CULTURE, EMPOWERMENT, FEMINISM

Of Kulfi and Kajals: How One Beauty Brand is Bridging the Gap Between Tradition and Innovation

Featured Image: Badal Patel Kulfi Beauty is as sweet as it is disruptive. While inclusivity is necessary for any industry, this upcoming NYC-based beauty brand is set on exploring something more — self-reflection and celebration. Through intentional storytelling, Kulfi boldly confronts colorism, classism, and patriarchal norms that have been historically embedded within the South Asian […]

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CULTURE, EMPOWERMENT, POETRY & PROSE

brown skinned girl

Featured Illustration: Phung Banh Brown skinned girl Coconut wet black curls. Pigment in that burning gaze Could light any candle that holds your space. Speak with those honeyed and remedied lips Sway into the night with your ancestors’ hips. Never let them take your cinnamon sighs For a sign of defeated cries. Across the palms […]

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CULTURE, OPINION

Tackling Colorism in Asian Communities

Featured Illustration: Katherine Tsai When we think of racism, the easiest thing that comes to mind is ignorant white folk and the ghost of colonialism past (is it though?) and the pain it has consequently brought us for years. What we sometimes fail to criticize, and even acknowledge at times, is the racism that exists […]

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MENTAL HEALTH, POETRY & PROSE, RELIGION

My Religion

Featured Image: Drew Beamer Pray. Grasp these beads, they are your home For the temple lies within Pray. Sit beneath His feet Your body belongs to Him Terminate her image Her life in your mind Pray. Let the flame protect you Its gift in strength Ancestral intentions Words birthed upon infancy Burdens paralleled in honors […]

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EMPOWERMENT, FEMINISM

WITNESS THIS.

  When I was a little girl I used to ask, “Dad, what does ‘can I get a witness’ mean?” Growing up in the church and listening to gospel music constantly. You hear it all the time. I couldn’t quite grasp the concept. So I asked again and my dad would say, “Kristin… it means […]

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EMPOWERMENT

I Finally Decided To Walk In My Purpose

For so many years I’ve used the excuse, “I hate being the center of attention.” I never looked at it for what it really was: an excuse. I just saw it as my truth. And the truth being, I didn’t like being the center of attention. I preferred being low key, and behind the scenes. […]

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POETRY & PROSE, THE ARTS

Last Day (Cherry Blossom/Sakura)

I wonder if you still want to meet. Even if winter stays, Looking at you warms me Like no matter how we pierced Words at each other Somehow, I know we’re going to be okay I’ll be okay   I’m afraid to approach you After last night Covered ears, Will you still smile at me? […]

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