As we prepare to meet the 13th Doctor in this year's Christmas episode of Doctor Who, I thought I'd re-share a piece I wrote back in 2011 on what I thought were the show's feminist credentials. I'm hoping that the next series will continue to deliver what I've always loved about Who, despite the inevitable... Continue Reading →
Thoughts on the 13th Doctor
You may have noticed that, after the Wimbledon Men's Final on Sunday, a short trailer was shown on the BBC to announce the 13th actor cast to play the lead role in Doctor Who. Even if you haven't watched the show or seen the clip (embedded below), you can't have escaped the reactions to this... Continue Reading →
The Outfit I Will Never Wear Again
I never thought I'd miss that navy blue polyester dress. Every time I buckled the skinny belt around my waist, it felt like I was leaving my individuality in my bedroom. Even though I brought my own twist to the uniform as much as I could, through my jewellery and how I styled my hair... Continue Reading →
Review: Museum of Transology
When the Museum of Transology launched, it was announced as the largest and boldest collection of trans artefacts and photographic portraiture ever displayed in the UK. A highly intimate exhibition which challenges the idea that gender is fixed, binary and biologically determined, it explores how these artefacts have helped to fashion self-shaped gender identities. Curator... Continue Reading →
Fashion Theory: Mentioning the Unmentionables
Despite being usually hidden from view, underwear is an important aspect of our clothed selves. Everyone knows that it can keep us warm or cool, ensure we are comfortable, provide support, and help us feel fresh. What many people forget is that it also provides the foundations for our chosen clothed identity, whatever our age... Continue Reading →
Feminism Friday: A New Hope
Yesterday morning, I exited Bond Street tube station and was surprised to see a crowd of people gathered around the Disney Store on the opposite side of the road. Closer inspection revealed that the entrance was being guarded by three Stormtroopers, ahead of the midnight launch of the Star Wars Episode 7 official merchandise. The... Continue Reading →
Europe’s First Gender-Neutral Dance Studio
Yesterday saw the opening of Europe's first gender-neutral community dance studio. After Irreverent Dance's successful Kickstarter campaign at the end of last year, followed by months and months of legal wranglings, property searches, stress, tears and tireless work from many wonderful people, Amanda and the ID Board made the formal announcement on 29th May that... Continue Reading →
Gender and Fashion: Selfridges ‘Agender’ concept
Last week, I visited Selfridges' much talked about Agender concept space. When I walked into the Oxford Street department store, I had no idea where I was headed and so I sought the advice of a friendly customer service assistant who explained that there were three of the concept spaces throughout the store - one... Continue Reading →
GEEKED Magazine: Comics, culture, gender
Let me take a moment to introduce you to a friend of mine. We've been close for a couple of years now, after meeting at a party in Foyles bookshop on Charing Cross Road in London. They are geeky and feminist with a love of comics and we quickly bonded over discussions on popular culture... Continue Reading →
Sending a gender-neutral message to kids
Dolls and dresses are meant for little girls, while trucks and the color blue are reserved strictly for little boys--at least, that's what some companies would like children to believe. Until recently, you couldn't walk down a toy store isle without noticing the drastic separation between rows of pink toys aimed at girls and blue... Continue Reading →