Feeling Trapped

The person in the cage is me. At my core, I know I’m an artist, I know I was born to express and perform. But the anxiety and fear in my head often trap me, silencing my voice and stifling my creativity.

I didn’t grow up in a theater or art family, but all my life, I’ve been creating. From designing paper dresses for my My Little Ponys, crafting complex storylines for my Barbies, or turning my emotions into song lyrics, I was the quintessential tortured artist. My family appreciated my creativity but treated it as a hobby, not a way of life. I was told I was “too loud,” “too bossy,” and “not a genius at one thing,” leaving me with the feeling that I’d never truly amount to something.

Then, on a whim, I auditioned and got into a Performing Arts High School. Suddenly, I was in a world where being loud, taking up space, and showing off my skills was not just encouraged, but celebrated. I had spent so much time repressing myself to fit in, it felt like I had forgotten how to just be me. 

The judgment never disappeared—it just morphed, and I had to learn how to handle it all over again.

In front of my voice teacher, one of the few people who truly encouraged me, I felt unstoppable. I spent hours perfecting my audition pieces. But the moment I stepped into the audition room, surrounded by peers and directors who seemed to see only flaws, my confidence evaporated. My voice was swallowed by anxiety and self-doubt, and all that was left was the sound of someone trapped—someone terrified to be herself.

Eventually, I reached a breaking point. I didn’t want to be that scared, uncertain person anymore. 

My passion for success outweighed my fear. 

Still, there’s always a quiet voice of doubt I have to actively say no to every time I step on that stage. In my head, I repeat a mantra: “You deserve to try.” 

Growth isn’t linear, and escaping that cage isn’t easy, but I truly believe it’s possible. You deserve to be yourself at your fullest, brightest, and boldest, no holds barred.

Written by Natasha Teiman 

Photography by Mark Bluemle @barks.mindd

Directed by Sophia Querrazzi @sophiamq_14

Talent: Marc Semana @marcmiaou

Queer Culture: Gays and Dolls

Queer culture has been around for a long time. Originally the term queer just meant strange or odd, before becoming a slur that was primarily targeting gay men. Eventually over time the word ‘queer’ became reclaimed and nowadays has a neutral connotation to it. Queer culture comes in a plethora of forms and representations.

Since being queer was, and still is, partially seen as outside of the norm, queer communities have had to look for other ways to keep the culture alive. A huge part of this is the cult classic movies. Now, up until recently queer identities were either not given the opportunity to shine in Hollywood or they were stuck with strictly stereotypical portrayals. But there are still films that resonant with queer individuals.

A huge part of the connection between the queer community and the film world is escapism. Like in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, without being outwardly stated to be queer the film and it’s characters hold a lot of importance within the community. Films like this with characters like Frank-N-Furter are able to bring an indescribable feeling for lots of queer viewers. You of course can’t forget about the musical aspect and how that greatly has been a medium steeped in queer culture. 

The Wizard of Oz, Death Becomes Her, I’m Just a Cheerleader, Jennifer’s Body, and the list continues. Each of these films holds a huge place in the hearts of queer people everywhere. While not every one of these films explicitly deals with and talks about queerness, there is still a factor that appeals to people, that factor being camp.

Camp is the playful use of irony, exaggeration, and aesthetics. The movies listed above all play to this extremely well. Witches in bubbles and teenage girls possessed by demons, these films take the absurd and make them relatable for a lot of audiences and connect deeply to queer viewers. 

The epitome of camp and queer culture combined lies in drag performances, both queens and kings. As the famous drag queen RuPaul says, “We’re all born naked, and the rest is drag.” Drag is gender performance, and has been a staple of queer culture for decades and has only become more mainstream. From shows like “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “The Boulet Brothers' Dragula” to artists like Chapelle Roan’s drag influences, drag has grown in notoriety and become a representation of queer communities.

As drag has become more recognized in the media, there has also been an uptick in drag queens being cast in musicals on and off Broadway. Queens like Jinkx Monsoon and Latrice Royale are being cast in productions of “Chicago” and “Little Shop of Horrors”, respectively. But it doesn’t stop there; shows like “Drag: The Musical” opened off Broadway in 2024, starring many famous Drag Race alumni and produced by Liza Minnelli. Even though it seems as if drag performances are newer, this isn’t necessarily true. Characters and roles such as Edna Turnblad from “Hairspray” and Miss Trunchbull from “Matilda” have always been played by men in drag.

Another queer subculture that has grown to see mainstream success is ballroom culture. The ballroom scene was created by black and brown, gay and trans people, where houses are created and community is found where people were previously segregated and barred from joining other communities. Shows like “Pose” and “Legendary” gave glimpses into this world within their three seasons each.

A common theme found within queer culture and media is the creation of communities and found families. Not every person who comes out can find love and acceptance from their biological families, so finding those people in the world who care for you is crucial. There is no ‘queer community’ rather there are queer communities that may overlap but these groups allow for queer individuals to live their lives with people they relate to.

With these trying times we have to want to uphold queer culture, as well as create new pinnacles. We need to be able to speak up for our rights and fight for them. There should be no fear in going to a gay bar, there should be more lesbian bars, period. Seeing characters played by queer actors and that not being their entire character needs to be the norm.

Written by Clark Gérôme

School Girl Aesthetic: Powerful or Problematic?

Often depicted in media as a symbol of innocence, rebellion, or transformation, the schoolgirl aesthetic has been a defining feature of both fashion and media in the West for decades. The look, from collared shirts and overwhelming amounts of plaid patterns, has evolved over the decades and has produced different cultural impacts, whether it be shaping pop culture or influencing real-world fashion trends. While it has been criticized for its problematic undertones, it has also been reclaimed as a source of empowerment primarily for women. From film to music videos, the aesthetic has been reinterpreted in various ways over the years, reflecting shifting social values around fashion, identity, and power.

What is the Schoolgirl Aesthetic?

The schoolgirl aesthetic is rooted in traditional school uniforms in the West, particularly those found in private schools in the United States and the United Kingdom. Typically consisting of plaid skirts, button-up shirts, blazers, and loafers, this style is often associated with an air of innocence, privilege, and discipline as perceived about private schools and other types of exclusive academic institutions. However, while inspired by real-world uniforms, media portrayals and pop culture tend to exaggerate elements for stylistic appeal: shorter skirts, fitted tops, and more playful accessories. This transformation characterizes the traditional uniform into something more provocative or rebellious. Depending on how it is presented, the schoolgirl aesthetic can either reinforce societal expectations about its wearers—adolescent girls—or challenge them, depending on how it is styled and contextualized in different narratives.

Evolution in Media

The dramatic shift in the portrayal of the schoolgirl aesthetic in media can be seen in iconic films that used the aesthetic to define characters undergoing personal growth or social reinvention. Initially associated with youthful innocence, the aesthetic gradually became more fashion-forward and, at times, provocative. Ally Sheedy’s character Allison Reynolds in The Breakfast Club (1985) experiences a makeover that turns her from an outcast characterized by her dark clothing and neutrally gendered accessories into someone more conventionally attractive—partly through the adoption of a more feminine color palette and polished version of the schoolgirl aesthetic. Similarly, Clueless (1995) and Legally Blonde (2001) played with schoolgirl-inspired fashion to emphasize preppier styles as aspirational for adolescent women. Other films like The Princess Diaries (2001), Mean Girls (2004), and Easy A (2010) used the aesthetic to showcase transformation narratives, where characters either embrace or reject the schoolgirl look as they develop their identities. More recently, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018) reintroduced the aesthetic in a way that aligns with modern preppy fashion trends—cardigans, bolder sweater prints, and the inclusion of pants—making it more approachable and contemporary.

Beyond film, the schoolgirl aesthetic has been a staple in music videos, particularly in the work of female pop stars. Britney Spears’ ...Baby One More Time (1999) famously cemented the look in pop culture, using a playful yet controversial take on the uniform to portray youthful confidence. Years later, Iggy Azalea’s Fancy (2014) paid homage to Clueless, further solidifying the enduring appeal of the schoolgirl aesthetic.

Problematic?

Despite its popularity, the schoolgirl aesthetic has been criticized for being infantilizing and reinforcing outdated gender dynamics. By emphasizing youth and innocence, especially given that its wearers both in media and in real life tend to be adolescent girls, it can contribute to the fetishization of young women, particularly when stylized in a way that sexualizes the uniform. The dynamic raises concerns about how the media portrays adolescent femininity and the messages it sends about power and desirability. Additionally, the aesthetic is often associated with class privilege. The polished, private-school-inspired look is frequently linked to wealth and exclusivity, and making it an aspirational style may not reflect the reality of most students. The glamorization of the schoolgirl aesthetic in media often overlooks the rigid structures and social hierarchies that exist in real-life academic institutions.

The Case for Reclamation

While the schoolgirl aesthetic has its problematic elements rooted in its subservient portrayal of young women, it has also been reclaimed in ways that challenge traditional narratives. The incorporation of pop-punk elements in fashion, such as plaid skirts paired with combat boots and band tees, has added a rebellious edge to the look, subverting its associations with innocence. This reinterpretation allows women to take control of the aesthetic, using it as a tool for self-expression rather than adhering to societal expectations. The aesthetic can provide dimension to female characters in media, giving them space to be more than just their youthful appearance. When used thoughtfully, it can highlight the complexity of young women’s experiences—balancing societal pressures with personal agency and growth. Rather than being a passive symbol of conformity, the schoolgirl aesthetic can be wielded as a statement of individuality and defiance despite patriarchal standards and restrictions for female expression.

Conclusion

As fashion trends continue to evolve, the schoolgirl aesthetic will likely undergo further transformations as gendered expression in fashion and media continues to see broader horizons and possibilities. With shifting cultural conversations around gender, power, and representation, the way this aesthetic is portrayed in media will be crucial in determining whether it remains problematic or becomes an empowering symbol. Trends like gender-neutral school uniforms and alternative takes on preppy fashion suggest that the aesthetic may continue to be redefined in unexpected ways. Whether it’s seen as a symbol of innocence, rebellion, or empowerment, the schoolgirl aesthetic remains a powerful tool for storytelling and self-expression.

Written by Arushi Sen

Directed by K Pereira @kaleb.pereira922

Photography by Roberto Meadows @_.rubbertoe & Garrett Hoy @ghoy2000

Styled by KateLynn Herrera @katelynn.herrera

PA: Tayja Whyte @tayjaa.x, Chloe Kaleah Stewart @chloe.kaleah

Talent: Sammie Butters @sammiebutterss, Natasha Teiman @natasha_teiman, Gabrielle Clemons @gabrielleebiancaa, Cade Ostermeyer @cademeyer_, Cecil Atkins @its._cecil, Malia Corinne Louie @malia.corinneeee