Joanna C. Valente is a human who lives in Brooklyn, New York. They are the author of Sirs & Madams (Aldrich Press, 2014), The Gods Are Dead (Deadly Chaps Press, 2015), Marys of the Sea (2016, ELJ Publications) & Xenos (2016, Agape Editions). They received their MFA in writing at Sarah Lawrence College. Joanna is also the founder of Yes, Poetry, as well as the managing editor for Civil Coping Mechanisms and Luna Luna Magazine. Some of their writing has appeared in Prelude, BUST, The Atlas Review, The Feminist Wire, The Huffington Post, Columbia Journal, and elsewhere. Joanna also leads workshops at Brooklyn Poets.
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Interview with Joseph P. O'Brien, Editor of Flapperhouse
Joseph P. O'Brien is the Managing Editor of Flapperhouse. His short fiction has appeared in Matchbook, The Alarmist, and The Rusty Nail. Non-fiction at El Jamberoo. Lives in Brooklyn with his lovely wife and their very popular dog.
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What You Mean When You Say Lady Gaga Has a Belly
BY LISA MARIE BASILE
When you say that "Lady Gaga has a tummy," you're saying so much more than that. And I think you know it. First, let's just get the obvious out of the way: she's not overweight and she doesn't have a tummy. (Also, it would be 100% OK if she did). Bear in mind we did this with Beyoncé as well, whose body seems very much to be something people continuously feel they have a right to comment on. If we're holding legitimately straight-sized women to such an impossible standard — what does it mean for women who are a size 6, 8, 12, 16, 22 or so forth? According to Refinery 29, the average woman or 67% of the population, is size 14 or larger. And what's more is that we're doing it to ourselves. #MindBlown.
So, when you say these things, you're actually saying:
1. I am disregarding the millions of people who are considered plus-size or "fat," and who are shamed day in and out because of it. You are disregarding the struggle that millions of people face by using language that encourages hate. Especially when you target someone who very literally benefits from the privilege of being considered thin and beautiful 99% of the time (except, apparently, during the Superbowl or when she happens to gain a few pounds, as humans do). Not to mention, you're disregarding the many people (including Gaga) who have developed disordered eating as a result of this social shaming.
2. I am assuming that having fat or being a plus size person is bad. When you ridicule someone for having a tummy, you're assuming that tummies automatically bad. Guess what? Skin is skin. A tummy is a tummy. You can be big or small, fit or unhealthy, tall or short — and still have a belly.
3. I am alienating the millions of women who are mothers or who have a post-baby body. News alert. Having a baby stretches your skin! What do you think women are dealing with post-partum body changes think and feel when this detritis gets published all over the Internet? Most of the people attacking Gaga's body are women, including mothers. What do you think your message sounds like to them? Regardless of whether or not Gaga has a belly (she doesn't, it's called skin and tight shorts), you're basically saying, "anyone who has THAT isn't good enough."
4. I am commenting on her appearance rather than commenting on her work as an artist, which means that I am furthering the idea that women are just objects. Whether or not you thought Gaga's performance at the Superbowl was political enough or not doesn't matter. She's an award-winning artist who trains and works hard to put on her stage shows, she actually can sing, and she's taken a lot of risks in her career. Whatever you think about her, at least acknowledge the foundational facts before jumping right ahead with your vapid opinions. You may struggle with ridding yourself of the ideological garbage Patriarchal society has pumped straight into your veins, so it might be hard not to judge a woman by her looks. After all, you've been conditioned to do so. But if you think it and then correct yourself — and then take the time to figure out why you're thinking these things, that's very different from posting a status that says, "Just watched Lady Gaga's performance. She has a belly!" Keep that shit to yourself.
5. I am disregarding the power of fitness. Your size doesn't always indicate your ability to dance, move, stretch or perform crazy stage shows that require insane amounts of strength or cardio ability. So when you judge someone on their non-existent tummy while they're dancing and running and jumping, you're choosing to disregard the amazing feat that is happening so you can comment on something so completely inconsequential.
6. I am contributing to social illness. Look, you're part of the problem. I know it hurts to hear it, but women — especially minority women, like Beyoncé, who dealt with this before Gaga — are constantly at a disadvantage. They are consistently questioned about their bodies, confronted about weight gain and reduced to slabs of meat. Don't contribute to that. Women have it hard enough. Be an ally.
7. I am judging myself. When we spread hate about other people, we are usually doing so from a center of internalized pain. That isn't the sort of pain that wins you sympathy. That's a sickness, and it needs to be eliminated. Whatever your fears, failings or self-esteem issues are, you don't need to project them onto others. You can deal with that on your own time. It's not always easy, and no one is perfect — but you have to start somewhere.
Lisa Marie Basile is the author of Apocryphal (Noctuary Press) and a few chapbooks, including Andalucia (Poetry Society of New York) and war/lock (Hyacinth Girl Press). She’s the editor-in-chief of Luna Luna Magazine. Her work has been published in Best Small Fictions, Tarpaulin Sky, Spork Press, The Atlas Review, PANK, The Rumpus, Huffington Post, the Tin House blog and Ampersand Review. Some of her work can be seen in Greatist, Marie Claire, Hello Giggles, Bustle and more.
Photograph courtesy of Field Day
An Interview with Trinity Cross of Field Day & Friends in Oakland, California
I think about the smell of the earth after it rains when I think about wilderness. I think about wild animals. Speaking personally, I am currently trying to figure out a way to get out of the city. So, I think I embrace these things that make me feel like I'm more a part of the earth, through gardening, or through making herbal products, or through doing rituals with the Moon, or different things that I do just to feel grounded and on the actual earth because, living in the city, I feel like sometimes we get so caught up in the grind of just trying to pay our bills, or trying to be a good friend, or trying to take care of our animals, or trying to take care of our other friends who are upset that we lose sight of the fact that we are actually in the wilds. If we collapsed all these buildings and nobody did anything in a hundred years, then it would all turn back to the wilds.
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Photography by Toby Penney
Toby Penney is a southern artist working in paint, photography, printmaking and multiple sculpture media. She creates work accepting, even glorifying simple objects and fleeting moments. Penney holds a sculpture degree from Middle Tennessee State University. From 2005 until 2010 she held a Vitreography internship with Master Printmaker Judith O’Rourke at Harvey K. Littleton Studios, in Western North Carolina. She was honored when asked by the studio to photograph the process for the first Littleton sanctioned studio manual/ book about Vitreography. In the Fall of 2008 Toby was the guest artist in the printmaking department at Penland School of Craft, working with book/paper artist Frank Brannon of Speak Easy Press. Find Penney’s paintings in private and corporate collections and museums. Her images can be found on the cover of Professional Artist Magazine and Hellbent Magazine and featured in Numinous Magazine, Feroce Magazine, and Polonium II, a book by David Downs, among others. She is currently developing a new publication featuring interviews with working artists and crafts people as well as exploring film making as a medium to expand her voice.
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Witchy World Roundup - February 2017
Joanna C. Valente is a human who lives in Brooklyn, New York. They are the author of Sirs & Madams (Aldrich Press, 2014), The Gods Are Dead (Deadly Chaps Press, 2015), Marys of the Sea (2016, ELJ Publications), & Xenos (2016, Agape Editions). They received their MFA in writing at Sarah Lawrence College. Joanna is also the founder of Yes, Poetry, as well as the managing editor for Luna Luna Magazine and CCM. Some of their writing has appeared in Prelude, The Atlas Review, The Feminist Wire, BUST, Pouch, and elsewhere. They also teach workshops at Brooklyn Poets.
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Via here.
Sangre al hospital: Poetry by Sheila Maldonado
Sheila Maldonado is the author of the poetry collection one-bedroom solo (Fly by Night Press, 2011). Her 2nd publication, that's what you get, is forthcoming from Brooklyn Arts Press.
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Via here.
Body-Positive & Beginner Workouts for Witches Who Hate The Gym
BY LISA MARIE BASILE
I can think of nothing worse than the gym. Full disclosure: I do GO to the gym. And I hate every second of it. I'm also wickedly allergic to the self-righteous proselytizing of pseudo-yogis and workout buffs who believe their workout is the best workout or that I MUST go Paleo, like yesterday. No, thanks, I'm good. Here's the simple reality: everyone is different in their workout goals and abilities, and everyone likes different things. You may love barre, but I find that shit unbearable. And that's OK!
If you prefer to be reading a book (or writing a book) or casting a spell, you can still get your blood going (so, you know, you stay alive). I rounded up some of the workouts I like because the instructors are down-to-earth and fun to listen to. I also tried to include instructors who are body-positive and forgiving, because if you can't do the high kick, don't do the damn high kick.
Yoga With Adrienne
Adrienne is great because she's calm, chill and encouraging — and she even cracks a few jokes here and there. She's still pretty serious, so you'll learn a lot from her and you'll learn how important it is to do this for you. And her 30-day yoga program is the best.
Blogilates 30-day flexibility challenge
I love Blogilates. Cassey is the most lively, lovely, inspiring woman — and every single video she makes is SO thoughtful and quality.
Seated Workout for People With Disabilities or Injuries
It's so important to remember that working out and ableism often go hand in hand. Here's a great, high-energy workout that people can do in their seats if they have some mobility.
Hip-Opening Yoga class
Jessamyn Stanley is amazing. She's super friendly and she busts misconceptions about yoga, making sure her viewers are comfortable and inspired. She has a bundle plan and an app — and you can get it all here.
KymNonStop's Kickboxing At Home Class
I love this woman! She's really fun to work out with — she keeps your energy high, her workouts are easy to do in a small apartment and she will WORK YOU.
Curvy Fit Club With Ashley Graham
Ashley Graham is incredible — she's been working super hard to prove that size is NOT an indicator of fitness or health. She's strong, powerful and super down-to-earth. All you need here is a low-resistance workout band.
Beginner's Belly Dance Workout
This workout is SO fun. Veena and Neena Bidasha, sisters, show you how to do some basic moves and then incorporate them into a workout. I also included another video I love.
Ab Workout....In Bed
If you're in bed all day and NOT getting up....this is it.
Workout for Arthritis
As someone with an autoimmune disorder that causes arthritis, I know the importance of keeping those knees healthy and strong. This video can help.
Standing Ab Workout with 1 Dumbbell
If you hate to workout and are bored by crunches, this workout is relatively easy and fun.
Lisa Marie Basile is the founding editor-in-chief of Luna Luna Magazine and moderator of its digital community. Her work has appeared in The Establishment, Bustle, Bust, Hello Giggles, Marie Claire, Good Housekeeping, Cosmopolitan and The Huffington Post, among other sites. She is the author of Apocryphal (Noctuary Press), war/lock (Hyacinth Girl Press), Andalucia (The Poetry Society of New York) and Triste (Dancing Girl Press). Her work can be found in PANK, the Tin House blog, The Nervous Breakdown, The Huffington Post, Best American Poetry, PEN American Center, The Atlas Review, and the Ampersand Review, among others. She has taught or spoken at Brooklyn Brainery, Columbia University, New York University and Emerson College. Lisa Marie Basile holds an MFA from The New School. @lisamariebasile
Cagatay Orhan
Poetry & Interview with Lupe Méndez
Originally from Galveston, TX, Lupe Méndez is published poet, educator, Librotraficante and Canto Mundo Fellow. His poetry has been published in Huizache, Nakum, La Noria and Glassworks. He is currently an On-Line MFA Candidate at the University of Texas @ El Paso. www.thepoetmendez.org
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Photo by Lisa Marie Basile/Instagram
Luna Luna's Resistance Reading Event + Woman's March Huddle Group
BY LISA MARIE BASILE
Luna Luna Resists: Protest, Lit, Community
February 5, 5-8pm.
Luna Luna Magazine presents a night of poetry, prose and dialogue in the spirit of resistance & community support. Partnering with GAMBA Magazine at the Gamba Forest space in Brooklyn, Luna Luna will host short readings and a space for informal discussion and conversation around support, organizing and personal stories. Each reader will present 1-2 short pieces. Drinks will be available for purchase. There will be a few intermissions and time for talking. We encourage people to bring friends and family. We especially welcome women, people of color, immigrants and other marginalized groups that are at risk under the Trump administration. RSVP HERE.
READER LINEUP
Lisa Marie Basile
Monica Lewis
Rowana Abbensetts
Jessica Reidy
Shafina Ahmed
Dianca London
Trish Grisafi
Melissa Hunter Gurney
Tala Abu Rahmeh
Stephanie Valente
Mercy L. Tullis-Bukhari
Joanna Valente
Karina Vahitova
Chris Carr
Christine Stoddard
Ronna Lebo
Olivia Kate Cerrone
Deniz Ataman
Yi Wu
Nicola Maye Goldberg
Jasmine Dreame Wagner
Writer, Blogger & Journalist's Huddle — Empowerment & Action via Women's March "First We Marched Now We Huddle"
March 4, 2pm
Lisa Marie Basile is the founding editor of Luna Luna Magazine. She is the author of Apocryphal (Noctuary Press) and a few chapbooks, including Andalucia (Poetry Society of New York) and war/lock (Hyacinth Girl Press). Her work has been published in Best Small Fictions, Tarpaulin Sky, The Atlas Review, PANK, The Rumpus, Huffington Post, the Tin House blog and Ampersand Review. She's also a journalist and editor. Entropy recently named one of her essays a Best-Read for 2016.
We Love Funky Town Pomade-Sad Girl Cosmetics
...a small business with an old-school heart and a politicized spirit.
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Alessandro Viaro
Poetry by Claire Akebrand
Claire Åkebrand is a Poetry MFA student at the University of Utah. Her poems have appeared in The Beloit Poetry Journal, Eunoia Review, Fire in the Pasture: Twenty-First Century Mormon Poets, and Splash of Red.
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Xander Ashwell
Poetry by Andrea Beltran
Andrea Beltran is a poet and graduate student from El Paso, Texas. She’s also the Project Director for ForWord, a BorderSenses community project for teens that strives to connect, inspire, and evolve ideas about writing. Her poems have recently appeared in Word Riot, Mom Egg Review, Superstition Review, and Acentos Review.
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These Powerful #NoBanNoWall Photos Prove That We Need to Keep Resisting
I don't think I need to preface these photographs except that they give me hope. These protests give me a lot of hope during this dark & dismal time, like many others. I woke up today feeling sad, tired, angry, and confused. I protested on Sunday at Battery Park (as I was personally unable to go to JFK the night before). It did a lot for my spirit, and I'm hoping these protests are an indication of the political energy and activism we need for the days forward. Looking at all the protest photos on social media is giving me that glimmer of something I need. I'm not entirely sure if it's just hope, but it's the knowledge that other humans do care about each other. It's easy to forget this, especially now.
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Lior Zaltzman, via Twitter
This Anti-Trump Art Illustrates Why We Can't Forget About the Holocaust
In times of protest, we rely on artists. We rely on them to create bold works of art that say, and see, what the public understand but can't always articulate. Great art allows us to see ourselves objectively, to evaluate and analyze ourselves and the outside world. Now more than ever, we need real stories from people, showcasing the various perspectives that America is home to.
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