BUST: For Women With Something To Get Off Their Chests

Rashida Tlaib And Uncivil Disobedience

By Rebecca Long In Feminism On Jan 14, 2019

“We’re going to impeach the motherfucker!” In gleeful disbelief, I read these words aloud to my roommate on January 3, just hours after the members of the 116th Congress, the most diverse in America’s history, were sworn in. I couldn’t believe the news I was reading; at an event for MoveOn.org after the swearing-in ceremony, new Representative, Rashida Tlaib, (D-Michigan) not only asserted her intention to impeach Donald Trump, but also used the queen of all expletives to describe him. “People love you. And you win,”… Read more

A Tech Organization Gave A Big Award To An Innovative Sex Toy—And Then Took It Away

By Emma Davey In Feminism On Jan 14, 2019

The Consumer Electronic Show, a four-day technology event in Las Vegas which featured 4,500 exhibitors, came under fire recently for rescinding an innovation award that had been given to the company Lora DiCarlo. Their award-winning product? A sex toy. Lora DiCarlo, a company headed by founder and CEO Lora Haddock, developed a robotic massager called the Osé, which claims to be “the only product designed for hands-free blended orgasms” utilizing “micro-robotics” to mimic human touch. The organizer of the event, the… Read more

Kentucky Is Trying To Pass A Law That Would Ban Abortion At Six Weeks—Before Most People Know They're Pregnant

By Francesca Volpe In Feminism On Jan 14, 2019

In arguably their most aggressive attack on Roe vs. Wade yet, Kentucky lawmakers introduced a bill that would make it a felony for doctors to perform an abortion once a fetal heartbeat can be detected, which is around six weeks of pregnancy. Considering most people are not even aware they are pregnant at six weeks, Senate Bill 9 would make it almost impossible for people to have abortions. Now that Justice Anthony M. Kennedy has retired, abortion opponents are hoping the Supreme Court will be more receptive to limiting… Read more

Lucilla: The Ex-Empress Who Tried To Murder Her Brother

By F Yeah History In Living On Jan 14, 2019

The life of Empress Lucilla is one that can be read a myriad of ways, and history has had a crack at all of them. She’s been a scheming bitch, a jealous scheming bitch, and also an innocent (and occasionally scheming) maternal type. But, as with anything, life isn’t that black and white. In fact, the life of Lucilla is more shades of grey. Was she an innocent? No. Was she a stone cold bitch? No. Was she a schemer extrodinare? Hell yes! The daughter of acclaimed Emperor Marcus Aerilius, Lucilla was just one in a line of… Read more

"The Serpent Cast" Is The Witchy, Sex-Positive Podcast Of Our Dreams

By BUST Magazine In Sex On Jan 14, 2019

For weekly helpings of smart, witchy goodness, look no further than The Serpent Cast, a podcast hosted by astrologer Annabel Gat and sex writer Sophie Saint Thomas. Gat (who writes horoscopes for VICE and Broadly) and Saint Thomas (who writes for GQ, Playboy, Allure, and more) are best friends whose casual conversations draw listeners in as they chat about everything from magick and mental health to Harry Potter and butt stuff. They also feature insightful interviews with fellow practitioners of all stripes, including… Read more

11 Books By Women To Read Right Now

By BUST Magazine In Books On Jan 11, 2019

Our January/February 2019 book reviews are now online! Check out all the books that have been keeping us warm this winter, and don't forget to subscribe to BUST's print magazine. Beyoncé in Formation: Remixing Black FeminismBy Omise’eke Tinsley(University of Texas Press) A companion piece to her undergraduate course, “Beyoncé Feminism, Rihanna Womanism,” at the University of Texas, Professor Omise’eke Tinsley’s third book, Beyoncé in Formation, is the textbook the Beyhive has been waiting for. A literary mixtape, the… Read more

A Call-In To White Feminists About "Surviving R. Kelly"

By Dr. Sami Schalk In Feminism On Jan 11, 2019

There is a racial divide on social media regarding Surviving R. Kelly. Most black folks I know have posted about the docuseries (thankfully, black people in my networks are expressing support of the victims of sexual abuse and coercion, though their posts suggest to me that is not the case with their entire friends network). In contrast, nearly all white folks I know are not even acknowledging the docuseries, the R. Kelly conversation, nothing. This divide/contrast reminds me that white people are not required to know… Read more

Janeane Garofalo Defends Louis C.K. On The Latest "Poptarts" Podcast And Things Get HEATED!

By Emily Rems In Poptarts On Jan 11, 2019

A master of fierce, feminist wit, Janeane Garofalo has been a comedy mainstay since the 1990s and is still making waves today. You may know her from her 25 years doing politically savvy stand-up comedy. You may recognize her from her roles on iconic TV shows including The Ben Stiller Show, The Larry Sanders Show, and Saturday Night Live. Or you may be a fan of her performances in such films as The Truth About Cats and Dogs, Wet Hot American Summer, The Matchmaker, Reality Bites, andSweethearts. Through every role… Read more

Women Around The World Are Reclaiming Their Body Hair This #Januhairy

By Allie Lawrence In Living On Jan 10, 2019

Laura Jackson, a drama student at the University of Exeter in the U.K., grew out her body hair in May 2018 for a performance, and her choice resulted in mixed reactions. In an Instagram post, Laura explained how she felt liberated and confident in herself and her body hair, but a few people did not understand or agree with her decision to not shave. As a result, Laura has started the #Januhairy movement, encouraging women to embrace their body hair and challenge the taboo of body hair on women. In addition to starting… Read more

Week Of Women: January 11-17, 2019

By Erika W. Smith In Entertainment On Jan 10, 2019

As we get further into January, more and more TV shows are returning and premiering! This week brings us the return of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and the premiere of Sex Education and A Discovery of Witches; new music from Lizzo and Lana Del Rey (separately, though I'd be on board for that collab); and the debut book by Kristen Roupenian, the author of the viral short story "Cat Person." MOVIES Anthem of A Teenage Prophet This dramedy directed by Robin Hays tells the story of a teenage boy (Cameron Monaghan) who foresees his… Read more

"Green Book" Director Peter Farrelly Has A History Of Sexual Misconduct

By Lydia Wang In Movies On Jan 10, 2019

At this point, it’s public knowledge that Bohemian Rhapsody director Bryan Singer is facing allegations of sexual assault—and his film still won a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture. Another Best Picture-winning director also has a history of misconduct: Peter Farrelly, who directed, produced, and co-wrote the dramatic comedy Green Book. (Which has drawn criticism for its "tone-deaf" approach to race, including from the family of Dr. Don Shirley, the black concert pianist portrayed by Mahershala Ali in the film).… Read more

Arrested For Wearing Pants: The Story Of Emma Snodgrass

By Dan and Leslie Landrigan In Feminism On Jan 10, 2019

Emma Snodgrass created a sensation in 1852 by showing up in Boston wearing pants. She was mocked, arrested and sent home to her father in New York City, only to return again and again. Each time the police found her out, arrested her, and sent her home. She became national news. She was "the wanderer in man’s apparel," the "foolish girl who goes around in virile toggery," and "an eccentric female who roams about town." Emma Snodgrass was the pretty, petite, 17-year-old daughter of a New York City police officer.… Read more

Getting The Perfect Panda Photo Requires A Pee-Soaked Costume. This Photographer Tells Us How She Does It.

By BUST Magazine In Arts On Jan 10, 2019

“Males, signaling their social dominance, do handstands on their front paws so they can spray urine as high as possible into trees.” This is how photographer Ami Vitale explains the messy practice that inspired the pee-splashed bear suit she wore while taking pictures for her 2018 book Panda Love: The Secret Lives of Pandas. “Pandas comprehend their home by smell as much as by sight,” she continues. “Bears rub scent on their dish-like ears to pick up faint breezes off the forest floor and send their smells to other… Read more

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Responds To Trump’s Anti-Immigrant Address: "What We Are Seeing Is Violations Of Human Rights"

By Zoë Naseef In Feminism On Jan 09, 2019

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been sweeping the news cycle, and continues to show that she is not backing down to her opponents. In her debut appearance on The Rachel Maddow Show last night, she debunked many xenophobic and anti-immigrant comments Trump made in his national address. I did not watch Trump’s address because part of my self-care is never listening to that man’s voice. But according to the Huffington Post, in his speech, he demanded that Democrats agree to put more than $5 billion into his infamous border… Read more

2000 Libros Delivers Books To Migrant Children Separated From Their Families By The Trump Administration

By BUST Magazine In Feminism On Jan 09, 2019

When the Trump administration instituted its cruel “zero tolerance” immigration policy in April, over 2,500 migrant children were separated from their parents at the U.S./Mexico border and placed in detention centers. Despite a June 26 court mandate to reunify these families, over 200 kids still have not been returned, and many more are now in detention with their families. That’s why writers Elizabeth Ballou, 25, and Kristin Stadum, 43, launched the D.C.-based book donation organization 2000 Libros this past July,… Read more

The Lifting Of A Temple Ban On Menstruating Women Is Dividing India

By Allie Lawrence In Feminism On Jan 09, 2019

The Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, a Southern Indian state, has been the center of much contention over the past few months. For centuries, the Sabarimala Temple has banned menstruating women, typically between the ages of 10 and 50, from entering or coming close to the sacred structure dedicated to the Hindu god, Lord Ayyappa. According to NPR’s Lauren Frayer, Lord Ayyappa is “a Hindu god who devotees believe is celibate and cannot have contact with women of menstruating age. Some believe that’s because such women are… Read more

The History Of The "Confidence Man"

By Mimi Matthews In General On Jan 09, 2019

Though tricksters and con artists have existed throughout history, the 19th century confidence man was a creature that many Victorians considered to be uniquely American. Not a thief in the traditional sense, he seduced his prey with silky words and fantastical promises until his victims willingly gave him their trust, their money, and, quite literally, their confidence. This propensity for slick talk and tall tales does tend to put one in mind of a stereotypical American of that era. But was the 19th century American… Read more

An Evening Of Storytelling, Comedy, Live Music, Art And Activism At Stories Of: Abortion With Planned Parenthood NYC

By Francesca Volpe In Entertainment On Jan 08, 2019

Celebrate the power of finding understanding and unity through performance with Stories Of: Women for Stories Of: Abortion With Planned Parenthood NYC. A "traveling female-identified storytelling, live music, art and comedy series," Stories Of: Women is dedicated to examining often undiscussed emotions (jealousy/shame/fear). Head to Joe's Pub on January 15th for a night of storytelling, music and comedy featuring a roster of incredible performers who will share their own abortion stories, highlighting the importance of… Read more

St. Vincent Is Producing New Music By Sleater-Kinney

By Lydia Wang In Music On Jan 08, 2019

We’re barely two weeks into the new year, but have possibly already received the best news of 2019: Annie Clark, a.k.a. St. Vincent, will be producing an upcoming Sleater-Kinney project. Both Clark and Sleater-Kinney shared the news on Twitter this morning, along with an ultra-cool behind-the-scenes photo of Clark, Carrie Brownstein, Corin Tucker, and Janet Weiss in the studio. 2019. @Sleater_Kinney produced by St. Vincent. pic.twitter.com/PY2JW15aIN — St. Vincent (@st_vincent) January 8, 2019 Sleater-Kinney’s last… Read more

Yvonne Orji Has No Reason To Be Insecure

By BUST Magazine In TV On Jan 08, 2019

Yvonne Orji is a hugger. She’ll approach you with her arms as wide as her smile and bring you in for a solid, firm hug. If she welcomes you into her world, you’ll feel at home instantly. But she also knows how to maintain firm boundaries, especially as her star rises in Hollywood. The 35-year-old actor refuses to make compromises when it comes to her devout Christian faith. And she maintains a careful separation between her public and private lives. Before fans came to love her as Molly Carter, the ambitious bestie of… Read more

"The Future Is Female!" Celebrates Women Sci-Fi Writers Of The 1920s-1960s

By Crystal Erickson In Books On Jan 08, 2019

Despite the common trope of men ruling over the rest of the universe just as they do on Earth, science fiction has often afforded women a lot more agency than other genres. Due to sci-fi’s speculative nature, it’s easier to get away with exploring outsider and progressive themes without it causing too much of an uproar with male fans of the genre. Also, since sci-fi is on the fringes itself, its platform lends itself nicely to a feminist take. In a world that is very limiting to women—especially in the times the… Read more

Why "Bohemian Rhapsody" Shouldn't Be An Awards Season Favorite

By Emma Davey In Movies On Jan 08, 2019

As a Queen fan since childhood, I was thrilled when a biopic of the late frontman Freddie Mercury was announced in 2010. I was less thrilled when after eight years of waiting, casting changes, and production disputes, the final product itself was not the film I had been anticipating. Though Bohemian Rhapsody is a flashy and entertaining movie, director Bryan Singer’s history of sexual assault and the film’s troubling portrayal of Freddie Mercury’s AIDS diagnosis cannot be overlooked. The #MeToo movement has led to many… Read more

At 16, Cyntoia Brown Was Sentenced To Life In Prison For Killing The Man Who Bought Her For Sex. 15 Years Later, She'll Finally Be Set Free.

By Francesca Volpe In Feminism On Jan 07, 2019

On Monday morning, January 7th, Tennessee governor Bill Haslam granted Cyntoia Denise Brown clemency. Brown was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2004 for killing Johnny Mitchell Allen, who bought her for sex when she was just 16, CNN reports. On August 7th, 2019, Brown will be released to parole supervision, the governor’s office notified in a statement. “The decision comes after careful consideration of what is a tragic and complex case,” the statement read. “Cyntoia Brown committed, by her own admission, a horrific… Read more

Three Must-Watch Speeches From The Golden Globes

By Casey Seline In Entertainment On Jan 07, 2019

Queens Sandra Oh, Regina King, and Glenn Close each won their categories and our hearts with their Golden Globes speeches last night. Oh made history as the first Asian woman to win the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama Series for her role in BBC America’s Killing Eve—and for being the first Asian host of the show. In her acceptance speech for her win, she thanked her parents, speaking in Korean. As sweet as it was, the real speech to watch from Oh came at the conclusion of her opening monologue with co-host… Read more

A Day In The Life Of A Succulent

By Francesca Volpe In General On Jan 07, 2019

The millennial icon gives us a behind the scenes look into terracotta, meditation, and Instagram photoshoots. 6AM: Every day I wake up to the smell of fresh coffee. This is because I live in the windowsill of Foam, a coffee/bookshop by day and a gallery/performance venue with an expired liquor license by night. Sometimes, there will be a vintage toy or medical device on sale, ‘cause why not? It’s a wacky place. It reminds me of Pee Wee’s Playhouse, but with a lease. This morning, the light was casting a glow over the… Read more

BUST's 10 Best Bets For January And February 2019

By BUST Magazine In Entertainment On Jan 07, 2019

From our January/February 2019 issue, BUST's managing editor Emily Rems shares her pop culture picks: 1. RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season Four The last season of Drag Race All Stars was a bit of a train wreck. But that only means the stakes are even higher this time around, as fan favorites Latrice Royale, Manila Luzon, Monét X Change, and more battle it out for $100,000 and a spot in RuPaul’s “Drag Race Hall of Fame.” Get your eleganza fantasy league together, and prepare to gag on top-notch celebrity guest judges,… Read more

The Doughnut-Making "Clubmobile Girls" Of WWII

By F Yeah History In Feminism On Jan 07, 2019

Taking part in any active duty during a war is tough, but when you’re hundreds of miles from home in a totally different country hounded by the constant threat of death, it’s gonna make you miss home comforts. Which is why during WWII, The American Red Cross came up with, erm… a truly innovative way to give their boys overseas a taste of back home (and by innovative, we of course mean batshit). America joined the war effort in December of 1941. And pretty soon, The good old US of A was getting reports back that their… Read more

"Surviving R. Kelly" Is Dark, Revealing And Absolutely Necessary TV Viewing

By Francesca Volpe In Feminism On Jan 04, 2019

R. Kelly’s reputation as a sexual predator has been public knowledge for decades. In 1994, a 27-year-old R. Kelly married a 15-year-old Aaliyah, who he was mentoring at the time. In 2002, Kelly went to court after a video was released in which he allegedly performed sex-acts including urination on an underage girl. Kelly was charged with possession of child pornography as a result of the video, but he disputed, claiming he was not the man in the tape. The young girl refused to testify, and the jury ultimately found him… Read more

Find Your January 2019 Sex Horoscope

By BUST Magazine In Sex On Jan 04, 2019

From our January/February 2019 issue, here's astrologer Sonia Ortiz's astrological advice for ladies looking to get laid: CapricornDec. 22 to Jan. 19 It’s your month, Cap! The solar eclipse is in your sun sign, triggering major life decisions around relationships. It’s time to focus on yourself, even if that means some relationships fizzle. Jan. 11 gives you the confidence boost you need to implement growth and change, which will bring transformation by Jan. 18. Feb. 7 is the best love day of the month, so get your… Read more

Everything You Need to Know About The Women's March 2019

By Allie Lawrence In Feminism On Jan 04, 2019

On January 19, 2019, Women's Marches will be held around the country, in which people will voice their support for women's rights and their opposition to the Trump administration. According to The New York Times, organizers all over the United States are hoping to use the momentum generated from the opposition against Judge Kavanaugh and the successes from the 2018 midterm election to make the upcoming march the most successful Women's March yet. They're also hoping that this march will make a statement ahead of the… Read more

Rep. Rashida Tlaib Of Michigan Is A Thobe-Wearing, Swearing Inspiration

By Casey Seline In Feminism On Jan 04, 2019

Newly sworn-in Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) is already shaking up the House of Representatives in several ways. Many news outlets, including NBC News, reported on the impressive and historic diversity of the 116th Congress. Notably, Tlaib, along with Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), are the first Muslim Congresswomen. Tlaib is the first Palestinian-American woman elected, and she wore a traditional Palestinian gown called a thobe to her swearing-in on Thursday. Thobes are hand-embroidered gowns that typically… Read more

Is "Toxic Femininity" A Thing?

By Katie Anthony In Feminism On Jan 04, 2019

Because the nature of this question is gendered along male/female lines, there’s going to be a lot of him vs. her in this post, and if that turns you off because binary gendering is BS, I totally get it, and I’ll see you next time. A reader asked me if I’d write a piece about “toxic femininity.” I felt immediately suspicious, then turned to my Facebook crew to ask their thoughts: is “toxic femininity” a thing? I read responses all day. I read some articles shared by the person who’d asked me about it in the first… Read more

"The New Romantic": Jessica Barden Shines Despite A Slight Script

By Deborah Krieger In Movies On Jan 03, 2019

One of the best pieces of first-person journalism I’ve ever read was written in my college’s newspaper by a fellow student, who did what the protagonist of The New Romantic does—try out being a “sugar baby” for the intrigue of having a new, slightly taboo life experience. (For those unfamiliar with the term, a “sugar baby” is commonly a young, attractive person who enters into a relationship with an older individual—the “sugar mommy/daddy”—in exchange for money and/or expensive gifts.) The difference between my fellow… Read more

The 116th Congress Has More Women Than Ever Before

By Allie Lawrence In Feminism On Jan 03, 2019

The 116th Congress is sworn in today, and according to Pew Research Center, women make up almost a quarter of its membership, the highest in United States history. 102 members in the House of Representatives are women, and one-third of those women won their seats for the first time in the 2018 midterms. 25 women will be serving in the Senate, and five of those women are new Senators. The Pew Research Center also reported that the number of women in the 116th Congress is the biggest jump in female members since 1992,… Read more

Week Of Women: January 4-10, 2019

By Erika W. Smith In Entertainment On Jan 03, 2019

Happy New Year! Our picks for feminist-friendly entertainment for the first full week of 2019 include the Golden Globes, the return of the Good Place, and a new music video from Cardi B. Enjoy! MOVIES Rust Creek This thriller directed by Jen McGowan stars Hermione Corfield as a college senior who gets lost on the way to a job interview and finds herself stranded in the Kentucky woods—with a band of ruthless outlaws pursuing her. Out Friday, January 4. State Like Sleep This drama directed by Meredith Danluck stars… Read more

16 Books By Women Coming Out In January 2019 That We Can't Wait To Read

By Erika W. Smith In Books On Jan 03, 2019

Happy New Year! We're kicking off January with a list of new books by women that we can't wait to read, including the Roxane Gay-approved essay collection Thick: and Other Essays by Tressie McMillan Cottom, and You Know You Want This, the debut short story collection by Kristen Roupenian, the author of the viral short story "Cat Person." Mouthful of Birds by Samanta Schweblin, translated by Megan McDowell (January 8) This short story collection by Buenos Aires-born, Berlin-based writer Samanta Schweblin has been called… Read more

Congress Let The Violence Against Women Act Expire Over The Holidays

By Allie Lawrence In Feminism On Jan 02, 2019

Most people are familiar with the partial government shutdown that occurred over the holidays because of disagreements over border wall funding, but few are aware of the expiration of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) that followed because of the shutdown. The VAWA passed in 1994 in the aftermath of Anita Hill’s landmark 1991 case against Clarence Thomas, according to the Washington Post. The act helps victims of sexual assault, domestic abuse, and stalking by providing funding for programs including rape crisis… Read more

Amanda Palmer, Ricki Lake, Justine Bateman, Lizz Winstead, Sam Jay, Amber Tamblyn, Karreuche Tran, Rachel Dratch, and Julie Klausner Star on Poptarts' "Best of 2018" Episode!

By Emily Rems In Poptarts On Jan 02, 2019

2018 was a fantastic year for BUST's "Poptarts" podcast! In the show's "Best of 2018" episode, we re-broadcast crucial clips from great guests incuding Amanda Palmer, Ricki Lake, Justine Bateman, Lizz Winstead, Sam Jay, Karreuche Tran, Rachel Dratch, and Amber Tamblyn. Plus, we're releasing a crazy, never-before-heard convo about cats from our interview with Julie Klausner! Check it out at bust.com/poptarts . About: BUST's Poptarts is a twice-monthly podcast hosted by BUST Magazine editors Emily Rems and Callie Watts… Read more

Victorian Advice For Dry January

By Mimi Matthews In Entertainment On Jan 02, 2019

Though the Victorians may not have been familiar with the term “Dry January,” the custom of abstaining from alcohol for a short time each year was nothing particularly new. Medical books and journals of the day often recommended the practice to cleanse the body and clear the mind. For example, in his 1864 Manual of Diet and Regimen for Physician and Patient, Dr. Horace Dobell advises that, “Those who habitually take alcohol daily, should abstain from it entirely for a few days twice or thrice a year.” This advice was… Read more

10 Women Who Are Changing The Comedy Game In 2018

By Allie Lawrence In Entertainment On Dec 20, 2018

Yesterday, my blood really started to boil when Forbes released an article called "The World’s Highest-Paid Comedians Of 2018," which included a list of the wealthiest comedians. And surprise, surprise—the list included only men. Jerry Seinfeld, Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Ricky Gervais, Gabriel Iglesias, Terry Fator, Jim Gaffigan, Jeff Dunham, and Sebastian Maniscalco all made the top 10, which is cool for them, but instead of reading about their money successes, I made a list of ladies who make me laugh… Read more

Gingerbread Cookies Are All Obviously Men, According to Fox News Contributor

By Mia X. Perez In Feminism On Dec 20, 2018

Well folks, Fox News has broadcasted yet another embarrassingly confusing approach to political sensitivity, this one so absurd, it is liable to make you laugh until your eggnog comes shooting out your nose. Personally, I've never considered the importance of gender equality in the sphere of cookies, pastries, and other baked goods. In fact, I've never thought about food having gender at all. But Tammy Bruce, a Fox News Consultant, says it only makes sense, after being bullied into censorship for one's whole life, that… Read more

Harvey Weinstein’s Sexual Assault Case Takes A Crucial Step Forward

By Allie Lawrence In Feminism On Dec 20, 2018

The first accusations of sexual harassment against Harvey Weinstein were made over a year ago, and there is finally some promising forward movement towards justice. Since October 2017, the movie producer and co-founder of Miramax has been accused of sexual misconduct by over 80 women, according to Vanity Fair. Weinstein’s inappropriate behavior spanned decades, and the accusations of sexual misconduct against him range from lewd comments to rape. According to the Associated Press, this morning, Judge James Burke… Read more

Week(s) Of Women: December 21, 2018-January 3, 2019

By Erika W. Smith In Entertainment On Dec 20, 2018

We've got an extra-long "week" of women today, because we are closing our offices for the holidays. The end of 2018/beginning of 2019 brings us a Ruth Bader Ginsburg biopic, a TV show by tidying pro Marie Kondo, and a remastered album by Princess Nokia. For more pop culture suggestions, check out our picks for the best albums, movies, and books of 2018. Enjoy, and see you next year! PODCASTS Listen to BUST cofounder Laurie Henzel share the story of BUST and talk feminism, '90s New York, and more on the podcast Gold… Read more

The Belladonna Co-Founder Caitlin Kunkel On “New Erotica for Feminists”

By Courtney Kocak In Books On Dec 20, 2018

In 2018, things are arguably the best they’ve ever been for U.S. womenfolk. But if the past few years have taught us anything—by virtue of Hillary Clinton’s unconscionable loss to our Improprietor-in-Chief, as well as the ubiquitous and grotesque revelations brought to light by the #MeToo movement, just to name a few lessons in sexism’s lingering strength—it’s that true equality is still a long way off. Enter New Erotica for Feminists: Satirical Fantasies of Love, Lust, and Equal Pay, a new humor anthology that… Read more

Empathy And Antique Stores

By Mikaela Revard In Living On Dec 20, 2018

I first sense it as I walk into the far room of Then & Now, an old department store refurbished as an antique shop. Then & Now is one of the largest buildings in Angola, Indiana—the small town in which I grew up so quietly. For at least a hundred years, there’s been whispers of hauntings in our town—some say there’s a ghost of a man who sobs quietly in the back of our tiny theater and cries out for a long, lost love. Another is the haunting of a nature preserve where a demon is trapped in one of the waters. Either way,… Read more

Patricia Okoumou Found Guilty After Climbing Statue of Liberty In Protest

By Mia X. Perez In Feminism On Dec 19, 2018

In the summer of 2018, a woman made history when she climbed the Statue of Liberty during a 4th of July protest. Her name is Patricia Okoumou, and on Monday, she was found guilty of trespassing, interfering with government agency functions, and disorderly conduct, The Guardian reports. Okoumou, a naturalized US citizen born in the Congo, was demonstrating for the sake of immigrant rights, particularly for children who are being separated from their parents and kept in detainment. Magistrate judge Gabriel Gorenstein… Read more

Jackie Fuchs From The Runaways Is Amazing At Jeopardy

By Zoë Naseef In Entertainment On Dec 19, 2018

Jackie Fuchs, the former bassist for "Cherry Bomb" rockstars the Runaways, is on a three-time winning streak on Jeopardy! We at BUST have been long-time fans The Runaways, an all-female 70s rock band, and we're excited to see Jackie getting some spotlight. Fuchs played bass for the Runaways, under the name Jackie Fox, from 1975 until 1977 and has since returned to her birth name and became an attorney and writer living in Los Angeles. As Pitchfork mentioned, she has also appeared on other TV game shows including her… Read more

Nicole Kidman Goes Gritty With "Destroyer"

By Jenni Miller In Movies On Dec 19, 2018

DestroyerDirected by Karyn KusamaOut December 25 Nicole Kidman’s hot streak continues with her performance in Destroyer as Erin Bell, a liquor-soaked detective searching the underbelly of Los Angeles for the criminal who upended her world. The twisty-turny narrative flashes back and forth in time to illustrate Erin’s transformation from a promising young rookie on an undercover assignment inside a cult-like gang to a flinty alcoholic clinging to what’s left of her life. When Erin isn’t putting the screws to members of… Read more

"On The Basis Of Sex" Tells The Story Of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's First Momentous Win

By BUST Magazine In Movies On Dec 19, 2018

On the Basis of Sex Directed by Mimi LederOut December 25 In such a tumultuous and often horrifying political era, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been a consistent hero and symbol of hope and resilience. (I mean, the 85-year-old returned to work in November just days after fracturing three ribs!) In Mimi Leder’s stunning biopic, though, viewers first meet the notorious RBG (portrayed masterfully by Felicity Jones) several decades prior to her Supreme Court days—specifically, in a Harvard Law classroom… Read more

BUST's 10 Most-Read Posts Of 2018

By BUST Magazine In General On Dec 19, 2018

Every year, we keep track of our most-read articles and compile them in one place for your reading pleasure. This year we have 10 important reads that cover topics including trans healthcare, postpartum parties, the orgasm gap, and more. So, here are our top reads of 2018—which you should read again! 10. DJ Khaled, Oral Sex, And The Orgasm Gap by Samantha Mann Photo: still from "You Mine" by DJ Khaled via YouTube9. On Being Fat In Ways White Girls Don’t Understand by Savala Nolan Trepczynski Photo: PXHere Creative… Read more