Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
vendredi 5 juin 2020
Growing Up Biracial, Tia Mowry Noticed Differences in How Her Parents Were Treated
Tia Mowry is sharing her thoughts on white privilege as it pertains to her own family. As a biracial daughter to a Black mother and white father, Tia saw instances in which her father's inherent privilege was made apparent when juxtaposed with her mother's experiences. In an Instagram post accompanied by a photo of Tia with sister Tamara and their mother at a 2007 movie premiere, Tia reflects on her Sister, Sister days and what she hopes will come of the current movement toward racial justice.
"Growing up #biracial, mom is black and dad is white, it was very clear to me seeing the #privilege that my dad had as opposed to my #mother," she wrote. "Some examples, during our #sistersister days when traveling for work we would often fly first class. There were several times my mother was asked if she was in the right seat."
Tia shared another example from when her family was looking to buy their first house. When Tia walked into a model home with her mother and siblings, her mom was told the houses were sold out. Once her dad walked in behind them, "it was a different story."
Related: This Teen Breaks Down 16 of the Unwritten Rules He Has to Follow as a Young Black Man
Although those stories date back to the '90s, Tia is hoping that change is truly coming over 20 years later. "My #goal is to see #change. This year has been a tough year. Several tears have been shed. However, a friend told me these tears will not be wasted. The #love and #support around the world has kept me going," she wrote. "A #change is gonna come."
A Small Step: 47 Toys to Diversify Your Child’s Toy Bin
In addition to educating your children about race, diversifying your kids' bookshelves and toy bins is part of doing the work to ensure you're raising a child who is antiracist, now and always. Babies begin to learn about race from 3 months old, so fostering meaningful conversations and teaching the concepts of inclusivity and representation can't come early enough.
Keep scrolling to see some of the best diverse toys - dolls, games, puzzles, coloring supplies, and more - that represent a wide variety of races, cultures, and abilities. Diversifying your child's playroom is just one small step, but it's a start.
Make Room in Your TBR Pile, Because These 25 Books Coming Out in June Deserve a Spot
Your summer reading list is about to get so much longer. June's new book releases include the latest novel from thriller favorite Riley Sager, the buzzy debut A Burning, and plenty of books that are just begging to be read in the sunshine. Whether you're looking for nonfiction with a side of sass or historical fiction that spans decades, the best books of June are here to help you kick off this summer right. Read on to discover all the best reads hitting shelves this month, and don't forget to check out May's best books picks, too, because your TBR deserves it.
Make Room in Your TBR Pile, Because These 25 Books Coming Out in June Deserve a Spot
Your summer reading list is about to get so much longer. June's new book releases include the latest novel from thriller favorite Riley Sager, the buzzy debut A Burning, and plenty of books that are just begging to be read in the sunshine. Whether you're looking for nonfiction with a side of sass or historical fiction that spans decades, the best books of June are here to help you kick off this summer right. Read on to discover all the best reads hitting shelves this month, and don't forget to check out May's best books picks, too, because your TBR deserves it.
9 Podcasts That Interrogate Race in the Running Community, Featuring Female Athletes of Color
Running is a sport that's accessible and open to people of different physical abilities, races, genders, sexual orientations, and body types - anyone (yes, anyone) can run. But that doesn't mean the running community has always been as inclusive as it can and should be, a shortcoming that all runners need to reconcile with and actively work to change. For many, the first step is educating yourself and learning to listen.
The work is ongoing when it comes to race in the running community, but it's being done every day by Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) who run, coach, lead, and speak out to create change. Below, you'll find a small sampling of podcasts addressing the issues around race in the running and outdoor communities, and featuring female runners of color who are leading the way to inclusivity. Play one on your next run, listen up, and get informed. When you're done, here are more ways you can support racial justice from home.
9 Podcasts That Interrogate Race in the Running Community, Featuring Female Athletes of Color
Running is a sport that's accessible and open to people of different physical abilities, races, genders, sexual orientations, and body types - anyone (yes, anyone) can run. But that doesn't mean the running community has always been as inclusive as it can and should be, a shortcoming that all runners need to reconcile with and actively work to change. For many, the first step is educating yourself and learning to listen.
The work is ongoing when it comes to race in the running community, but it's being done every day by Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) who run, coach, lead, and speak out to create change. Below, you'll find a small sampling of podcasts addressing the issues around race in the running and outdoor communities, and featuring female runners of color who are leading the way to inclusivity. Play one on your next run, listen up, and get informed. When you're done, here are more ways you can support racial justice from home.
7 Trans Makeup Influencers You Should Be Following on Social Media
If you've ever wondered how to contour, what new makeup products to try, or how to really get your skin to glow, beauty influencers have the answers. Countless YouTube vloggers have segments dedicated to everything from fixing flyaway hairs to applying highlighter, but some of the best come from members of the trans community. Trans voices thrive in this space, thanks not only to the numerous need-to-know makeup tips they share but also in large part to the unique experiences they have faced in the beauty world (and life in general) that they have so openly shared along the way.
From Nikita Dragun to Gigi Gorgeous, these beauty vloggers have paved the way for makeup-lovers in the trans community and beyond. Some of these stars started with just a handful of loyal followers and they are now are widely known all around the world, while others were well-versed in the makeup space well before coming out, like NikkieTutorials. Each person has had a different journey, and their experiences have helped shape their love for beauty, and it shows in the content they produce.
By following these trans beauty influencers, you can learn everything you need to know about makeup while also showing your support the LGBTQ+ community. Read ahead to feel inspired to get your glam on.
7 Trans Makeup Influencers You Should Be Following on Social Media
If you've ever wondered how to contour, what new makeup products to try, or how to really get your skin to glow, beauty influencers have the answers. Countless YouTube vloggers have segments dedicated to everything from fixing flyaway hairs to applying highlighter, but some of the best come from members of the trans community. Trans voices thrive in this space, thanks not only to the numerous need-to-know makeup tips they share but also in large part to the unique experiences they have faced in the beauty world (and life in general) that they have so openly shared along the way.
From Nikita Dragun to Gigi Gorgeous, these beauty vloggers have paved the way for makeup-lovers in the trans community and beyond. Some of these stars started with just a handful of loyal followers and they are now are widely known all around the world, while others were well-versed in the makeup space well before coming out, like NikkieTutorials. Each person has had a different journey, and their experiences have helped shape their love for beauty, and it shows in the content they produce.
By following these trans beauty influencers, you can learn everything you need to know about makeup while also showing your support the LGBTQ+ community. Read ahead to feel inspired to get your glam on.
The Biggest Difference Between Barre and Pilates, and Why You Probably Love Them Both
My home workout routine is mainly focused on loosening my tight joints while stretching and strengthening my body in a way that promotes good posture to prevent WFH pains - which is why Pilates and barre YouTube workouts are my new go-tos.
But the more I press play on the two fitness methods, the more I ask myself: what are the actual differences between Pilates and barre, anyway?
Of course, my pre-recorded training videos aren't in the business of responding to questions in real time. So, I reached out to Andrea Fornarola, a certified barre instructor and the founder and director of Elements Fitness Studio, and Ellen Barrett, an ACE-certified personal trainer and certified Pilates instructor, for some clarity.
"The biggest similarity is the common goals of core connection and strength and proper alignment and posture, Barrett said. "I also think both methods put equal emphasis on flexibility and strength, which so many workouts do not."
Fornarola chimed in with a similar point of view, noting that barre and Pilates value comparable principles in the way they cue and reference alignment and use of breath, and in how they value the abs as the center of aligning the body's focus.
While the fundamentals of both barre and Pilates seamlessly align, their approaches can differ.
Barrett explained that many barre workouts use a lot of repetition to exhaust targeted muscle groups, while Pilates focuses more on minimal repetitions. Plus, she believes that barre leaves more room for creativity, unlike Pilates, which follows a more specific order and structure.
Similarly, Fornarola shared that where Pilates heavily focuses on the abdominals while stretching and strengthening, barre tends to be a higher tempo, which allows for cardio bursts throughout a routine.
Depending on the class, the equipment can differentiate the two workouts, too. Fornarola said that many non-mat Pilates classes can use an abundance of apparatuses and props, compared to barre, which often prioritizes bodyweight exercises and free weights.
In general, Fornarola thinks that barre is a great workout option for anyone who likes yoga, dance, running, and yes, Pilates - as its stretching and strengthening methods complement those forms of exercise.
With your doctor's permission, Fornarola said barre's low-impact exercises could be helpful for those recovering from injuries, thanks to little-to-no jumping, the encouragement of lighter weights, and the focus on body alignment.
If Pilates is piquing your interests more, Barrett said to go in with an open mind: "You may not break a sweat. You may only get through 4-5 exercises. That may seem inefficient, but trust that it is not."
That's because Pilates uses intelligent movement to bring balance and symmetry to the body's muscular-skeletal system, she adds.
While exploring what works best for your body and lifestyle, remember that not all Pilates and barre experiences are the same, either. There's so much fun in exploring the wide range of approaches to both fitness styles.
Click here for more health and wellness stories, tips, and news.
Switch Up Your Daily Fitness Routine With These 15-Minute Kickboxing YouTube Workouts
When I feel bored in my fitness routine, I break up my tedious running and strength-training schedule by sprinkling in some 15-minute kickboxing YouTube videos.
The change in pace helps prevent burnout, plateauing, and overuse injuries from doing the same workout every day - plus, it's a very effective sweat, too. Since kickboxing is all about high-energy kicks, jabs, squats, and shuffles, I feel the cardio and toning effects in minutes.
With that said, you'll want to keep a water bottle and towel close as you explore the following workouts - especially if you plan on challenging yourself by adding in free weights.
A Dietitian Explains How Much More Water You Should Be Drinking in the Summer
Even if your canteen is already an extension of your arm, summer is here to test your commitment to hydration by adding to your daily water quota.
"You should definitely up your water intake during the hot summer months. When you're sweating, you lose water and electrolytes, which can make you feel lousy, dizzy, or imbalanced," Tracy Lockwood Beckerman, MS, CDN, RD, and author of The Better Period Food Solution, confirmed.
In her opinion, that means adding 12 ounces of water to your diet for every half hour you're working up a sweat.
But, how much should you be consuming in the first place? Let's remove summer from the conversation for a moment. Lori Zanini, RD, and creator of For the Love of Diabetes, previously explained to POPSUGAR that the average person should consume half of their bodyweight (in pounds), in fluid ounces, daily. So, if you're 175 pounds, you should aim for 88 ounces of water (or 11 cups) per day.
Once you add beach time, your rollerblading sessions, and a broken air conditioner (or whatever makes you schvitz from June to September) to the equation, it's fair to assume your Brita will be working overtime.
Sure, there will be days when you lose track of your sips - that's when Beckerman resorts to what she calls "the color method": "If your urine is a pale light yellow to clear, you are well hydrated. If it's not, drink up! Your water needs may go up or down based on age, activity level, [and] temperature, so tune into what your body needs in order to hydrate it properly."
Practicing water-drinking discipline will be well worth your efforts, though, as water is the single largest component in the human body, Beckerman explained.
For that reason, proper hydration plays a major role in numerous metabolic functions such as digestion, muscle cramping, regulating body temperature, nausea, headaches, breathing, and all-around good health.
And since all roads to feeling good (well, most) seem to lead back to proper hydration, you can bet I'll be beaching and blading with my water bottle in hand from now on.
Click here for more health and wellness stories, tips, and news.
Switch Up Your Daily Fitness Routine With These 15-Minute Kickboxing YouTube Workouts
When I feel bored in my fitness routine, I break up my tedious running and strength-training schedule by sprinkling in some 15-minute kickboxing YouTube videos.
The change in pace helps prevent burnout, plateauing, and overuse injuries from doing the same workout every day - plus, it's a very effective sweat, too. Since kickboxing is all about high-energy kicks, jabs, squats, and shuffles, I feel the cardio and toning effects in minutes.
With that said, you'll want to keep a water bottle and towel close as you explore the following workouts - especially if you plan on challenging yourself by adding in free weights.
A Physical Therapist Explains Why Resistance Bands Shouldn’t Be Used For Stretching
When gyms closed in early March, I stocked up on affordable fitness equipment that I could easily store in my tiny New York City apartment. Resistance bands quickly became the MVP of that category - and also in all my at-home workouts.
I've used them around my ankles during jump squats to burn out my quads, for intense booty workouts, and even for tricep toning with kickbacks.
I'm definitely getting my money's worth, but I was curious if I was missing out on yet another use for my beloved bands: stretching. And I'm glad I asked an expert before rolling out my yoga mat! According to Tara Hackney, PT, DPT, OCS, KTTP, from Athletico Cedar Rapids, a stretchy resistance band truly isn't the best tool for at-home stretching.
"For static stretching, which can help with gaining flexibility by holding the stretch for longer durations, I recommend a strap that is stiffer and not as flexible," Hackney says.
With a stiffer strap - like a yoga strap, for example - you don't have to work as hard to hold the stretch as you would with a springy band.
Therefore, with a stiff stretching band, Hackney explains "you can focus on relaxing the muscle you are focusing on and achieving the best stretch."
If you already have a yoga strap, you can get started on expanding your stretch routine with these three stretches from Hackney.
Not sure if the tool you have works well for assisted stretching? Reach out to your doctor, medical professional, or certified personal trainer for advice.
Hamstring Stretch
- Lie on your back with a loop around one foot.
- Using your arms and the strap, lift your leg until a stretch is felt in the back of the leg.
- Hold the stretch for 30 seconds and perform 2-3 reps per leg.
- Additionally, you can position the leg more medially across your body or more laterally/externally rotated to feel a stretch more on the inner or outer portion of the leg.
Quad Stretch
- Lying on your stomach with the loop around the foot, bend your knee, trying to bring your heel as close to your buttock as you can until you feel a stretch in the front of your thigh (quad).
- Hold for 30 seconds. Complete 2-3 reps.
Pec Stretch/Chest Stretch
- Hold the strap in each hand above your head - hands will be wider than shoulder-width apart.
- Bring your hands down to behind the head by bending your elbows, but while maintaining tension on the strap.
- You should feel a stretch across the front of the chest and armpit area.
- Hold for 30 seconds. Complete 2-3 reps.
Click here for more health and wellness stories, tips, and news.
A Physical Therapist Explains Why Resistance Bands Shouldn’t Be Used For Stretching
When gyms closed in early March, I stocked up on affordable fitness equipment that I could easily store in my tiny New York City apartment. Resistance bands quickly became the MVP of that category - and also in all my at-home workouts.
I've used them around my ankles during jump squats to burn out my quads, for intense booty workouts, and even for tricep toning with kickbacks.
I'm definitely getting my money's worth, but I was curious if I was missing out on yet another use for my beloved bands: stretching. And I'm glad I asked an expert before rolling out my yoga mat! According to Tara Hackney, PT, DPT, OCS, KTTP, from Athletico Cedar Rapids, a stretchy resistance band truly isn't the best tool for at-home stretching.
"For static stretching, which can help with gaining flexibility by holding the stretch for longer durations, I recommend a strap that is stiffer and not as flexible," Hackney says.
With a stiffer strap - like a yoga strap, for example - you don't have to work as hard to hold the stretch as you would with a springy band.
Therefore, with a stiff stretching band, Hackney explains "you can focus on relaxing the muscle you are focusing on and achieving the best stretch."
If you already have a yoga strap, you can get started on expanding your stretch routine with these three stretches from Hackney.
Not sure if the tool you have works well for assisted stretching? Reach out to your doctor, medical professional, or certified personal trainer for advice.
Hamstring Stretch
- Lie on your back with a loop around one foot.
- Using your arms and the strap, lift your leg until a stretch is felt in the back of the leg.
- Hold the stretch for 30 seconds and perform 2-3 reps per leg.
- Additionally, you can position the leg more medially across your body or more laterally/externally rotated to feel a stretch more on the inner or outer portion of the leg.
Quad Stretch
- Lying on your stomach with the loop around the foot, bend your knee, trying to bring your heel as close to your buttock as you can until you feel a stretch in the front of your thigh (quad).
- Hold for 30 seconds. Complete 2-3 reps.
Pec Stretch/Chest Stretch
- Hold the strap in each hand above your head - hands will be wider than shoulder-width apart.
- Bring your hands down to behind the head by bending your elbows, but while maintaining tension on the strap.
- You should feel a stretch across the front of the chest and armpit area.
- Hold for 30 seconds. Complete 2-3 reps.
Click here for more health and wellness stories, tips, and news.
Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger Talk Fighting For Change On and Off the Soccer Field
Prior to the nationwide fight against this novel coronavirus pandemic, the US women's national soccer team was fighting a different battle: one against the US Soccer Federation (USSF). In mid March, the Federation's president, Carlos Cordeiro, announced his resignation just days after lawyers defending the USSF in the USWNT gender-discrimination lawsuit filed last year issued sexist claims stating women soccer players are paid less because women's soccer requires less skill than men's soccer. That week, POPSUGAR spoke to married couple and USWNT members Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger about the team's response to those claims - they wore their warmup shirts inside out, hiding the US Soccer crest but still showcasing four stars. These four stars represented their four World Cup victories. It was a sign, Harris said, of solidarity.
Harris told POPSUGAR that everything the team does, they do as a collective. The choice to wear their shirts inside out during the final match of the SheBelieves Cup was a group decision. "Most importantly, we were just really disappointed with the verbiage of what was said about this group of fantastic players both on and off the field," she said. "It needed to be done, and we need to move forward now and in a positive direction." Krieger added, "We're not just fighting for women's footballers all over the world and just our team, we're fighting for women across all industries."
Harris and Krieger have both committed to fighting for more LGBTQ+ representation. That's why, when we spoke in March, they were excited to partner with luxury watchmaker TAG Heuer. The brand, Harris said, "understands the importance of visibility and to open magazines and see two women or two men together, or to see trans people."
Harris, a goalie, and Krieger, a defender, are the face of TAG Heuer campaign for its third generation of Connected watches. "It's where luxury meets performance," Harris stated. The women said at the time that they were excited to use the watches for training purposes - data is stored in the TAG Heuer Sports app - though their work to get on the final Olympic roster is at a standstill right now since the Olympic Games are postponed until 2021.
"I didn't see people of my community, and it made me feel like I had to hide, and it made me feel that I couldn't live my truth."
Harris and Krieger, who also play professionally for Orlando Pride, have been in a relationship for over a decade after meeting in 2010 at a USWNT training camp. Despite rumored chemistry, the two only revealed they were a couple last year when announcing their engagement. They were married in December of 2019.
Harris explained that, when she was a child, she didn't turn on the TV and see same sex couples or transgender people. "I didn't see people of my community, and it made me feel like I had to hide, and it made me feel that I couldn't live my truth," she said. "I think, for us, that is something that Ali and I strive to do just to create the visibility aspect in our sport and in our life and show that we get happy endings, too."
Harris added, "We want to build this community where people feel safe, and it starts with brands like TAG Heuer being able to show that this is a safe space, and this is what love is. They celebrate us, and we need that sense of visibility."
Last year was a big year for both women. Krieger describes it as a year of fighting through adversity on and off the field. She and Harris were members of the winning 2019 World Cup team, but Krieger wasn't called up to contend for the roster until two months before the final decision was made public. It was the first time she'd played for the USWNT in nearly two years. Around that time, the USWNT filed that aforementioned lawsuit against USSF, and Harris and Krieger ended that year with their wedding. Both agreed it was magical.
Harris said she found her voice last year particularly on what matters to her: pay equity, mental health, and social change. "I finally started living my truth with my wife and with where I sit in society and what I'm trying to accomplish in the short time I have on this planet," she explained. Pushing for equal pay in the sport, Harris said, seems like a full-time job, and it really can affect your mental health, as can the pressure competing on the biggest world stage.
"Ashlyn always says that you can't create change by staying in your own lane."
Being an activist - let alone an activist and a pro athlete - requires you to be extra stringent when it comes to tending to your mental health, noted Harris, who has worked with mental illness nonprofit To Write Love on Her Arms. Harris has a history with addiction and aggression, but she explained that she knows what her triggers are and has all the necessary resources such as sports psychologists and therapists. Plus, the women on the USWNT keep each other balanced, she said.
Harris and Krieger are fighting for change whether hand in hand on issues they care about or alongside their teammates. (Note: on May 1, a federal judge dismissed the unequal pay claims in the USWNT lawsuit but said allegations of discriminatory work conditions could move forward in court on June 16. Lawyers for the USWNT filed for an appeal on May 8 and also filed a claim to postpone the trial.) "Ashlyn always says that you can't create change by staying in your own lane," Krieger stated. "We're willing to change lanes, we're willing to create change, and we're willing to follow through and continue to fight." Harris said she wants to make this world a better place - one "where we all feel like we fit."
How LGBTQ+ Owned Hair Salons Are Making It Through COVID-19, and How You Can Help
Image Source: Getty
Maintenance cuts and color transformations might initially send you to a hair salon or barbershop, but the community and atmosphere will make you a regular. After coronavirus-related closures rippled through the United States in late March, the industry was forced to take a temporary hiatus. Business owners worried about staying afloat; stylists feared the long-term effects of losing their incomes; these safe, familiar, and functional spaces became inaccessible for beloved clients to enjoy - including those created to serve the LGBTQ+ community.
Queer, genderless, and LGBTQ+ owned salons and barbershops play crucial roles in the industry. They're inclusive to all, fairly priced (i.e. gender-neutral services), and create open, affirming, and judgment-free spaces. And like any other salons right now, they're trying to navigate the fallout of the last two-plus months of closures. Ahead, we checked in with two business owners to see how they're doing it: Kylee Howell of Friar Tuck's Barbershop in Salt Lake City, UT, and Jamie DiGrazia of Logan Parlor in Chicago, IL. Read on to discover how you can help support them during this time.
Rolling With the Closures
From the start, for both business owners, responding to the pandemic was rooted in community and a desire to best serve the ones they built. Ultimately, that meant closing up shop. For the safety of her customers, Howell made the tough decision early: "I closed Friar Tuck's down at least three weeks before our city/state mandated it," she said. "With the CDC telling us we shouldn't be touching our own faces, it made sense to me that I shouldn't be touching anyone else's." And as the virus spread quickly, DiGrazia pivoted her strategy to take control of the few areas she could. "The last few months have been about learning to let go," Digrazia told POPSUGAR. "To really know that by not working we are keeping ourselves and others safe has been a concept I never thought would affect our community."
Next came all the administrative work (filing for unemployment, PPP loans, potential appeals) and the beginning of a long and stressful waiting game - financially and mentally. "I get so much of my human and social connection and interaction as a barber. My guests become my friends, my family," Howell said. "Many folx thought [the closure] would be like a three-month vacation, but for much of it I was on edge and stressed about my business staying afloat."
Community Support
To ease some of the stress, clients found new ways to support the businesses and stylists beyond immediate services. "Our loyal guests have purchased gift cards, shopped our online store, and even donated to our team's GoFundMe," DiGrazia said. She also had requests to pick up styling products and shampoos curbside. Howell saw a similar response with prepaid services, merchandise, and the simple gesture of checking in to see how she was doing. Since reopening a few weeks ago, her clients have also donated much-needed supplies, like hand sanitizer and cleaning products. "It was tough to get my hands on those things to open back up safely, both due to price and availability. I'm so grateful that folx see that and we are working together to fill in those gaps."
But their clients' willingness to help isn't a coincidence. It's a direct result of the communities that Howell and DiGrazia have built - and the importance of these spaces within the LGBTQ+ community. Howell describes it well: "[The virus] doesn't discriminate against gender, political beliefs, sexual orientation, etc. It's just science." That said, it continued to teach her about the customers she serves. "I knew how important this space was in my community before, but with as many folx who reached out to help keep the lights on, there's no doubt about it."
How You Can Help as Salons Reopen
Looking for actionable ways to help? There are options at every level, both monetary and completely free. If you're able, a little extra tip can go a long way, or even shifting your buying habits by purchasing products in the salon. Sharing on social media and by word of mouth is appreciated, too. But both business owners agree: amplifying their voices and mission is key.
"Making people aware that we exist and we don't conform to social norms inside or outside of the salon will help breed our salon culture," DiGrazia said. "We hope to inspire the industry to offer gender-free pricing and styles as we believe hair has no gender and want to create looks for people that are suited [to] their personality, hair type, and face shape - not how they may or may not identify." And, Howell adds, supporting these businesses and their owners can help fix larger issues within the industry. "Queer folx who own these spaces - especially queer people of color - do not always have the same access to resources as their straight counterparts in business. Speak about this, share resources, and now that we have seen plainly those cracks in the system, work to make them better even when there isn't a global pandemic going on!"
Looking for a salon in your area? Visit the Dresscode Project and Strands For Trans for more info.
How LGBTQ+ Owned Hair Salons Are Making It Through COVID-19, and How You Can Help
Image Source: Getty
Maintenance cuts and color transformations might initially send you to a hair salon or barbershop, but the community and atmosphere will make you a regular. After coronavirus-related closures rippled through the United States in late March, the industry was forced to take a temporary hiatus. Business owners worried about staying afloat; stylists feared the long-term effects of losing their incomes; these safe, familiar, and functional spaces became inaccessible for beloved clients to enjoy - including those created to serve the LGBTQ+ community.
Queer, genderless, and LGBTQ+ owned salons and barbershops play crucial roles in the industry. They're inclusive to all, fairly priced (i.e. gender-neutral services), and create open, affirming, and judgment-free spaces. And like any other salons right now, they're trying to navigate the fallout of the last two-plus months of closures. Ahead, we checked in with two business owners to see how they're doing it: Kylee Howell of Friar Tuck's Barbershop in Salt Lake City, UT, and Jamie DiGrazia of Logan Parlor in Chicago, IL. Read on to discover how you can help support them during this time.
Rolling With the Closures
From the start, for both business owners, responding to the pandemic was rooted in community and a desire to best serve the ones they built. Ultimately, that meant closing up shop. For the safety of her customers, Howell made the tough decision early: "I closed Friar Tuck's down at least three weeks before our city/state mandated it," she said. "With the CDC telling us we shouldn't be touching our own faces, it made sense to me that I shouldn't be touching anyone else's." And as the virus spread quickly, DiGrazia pivoted her strategy to take control of the few areas she could. "The last few months have been about learning to let go," Digrazia told POPSUGAR. "To really know that by not working we are keeping ourselves and others safe has been a concept I never thought would affect our community."
Next came all the administrative work (filing for unemployment, PPP loans, potential appeals) and the beginning of a long and stressful waiting game - financially and mentally. "I get so much of my human and social connection and interaction as a barber. My guests become my friends, my family," Howell said. "Many folx thought [the closure] would be like a three-month vacation, but for much of it I was on edge and stressed about my business staying afloat."
Community Support
To ease some of the stress, clients found new ways to support the businesses and stylists beyond immediate services. "Our loyal guests have purchased gift cards, shopped our online store, and even donated to our team's GoFundMe," DiGrazia said. She also had requests to pick up styling products and shampoos curbside. Howell saw a similar response with prepaid services, merchandise, and the simple gesture of checking in to see how she was doing. Since reopening a few weeks ago, her clients have also donated much-needed supplies, like hand sanitizer and cleaning products. "It was tough to get my hands on those things to open back up safely, both due to price and availability. I'm so grateful that folx see that and we are working together to fill in those gaps."
But their clients' willingness to help isn't a coincidence. It's a direct result of the communities that Howell and DiGrazia have built - and the importance of these spaces within the LGBTQ+ community. Howell describes it well: "[The virus] doesn't discriminate against gender, political beliefs, sexual orientation, etc. It's just science." That said, it continued to teach her about the customers she serves. "I knew how important this space was in my community before, but with as many folx who reached out to help keep the lights on, there's no doubt about it."
How You Can Help as Salons Reopen
Looking for actionable ways to help? There are options at every level, both monetary and completely free. If you're able, a little extra tip can go a long way, or even shifting your buying habits by purchasing products in the salon. Sharing on social media and by word of mouth is appreciated, too. But both business owners agree: amplifying their voices and mission is key.
"Making people aware that we exist and we don't conform to social norms inside or outside of the salon will help breed our salon culture," DiGrazia said. "We hope to inspire the industry to offer gender-free pricing and styles as we believe hair has no gender and want to create looks for people that are suited [to] their personality, hair type, and face shape - not how they may or may not identify." And, Howell adds, supporting these businesses and their owners can help fix larger issues within the industry. "Queer folx who own these spaces - especially queer people of color - do not always have the same access to resources as their straight counterparts in business. Speak about this, share resources, and now that we have seen plainly those cracks in the system, work to make them better even when there isn't a global pandemic going on!"
Looking for a salon in your area? Visit the Dresscode Project and Strands For Trans for more info.
Billy Porter Talks White Privilege, LGTBQ+ Rights, and Voting in a Powerful Video
Image Source: Instagram user theebillyporter
In a candid video shared to his Instagram account on Thursday, Pose star Billy Porter spoke about the heartbreaking realities of being a member of both the Black community and the LGBTQ+ community in America. In the powerful video, Billy opened up about the hate, oppression, and inequity he faces as a Black man every single day and how the country's race-based infrastructure plays a massive role in holding up centuries-old systems of injustice.
"As Black people, we risk our lives every time we leave our homes. As queer people of color that risk is doubled," Billy said. "We move about our days sucking it up, hiding our pain and terror from the world, trying to make ourselves small so white people and straight people feel comfortable. Our parents try to prepare us for the realities of this world: the fact that the playing field is not leveled, the laws that protect white people do not do the same for us, and that we have to be at least 10 times better at anything we choose to do in life to simply get in the rooms where things happen."
There have been an outpouring of protests following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer on May 25, and Billy insists there is far more work to be done. "Progress has been made. But as we can see, centuries of progress can be rolled back and snuffed out by white men who fear they are losing their power."
Similar to Lizzo, Leslie Jones, and other celebrities, Billy addressed the fact that the Trump Administration has only contributed further to this inherently destructive societal imbalance and encouraged viewers to vote come the November elections. "This election is the most important that we've ever seen in our lifetime," Billy said. "Democracy is on the ballot. White supremacy is on the ballot. Homophobia. Women's rights. Trans rights. Muslim rights. All human rights. All on the ballot this November. And I ask you America: will we be better than this? . . . It's time for change. And this time, change for good. Vote. Vote. VOTE. VOTE."
Watch Billy's full speech here and find out what organizations you can donate to in support of racial justice.
Billy Porter Talks White Privilege, LGTBQ+ Rights, and Voting in a Powerful Video
Image Source: Instagram user theebillyporter
In a candid video shared to his Instagram account on Thursday, Pose star Billy Porter spoke about the heartbreaking realities of being a member of both the Black community and the LGBTQ+ community in America. In the powerful video, Billy opened up about the hate, oppression, and inequity he faces as a Black man every single day and how the country's race-based infrastructure plays a massive role in holding up centuries-old systems of injustice.
"As Black people, we risk our lives every time we leave our homes. As queer people of color that risk is doubled," Billy said. "We move about our days sucking it up, hiding our pain and terror from the world, trying to make ourselves small so white people and straight people feel comfortable. Our parents try to prepare us for the realities of this world: the fact that the playing field is not leveled, the laws that protect white people do not do the same for us, and that we have to be at least 10 times better at anything we choose to do in life to simply get in the rooms where things happen."
There have been an outpouring of protests following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer on May 25, and Billy insists there is far more work to be done. "Progress has been made. But as we can see, centuries of progress can be rolled back and snuffed out by white men who fear they are losing their power."
Similar to Lizzo, Leslie Jones, and other celebrities, Billy addressed the fact that the Trump Administration has only contributed further to this inherently destructive societal imbalance and encouraged viewers to vote come the November elections. "This election is the most important that we've ever seen in our lifetime," Billy said. "Democracy is on the ballot. White supremacy is on the ballot. Homophobia. Women's rights. Trans rights. Muslim rights. All human rights. All on the ballot this November. And I ask you America: will we be better than this? . . . It's time for change. And this time, change for good. Vote. Vote. VOTE. VOTE."
Watch Billy's full speech here and find out what organizations you can donate to in support of racial justice.
Vanessa Morgan on the Portrayal of Black Characters on TV: "Tired of Being Used as a Sidekick"
Riverdale star Vanessa Morgan is using her platform to speak out about the injustice surrounding the portrayal of Black characters in Hollywood. Known for her role as Toni Topaz in the Netflix drama, Morgan is the only Black series regular, but points out that she is paid the least. In the wake of George Floyd's death and the subsequent ongoing protests, Morgan recently shared a string of tweets on Twitter, opening up about her experiences as a Black woman on a mainstream TV show.
"Tired of how Black people are portrayed in the media, tired of us being portrayed as thugs, dangerous or angry, scary people," Morgan said in a tweet on May 31. "Tired of us being used as side kick non dimensional [sic] characters to our white leads. Or only used in the ads for diversity but not in the show. It starts with the media. I'm not being [quiet] anymore . . . Usually everyone is fake listening. I really hope a change is coming."
She's since pledged to only accept future roles that properly represent the Black community and says she will only endorse Black designers during future red carpet appearances. "To my Black fans, I have now made it my purpose to fight for us," Morgan wrote in a tweet on June 3. "To the six year old [sic] me who had no role model that looked like me on TV. This is for you. We aren't your token black non dimensional characters. This is being black in Hollywood. I will fight for YOU." Morgan is also now advocating for Hollywood as a whole to put the voices and experiences of the Black community front and center.
Keep reading to see all of Morgan's tweets advocating for positive change, and find out more about ways you can protest the unjust treatment of the Black community.
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