Community
The story of Birangona
This is the story about the Birangona women of the Bangladesh Liberation War. This is who these women were, the history of how Bangladesh was formed and how the Government reacted.
In My Own Skin
This photo series was inspired by two things: the word "comfort" and the journey of finding security/acceptance within our bodies.
Malaika Khadijaa - Nyota (Official Music Video)
This is the official music video for “Nyota” by Toronto artist Malaika Khadijaa (2021).
Interview: Furqan Mohamed, Author of A Small Homecoming
Furqan Mohamed is a writer from Toronto. Her work centers around culture and social justice, and is often inspired by her diaspora, community, and the stories that can stem from the shared human experience. Her debut collection of poetry and prose, “A Small Homecoming,” was recently published by Party Trick Press.
Stepping Stones
“This photoshoot is called ‘Stepping Stones,’ and is dedicated to me and my beautiful friend Jasmine Lyck’s personal and creative growth.”
Born a rebel
Lady Falcon Coffee Club x If Only Creative: “This shoot was all about rebelling against the status quo while keeping it fun, engaging, and full of rebel girl attitude.”
Desi creativity: Saying goodbye to comfort zones
“In the Desi community and culture, dark-skinned women are often left in the shadows, and yes, representation is growing but at a very slow rate. Instead of relying on other creatives to include and allow dark-skinned women to take up space, we took the initiative to create some magic.”
Beauty is skin deep
“Women often face stringent beauty standards, and this has commonly been heightened amongst women of colour. Asian women are frequently sexualized as ‘exotic’, but yet have to maintain the fantasy of being demure and pure. One of the main intricate links between beauty standards, identity, and colonialism is colourism…colourism not only is harmful in the construction of self-worth, confidence, and economic opportunities to women of colour, but also poses public health risks, as we shall discuss in this article.”
“Maybe the Beginning of Me”, Chapter 2
This is chapter two of creative writing major Jasmine Taylor’s poetry collection “Maybe the Beginning of Me.” This collection consists of eight original poems surrounding love, identity, relationships, and family through the lens of a young Black woman.
How the Tokyo 2021 Olympics Reflects the Western Myth of Post-Pandemic Normalcy
Canadian writer, Anne Claire Baguio, discusses the harm Western countries impose by ignoring the need for global health care and vaccine equity as they transition to a ‘post-pandemic’ society. Baguio dives further into the Tokyo 2021 Olympics and the discord among Japanese citizens wanting to cancel the international games.
Interview: Mallika Chandaria of The 98
Originally from Toronto, Mallika Chandaria is a 23-year-old multidisciplinary artist and freelance director based in Brooklyn, New York. She is the founder and artistic director of The 98. She graduated from Boston University with a BFA in Theatre Arts.
Universal Gossip
This short poem follows Ana, the narrator, as she shares the story of a man she once knew and his hasty goodbye. Her sadness is gossiped about throughout the universe until it reaches the trees of Earth through a breeze. There they tell her that her friend joined the stars and can now hear her. This poem was mostly inspired by B.K. on Hello Poetry’s “I’ll tell the stars about you”, and is dedicated to someone close to Ana who unfortunately died recently.
Garden Sent
"Garden Sent" is a photo series created by freelancer Kacie Fraser that showcases a Godsent creation of effortless beauty that brings light to her garden. These magical moments capture the essence of how nature brings us the most bright and boldest colours.
We need to start prioritizing Young Adult books with BIPOC authors
“As a Chinese-Canadian girl, growing up I thought heroes could only be white because in all the books I ever consumed, there were rarely any admirable characters who looked like me. This piece explores the importance of diversity in youth literature and the need to spotlight BIPOC YA lit authors.”
“Maybe the Beginning of Me”, Chapter 1
This is chapter one of creative writing major Jasmine Taylor’s poetry collection “Maybe the Beginning of Me.” This collection consists of eight original poems surrounding love, identity, relationships, and family through the lens of a young Black woman.
Intersectional
“‘Intersectional’ presents a complex picture of intersectional difference and inequality that now characterizes the lives of many individuals in the twenty-first century. This poem seeks to question why social differences are constantly labeled but never truly addressed beyond piecemeal campaigns and often lacking legislation and widespread representation.”