Gwen Hollander & The Transgender Otter We Need

As far as acting goes, ironically, unconventional roles continue to become more commonplace. Today, actress Gwen Hollander can be seen as an anomaly amongst anomaly's, indicative of her role as Sheryl on the hit Showtime series Kidding. Sheryl is a puppeteer of Astronotter, a transgender otter who is also an astronaut. In addition to this being a fascinating character, if you can only knew how perfect Astronotter is for Gwen, with Gwen’s love for otters (more on this in the interview)!

Gwen's work extends beyond the screen. She lost her mother to breast cancer eight years ago and has been singing at the National Breast Cancer Coalitions Deadline 2020 benefit for the past few years. She is an animal lover, volunteers with ASPCA, and also supports Hilarity for Charity. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Gwen Hollander.

Elli Moore: Women Breaking Boundaries in Music Production

Female music producers can almost be considered an anomaly. An alarming gender gap exists, with only an estimated 1 in 47 music producers being female. However, there is an emerging group of women altering norms, composing authentic, innovative melodies.

Elli Moore, one half of the pop female writing/production duo, LYRE, along with music partner Alina Smith, is creating an international buzz in the music scene. The LYRE produced tracks such as Gabbie Hanna's, "Honestly".

In addition to her work as a producer, Elli partners with the organization "She Writes", teaching other young aspiring women how to write and produce music.

Elli has branched out as a solo artist, with her most recent single "OK". Her debut EP, "Confections" is out now. Please read our exclusive interview to learn more about Elli.

The Ultimate Guide To Your Best Diet - Part 3: How To Lose Weight Without Cutting Carbs

Jejune is excited to put out The Ultimate Guide to Your Best Diet in eight “digested” parts. This is Part 3: How To Lose Weight Without Cutting Carbs.

Alyshia Ochse: The Power Behind Our Stories

Actress, writer, humanitarian, and podcast host Alyshia Ochse, is as inquisitive and sharp, with a candid and classic journalistic approach to her interviews, as she is delightful to watch act. Alyshia is involved in Young Storytellers, an organization that “sparks creative self-discovery through storytelling.” The program highlights youth as the center of their own story, emphasizing that their stories matter, and celebrates their unique voices. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Alyshia.

Paw Works Saves Lives

Each year, approximately 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized (670,000 dogs and 860,000 cats, data estimates 2015- 2018). It is estimated that 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year (view data overview) .

In 1994, under the direction of Richard Avanzino, the San Francisco SPCA launched the no-kill revolution by ending the killing of healthy dogs and cats in the city. Paw Works is one of a few non profit rescue shelters building on the no kill legacy. Paw Works, founded by Chad Atkins and Larissa Wohl, was established with the clear mission to help make Ventura County “No Kill.” Paw Works takes in over 1,600 abandoned animals from multiple counties in Southern California, as well as from other rescue organizations throughout the state yearly. 98% of every donated dollar goes back directly to the rescue, care, education and adoption to Paw Works animals saved. Please read our exclusive interview with Chad Atkins, from Paw Works, and Larissa Wohl, who follows around Paw Works in their Hallmark Channel special Tails of Joy, to learn more about their beautiful work.

Carrie Berk: Peace, Love, and Cupcakes

From a children's book author to a spectacled, no nonsense, high school theatre critic in Stage Fright, Carrie Berk's career is nothing short of astounding - especially given her brief period activing working in entertainment.

In second grade, Carrie wrote The Cupcake Club, which explores relevant and compelling themes such as bullying, self esteem, and more. Today, Carrie campaigns against many of these issues through social media and her fashion/lifestyle blog Carrie's Chronicles, while serving as an ambassador for No Bully. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Carrie.

The Ultimate Guide to Your Best Diet - Part 2: How to have your Macro and Micro-nutrients too (and why!)

Jejune is excited to put out The Ultimate Guide to Your Best Diet in eight “digested” parts. This is Part 2: How to have your Macro and Micro-nutrients too (and why!).

Preserving the arts with Tafari Anthony

Pop, R&B, Soul, however you choose to define it, this Toronto based artist and his youthful renditions of classic pop melodies and transient synths are a subtle demarcation of shift in R&B.

After a brief hiatus following the release of his two previous EP’s, “Die For You” and “Remember When,” musician, creator, Tafari Anthony unveiled his new single “Centerfold.” “Centerfold” is a cathartic release that easily channels post break-up emotions. It's a poetic detailing of the frustrations that comes with unfulfilling relationships.

Tafari’s music has been nominated for a Toronto Independent Music Award, with one of his singles being named one of CBC's Most Influential Songs of 2016.

He’s also been hard at work for a charity called Autism Canada. In addition, Tafari helps perform for events supporting music and songwriting education for children. He recently performed for a nonprofit called Rainbow Railroad which supports getting refugee status for LGBTQI people in places where being LGBTQI is still harmful. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Tafari Anthony.

zIssue 20, SWAC: InfluencerJejune ContributorApril 3, 2020musician, music, #singer, singer, singer song writer, LGBTQ+, lgbtq, LGBTQ, lgbt, LGBTQ rights, children, youth, romance, #love, loveComment

An Inside View Of NYC’s ICU, During The Mounting COVID-19 Crisis

Six weeks ago, my life was changed forever. I got one of those texts that you never want to get: “Kira, I had a heart attack. I’m in the ICU…”. Unfortunately, this couldn’t come at a worse time as the COVID-19 pandemic quickly took over the New York City hospitals. Please read further to learn about one ICU patient’s story in the midst of a crisis.

Hilary Roberts: From Pain to Happiness and Everything in Between

For Hilary Roberts, music goes beyond a top spot on the Billboard top 100 (she's got plenty of those); it’s multipurpose in function and personal. Hilary, as a victim of abuse, creates music to help encourage and strengthen the many who suffered through similar experiences.

She founded the Red Songbird Foundation which aims to help survivors of trauma caused by sexual, physical, and verbal abuse, by providing counseling, assisting members to enter treatment.

Hilary is currently working on finishing her first LP. Her past chart-toppers released this year include “There For You,” (charted #3 on Billboard Dance Club Chart in the US) and “Back To Life” (charted #1 on Billboard's Dance Club Chart in the US) and "Fight to the Other Side”. Please read our exclusive interview to learn about Hillary.

What to Foods to Stock up on During COVID-19 Quarantine

While the Corona outbreak is threatening to become an over-engulfing pandemic, many people are panicking and stocking up on essentials in case of an impending quarantine. Social distancing and staying home as much as possible are thought to be the best ways to keep from contracting the virus. To help quell some of these worries, I came up with some tips for your pantry essentials to stay healthy at home.

Kate Drummond Challenges the Status Quo

Kate Drummond refuses to be cast or defined by any mold. A former elementary school teacher turned actress, writer, and producer conveys reinventing one's self is always an option.

Kate is currently starring in the new Hulu original series Utopia Falls, a coming of age story following a group of teens in the distant future colony of New Babyl as they uncover an ancient forbidden archive of historical, cultural and musical relics.

Kate’s other passion lies in her philanthropy work where she supports causes close to her heart, including The Snoopi Project, Playa Animal Rescue, DIBS (Dogs in Better Spots), Canadian Horse Defense Coalition (CHDC), KidSport Ontario and Bytowne Association for Rescued Kanines (BARK). Recently, Kate teamed up with The Children’s Miracle Network and SickKids Foundation, raising over $10,000 in just over a week, through her social media platforms. Please read on for our exclusive interview with Kate to learn more about her work.

Zahra Bentham Envisions a Colorful Future

Actress, singer, Zahra Bentham continues to convey her fervor for equality off-screen. She supports causes close to her heart which include “Black Women Film! Canada”, a leadership program and new collective dedicated to forwarding the careers, networks and skills of filmmakers and media artists who are Black female identified of the Canadian African diaspora. Zahra also teamed up with Karena Evans (award-winning director and actor) to use her voice as a platform for awareness and change amidst fears welling during the 2016 burgeoning stages of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Zahra and her works.

The Ultimate Guide to Your Best Diet - Part 1: What to Eat in 2020

Jejune is excited to put out The Ultimate Guide to Your Best Diet in eight “digested” parts. We are starting with Part 1: What to Eat in 2020

Chen Tang Learns From His Childhood

Actor, Chen Tang was born in Kobe, Japan and is of Chinese ancestry. As Chinese citizen and US Permanent Resident, and fluent in both Mandarin and English - he is a picturesque embodiment of homogeny and uniqueness. As far as acting goes, Chen is set to start in Walt Disney Studios' highly anticipated film “Mulan.” It is a live action version of the 1998 classic Disney animated film with the 2020 version drawing a lot more inspiration from the original Chinese fable "The Ballad of Mulan.” Chen will also appear in Bruce Lee Entertainment and Cinemax series "Warrior” later this year.

In addition, he is dedicated to giving back to his community and environmental preservation. He has partnered with the Cambodian Children’s Fund and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn about Chen Tang and his work.

Lawful

Everything happening at the border between the United States and Mexico is legal.

For over two years, I had been working to claw back money from financial crimes done against the government. As a seemingly interminable case finally seemed to be winding down, word had come in that my next assignment, until at least November, would be assisting ICE…

COVER - Elisabeth Röhm Is Classically Powerful

Elisabeth Röhm has played a plethora of creative roles, but most recently can be seen in the new film “Bombshell”, which gives a voice to the women who were sexually harassed by CEO Roger Ailes of Fox News. Click here to learn more about Elisabeth’s passionate views on women, and her many philanthropic endeavors.

Bloom Takes On The Algae Crisis

We all know by now that the fashion at large has, and remains, a continuous threat to our ecosystem. Carbon emissions, non-biodegradable polyesters, factory wastewater runoffs, etc., are just a few of the many issues plaguing the industry.

Our neglect of nature is rapidly changing our environment for the worse. Many lake waters across the U.S. are suffering from high levels of toxic algae, both to humans and wildlife.

This is where Bloom comes in, combating algae and creating sustainable footwear and shoe foams from bioplastic material derived from algae. Bloom is working to solve the algae crisis and restore the environment.

Please click here to learn about Bloom and their work.

Different Kinds of Healthy Tea and Their Benefits

Tea is the world's favorite beverage, as demonstrated by the wide variety of different teas to choose from. Popular across the globe, tea is a strong part of many countries’ heritage and history. Today, the overriding association of tea is with personal health and wellness, as research has found that different types of tea can help with many ailments. If you're in it for the health benefits, these are the varieties that you need to watch out for.

Just Comics' Commitment To Reduce Suffering

Amidst all the corporate deceit and uncertainty, there are some individuals who remain undeterred and true to their own values. They use their platforms to speak their hearts and hope others follow suit. Comic book artist Joan Chan, also known as Just Comics, makes it her duty and obligation to help mitigate the suffering animals and harm to our Earth. How? You may ask. Of course through comics! Read more here!