Gender

Now I usually don't like to get involved when people talk politics on facebook but a guy I worked with recently posted a photo which I wasn't sure if it was meant to be a light hearted joke or a protest. I was going to give him the benefit of the doubt but I knew one of his friends/another of my co-workers was very vocal about his transphopia.

Now I was brought up being told that there was girls and boys. Then when I was older I met transgender, gender fluid, androgynous and non-binary people. And it was like ok cool, the more you know am I right?
Well apparently some people seem stuck in some fairy land where everything they knew as a child is still true (Spoiler alert the moon isn't made out of cheese and a magic bunny doesn't bring you chocolate once a year). 

We over simplify things for kids for example we tell them you can have blonde hair, brown hair, black hair of red hair - but as we get older we realise each colour has an entire spectrum of colours.
And that's kinda what gender is. We get told as kids that there are men and woman and our entire future is go to school/uni, get a one job, get married to the opposite gender and then have children and it all starts all over again.
Spoiler alert life isn't a conveyer belt, it's a choose your own adventure. Personally I don't know if I want to go to university, I've had multiple jobs since I was 16 and they are completely unrelated. I have dated girls and boys and for years I struggled to define my sexuality until I discovered pansexuality. I definitely do not want kids ever. See already I am living a completely different life to what 5 year old me was told I'd be living.

So how many genders are there?
Cis Female
Cis Male
Trans Female
Trans Male
Gender Fluid
Non Binary / Agender
Androgynous 
Gender Queer
Gender Non Conforming
Intersex

*Some of these are umbrellas, meaning that if you don't see your gender then it may come under the umbrella of one of these

A breif history of multiple genders

So back to the main point I wanted to make in regards to my co-workers uneducated post. 
Multiple genders are not a a 'new' thing. At school my history lessons focused a lot on post-settlement Australian history (the whole 200 years of it) and European history (specifically world wars and the industrial revolution). So my history obviously had massive holes in it, in my own time I researched ancient cultures, watched horrible histories and did my own research. 
What have I learnt? Why the hell do people want to live in the past? It's mostly war, plague and oppression. 
But in my research I came across many cultures that had acknowledged multiple genders.
One of the reasons you probably don't hear much about this is because many of these cultures were colonised.
For example Hawaii, specifically the Kanaka Maoli indigenous society, the mahu could be biological female/male who took on a masculine/feminine role or somewhere on that spectrum that wasn't their assigned gender.
The Yoruba people didn't even have gender before they were colonised, they had no concept of a gendered system.
In some cultures even their deities had different gender, like the Incas whom worshiped a 'duel-gendered' god, the Chuqui Chinchay. Shamans/attendants who performed ceremonies in their honour were seen as 'third gendered'. They wore androgynous clothing to show the third gender as being between masculine and feminine as well as encompassing the past and present and the living and the dead.
The Sakalvas of Madagaskar raised little boys with feminine appearances as females.
The Ankole people's oracles to the the god Mukasa where females dressed as men.

The Buginese people (an ethnic group of Indonesia) recognise five genders:
Makkunrai & Oroané - Cis women & men
Bissu - androgynous shamens
Calabai & Calalai - trans men and women.

And these cultures have been around for thousands of years so sorry, but multiple genders isn't new.

We are very different people than we were 100 years ago, youths have more freedom to explore themselves, and redefine society. With each generation we become more accepting of each other, but we still have a long way to go. The intolerance many people have comes from their family, the environment they were exposed to or the people they hang out with. I personally don't like macdonalds burgers, but I don't go around telling other people they shouldn't eat them.
We have more than 2 genders, deal with it, because we're moving on towards the future.
I don't really expect older generations to change, but the youth can change, if you don't like it then keep it to yourself because all your doing is breeding hate.

Spread the love guys and if anyone doesn't respect you because of your gender identity, then they are not worth your time or effort. Besides they're the ones missing out on our (LGBTQ+) amazing culture.

Catch ya later xx

Unicorn Fancy Part 2

So a few months ago I made Part 1 of Unicorn Fancy, where I talked mostly about food because who doesn't love food???But time for a bit of style!!!(See Mermaid one here)

Colour Pallet 
Rainbow!!! Duh unicorns and rainbows go hand in hand! Or hoof in hoof?
Glitter! Ok glitter isn't a colour, but it adds a little magic don't you think?
Silvers and golds are also right up there because they are rare and beautiful like a majestic unicorn.
Purples and pinks seem popular too...

Make Up
Beautiful colourful eyeshadow, and of coarse body glitter is a must! The horn is optional.
But I'm getting ahead of myself, first you need to pick what kind of unicorn look your going for - rainbow, pastel, dark/goth, ethereal, etc.
Here's some pinterest perfect inspiration:

If you are in the market for a magical horn, you horny bests, then try these etsy stores:

OurMagicalUniverse

RosesAndBowsShop

JustAsStrangeAsIAm

FireflyPath

FairyCaveShop

MiraCrafts

Anyone else a fan of the Nyx Face Awards?

They've had some magical entries!

Hair
Do you want your hair styled like a show pony? French braids and buns?
Or a a wild main blowing in the wind?
Or grab the hairspray we're turning those bangs into a horn!
Or a rainbow??? Get out the manic panic!!!
Maybe a flower crown and (you know where I'm going with this don't you?) GLITTTTERRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!

Ears available here

Now unicorn hair isn't just for the ladies as these guys prove...

Clothing

Well you can't go wrong with a unicorn onesie!!!
but if thats not your jam and you want to go outside in not pyjamas then try Tokidoki - I have one of their unicorn shirts and not only is it super comfortable - its super cute!
Hot Topic also sells some super cool unicorn clothes and accessories!
How could I forget Firebox??? Where you can get these hella cute slippers!

Can I also suggest some glittery converse? I lucked out and picked up mine from a thrift store for $17!

And lets review these killer designs from TeeTurtle

My ex gave me the 'I will cut you one' because he thought it 'described me perfectly', pfffft.
When in doubt a quick search on redbubble will reveal plenty of unique designs!

And if you still aren't satisfied may I recommend LookHuman?

I think Taz and I need the drinking team ones XD

Feeling like a unicorn yet? You better because I'm ready for a nap X3
Catch you later xx

The Circle - A few thoughts on internet privacy

I pride myself on knowing how to properly protect myself online; stalkers and people that I do not invite into my life have a hard time finding me on social media unless I specifically tell them where too find me. So, when I sat down to watch an interesting movie with my mother my mind went reeling with all the ethical dilemmas presented in the movie itself.

The Circle is a Netflix original movie based on the 2013 book by Dave Eggers, starring Emma Watson (yes, Hermione Granger/Belle herself) which focuses on the impact social media can have on privacy, and is a cautionary tale about the dangers of oversharing online.

Watson portrays a young woman called Mae who gets a job working at the Circle throughout her time there she makes certain choices that lead her to choose to become "transparent" and show the world every second of her day. She straps a camera to herself and live streams every day which leads to a few complications in her personal life.

I do recommend watching this film as it really makes you think about what you post online and how ethics can be thrown out the window for the sake of the truth. Ultimately what people choose to share online is their business,  no one can force you to share something private, and in some cases certain facts aren't yours to share.

Now I will list a few problems I have with the movie and the ethics surrounding character choices, needless to say, spoilers ahead:

• Mae is asked to drink something in a doctors office, containing nano transmitters, and at no point was she informed that was happening or that these nano transmitters would be able to keep track of her every movement until after the fact.
• Mae steals a kayak and goes into the middle of the water at night, almost dies, and her bosses use that as an excuse to convince people they should be watched at all times to be held accountable for their actions, AND SHE AGREES.
• Mae attempts to promote her friends work by posting it on her social media which backfires as his work involves collecting deer antlers and making chandeliers out of them, considered a tad controversial as the internet then calls him a deer killer
• She films people without actually asking them, just because she goes transparent doesn't mean her parents have to and as such their relationship is strained.
• The company has little to no ethics when it comes to their workers privacy, including the fact that they encourage their workers to share their lives on their own version Facebook/twitter/YouTube all rolled into one, which they can then keep track of because it scans the internet for all their other social medias and uploads them for everyone connected to see...

And that's just a few of the things that make me a bit uneasy about the whole corporation in this film, which is the whole point. The Circle is meant to make you think about your online footprint and how much you share. Its meant to make you think about how much information the world has access to and it's terrifying. The thought that everyone who has seen your profile can find your families medical history for one is an insane breach of privacy which also happens in the Circle by a few of Mae's colleagues just out of the blue. I guess we are just a little closer to this version of a dystopian world than we actually thought...

Think on it, xox

Taz

Eat 'fresh' *terms and conditions apply

How 'fresh' is our favourite sandwich restaurant?

Well as I have now left my sub job at a certain sub fast food place that sub treated me like sub sh*t, I can tell you.

"Our food is prepared fresh daily"

It is prepared daily at 6am, when they ask their staff to come in early unpaid. It is prepared in the morning then put in the fridge and won't be used till the next day or possibly the day after.

Sweetcorn, gherkins and lettuce come to us pre-cut and pre-packaged, the sweetcorn and gherkins are kept in brine. 

"You'll find only good eggs on our breakfast mega melt "

They are delivered poached and frozen, hence why they taste like rubber.

"Fresh meat"

Meat is all pre-packaged. The turkey and ham come in foul smelling liquid and the chicken smells even worse. I will never eat their chicken, the smell makes me gag. 

Probably the only descent meat is the tuna, pepperoni and salami.

"Freshly baked bread and cookies"

Cookies come in frozen disks that are then cooked. Bread takes an hour to proof before baking and then need time to cool, meaning that if you come in before lunchtime, you're getting yesterdays semi-stale leftovers.

Now, I only worked there a few weeks and I never signed any contract swearing me to secrecy, besides a lot of this is already circling the internet. 

Careers

"Become part of the family"

Probably the most dysfunctional family ever (besides those in Game of Thrones)! My boss made me do the training but never mentioned it was unpaid, then made me do extra unpaid shifts and unpaid overtime - 26 hours, that's £140.

When I complained to their online complaints department they basically told me they cared but couldn't do anything...so basically to stuff it.

My boss asked inappropriate questions about my virginity, joked about blow jobs, made racist and transphobic comments and overall treated me like sh*t.

"Our goal is to become number one"

My local subway has the worst reputation amongst the town and neighbouring villages. It's even reached the city paramedics.

A lady saw the way I was treated and got me a card for 'good luck'.

Ok, ok you're probably at this point wondering how my leaving went...

I was 'let go'.

My boss has asked me several times if I would leave and every time I said no.

I was away for a few days as my boss knew...

He made it very clear that he wanted me to quit.

And when I went into collect my pay it was not there.

He said I missed the cut off to which I pointed out I hadn't.

He then started asking me why I stayed there; I said:
"This is a part time job, I am here to do the work and earn a living."

He then gave a spiel about how great a boss he was and I was at this point starting to become inpatient.

He said that he'd give me my cheque if I left my job, I said that I needed this job to which he replied that I wasn't 'part of the family'. He then once again gave a speech about how he was a great boss he didn't understand why my mum had complained about him. (She had contacted head office about all the unpaid overtime and unpaid shifts, because she cares about me and knew I was being treated like mud).

I then was getting slightly irritated and defended her saying she was just looking out for me, and he said he had a reputation to uphold.

At this point I was either about to cry or scream...I swallowed my rage and remarked that he wasn't doing a great job, because he didn't have the best reputation.

He then lost it and called someone asking how much my pay was - a whole £5.60 an hour - and wrote me out a cheque and asked me to leave.

While yes that may have been a comment too far, understand he treated me like mud and always acted like he was doing me a favour, he was vulgar and had zero filter. I came into work and did what I had to.

Take care of your staff and they'll take care of your business.

Catch ya later xx

Unicorn Fancy Part 1

This time last year I wrote about mermaids, this year unicorns have taken the world by storm. I mean even Starbucks have gotten on board!!!
How can people drink that stuff????? Don't they know that they'll have a half life, a cursed life, from the moment the blood touches their lips...
Hehehehehe, you didn't think I'd miss the opportunity for a Harry Potter joke did ya? 
Honestly though I really want to try it, I mean just look at it!




Ok so lets get started with some unicorn inspired recipes because why not.

If you'r interested in seeing some cool cake creations like the one to the left then check out The Crumb Canvas, which pretty much sums up their work perfectly, because they are a work of art.

If you don't like in the USA, several copycat recipes of the frappaccino have appeared online.

Recipe 1 | Recipe 2 | Recipe 3


Ok, if you don't believe the hype then how about a unicorn hot chocolate?

And it's pretty easy because it's just white hot chocolate (with a bit of pink food colouring), and of coarse what is hot chocolate without whipped cream and marshmallows? But its the blue icing and rainbow sprinkles that give it that extra kick of magic.
Recipe 

But if your drink tastes are a bit more grown up then try these magical cocktails:

Unicorn Blood | Unicorn Tears | Unicorn Kisses

Now what about some unicorn popcorn or rainbow fudge for when you're binge watching Netflix later? You can't fool me because I am watching it right now as I am writing this.


Or perhaps you want the epitome of unicorn snacks, that's right unicorn poop cookies!

Recipe 1 | Recipe 2 | Recipe 3

Or if you're looking for something to impress your friends at your next Mario Cart tournament then some classic cupcakes will do that nicely.

Recipe 1 | Icing unicorn horn and ears tutorial | Recipe 2

It's amazing what you can do with some fondant and edible glitter. The basic rule of thumb is rainbows, glitter and some magic. 

Stay tuned for part two which will be a bit more like my mermaid one - hair, make up, clothing. You can bet it'll involve plenty of glitter XD

Catch ya later xx

My thoughts on LeFou

While I am member of the LGBTQ+ community, I cannot speak on behalf of everyone but I do believe we all celebrated a little when we found out LeFou would be the first main gay character in a Disney film.

Growing up Disney was a massive influence on me, some my favourite movies being 'The Little Mermaid', 'Aristocats', 'The Black Cauldron' and yes 'Beauty and the beast'. 
Every child loves being able to see themselves in their favourite stories; I know that 10 year old me adored Ariel, one of the reasons being her red hair.
I was very confused about my sexuality for years and I think part of that was due to the lack of information and misrepresentation in media. 
Even now there is a lack of accurate LGBTQ+ representation, even when there is its 77% gay men, 23% lesbian women and only 9% bisexuals. Personally I have only seen two pansexual characters, that being Jack Harkness (Doctor who, Torchwood) and Deadpool, so I did a bit more research and...

...Thats not alot

Luckily every year there are more and more LGBTQ+ characters in media. The problem is that some characters come across as stereotypical and 2 dimensional. Stereotypes are there for a reason and yes they are sometimes true but after seeing the punchline 50 times???

If young people are view these 2 dimensional, stereotypical characters then they're going to be confused because they don't feel they fit into certain boxes.

Beauty and the Beast is one of the most famous fairy tales in the world, which then became one of Disney's most timeless classics. Disney fans leapt for joy when we discovered there would be a live action re-make, even more so when we discovered the incredibly talented cast, but it was the announcement that LeFou would be gay that caught the most attention.

While many leapt for joy, others immediately boycotted the film. The fact that Disney proudly released this information shows how far we've come. Sadly the movie was banned in several places or given a movie rating of 16+ or 18+ in others because of this.

Many believed LeFou would be pining for Gaston and possible resent Belle and the other girls because of his affections. In the original Gaston was not the greatest friend and LeFou was a bumbling sidekick, so it was interesting to see how this would unfold.

Thankfully LeFou didn't end up with Gaston (despite appearing to have some feeling towards him, but ultimately saw the toxicity of the relationship) and stepped out of his sidekick roll and became the sassy well rounded character we didn't realise we needed in the original. He still has that love/hate relationship with Gaston and in the end helps Mrs Potts to stop the intruders (I think we can all agree this was better than seeing him rip Babette's feathers out). The final dance brought a smile to everyones face and gave a hint to LeFou's own happily ever after.

Not only was Lefou and well executed and believable character but this means that we can expect more Disney, and it can be expected that many animation creators will follow suite.

Warner Bros & Son's 2016 movie 'Storks' showed families of every kind and Mattel have even hinted at a lesbian relationship between Darling Charming and Apple White (Ever After High) who after falling under a sleeping curse cannot be roused by Darlings brother so she steps up and tries 'mouth to mouth' aka the true loves kiss she needed.

ABC made strides with their show 'Once Upon a Time' with Mulan having feelings for Aurora and Ruby waking Dorothy with True loves kiss and expressing their love. Personally I'd love to see more of Merida and Mulan, who have great chemistry on screen as did Ruby and Dorothy.

While these are all great, they haven't had as much exposure as 'Beauty and the Beast'. 

Personally I think LeFou signified that in the past few years we have come far...buuuuut we still have a loooooong way to go. 

I know a little girl I used to look after who is going to grow up seeing all kinds of different characters represented and she will not struggle to find character she can emulate and that warms my heart. LeFou was a big step for Disney and I can't wait to see what happens next.

Catch ya later xx

To new adventures!

Tabby you beautiful person!

I regret not being able to spend as much time with you in Australia and being unable to see you off. That being said, I hope you find a new adventure and make the most of it. I'll miss your face, but at least we have the internet to contact each other. Namely this blog haha.

Stay awesome, grab life by the horns and ride into the sunset babe because you are gonna be great.

xox

Taz