Lina Robins-Tamure: One of a Kind

Pacific Islanders get virtually no representation in mass media. That number decreases below zero when factoring in queer people, especially transgender people. Hawaiian singer Lina Robins-Tamure represents the Pacific Islander transgender community well and with pride. The 24-year old is not paraded around as the “trans-Hawaiian singer” to be used as a diversity prop because she has genuine talent that can’t be knocked as a form of “affirmative action” simply because she’s representing a marginalized group. Her voice has the silky smoothness of early R&B singers like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. Her passion for music pulsates around her from videos to live performances.

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Pedro Albuquerque: The Eyes Are a Mirror

"The eyes are the mirror of the soul.”

- Paulo Coelho

An artist’s signature is on every work of theirs. It could be a physical inscription or something more noticeable like their use of colors. Contemporary artist Pedro Albuquerque uses the eyes of his subjects to draw emotion and vibrant colors to liven up the portraits that may have a dim feeling over it.

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Though an influencer in the world of drag, Leigh Bowery was “never interested in simply being a drag queen.” A artist in every sense of the word, Bowery is known for his performance art, modeling, fashion design, and provocative nature. He was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia and describes his parents and sister as “ordinary.” In 1980, when he was just 19, he moved to London where his career took off and remained there for the next 14 years until his death in 1994. Bowery’s work and lifestyle was both provocative and controversial. His fashion designs and performance art made a statement about society, body image, and some believe reflected his battle with Aids. “The dot face, for example, was a comment on Kaposi’s sarcoma”, said his friend DJ Princess Julia.

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The Dichotomy of Blackness: Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman

There is something interesting about the climate of racial injustice and its relationship with technology, specifically cameras. The idea of a post-racial society is a myth and a quick Google search will make this apparent to anyone who took the time to look it up. The hatred isn’t more prevalent, it’s just being recorded. It’s sad to say that it took these atrocities to jolt a nation that had become too desensitized into action.

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Eric Bellinger: Your Favorite Ghostwriter

Close your eyes. Imagine that the weather is perfect and you’re in your favorite place with not a care in the world, a moment of pure bliss. That’s what I feel when listening to Eric Bellinger’s acoustic tracks. His vocal range is admirable. When his voice is paired with an acoustic guitar, the two become one and are in perfect harmony.

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