EDITORIAL - Oliver Trevena Is Making Moves

Say hello to Oliver Trevena —the man who is known for his interview and hosting skills. We’re flipping the script and sitting down with this famous British host turned actor (alongside his adorable pup Georgie) to catch up on his latest projects. Here’s what you need to know: Oliver making moves and is working to make the world a better place. Between shooting several movies (Rising Hawk, Embattled, The Reckoning, Out of Death) in the past couple of years and growing his new business Caliwater with his partner Vanessa Hudgens, Oliver is using his talents to help spread awareness of forced child marriage in India. Serving as producer for a docuseries entitled Unmuted, Oliver hopes to produce content to unmute the voices of girls and young women in India who were forced into marriage too young. He also works closely with the Not For Sale Campaign, which provides resources to end human slavery and trafficking. Inspired? We are too. For more on Oliver Trevena, please read our exclusive editorial interview below.

EDITORIAL: Lexy Panterra - Baddie Good

Lexy Panterra dances through life and never says sorry. The singer, rapper, and dancer uses her platform to empower women and girls to be their best, authentic selves. From “TwerkOut” - her online twerking classes to her latest album Baddie Vibez, Panterra leads with an image of confidence, strength, and femininity, encouraging her fans to unapologetically practice self-love. Jejune had the pleasure to get to know more about Lexy Panterra, we got to talk about her music, venturing into rapping, her passion for dancing, and what makes her feel good. To learn more about Panterra, continue reading below.

COVER: Adam Waheed - The King Of Comedy

If you don’t mind, I would like to tell you a little bit about Adam Waheed. This handsome Egyptian from New York City is a lot more than a pretty face. In fact, his good looks are almost an after thought in his comedy. He is known for playing innocent and playful roles where he is typically the ridiculous guy who leaves his ladies, friends, co-workers, or doctors completely flabbergasted. The shocking story behind Adam, and his massive social media following, is that he is a self-made man. He started out as wanting to be an actor, but there were just not enough roles for someone who looks like him. So, he took things into his own hands and started an empire of social media comedy. Cute, short skits that resemble videos one would see on sites like Funny or Die and CollegeHumor, with one small exception — Adam always casts a very diverse group of talent in all his videos. While the rest of the world is waking up to this, this is just natural for all of Adam’s skits. Adam’s skills don’t stop there. He has recently branched out to producing and acting in short films, like Tribes, and opening schools across the world for underprivileged kids. Adam certainly does it all. To learn more, please click here!

rIVerse Is Going Viral - The Future of High Concept Art Pop

rIVerse is the viral, multi-racial, LGBTQ+ and body-positive pop group that is breaking the internet. An independent Canadian pop and R&B group, rIVerse is a band known for making international waves for their high concept art pop and inclusive messaging. The group is comprised of band members Dizz, Monroe, Khadija and Zak. rIVerse recently released their newest music video for “BaeBeeBoo” off their critically acclaimed album, Poison IV. The album has been heralded for its innovative, genre-bending aesthetic and inclusive messaging which tackles themes ranging from body positivity, self love to systemic racism. We couldn’t wait to talk to the members of rIVerse and share the impact of their music and creativity. Please read our exclusive interview with rIVerse below.

Art, Editor's Pick, zIssue 31Forrest JohnsonApril 27, 2021music, musician, inclusivity, LGBTQ, LGBTQ+, body positivity, women, womxn, band, singer song writer, k-pop, producer, youtube, viral, content, canadaComment

Re-exploring Photography From The Queer Lens

Art is most enjoyable when it represents us, much like our favorite clothes to wear. There are many labels in society that assign gender to people according to their appearances, especially with how they choose to dress, and the same can be said for art. Binary gender is pervasive in the art industry, and often times queer artists have been systematically excluded. It needs to be changed. And we will change it. There are artists that are challenging the industry standard through their art. Queer, non-binary, Latinx, fashion photographer Daniel Roa is one of them. They created a fashion photographic series on 120mm film where they photographed queer people who were assigned male at birth as representations of themselves so that we can see what Non-binary representation outside of the cis gaze looks like. The concept is embracing the fluidity of one’s gender and it allows us to see non-binary people as they see themselves because Non-binary identity has no single appearance and representation. Thus, at the end of the day, we realize that we can look the way we are and we can be represented as we want through a queer lens. We talked to Daniel Roa about queer photography series, fashion and the definition of being non-binary. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about Daniel Roa.

Forever Bloom - Forever Young

In many ways, this pandemic has people reevaluating their priorities, but one thing hasn’t changed — we want to stay young for as long as we can! In fact, with many of us feeling like we lost a year, this is more important than ever. So, what do we do? We eat better, stay active, get more sleep, and try not to stress out too much. All great things, but our skin could always use a little more love. Let me introduce you to Forever Bloom, an eco-friendly, doesn’t test on animals, a beauty company that is diving into the idea of cellular regrowth to help keep our skin young! Why treat a symptom when you can attack the cause!? Please read further to learn more about this amazing company and how Jejune is partnering with them on a giveaway and discounts!

COVER - Victoria Konefal Dreams Of A Green Future

Victoria Konefal brings passion to this world by dreaming of a green future. You may know Victoria from her work on Day of our Lives, where she plays the fierce and independent Ciara Brady, and Victoria’s legacy is continuing to grow off-screen with her tremendous conservation efforts with organizations like Heal the Bay and Thirst Project. Conservation has taken a backseat during the turmoil of the pandemic and it is people like Victoria who are helping to put the spotlight back onto what we can do in our everyday lives to make a real contribution to conservation. In honor of Women’s History Month, we were very excited to talk to Victoria about the impact of a woman’s voice — we discuss her experience in Hollywood as an actress, working with women directors, and being an advocate for a better and brighter future. For more on Victoria Konefal, please read our exclusive editorial interview below.

Ain't I A Woman? Cheri Moon's Anthem of Empowerment For All Women

It is International Women’s Month and Cheri Moon is here to kick it up a notch. Cheri’s new single harkens back to a staple in women’s rights history: Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I A Woman” speech. Sharing the same name with the famous speech, Moon’s “Ain’t I A Woman” is a powerful anthem for 2021. The message of her music resonates with soulful celebration with the punchiness of a pop-ballad. Outside of Cheri’s music career, you can also catch her working along side Good + Foundation. In our interview with Cheri, we talk about Sojourner’s influence today for women everywhere and what hopeful emergences we have seen in the past year for feminism. For more on Cheri Moon, please read our exclusive interview below.

Fighting Homelessness & Poverty with HOPE

During one of the largest economic crises our country has ever seen, when cities are forcing landlords not to evict tenants who can’t pay, thousands have lost their jobs, and the number of homeless has yet to be calculated, there is hope. There is hope in Tiny Homes. Hope of the Valley’s Tiny Homes Villages is one of the most beautiful initiatives I have heard about so far in 2021. In one of the cities in the US that has the worst numbers of homelessness, Los Angeles, this organization is just stating the fight, and they are doing it in style. They have set up a transitional micro-village, where people wanting to pull themselves off the streets are given the resources to do so. Hope of the Valley has no only done this smartly, but also sensitively for the people who are moving in. They make sure they are safe, clean, feed, and even have a dog park for those with pets. I’m so excited to share with you our exclusive interview with the CEO of Hope of the Valley, Ken Craft.

EDITORIAL - Jarry Lee Is A Voice In The Silence

Jarry is a NYC-based model/actress, musician, and influencer who did something courageously out of the ordinary — she came out as bisexual on the hit Netflix show, Dating Around. With a social media following rising at astronomical rates, Jarry never chooses silence. Jarry is a bold voice with an extra aesthetic, and she is committed to lending her voice to strengthen the visibility of the LGBTQ+ and Asian community. In our interview with Jarry, we talk about her life in NYC during the pandemic, her coming out moment, and the current wave of violence against Asian Americans. You don’t want to miss this moment with Jarry! Please read our full and exclusive editorial and interview below.

Nikki DeLoach’s Guide to Self Love

Nikki DeLoach is someone to look up to. Since her days on the Mickey Mouse Club , DeLoach has starred in MTV’s hit series Awkward, guest starred in NCIS and Criminal Minds, and taken over Hallmark. But DeLoach’s work does not end when cameras stop rolling —she’s been taking up activism for over a decade. The co-founder of What We Are, DeLoach aims to encourage women to tell their own stories, as she has done. She pursues every cause that is dear to her and inspire others to do the same along the way. DeLoach went in detail with Jejune about these causes, making the most out of the holidays amid COVID-19, and why we should all be activists. For more on Nikki Deloach, read below.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 30, Editor's PickJejune ContributorMarch 12, 2021Actor, Film, christmas, feminism, activist, Humanitarian, voting rights, familyComment

COVER - The Wellness Of Sustainability

In just a month it already feels like a new world. We have a president who wears a mask, recognizes science, and very importantly is making steps in the right direction for our environment. In a lot of ways, I feel that the pandemic has awaken us to what is truly important to us — our loved ones, our health, and our future. While we are navigating this current situation, it is very important to not forget about the other issues on hand. Climate change is hot on our heels! I mean, Texas is frozen over, while ice caps are melting.

We talk about sustainable improvements to our lives, but one of my favorite is fashion. Fashion is notorious for being very wasteful, but it doesn’t have to be! There is an ever increasing array of designers who are eco-friendly and amazing! But while I feel people are starting to notice this, we are not talking as much about one part of fashion that can also be sustainable and vegan, shoes! So, I thought, what would be a better way to show off some amazing sustainable shoe brands than on a contortionist! Side note: Victoria Gibbs doesn’t think she is a contortionist, but if she isn’t she is certainly up there for me. If you can put your feet over your head and put them on the ground, then I’m convinced you are a contortionist!

On addition to showing off amazing shoes in a cool way, Victoria talks with us about health, wellness, being very bendy, and her work with Lupus. To learn more about Victoria, please read our exclusive interview below.

Warriors Amongst Women

Women have been fighting for the same rights as men for centuries. Brave and fearless leaders like Susan B. Anthony, Mary McLeod Bethune, Simone de Beauvoir, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Angela Davis passionately fought for women's rights and helped shape the movement for gender equality.

EDITORIAL - Keith L. Williams Is Out Of This World

Jejune loves to interview the next generation and hear how they are deciphering the current social and political situation, as well as the health crisis. There’s plenty of flack given to Millenials (who are coming on 40 years old on the older end of the generation’s spectrum) and Gen-Z gets a bad wrap for being a technology-dependent generation; however, these groups of individuals are movers and shakers who are not afraid to share their opinions. Gen-Z’s coming of age story is occurring during a pandemic and that’s nothing to shy away from. We were delighted to interview Keith L. Williams and learn more about how he sees his generation making an impact and envisioning a better future, particularly in light of COVID-19 and continuing to seek out philanthropic opportunities. To us, Keith is out of this world for more reasons than one. The 13-year-old actor stars in Nickelodeon’s The Astronauts as the lovable big-brother character, Martin Taylor, and has worked on titles such as The Last Man On Earth and Good Boys. Keith has big dreams of continuing to shoot for the stars in Hollywood while remaining grounded through supporting causes close to his heart, demonstrated by his work with Palace of A.U.T.I.S.M. Please continue reading for our exclusive editorial with Keith L. Williams.

COVER - Marcy Richardson, The Show Must Go On

What is your favorite part of New York City? If you live here, why did you move here or why did you decide to stay? If you just love to visit, why is that? I think almost every single person who loves NYC loves it, at least partly, for the arts. I moved here 10.5 years ago, 100% for the arts. I then fell in love with the grit and the people. My people, artists who make magic happen. These are the people who are being ignored. These people are hard-working and living off their art, now they are not allowed to work at all, and they are given no alternatives. This pandemic has taught us many things about our society, and one of the loudest messages is that “the arts do not matter.” But I ask you this: How will we look back on this pandemic in history? It will be through the photography, the songs, the murals, the books, and who knows what else amazing ideas and creations come from this lockdown. We won’t be all sitting around watching videos of Trump or Cuomo’s daily briefings. We will be looking towards the art. Look back on history. How do we think about the most famous moments? From a painting, a song, or a poem. We need to be supporting the arts more than ever right now! Not only do they mark our history, but they give us the most important gift of all —hope.

Jejune had the pleasure to sit down, chat with, and photograph an amazing hard-working artist in New York City, Marcy Richardson. When the pandemic hit all her venues closed, but like most NYC artists, she is full of passion and grit. She will weather this storm and come back to the stage like a phoenix. Please read further to learn a bit about Marcy’s journey.

Editorials, Cover, Editor's Pick, Most Popular, zIssue 29Kira BuccaJanuary 29, 2021performer, singer, actress, newyorker, aerialists, theatre, newyork, covid, pole, pole dancers, artist, nyc, HustlersComment

The Worst Pandemics Throughout History

Since the beginning of time disease and illnesses have plagued mankind. As we have evolved and spread across the globe, so have infectious viruses. While outbreaks have been fairly common in modern times, the majority did not reach the pandemic levels that COVID-19 has. Widespread disease developed when society shifted to agricultural communities. Trade between communities created new opportunities for interactions between humans and animals. As trade became standard, the scale and spread of these diseases began to increase dramatically.

Epidemics such as the plague, smallpox, tuberculosis, and others first appeared during these early years. As society advanced, larger cities were created, and living in close proximity to each other and animals, with poor sanitation and nutrition, were breeding grounds for disease. Exotic and overseas trade routes spread these novel infections far and wide, creating the first global pandemics. Since then, many more widespread diseases have evolved including Cholera, the Spanish flu, and now Coronavirus. Read more to learn about the deadliest pandemics in history.

ARIA Won't Let The Conversation Die!

Aria Brooks alias ARIA is a young creative to be on the look out for. When she’s not starring in Nickelodeon’s revival of the hit 90s sitcom, All That, she’s mixing her artistry and activism to inspire others to continue difficult, yet important conversations. ARIA’s latest single, Am I Next? and its music video are powerfully influenced by the Black Lives Matter defining the Summer of 2020 and beyond. Jejune talks to ARIA about her artistic endeavors, how they’ve looked during COVID-19, and how she is encouraging BIPOC and white youth alike to take a stand for social justice.

COVER - Emma Norton Will Dance Her Way Into Your Heart

While TikTok certainly existed before the pandemic, the popular (and might we add addictive) video app became a beloved past time for creators, viewers, and consumers during shelter-in-place. For 16-year-old Emma Norton, TikTok is a place where she can exhibit her mad make-up skills and penchant for entertainment. Her personality is as charismatic as it is authentic, — making Emma a magnet for admiration and attracting over 5.9 million followers on TikTok (and counting!) and over 300 thousand on Instagram. Emma gives us insight on TikToker’s place in speaking out on social issues —a hot and growing topic in 2020— and the positive potential of social media to spread awareness as we move forward into another year with bigger goals for our society and the world at large. We are so excited to share our interview with Emma and we are sure that this TikTok star, actress, and influencer will dance her way into your heart. Please read our exclusive interview with Emma below.

Holiday Gift Guide - Top 6 Sustainable Brands to Light Up Your Stockings

What in the world is better than holiday shopping? Buying gifts for your loved ones is a quintessential holiday experience. Especially in this day and age, holiday shopping brings joy and a sense of comfort. But this season is your turn to give back not only to your families, but also to the environment. It is imperative to shop sustainably to reduce waste, make a positive impact on people, and a positive impact on the planet. We have compiled a list of vegan, cruelty-free, ethical, and sustainable brands for you to check out! Each brand mentioned below contains an all exclusive Jejune holiday promotional code. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

Please read further, and add these brands to your shopping list this holiday season.

Sirens Of Hope - Diana Sophia

As an individual who lived through the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City, I have been waiting for the music and art that would come from it, and Diana Sophia did not disappoint. If you did not have the experience or if you did, please take a moment to listen to her new song “Sirens.” This song will transport you to those months of 24/7 ambulance sirens and the anxiety we all felt, but she also laces in hope that came with them. This song is heavy, and not something I will listen to every day, but it is true historic art and should be respected as such. Diana might be from Mexico, but in many ways, she is nothing but a New Yorker. She is all about grit and passion. In addition to being an incredible singer-songwriter, she is a survivor and helps support an amazing organization for sexual abuse victims called Hidden Water. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about Diana Sophia.