Louis Henry Mitchell - Creativity is for Everyone

Everyone is an artist. Author of Qreative Evolution, Louis Henry Mitchell, explains how this is a truth throughout his new book and teaches others how to find their creativity and embrace it. As author of a book made for all and creative director of character design at Sesame Workshop for Sesame Street where he created the first ever Muppet on the autism spectrum, Mitchell brings inclusivity to the forefront of his work. With a podcast for all creative disciplines that teaches others how to be an artists coming soon, Mitchell is bringing us even more to look forward to and learn from. To discover more about Louis Henry Mitchell and his new book, read on.

Editor's Pick, Art, zIssue 57.2Eva Elisa WellsJuly 2, 2025Autism, creativity, creative, Creative, book, newbook, children, self-help, Artists, artistComment

Where in the World is it Safe to be Transgender?

As the first year of the Trump administration’s second term goes on, it is clear that the LGBTQIA+ community, especially those a part of the transgender community, will continue to be the target of several discriminatory laws, policies, and ideologies. Certain states in the U.S. are becoming increasingly unsafe for transgender individuals to reside in because of their more conservative government officials and the introduction of prejudicial state legislation that allows for discrimination.

In light of the growing hostility U.S. policies have towards the trans community, here is a list of the 5 safest cities in the U.S. and 5 safest cities outside of the U.S. for transgender individuals to live.

Freedom, Fun, and Festivities: Celebrating Juneteenth in Style

Freedom, joy, and soul food—Juneteenth is more than a history lesson; it’s a celebration of culture, community, and the triumph of liberation. Marked every June 19th, this vibrant holiday commemorates the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in Texas finally heard the news: they were free. Today, Juneteenth is a time to honor that moment with music, storytelling, parades, and plenty of barbecue. Whether you’re joining your first Juneteenth celebration or keeping a family tradition alive, it's a powerful—and joyful—reminder that freedom is always worth celebrating.

Editor's Pick, Articles, zIssue 57.1Kylie MurphyJune 19, 2025Juneteenth, celebration, Non-profit, donation, Freedom, Fun, Black-owned, tradition, historyComment

Step up for Nature: Supporting Our Parks in a Summer of Strain

As summer unfolds and millions of Americans flock to our nation’s parks for hiking, camping, and reconnecting with nature, there's an unseen crisis quietly developing behind the trees and trails. A wave of ranger layoffs is leaving these treasured landscapes with fewer guardians than ever before. From Yellowstone to the Smoky Mountains, staff reductions mean fewer people to manage crowds, maintain trails and protect wildlife. At the same time, park attendance is surging, a perfect storm that threatens the health and beauty of our public lands. Without adequate staff to manage the influx of visitors, the integrity of our parks is at risk.

Editor's Pick, Articles, zIssue 57.1Angelina DeSalvoJune 18, 2025nature, parks, national parks, environment, environmental, protect wildlifeComment

In Living Color: Queer Artists Shaping Pride Through Art

Pride began as a protest — and queer art still carries that fire. These artists aren’t just creating beauty; they’re challenging systems, reclaiming space, and telling stories that demand to be heard. This Pride, Jejune Magazine highlights individuals who utilize their art as a means of creating change, promoting visibility, and fostering liberation.

Art, Editor's Pick, zIssue 57.1Kylie MurphyJune 13, 2025pride month, gay artists, queer, Art, Artists, activists, Fun, paintings, printsComment

Paxton Smith - From Viral Valedictorian to Musician and Activist

From a viral valedictorian speech to becoming a musician and activist, Paxton Smith is no stranger to making her voice heard. With songs off of her new EP, “But I Love It”, releasing every month, we have no shortage of things to look forward to! Beyond the music, Smith has had the chance to travel around the country to speak on the importance of reproductive rights and serves on the board for directors for WRRAP - the Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project. Read on to learn more about Paxton Smith and her new music.

Blue States Contribute So Much, What Would Happen If They Stopped?

Blue states contribute a great deal to the U.S. government and economy. As of 2024, about 47 percent of the U.S.’ GDP is composed of contributions from blue states, with the total GDP being around 23.54 trillion and blue states contributing around 11.116 trillion of that total, California, New York, and Illinois being the top three contributing blue states.

While red states do make up more of the U.S.’ GDP, at about 50.5 percent/11.89 trillion with their top contributors being Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania, it is important to note that there are 31 red states and only 19 blue states (red & blue states as defined by recent presidential election voting results). Even though there is a large number of red states compared to that of the blue states numbers, the blue states’ impact is almost on par with the red states' impact. This shows just how important and strong the blue states are to the U.S.’ economy.

Articles, Editor's Pick, zIssue 57.1Eva Elisa WellsJune 10, 2025Government, money, policies, politics, Politics, political, Trump, Trump administration, economy, gdpComment

Color Outside the Lines: Creative Queer Businesses to Support

With Pride Month in full force, there’s no better time to celebrate the vision and unapologetic creativity of LGBTQIA+ owned brands. These bold, boundary-breaking businesses aren't just serving looks and products—they’re serving purpose. From powerful messages of love and identity to meaningful support for vital causes, these brands are making waves and rewriting the rules. Jejune Magazine is here to cheer them on and highlight the trailblazers making the world more inclusive, one idea at a time.

It Might Be Memorial Day, But Are We Supporting Veterans?

Memorial Day is here and what better way to support our veterans is there than to advocate for them. With the Trump administration working to cut federal spending, veteran’s access to affordable healthcare is in jeopardy.

Brianne Nord-Stewart - Directing Change

Acclaimed queer director Brianne Nord-Stewart is empowering positive change through film. Her most recent project, I Was Octomom: The Natalie Suleman Story, helps one of America’s most hated women take back her reputation and rewrite the narrative. Donating proceeds from the release party for her show, The Dangers of Online Dating, to Options for Sexual Health, donating to Action Canada, and supporting a plethora of other sexual and reproductive health organizations, Nord-Stewart makes her message loud and clear. To learn more about Brianne Nord-Stewart and her projects, read on.

What to Know About the Proposed Republican Healthcare Bill

House Republicans have just recently proposed a new healthcare bill that is supposedly the cost-saving centerpiece for Trump's “big, beautiful bill”. In reality, this legislation is anything but beautiful.

The expansion of Medicaid was one of the most impactful effects of the Affordable Care Act, helping eliminate cost barriers to care and allowing more individuals access to healthcare coverage. With this new healthcare bill being introduced, important parts of the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid will be affected and likely leave millions of Americans without access to healthcare coverage.

Is Leaving America Worth It?

With the recent election results putting Trump into office once again, the fear of his second term bringing even worse consequences this time around is widely shared. Many Americans have been heavily considering leaving the country to try and counteract the effect his presidency will have on them.

Though, with every big decision comes its positives and negatives. Here are a few pros and cons to leaving America that you should consider before making your decision.

A 5k 'Baby Bonus' Is Not the Answer

With the annual birth rate in the US near a record low, the Trump administration is looking for a new way to encourage women to have children. The current solution in discussion within the administration is a money incentive. They believe offering women a $5,000 ‘baby bonus’ after delivering will influence more women to give birth.

While offering women this small sum of money to have a child might seem like a generous idea, it cannot solve such a complex decision.

COVER - XO Sasha Bhasin

Like Praveena from XO Kitty, Sasha Bhasin is a strong fierce woman who knows what she wants. From a young age, she knew she wanted to be an actress and wasn’t going to take a no from her parents or anyone else. She has come a long way from dragging her mom to casting calls to being a love interest in one of the top Netflix shows! Just like we hope to see more of Praveena in season three of XO Kitty, I have full confidence that we will be seeing a lot more of Sasha Bhasin on our screens as she tackles every role she gets her hands on. It is important to note that Sasha is also a singer, recently coming out with a new song, and a passionate advocate for the environment and pugs! Please read on to learn more about the charming Sasha Bhasin.

Samy Nemir Olivares - Bringing Fashion Sense to Activism

Samy Nemir Olivares (they/them) has the perfect life experience to be a natural activist. Born in rural Puerto Rico to a single mother, they grew up in a financially insecure household, relying on government programs to make ends meet. After college, they moved to New York City with only a suitcase and a dream, to create a more just, equitable world. Today, they are the founder and director of Cuir Strategies, a consulting firm specializing in communications and strategy for the Latinx, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC communities. Samy is also the the author of the recently released book, CuirDoRican. Read on to learn more about Samy Nemir Olivares and the roles they have played over the past several years!

Navigating Changes in the Fashion Industry: Tariffs, Sustainability and Production Decline

Numerous changes in the fashion industry are impacting consumers — whether they shop online or in person. Learning more about what’s causing upheaval can help you navigate the marketplace as an informed consumer while the industry experiences significant transformation.

Articles, Editor's Pick, zIssue 56Cora GoldMarch 27, 2025fashion industry, fashion, sustainable fashion, tariffs, nyc, nyc garment districtComment

PNHP NY Metro - Lights, Camera, Healthcare, Action

Healthcare Conspiracy is not just a film—it’s a wake-up call. At the heart of this film is the New York Health Act (NYHA), a bill that could revolutionize access to healthcare by eliminating premiums, copays, deductibles, and insurance networks. This satirical documentary pulls back the curtain on the true scandal hiding in plain sight: America’s for-profit healthcare system. The film exposes the absurdity of a system where insurance companies profit by denying care. Read on to watch and learn more about the film and the NY Health Act.

Editor's Pick, Art, Articles, zIssue 56Chelsea ChanFebruary 25, 2025film industry, filmmaker, film, health care workers, health insurance, healthcare, advocacy, lawComment

COVER: David Lim - Chases Bad Guys

David Lim is no stranger to perseverance. Before landing his breakout role as Victor Tan on S.W.A.T., he auditioned three times for the show. Just when he thought the opportunity had passed, the producers surprised him by creating a brand-new character just for him. But Lim’s creativity does not stop at high-stakes chases and intense standoffs. Off-screen, he and his wife, Marketa, turned a devastating home burglary into something meaningful: Maya David, a jewelry brand inspired by resilience, storytelling, and timeless design. To learn more about David Lim’s story, read on.

Editor's Pick, Cover, Editorials, Most Popular, zIssue 56Chelsea ChanFebruary 11, 2025small business, jewelry, trees, environment, Actor, television showComment

Mercury Stardust - Take Repairs Into Your Own Hands

Have you ever found yourself staring at a broken cabinet hinge or a flickering light, completely unsure of where to even start? Meet The Trans Handy Ma’am Mercury Stardust, a DIY expert and advocate who is changing the way we think about home maintenance. With a unique blend of humor, compassion, and hands-on knowledge, Mercury Stardust is proving that fixing things is not just for professionals or homeowners, it’s for everyone. Yet fixing handy projects is not only what Mercury does, but she also has a #1 New York Times bestselling book, Safe and Sound, a hotline offering real-time DIY advice, and a record-breaking fundraiser supporting gender-affirming care. Read on to learn more about Mercury Stardust.

COVER - Pulling in the New Year with Phaith Montoya

In an era dominated by perfection, Phaith Montoya is breaking barriers with a story rooted in resilience, authenticity, and bold self-expression. Along the way, she’s navigated the highs and lows of being a visible advocate for body inclusivity and mental health in the beauty and fashion industries. Her voice challenges systemic fat-phobia, inspires representation, and promotes self-love as an act of resistance. However, she’s not just a content creator but a mentor and a beacon of representation in the beauty and fashion spaces as a Latina and person of color. Keep reading to learn more about Phaith Montoya’s story.