Pitch Perfect and Bridesmaids -- both roles she got when she was in a larger body. This is the sad reality of the film/media industry today. Thankfully, the standards are changing slightly, but not radically enough to change the public's opinion of plus-size people. There's still work to be done.Rebel Wilson and Body Acceptance: A Step in the Right Direction It's wonderful that Rebel Wilson recognizes she doesn't have to hate herself when her body changes. Everyone of all body shapes and sizes can benefit from this message. People are "more than just their weight," as Wilson says in her post. The comedian's post has already impacted fans who praised her for this positive message. One fan commented, "I wish I had a role model like you when I was a kid."The more people like Rebel Wilson can speak out about weight stigma and body image, the better society as a whole will be. Weight gain is not inherently bad, and no one should live with guilt and shame over what their body looks like, what their exercise looks like or what they're eating. Wilson's Instagram post is a step in the right direction, and she's moving with the rest of Gen Z and Millennials fighting to eradicate weight bias and promote self acceptance. It's time for the media to catch on, too. KEEP READING: How Dance Moms Star JoJo Siwa Overcame Hate to Become a Powerful LGBTQ+ Icon

Elliot Page's 6 Most Important Lessons about Authenticity for Trans and Cisgender People
Celebrities

Elliot Page's 6 Most Important Lessons about Authenticity for Trans and Cisgender People

In December 2020, actor Elliot Page rocked the internet when he announced on social media that he is transgender. Now, a year and a half later, Page (whose pronouns are he/they and thus will be used interchangeably in this article) describes his experience in an article published by Esquire. While a transgender person's life experiences are very different than that of a cisgender person, Page's words can provide wisdom applicable to anyone's life. Elliot Page's Biggest Lesson after Transitioning Is All about JoyThe very first line in Page's Esquire article perfectly encapsulates his experience since publicly coming out in December 2020:"What have I learned from transitioning? I can’t overstate the biggest joy, which is really seeing yourself."These words describe the euphoria that comes with finally being able to be themselves and not having to conform to what outside forces expected them to be. RELATED: Why J.K. Rowling’s Controversies Crushed Harry Potter Fans and Changed Celebrity CultureThough it can be quite difficult to step into one's true identity (especially for those who are part of a marginalized or highly discriminated against group like Page), there can be such joy and freedom found in it. Page, for one, has certainly found this joy in pursuing his true self. "When I say I couldn’t have ever imagined feeling that way," he writes, "I mean that with every sense of me.""Why Is Sensitivity Weaponized" for Men, According to Elliot PageIn another quote from his Esquire piece, Elliot Page writes, "Why is sensitivity weaponized? I really feel for cis men in regard to the restraints and repression and suppression that stem from the expectations of your gender."In a patriarchal society, sensitivity isn't valued. Men are "supposed" to be strong and stoic, not emotional and sensitive. But this is categorically false. Emotions are for everyone -- men, women and non-binary people alike. "I feel bad that [men have] been brought up in a society that equates masculinity with emotionlessness," Page writes.RELATED: Billie Eilish Revealed a Secret, ‘Really Weird’ Condition – And How It Makes Her StrongerThe actor understands that sensitivity is part of the human experience, and he seems to have come to terms with allowing himself to feel that emotion. In a previous paragraph, they write, "'You're too sensitive.' Excuse me? The stuff trans people deal with on a day-to-day basis? Excuse me?" His words are laced with an attitude that declares, "How dare you tell me how to feel." And he's right. People have the right to their feelings and their truth. No one should have to suppress emotions. Besides, emotions, if not expressed, will just come out in a much less healthy manner. Self Expression Matters, No Matter Who You Are (or Where You Work)Elliot Page, Umbrella Academy, NetflixWhen the actor presented as female, Hollywood had expectations for him; one of which was wearing a dress to the Juno premiere. In the article, he recounts, "So I said I wanted to wear a suit, and Fox Searchlight was basically like, 'No, you need to wear a dress.' ...It's like: No. Regardless of me being trans!"Page describes their disdain for these constricting gender roles while looking back on that time in their life. He recalls how his costar, Michael Cera, a cis man, got to wear slacks and sneakers. But now, Page makes it clear that people should be able to express themselves any way they want. He writes, "It doesn’t matter if I’m trans or cis. Lots of cis women dress how I dress. That has nothing to fucking do with it." RELATED: Robert Pattinson Refused to Do One Dangerous Thing for The Batman, Calling It ‘Part of the Problem’Society's gender roles shouldn't dictate how a person must dress. Men, women and non-binary people should be able to express themselves in whatever way they see fit. "Jokes Have an Impact That Hurts People." In this section of their article, Page expresses how hurtful jokes can be. For the actor, he's aware that the people who claim to be joking usually believe the hurtful things they're saying -- they just use "jokes" as an excuse. "And all we’re saying is: Can you just please listen and understand the harm that it causes?" he pleads the reader.These jokes that Page is referring to are likely society's rampant transphobia, largely perpetuated by the media. Transphobia is the aversion to or discrimination against transgender people. It can come in many forms, ranging from micro-aggressions like refusing to use a trans person's pronouns, to outright physical violence. Most people don't realize that seemingly "harmless" jokes are the source of discrimination and prejudice. And that stuff hurts.RELATED: Inventing Anna’s 10 Best Quotes – And How They Can Make You Feel More AudaciousWhile not everyone has experienced prejudice or discrimination, everyone has experienced something hurtful inflicted upon them. Maybe it was hidden under the guise of a joke, but it still hurts nonetheless.Empathy is the key lesson here, and it's something that the world greatly lacks. Not everyone will understand why a person's journey is so different from their own. But it doesn't matter. People don't have to understand in order to have empathy and be kind to others.For Elliot Page, "Forgiveness Depends on the Situation" The age-old saying "forgive and forget" can't always apply to every situation. Forgiveness might be healing to some, but for others, healing comes in a different way. Page has a clear understanding of this, as he writes, "I don’t know what this thing is about always having to forgive. I don’t wish them harm, but I shouldn’t feel obligated or forced to forgive them." Maybe for others who feel similarly to the actor, forgiveness isn't an option. Things happen to people that are so traumatic, so unfair, so hurtful that they must feel however they feel in order to get through the situation. Whether that's anger, grief, sadness and everything in between, the idea that one should give forgiveness openly is actually somewhat toxic and invalidating. To balance this idea out, Page adds, "[T]here are other people who, absolutely. Of course," stating that he'd willingly provide forgiveness to some. This is a healthy way of looking at forgiveness--sometimes, forgiveness is emotionally accessible and other times it's just not, and that's okay.Elliot Page, "Gender Euphoria" and Finding Your Personal JoyAs a trans man, Elliot Page experiences a kind of euphoria that cis people don't: gender euphoria. Gender euphoria is the elation that washes over a trans person when they are embodying their gender in an authentic way or when they are affirmed for who they truly are. While most people don't experience this exact type of euphoria, everyone can find moments of joy in their lives. For Page, his other, non-gender related sources of euphoria come from "the act of waking up, making my coffee, and sitting down with a book and being able to read." He further adds, "There is a universality to that. We’ve all experienced similar versions. It would be so nice, the more and more we can realize how much we’re all in this together. The same kind of stuff that comes at me is not not affecting cis people and making cis people be confined in spaces that are expected of them. This affects us all."Page acknowledges that everyone -- cis, trans, or non-binary alike -- experience the difficulties of living in a complex world. Finding little moments of euphoria in the chaos of everything else is vital and can possibly make life just a bit easier. KEEP READING: Euphoria’s Most Biting and Powerful Quotes – And What They Say about You

Billie Eilish Revealed a Secret, 'Really Weird' Condition - And How It Makes Her Stronger
Pop Culture

Billie Eilish Revealed a Secret, 'Really Weird' Condition - And How It Makes Her Stronger

Billie Eilish has never been one to shy away from deep topics. In fact, it's one of the things her fans love about her. The 20-year-old singer is known for baring her heart in songs such as everything i wanted and idontwannabeyouanymore, the former being about suicidal ideation and the latter about self-hatred. Recently, Eilish opened up about another difficult topic on David Letterman's My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, as she talked with him about her experience living with Tourette Syndrome. RELATED: How Hilary Duff Fought ‘Horrifying’ Body Shaming with an Empowering Nude CoverTourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder that usually develops in childhood. The condition involves unwanted, repetitive and uncontrollable actions, often referred to as "tics." There are two types of tics: motor tics and vocal tics. Examples of motor tics are blinking or shrugging, while examples of vocal tics are clearing one's throat or blurting out words. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Tourette Syndrome, but there are treatments to help manage the condition. Why Did Billie Eilish Open Up about Tourette Syndrome?During the interview, Eilish started ticcing. At first, Letterman asks her, "What's going on, is it a fly?" Eilish casually tells him the lights triggered her tics. "If you film me for long enough," she says, "you're gonna see lots of tics." Letterman leans into the topic with polite curiosity, asking if the singer is open to talking about her condition. Eilish responds in the affirmative. RELATED: Robert Pattinson Refused to Do One Dangerous Thing for The Batman, Calling It ‘Part of the Problem’"It's really weird," she says, playing with the rings on her fingers. "I haven't talked about it at all. The most common way that people react is they laugh, because they think I'm, like, trying to be funny." She laughs. "I'm always left incredibly offended by that." It's completely understandable why the Happier Than Ever singer would be offended by that. Living with a condition like Tourette Syndrome is difficult enough, but having to worry about how others might react to the tics adds a whole extra layer of emotional pain and stress. RELATED: Johnny Depp Vs. Amber Heard: Why the Worst Thing about Hollywood’s Biggest Battle Might Be… Us?However, Eilish is helping reduce the stigma surrounding Tourette's by speaking candidly about her experience. According to the American Psychiatric Association, research shows that knowing someone with a condition "is one of the best ways to reduce stigma," adding, "Individuals speaking out and sharing their stories can have a positive impact." For Billie Eilish fans that might also live with Tourette's, they may feel empowered -- or at least less alone -- knowing that their favorite artist understands them.How Billie Eilish "Made Friends" with Tourette SyndromeIn concluding this portion of the interview, Letterman expresses his thanks to her for educating him on Tourette's. She replies, "I actually really love answering questions about [Tourette's] because it's very, very interesting. And I am incredibly confused by it, and I don't get it. "These are things you would never notice if you're just having a conversation with me, but for me, they're very exhausting. It's not like I like it, but it's part of me. I have made friends with it. And so now, I'm pretty confident in it."RELATED: From Mean Girl to Dropout: How Amanda Seyfried Beat a Poisonous Hollywood Stereotype"I have made friends with it" might be the most profound line of this scene. This is something that can be applied to everyone's life. Not everyone has Tourette's, but everyone has demons they wrestle with daily. Maybe they suffer from depression, bad self-image, are grieving someone or something, are under immense work stress or living with crippling anxiety. Sometimes, these demons won't go away. And the harder one fights them, the harder they fight back, and the more the person suffers. But Eilish has made friends with her demons. She doesn't like having the condition, but she acknowledges it's a part of her. She's learned to live with it instead of fighting against it. Billie Eilish is relatable -- she shows her fans that she struggles, too, whether it be mental health or tics. By speaking out on living with Tourette Syndrome, the singer continues to be a force for good and an inspiration to many.KEEP READING: How Frank Ocean Outsmarted His Record Label And What That Teaches Us About Self-Belief