a

Well, hello there! You must be looking for a new angle, a new avenue, a new way to climb that mountain of obstacles and power smash your dreams into reality. Shall we dive straight in, then? Because achieving your dreams waits for no one but you. 

a

There are many ways to go about working on yourself: lists, networking, daydreaming, and of course, the tried and true vision board. Just this year, I managed to check off almost all of my goals on my vision board, in some capacity, except for one — but who needs to graduate from a learner driver, anyway? Public transport is cheaper than petrol! And if I could do this during 2020, of all years, then you’re going to be in a much better position for success! 

a

Let me break it down for you so we can all start 2021 with a bang — so we can push ourselves, go beyond what we thought we could achieve, climb to the top of the productivity ladder. I don’t know about you, but I’m kinda tired of doing the bare minimum and not seeing results. So, let’s fight to make some personal progress!

a

Materials:

1 cork board

A box of pins, or something else that will work to hold down your images. Make sure that it is removable so you can reuse the cork board again next year.

Scissors

Access to a printer (UTS has plenty if you don’t have one at home)

Good ol’ Google Images

Laptop/computer.

a

Step 1: Realistic Goals

So, what do you want to achieve? An easy enough question you may think, but hold up my friend, this is in fact a loaded question. I recommend firstly picking a time frame, roughly between one to two years. A timeframe gives you a definite finish line, frames your goals, and helps to visualise them as achievable. Anything shorter than a year might feel too constricting, but anything longer can seem so far off.

a

Now that you’ve decided on a time frame, let’s move on to your actual goals. It’s all good to have ambition — in fact, it’s going to be crucial in life and making a vision board, but we need to contain it to a manageable size for this exercise. Ask yourself what can you realistically accomplish in a year? Figure out what the first step is to reach the finish line. If you want to start a company, then maybe something you could do this year would be attending seminars (webinars these days) that will help inform you or make an industry connection — put yourself out there!  A simple email goes a long way! Start to list what you want, and don’t limit it to career! Include goals for all aspects of your life. If you only focus on your career, then you’re subconsciously telling your brain you can only succeed in your career. Don’t forget about relationships, hobbies, and personal goals. Be inclusive and realistic. But, in saying that, you can add a visual image of your ultimate dream to the board too, just to keep your brain on track.

a

Step Two: The Fun Part — AKA Image Gathering

So, on to the part we’ve all been waiting for — Google Images! Yay! But first, a few tips. When considering your newly written list of dreams, try and find an image for each one that is clear and precise to what you want to achieve. Having vague images leads to vague visualisations and plans that will fall through. If you want to save up money for that year, then instead of finding an image of a $100 note, calculate, roughly, how much you want to save. Say realistically you’ll probably save $6,000 at the end of the year, boost it to $10,000, find an image of that number, and bam! There’s your visualisation for your savings! 

a

I upped the price because we are trying to push ourselves here, but it still should feel realistic. Really take a moment to collect these images and compare them with your list of hopes and dreams. It’s my dream to get into the publishing industry, so rather than have a picture of a book, I collected the names and logos of some of the top publishing houses and pinned them on. Now I’m writing reviews for Penguin Random House and Hachette. If you’re going to use a quote, keep it short. If your brain can’t read it at a glance, then it’s too long — so make those few words count. 

a

Being concise and varied is key. Gather multiple images for the same dream — you can pick and choose what you’ll use! Print out all your images, and get cracking on the next step.

a

Step Three: Construction

Hit play on your favourite jam and flick the switch on your design brain — it’s time to put it all together. Get out your handy scissors, cork board, and pins ready. Cut out each of your printed images and lay them out so you can see them all. If you want, you can organise them into groups like career, family, relationships — they’re all going on the same board. Now fiddle around with the images until you have an arrangement that pleases you. If you have something that is the centerpiece of your goals, I recommend you put this image in the middle to draw your eye.

a

Step Four: Visualise!

You know what you want, you’ve got beautiful images to match it, and you’ve constructed your board! Now what? Now, it’s time to put in the real work, my friend! Place your vision board somewhere that you’ll look at each day. A desk, near a door, kitchen, anywhere you pass by often. That way, every time you do wander past, your brain will have a moment to take in all the information you’ve gathered and file it away. Glancing at your vision board enough should start to kick you into gear to want to work on some of those goals. But don’t stop there: take a moment every once and awhile to properly visualise achieving these goals or how you’re going to do it. If it’s setting up that company, visualise sitting down at your laptop and sending an email to a member of the industry or having a chat on the phone.

a

It won’t take much, but visualising yourself acting on the goal and then achieving it streamlines the process in your brain, frames it as achievable, realistic, and something you’re actively wanting to do. Give it time: you’re not going to check off everything in the first few months. I only recently (and accidentally) reached one of mine, but in saying that, I had taken active steps to get it. It didn’t fall out of nowhere, I put in the effort and it may not be the finished product of my dreams, but it’s still a great success and drives me to do more!

a

a

I wish you luck on your pursuit for happiness and smashing your dreams. Keep pushing, don’t give up the fight: now is the time to get up and move! Change starts with you. You’ve got this, don’t be afraid to go an extra mile — just make sure you know it’s within your power to do so. Eventually all those extra miles, even if it’s one per year, will amount to you crossing over that finish line, turning to look back, and going, “Wow, that was a lot of work, but thank god I did it!”

The post How to Make a Vision Board and Smash Goals appeared first on VERTIGO 2020.

Friend 1 

During this uprising and fight for black lives, many of my white friends have remained silent. I have reached out to them and had conducive conversations with some that lead to them using their voices. Others have seen my disappointment in their lack of activism as an attack and either expressed conservative views in return or completely disengaged from our conversations about black lives, white privilege, and race relations all together. I was really disappointed and upset as I thought these people to be close friends and they have seen how heavily race impacts my life. Is it worth trying to repair these friendships or should I focus on finding friends who don’t need me to constantly be calling them out/educating them?

a

Friend 2

Is it counterproductive to unfollow/block people who don’t share the same views as you on things that heavily relate to you and not them? In reference to the BLM movement: I am a POC and the people in question are white. On the one hand, it’s toxic to live in an echo chamber, and we should be educating others who don’t share our opinions, but on the other hand this is a lot of labour that is exhausting to teach. They could easily search up if they really cared or wanted to learn my perspective/ lived experience!

a

Hey, friends! Boy, those are rough situations to find yourselves in and sadly, you’re not alone. You have my sincerest condolences and hopefully, even through the internet, you can feel Verti’s warm and squishy hugs (I hear they’re pretty good, so take as many as you need!). While some of us have been fortunate enough to witness the people we care about rise to the occasion, in almost equal parts, we’ve been let down immeasurably by our non-bla(c)k friends who have stayed silent. Silence has never been so deafening or so telling. A refusal to speak up and lend support to a community whose livelihood depends on it is no longer just ignorant or apathetic: it is dangerous and negligent. The sorely needed systemic change requires anti-racist work that is long term and genuine. It’s simply not enough to be ‘non-racist’ or ‘overwhelmed’, because there is an urgency that demands greater commitment and accountability from those with privilege. 

a

Both of your feelings are justified, and they deserve to be heard right now. The truth is, non-bla(c)k people have a moral obligation to put their discomfort to the side when it comes to matters related to race. Now isn’t the time to protect their feelings. Their discomfort can’t matter more than bla(c)k lives, and it’s for that very reason that we forge ahead with conversations that are difficult and uncomfortable. 

a

Friend #1, I’m thrilled to hear that you haven’t had to cut off all of your friends just yet, and that some of them have responded quite positively to your generous and appreciated attempts to educate them. Because let’s be real, despite any squirming they may have done, you offered them a gift: a way forward on the path of enlightenment. Plus, the embarrassment of being privately held accountable by someone who loves you is always far better than the future of embarrassment and alienation they’re bound to experience if they remain uninformed and unengaged in this political climate. Also, I hate to say it, because I know it’s not easy, but pal: as a non-bla(c)k person, it is on you to check your loved ones if you think they’re worth fighting for. It saves the bla(c)k people in your life from needing to, when quite frankly, we’ve burdened bla(c)k people with the emotional labour of education for far too long. Now is their time to be supported and loved as they grieve the enormous losses happening to their community. (To our bla(c)k readers, I’m talking to you. It’s time to step up the self-care and find solace in a community of people who get you, not people who give you nothing). So, the rest of us simply have to step up. Not only do these conversations advocate for your livelihood as a POC also affected by white supremacy, but it also betters the quality of your friendships (because being friends with people who show increased empathy and intelligence is only going to rock your world). 

a

Now, to both of my new friends: the way I see it, it’s ultimately up to you to decide whether or not you can tolerate friendships with people who don’t care about racism. But, as your dear friend Verti, I want better for you. Even if you’re not bla(c)k, it’s important to consider that your friend’s refusal to see the consequences of whiteness for the Black Lives Matter movement may one day be their refusal to support your community and its struggles. And if you’re bla(c)k, then it’s absolutely not worth having people around you who are incapable of understanding such a significant part of your identity and history. 

a

Here’s the thing: ignorance in 2020 is a deliberate choice. Educating others on issues that should be simple, but are often emotionally taxing and intellectually complex, is exhausting! Just like you both decided to research, read, and watch anti-racist materials to form your own opinion, they too are capable of making that same decision for themselves. Being a bla(c)k person or a POC doesn’t give you an inherent knowledge of how racism works at a structural level, so it’s naive to assume that any person can know about combating racism without doing any heavy lifting for themselves. The hardest part is starting, but we all have to start somewhere, and fortunately, it’s not as hard as we think. Almost everyone has access to Google, and there are no questions Google hasn’t answered. 

a

As for Friend #2: yes, I do believe there are things two friends or co-workers can agree to disagree on. Like, for example…does pineapple belong on pizza? Is Nicki Minaj or Cardi B the better rapper? But recognising that a system that disproportionately targets and endangers bla(c)k people needs dismantling ain’t no ‘laurel or yanny’ business. The argument here is rooted in morals. If what we’re really discussing is equality, inclusivity, and liberation, then anyone in opposition to those values isn’t ‘alternative’, they’re a dickhead and a racist. There is no gray area. So, while it’s important to recognise that almost all of us exist in echo chambers (we combat this through having real offline conversations with people in our micro and meso circles who espouse ignorant or harmful beliefs), we need to assess whether or not the people we’re educating can actually be saved, or if their opinions are just straight up intolerable. Here is a short and hopefully helpful criteria:

a

1) Can you recognise that outside of this intervention, they’ve consistently demonstrated good morals or sentiments that relate to the values of the BLM movement? 

2) Are they open to hearing an alternative perspective, or are they determined to argue with you? 

3) Are they attacking the conversation by challenging your argument, or are they coming for your intellect or character? 

4) Are they simply misinformed, or do they already own a MAGA hat and are too far gone to ever reach? 

5) Do you actually value your friendship with this person? 

a

Hopefully, answering those questions will give the two of you some helpful insight into whether or not it’s worth going through the fatigue that comes with educating others. It sucks guys, like really sucks, but wouldn’t you rather sniff out any lowkey white supremacists in your life sooner, rather than later? I know I would. The bottom line: prioritise your mental health, identify your friendship red flags and deal breakers, harness your privilege, summon that extra courage, and get real about your values and the opinions that you simply won’t entertain. It’s likely that you will lose friends and fight with loved ones along the way. Your conversations are about to get a lot more awkward. But your life will improve and you will be contributing to something far more important: a political and social struggle that really really needs us right now. 

a

So, my friends, I’ll leave you with the wise words of activist and writer Gloria Steinem: “The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off.”

Love, Verti* xx

a

a

Dear Verti is our take on an agony aunt advice column, and we would love to hear from you. To submit a response, click here.

a

*This specific post was written by our editor Sunny Adcock, who identifies as African American and Australian.

The post Dear Verti: Bla(c)k Lives Matter appeared first on VERTIGO 2020.

A disruptive fusion of traditional Chinese sounds and club beats forges the artistry of Rui Ho, a Berlin-based artist who has now touched down in Sydney.

Shanghai artist Rui Ho headlines for Club 4A this Saturday: an eccentric night of rich visuals and experimental sounds hosted by the 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art.

Enamoured by a diverse range of club genres, Rui Ho synthesises modern club influences with Chinese melodies to produce a distinctive soundscape in reflection of her lived experiences.

Rui Ho explained, “Music, as any other art form, is a reflection of who the artist is. Being able to express my identity freely in my music and keeping it current to what is going on in the world is very important.”

Making her Australian debut at Club 4A, Rui Ho’s genre-bending industrial-type sonics are hard to categorise. The artist does not fit neatly into the techno, grime or house box—and is not fazed in the slightest.

“That’s the way to be able to communicate with others, to exchange inspiration and ideas and to push the boundaries.”

As the evolution of the Berlin music scene finds its roots in  the “fuck everything” spirit, Rui Ho’s experimental style challenges modern European musical conventions.

The artist has worked with Genome 6.66Mbp, a Shanghai label known for its nuanced collective of young creatives and eccentric club nights.

Accompanied by a range of audio visual artists, Rui Ho’s sounds will be illuminated by the LED visual works of Harry Chan who playfully experiments virtual reality with Hong Kong cityscapes.

Haymarket’s Club 4A is an initiative by the 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art that celebrates Asian-Australian cultural dialogue and fosters artistic innovation. The not-for-profit organisation initiates curatorial exhibitions and workshops to develop and advocate for creatives.  

Head down to Dynasty Karaoke and experience the unprecedented sounds of Rui Ho live this Saturday. Doors open at 7pm.

Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com.au/club-4a-rui-ho

The post What’s On: Club 4A appeared first on VERTIGO 2020.

Cover image: Isabelle Coury | @issayyay

Ah, ASMR. You probably know it as the YouTube videos that your cousin showed you one time at a family barbecue, of people making fucked noises too close to a microphone. Or perhaps you are one of the few who like the spine-tingling sensation that Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response brings you (which I, personally, believe is YUCK).

Either way, I have subjected my ears to the torture that is ASMR in order to rate them all for you. You are welcome.

Soap ASMR

10/10

This is it. The pinnacle of ASMR. I’m so obsessed that my entire Instagram discover page has become videos people cutting up bars of soap for the enjoyment of my ears. The sound of each cube of soap cut from its bar is the same sound that an angel’s tear makes when it hits the ground. I didn’t understand ASMR until I heard someone cutting up little bars of soap. It’s life-changing. FACTS.

Slime ASMR

6/10

Slime ASMR was a big thing on Instagram in 2018, but I never understood the hype. There’s something about people sticking their hands in a semi-solid mass that doesn’t do it for me. It only makes me need to pee. The only thing saving this genre of ASMR from a lower score is when the slime has a foam layer on top, that shit is GOOD.

Tapping ASMR

4/10

This is almost satisfying. Almost. But – like the sound of a girl with acrylic nails sitting next to you in a lecture – it gets old fast. Really, tapping ASMR is like Jorah Mormont from Game of Thrones, you can’t deny that he’s there, and you don’t hate him, but he falls flat.

Scratching ASMR

3/10

I turned on this ASMR as background noise, and it made me want to throw my laptop into the sun, promptly followed by my own body. Scratching ASMR is like that kid who incessantly yells at the teacher as soon as they turn towards the board. Making noise loud and often enough for my brain to register that it would like to leave the building.  

Any eating ASMR

0/10

If you ever meet a person who listens to eating ASMR of their own accord, you need to run. Eating ASMR is fascinating in the way that dead bodies are fascinating, and I wouldn’t want to go anywhere near anyone who spends their free time looking at dead bodies. I’ve listened to so many different foods being eaten, right in my ears, and have discovered sounds that should be illegal. Don’t do it to yourself (but also, here’s a link to some messed up sounds).

Pickle eating ASMR

-10/10

This is the worst thing that I have ever subjected myself to. It’s so bad that it deserves its own category. No one should ever have the crunch and slurp from the hell that is a pickle thrust upon them, let alone the sound of someone chewing one in your ear. Despite this, ‘Pickle ASRM Eating Sounds/BIG Crunch/Intense | Spirit Payton’ has 26 MILLION views. My hope for humanity has never faded faster.

Whispering ASMR

-10,000,000/10

I couldn’t even make it through 10 seconds of one of these videos without feeling like the Swedish woman in my laptop was going to kidnap me and make me her adult baby. I only needed 10 seconds to know that I never wanted another person to whisper to me again. So thanks ASMR, you ruined whispering for me.

The post Fucking ASMR appeared first on VERTIGO 2020.

Cover image: Chelsy Burton | @tedlydesigns

I’ve always been a sucker for astrology. To this day, my mum sends me our daily horoscope and tells me that Astro Barry warns it’s not a good time to confront your partner about financial issues. It never dawns on her that I do not have a partner, and my issues regarding finances centre on the fact that I have none. However, I’ve always enjoyed the benefits of blaming Mercury Retrograde for appliance breakdowns, and using my star sign to justify the less attractive aspects of my personality. I’m contractually obliged to be this brutally honest and tell you that your Birks make my eyes water, it’s my nature as a Sagittarius—don’t hold me back from my zodiac truth.

I’ve never actually spent the time to question why it is that I can never sleep on a full moon, or why you should avoid exes during Venus Retrograde (I can confirm from experience this is indeed true and am still facing repercussions to prove it). Recently, in what I’m sure was my third emotional breakdown of the week (read: day), I got lost in a rabbit hole of astrological Instagram pages, and in my naivety discovered that astrology extended far beyond my star sign faux pas.

In the astrology world, it is believed that we all share an intrinsic connection to the moon, and consequently our mental, emotional, and physical states are easily affected by her movements. Yes, to some of you this may sound absolutely ridiculous. At this point, I was in my fourth consecutive hour of Netflix binging The Good Wife, so my judgement was somewhat affected. Yet, as it was recently pointed out to me, if the moon controls the ocean’s tides and we are ourselves are made up of 60% water, it’s not all that illogical a suggestion.

For those of you not yet living your best lunar lives, the moon flows through a 28 day cycle, with every stage characterised by a certain energy or spiritual metaphor. The New Moon represents intention, setting goals like mini New Year’s Resolutions, without the abandonment three days in. Then comes First Quarter, inviting us to manifest these intentions and recommit to our progress. The Full Moon follows to mark a time of release, before cycling into the third quarter with a time of —noting where you progressed and where you may need to keep focusing your energy to make improvements. It reads much like a Michelle Bridges 30 day fitness challenge, minus the pain and immediate regret.

I’ll be the first to admit I might have dived into the lunar pool a little too deep too early. I quickly learnt that not everyone appreciates being told that they really should consider exploring their Cancerian energy with some afternoon journaling and meditation. Whether you’re an Astro Barry or a Suspicious Susan, I’ve put together a few lessons the moon taught me during my lunar obsession that I think we could all benefit from, and why they might be just what you need to live your best cosmic life.

You don’t have to wait a whole year for a new beginning

I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with New Year’s Resolutions. You can’t help but get swept up in the hopeful glow of new beginnings, before suddenly conjuring up a 365 day death sentence of unrealistic expectations. This will be the year you start that nine-step fitness routine, that you write that memoir, that you drink eight, no to hell with it, nine glasses of water. Then somewhere between New Year and Valentine’s day, you find yourself in your pyjamas on the lounge eating Uber Eats waffles, trying to remember the last time you had fluids (according to a friend). But the moon is forgiving. She knows not all goals are supposed to last the year. With each cycle, she only asks that you commit for 28 days, checking in at every stage to reflect on your progress. So you didn’t stick to that digital detox this month? Don’t stress, sweet pea, there’s a new cycle just around the corner, waiting for you to start afresh.

It’s ok not to be ok today

The other day, I felt that kind of sad Holly Golightly calls ‘the Reds’ in Breakfast in Tiffany’s. You know, when “suddenly you’re afraid and you don’t know what you’re afraid of”. Usually, I solve the problem by wallowing in self-pity until someone tells me to snap out it, which I admit is not the best mental health strategy plan. The next day, while brunching with a friend, I asked her how she was when to my surprise she answered, “honestly, not great. I don’t know why but I’ve been so off the last couple of days”. “ME TOO!” I said, with perhaps too much glee. “Damn that Virgo Full Moon”, she said, shaking her fist to the sky (that bit didn’t happen, although I really wish it did).

I know we can’t always blame our mood on rocks in the sky, and that sometimes we need to take responsibility for our energies. But I think there is something in giving ourselves permission to have an off day without feeling like there’s something wrong with us. In an Instagram era where we’re all trying desperately to show only the best parts of ourselves, the not so good days in comparison just feel like a reminder that we’re failing to meet the mark. If I need a Waning Gibbious to remind me that life feels a little like the reds for all of us sometimes, but we’re still doing ok, then so be it.

Connect with your lunar babes

While a moon cycle can be a deeply emotional, insightful, and contemplative time, the cosmos is by no means an anti-social space. Astrology teaches that everything is connected—we are the universe and the universe is us. Feel into this bond by getting together your favourite lunar babes for some Full Moon fun, embracing your inner Stevie Nicks goddess. I always aim for the same level of enthusiasm as that scene in Friends, where all the girls dance carefree by a DIY rubbish bin bonfire in their apartment while burning the possessions of their exes, although I always try to exclude the bottle of Paolo’s Grappa and enforce slightly stronger safety procedure. Whatever way you choose to celebrate the release of old energies with your babes, enjoy each other’s company, listen to your fellow sisters’ stories, and take comfort in the fact that we’re all in this crazy journey together.

The post Lunacy appeared first on VERTIGO 2020.

Cover image: Ady Neshoda | @adyneshoda

International Women’s Day is an opportunity for people of all genders to reflect on the progress wom*n have made, and strive to do better. However you want to commemorate the day, we’ve got you covered. Read on for what’s on in Sydney this International Women’s Day.

Events

Political

Sydney International Women’s Day March and Rally

~ 9th March | Hyde Park North ~

Join together, march together: for women’s rights. Starting at Archibald Fountain, the march will be a demand for social change, concluding at Belmore Park. Bring your banners!

https://www.facebook.com/events/977259219139299/

Panels

IWD Breakfast

~ 8th March | The Tea Room QVB ~

Join Greens Senator Dr Mehreen Faruqi with special guests Roanna Gonsalves and Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts for a frank and open discussion on gender and race, where the voices of women of colour are privileged.

https://www.facebook.com/events/354373792012971/

IWD Forum – City of Ryde

~ 8th March | Ryde Civic Hall ~

Dee Madigan and UTS’ very own Jenna Price are leading the panel discussion and Q&A for this networking morning tea. It promises to be a collaborative event, led by women who have inspired change and gender balance in their fields.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/international-womens-day-forum-tickets-56001460877?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

INCUBATE Panel

~ 8th March | INCUBATE Hub ~

A career oriented event, INCUBATE brings together women from tech, startup, and science industries to share advice and inspire, with the added bonus of breakfast and snacks.

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/incubate-international-womens-day-panel-tickets-57575814812?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Art/Culture

Girlhood Exhibition

~ 8th March – 21st March | Hurstville Museum & Gallery ~

Lily Hogan and Jamie Parmaxidis explore the representation of gender roles in their photography and art, coming together for opening night on International Women’s Day.

https://www.facebook.com/events/763919147310799/

All About Women Festival

~ 10th March | Sydney Opera House ~

Chock-full with talks, panels, and workshops, this festival is one you won’t want to miss. There’s a jam-packed schedule with something for everyone who’s interested in the past, present, and future of global intersectional feminism.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1601801496588749/

Herland: In Search of a Female Utopia opening night

~ 8th March | The Women’s Library ~

Join curator Freÿa Black and see the work of 33 women artists asking what the future will hold, and how we will reach it.

https://www.facebook.com/events/578250122650779/

Poetry Salon (Newcastle)

~ 8th March | Hudson Street Hum ~

For anyone willing to go a bit further north, this Newcastle Poetry Salon will host original work by local women and non-binary poets, and encourages poetry fans to share their favourite work by feminist artists. As if you need any more incentive, the event will also be raising funds for local women’s group AWE.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2506166909630402/

DIY

Want to commemorate IWD from the comfort of your own home? We got you! Get together with some friends and take a day to chill out. Below are a bunch of shows, movies, podcasts, books and playlists to get you in the mood to celebrate wom*n and all we have accomplished.

Listen to the powerful tunes from wom*n across Australia and NZ on Spotify or their playlist of the 50 Great Female Voices.

If you missed it on TV the other night catch the must-see feature on Ruth Bader Ginsburg, RBG, on ABC iview. Watch even more documentaries centring badass wom*n on Netflix:

– Amy (Amy Winehouse)

– What Happened Miss Simone? (Nina Simone)

– Seeing Allred (Gloria Allred)

– Whitney: Can I Be Me (Whitney Houston)

– He Named Me Malala (Malala Yousafzai)

– Iris (Iris Apfel).

If you’re on the Netflix roll than check out the follow documentaries:

– Feminists: What Were They Thinking?

– Period. End of Sentence.

– She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry.

If you’re in a more comedic, satirical mood than binge through the two seasons of GLOW on Netflix. For movies featuring strong female leads that are sure to get you giggling, chuck on: Dumplin’, Juno, Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, or Mama Mia.

If you have a bunch of errands to run, pop on of these podcasts, perfect to listen to on-the-go:

– The Big Leap Show by Kathlyn Hart

– She Did it Her Way by Amanda Boleyn

– The History Chicks, Stuff Mom Never Told You by HowStuffWorks

– Call Your Girlfriend by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman

– 2 Dope Queens by Phoebe Robinson and Jessica Williams.

If all you want to do is curl up on the couch surrounded by half-drunk cups of tea and house plants, that is ok too. Here are some novels, short stories, autobiographies, and poetry to keep you company:

– We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi

– The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

– Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay

– Becoming by Michelle Obama

– Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman by Lindy West

– The Color Purple by Alice Walker

– The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Gilman

– Heart Talk: Poetic Wisdom for a Better Life by Cleo Wade.

If you’ve got some spare $$$ at the moment why not put your money where your mouth is and donate to one of the following worthy causes:

Dress for Success Sydney

Women’s Legal Service NSW

One Girl

Sister Works

Transcend Support

Domestic Violence Crisis Service

UN Women Au

IWDA

Lou’s Place

Hey Sis.

No matter who you are, or how you identify, take time tomorrow to be grateful for the hard work and sacrifices of generations of wom*n who came before us and how we must keep pushing for change.

The post What’s On: International Women’s Day appeared first on VERTIGO 2020.

Cover image: Erin Sutherland | @ezose.png

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has been an annual celebration of queer love and power for over 40 years. What began as a protest of 2000 individuals commemorating the Stonewall riots has evolved into a multi-week celebration and festival attended by over 400 000 people. Mardi Gras is a time for us to celebrate who we are and how far we’ve come. Whether you’re a queer who loves to party, or you just want a quiet night in: we have something for you!

GOING OUT

If you’re planning on going out on Mardi Gras make sure to grab a bunch of mates, some biodegradable glitter, and a pride flag before you head out. First stop: the parade! The official parade up Oxford St will run from 7pm-10pm and is a must see. You will see floats from queer groups, community supporters, and of course the famous 78ers. To ensure you get a great viewing spot click here to see the parade route map. To get the best view, we recommend getting there a bit early and staking out a prime viewing location. After the parade wraps up you’ll want to continue the celebration, so check out this list of after parties—there’s one for everyone:

The classic

Party is the most well known and well attended Mardi Gras after party—being the official party hosted by Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Expect to be surrounded by literally thousands of people and to party well into early Sunday morning. You need stamina for this one! Party leans slightly towards a more mlm crowd so if that’s not your thing check out one of our other options below.

For queer womn

Hosted at the Metro Theatre, GiRLTHING Mardi Pardi: Island of Lesbos is exactly what it sounds: a utopia for queer womn. Whilst the sapphic vibes run strong, all are welcome! This event has sold out for the last nine years and is not to be missed.

If you want something on a slightly smaller scale, then Empire’s Mardi Gras: Palm Springs will be right up your sleeve. With an all female line up sure to get you dancing and a #NoGirlLeftBehind policy, you’re sure to have a blast at this wonderful, and safe, oasis.

Come one, come all

Join Heaps Gay for their biggest party of the year post the parade: Heaps Gay Camp Country! Hosted at Manning Bar and with tickets from $29, Camp Country is one of the more accessible after parties and has a stacked lineup of international and local talent.

Be sure to also check out some queer Sydney institutions such as: Stonewall Hotel, The Imperial, ARQ Sydney and The Beresford.

STAYING IN

We know that going out isn’t everyone’s pot of tea, so we’ve created a list of fun things to do from the comfort of your own home.

Watch the parade

The next best thing to being there is watching the parade live on TV. In fact, sometimes it might even be better without the stress of trying to squeeze your way through the crowd just for a glimpse of a float. Grab a bowl of popcorn and watch the live stream from SBS!

Host an event

Want to throw your very own Mardi Gras in your backyard? We’ve got you! Invite all your best mates with instructions to dress in full queer getup. Deck your place out in a shit tonne of rainbow flags and balloons. Taste the rainbow with multicolour snacks and some themed cocktails (e.g.Ricky Martini). Play games such as: pin the wig on the drag queen, and rainbow pinata. Make sure to put on a banging playlist, we recommend Spotify’s Mardi Gras Party mix.

Chill out

If you simply want to just sit in front of the TV all night but still want to feel vaguely on theme, here are a list of go-to movies and shows sure to help you binge your way through the weekend:

– Ellen Page’s Gaycation (SBS On Demand)

– Why not rewatch Drag Race for the 60th time? (Stan)

– The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson (Netflix)

– Please Like Me (Netflix)

– The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (Netflix)

– Queer Eye (Netflix)

– Sense8 (Netflix)

– Moonlight (Stan)

– Will & Grace (Stan)

– Paris is Burning (Netflix)

– Carol (SBS On Demand)

– Tangerine (Stan)

– San Junipero, Black Mirror (Netflix)  

Whatever you choose to do this Mardi Gras, have fun, be safe, and enjoy the glitter.

The post Your Guide to Mardi Gras: Staying In vs. Going Out appeared first on VERTIGO 2020.

Illustrations: Romy Lester | @romaji_draws

Vertigo Volume 1: DISRUPT is on stands from 28 February 2019! In its honour, Vertigo’s editorial and design team have created a disruptive acrostic poem with words that best describe them. Read on to understand your Vertigo team a little better, and get hyped for our very first volume of 2019. 

D is for Descriptive — adjectives, adverbs, metaphors, similes…just fuck me up.

~ Lily Cameron: Editor

I is for Insurgent — I like to challenge the routine and hold those in power to account. Rebellion and chaos are where I work best.

~ Elizabeth Green: Editor

S is for Sassy — what’s a conversation without a bit of sass? Always be prepared for some attitude around me.

~ Susie Newton: Editor

R is for Ruckus — I like to overturn and challenge the predictable creative standards. The aim is always to induce a reaction.

~ Ady Neshoda: Creative Director

U is for Universal — I try to be disruptive large scale because we ain’t playing games out here no more. Go big or go home

~ Sharen Samson: Editor

P is for Peculiar — some may see my design as strange, but I use it as an outlet of self expression. What does that say about me?

~ Marissa Vafakos: Creative Director

T is for Troublemaker — I like to shake things up and have a little fun. Never satisfied with the status quo.

~ Georgia Wilde: Editor

The post Meet the Vertigo Team appeared first on VERTIGO 2020.

A letter to the game changers, the people who find comfort in the uncomfortable, to the unapologetically ambitious but most of all, to you: the women of UTS.

Spaces and opportunities in professional spheres are fewer and far between for women than they are for men. We know that in the boardrooms of Australia there are more men named John running companies than there are women. Or Peter, or David. We see a different future of professional empowerment. Starting with fostering successful careers and building diverse, supportive relationships, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to change this, starting at UTS.

Introducing Kick Your Heels Off Networking. KYHO provides a contemporary approach to networking and mentoring which will enable students to increase their career prospects and industry-ready interpersonal skills. It is a rare opportunity to connect and create with like-minded, proactive students and esteemed professionals all through monthly networking sessions. The events will be hosted by us, featuring an inspirational guest speaker, in a relaxed environment where you feel as though you can kick your heels off, be yourself and give a voice to your dreams in hopes there will be a connection in the room who can bring it into fruition. After attending an event you will leave empowered, confident and hopeful—along with contacts and marketable skills.

The idea was a collaborative effort between two friends and peers, Kyra Blake and Taylor Gwyther. It was amidst a passionate rant about the lack of opportunities both socially and professionally at UTS. After going back and forth with what we wish existed on campus, we had unintentionally outlined a complete plan for a society, an environment where girls can network without the pressures of formality, somewhere to “kick your heels off” and relax. As soon as Kyra said “kick your heels off,” we immediately knew we had our name and mission. After further brainstorming, we began the journey of creating a society and community: KYHO Networking, for the unapologetically ambitious. We hope you’ll come along with us.

KYHO Networking fundamentally believes that talent and passion come from all walks of life and opportunities should be for everyone. We know that diversity drives organisations and each individual brings unique capabilities and perspectives to the table. We are committed to inclusivity and strongly encourage participation and membership from diverse backgrounds to join our network, particularly Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQI+ individuals, and people experiencing physical or mental disabilities or disadvantage.

Before we sign off this letter we want to leave you with some food for thought by Selene Kinder:

“I wish more women realised that helping another woman win, cheering her on, praying for her, or sharing a resource with her, does NOT take away from the blessings coming to them. In fact, the more you give the more you receive. Empowering women does not come from selfishness but rather selflessness.”

And with that we invite you to become a member of KYHO and join the movement. You can do this by staying up-to-date with us on Facebook and Instagram, or dropping into our O-Day stall on the 28th of February in Building 1.

With only love,

Taylor, Kyra & the KYHO team.

The post Kick Your Heels Off: a new mentoring society appeared first on VERTIGO 2020.

Art: Alice Guo | @aliguoart

Chinese New Year, an auspicious time of family, food and fortune in the form of lucky red pockets. Or if you’re like me, it’s a glorified bribe to attend a dinner with your extended family who you only see once a year but nonetheless ask you dull questions about why you’re still single, when you’re going to finish your law degree and when you’re going to get a real job. In the spirit of festivities, I’ll be giving you the highs and lows of the Year of the Pig in 2019.

The Chinese zodiac is made up of 12 animals that each represent a year in a cycle equivalent to a full orbit of Jupiter. According to your birth year, yin and yang, and elements of water, wood, fire, earth and metal, Chinese astrologers can determine what kind of year you’re going to have. And if you’re still not convinced, old wise Chinese people have been this shit doing this since the Qin dynasty! What have you done recently?

 Rat 

Born in 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008.

Let’s be honest, you had kind of a shitty year in 2018 but don’t stress because things are looking up. Your career will be a priority and big gains are waiting for you at the beginning of this new year. This means you have to hustle hard in the next few weeks if you want to get that bread. Overall, 2019 is all about relaxation and working smart, not hard; be patient and know when to act and when to wait. As the Year of the Rat is fast approaching after the Pig, a period of transition awaits you, it’s time to declutter and shift your priorities.*

*Paid sponsorship for the KonMari method.

 Ox 

Born in 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009.

A few ups and downs await you in 2019, especially at the beginning of the new year, but things will eventually settle down and you’ll find yourself craving more independence towards the end. At work, you’ll experience a few curveballs in the next few months, so buckle up and get ready for a challenge. This year is a good time to embrace your creative passions and go travelling, but be wary of fatigue and food poisoning.

 Tiger 

Born in 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010.

Although 2018 left you feeling confident, success will not come as easily this year and you’ll be forced to rely on your pals to get you through tough times. Validation at work and positive changes are forecasted in your career but plot twist: a jealous colleague, one who helped lift you up, may now stab you in the back — et tu, Brute? On the upside, excluding back stabbings, your health is looking mighty fine! Sorry single Tigers, but love may not be on the cards this year and it may be better for you to cut your losses and focus on strengthening your friendships (thank u, next).

 Rabbit 

Born in 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011.

Rabbits can expect a more fruitful year as long as you stay focused and avoid distractions. When you do experience some bad luck though, it’ll affect your health first so remember to exercise and soak up that vitamin-D. Over in the romance department, single Rabbits will meet a lot of interesting new people but alas, may not find The One. Already loved up Rabbits will see the Year of the Pig as a test of patience that could potentially end in failure if they’re not vigilant. Be extra careful in August of theft and bodily injury. If you have travel plans, there’s no shame in whipping out that dusty beige neck pouch.

 Dragon 

Born in 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012.

This year will see less obstacles compared to the last, however the Dragon is not entirely compatible with the Pig, so be aware of your stubborn nature. You’ll see significant improvement in your studies and believe it or not, it’s going to be a great time for exams! Dragons are dreamers at heart and are constantly thinking about your next big project. The Year of the Pig will prove to be a spiritual time where you reflect on past achievements and spend time with family.

 Snake 

Born in 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013.

Sorry to break it to you, but while 2018 may have been a lucky year for you, the Year of the Pig will bring mixed results peppered with many small disappointments. Since a lot of negative energy will surround you in 2019, use this time to rest and avoid taking big risks. If it’s any small consolation, all my fellow part-time employees will discover new opportunities this year but will simultaneously find it hard to stay focused in your studies. Don’t even think about romance and prepare yourself for a big let down. All in all, it’s sort of going to be a crappy year. Bummer!

 Horse 

Born in 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014.

Prepare to enter your cyclical hibernation, an organised withdrawal to reflect on the past 11 years. Your existential development and relationships with family and friends will be strengthened as you find more time to rejuvenate at home. 2019 is the perfect year to prioritise long-forgotten hobbies and plan ambitious future projects. The biggest thing you have to worry about is reckless driving — buckle up, buttercup!

 Goat 

Born in 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015.

The past two years may have left you down in the dumps but the tides have finally turned. You will finally reap the rewards of your peaceful nature and gentle creativity so count your lucky stars because success is yours for the taking! Power, affirmation, love are all things that await you this year — you name it, let’s get it.

 Monkey 

Born in 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016.

The Year of the Pig is going to be a decent year with steady growth for you. However, you may find yourself encountering challenges in your studies, making some subjects seem impossible from the very beginning. It might be a good time to befriend the smart kid in class. Brush up on your love language because romance is on the horizon for single Monkeys, flirty pals will seem to appear left, right and centre and passionate emotions are on the cards — someone already in your circle of friends may surprise you this year. Meanwhile, monkeys already in a relationship will experience reignited passions.

 Rooster 

Born in 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017.

Settle in for a comfortable year that will certainly be less stressful than 2018. In work and studies, you’ll still need to really hustle and put more effort in to see any positive strides. While there may be some significant changes in your love life (a mixture of good and bad), there’s a high chance of the return of an unexpected problem from the past that will have some seriously bad juju. Spooky!

 Dog 

Born in 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018.

Last year was undoubtedly an absolute shit show; 2018 was the Year of the Dog, which pretty much meant that you were surrounded by all the unlucky stars and destined to fail. The good news is that it’s over! Congrats my fellow Dogs, you’ve made it and we’re going to have a killer year. The focus on home will become a vital source of energy, while your career prospects will soar with hard work and charm. Dress to impress, because budding romances are coming your way and those in a relationship will find it to be a good time to take things further.

 Pig 

Born in 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019.

As we all approach the last cycle of the zodiac and wrap up one full orbit of Jupiter, you’re entering your zodiac year. Contrary to popular belief, it may be your year, but it won’t be your year. I’m not going to sugarcoat it: you’re fucked. For you, the Year of the Pig will be your most unlucky year with trouble and danger lurking around every corner. To sum it up, don’t take any big risks, don’t change jobs, don’t invest, don’t even go outside. My word of advice is to lay low and wear red to ward off bad energy. Good luck, you’re going to need it.

The post Rags or Riches: Your Year According to Chinese Zodiac appeared first on VERTIGO 2020.