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Katie Boulter Secures Victory in Nottingham Final

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May 17, 2023

Katie Boulter Secures Victory in Nottingham Final

Defending champion Katie Boulter secured victory at the Rothesay Open in Nottingham, guaranteeing a British finalist at the tournament. Boulter defeated Magdalena Frech in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4, showcasing strong form throughout the match.

Raducanu vs. Boulter Semi-Final Continues Sunday
Following her victory, Boulter will now await the outcome of the semi-final between Emma Raducanu and Francesca Jones, which was halted after a thrilling first-set tie-break. Raducanu leads after winning the tie-break 15-13 in a closely contested set.

Semi-Final Resumes Sunday
The interrupted semi-final match between Raducanu and Boulter will resume on Sunday, with the winner advancing to face either Diane Parry or Karolina Pliskova in the final. Both Parry and Pliskova also have their semi-final scheduled for Sunday, ensuring a busy day of tennis at the Rothesay Open.

Tournament Impact and Additional Highlights
Men’s Challenger Event: British players Jacob Fearnley and Billy Harris advanced to the semi-finals. Fearnley will face Mattia Bellucci, while Harris progressed after Mikhail Kukushkin retired due to injury.
Jack Draper’s Success in Stuttgart: Jack Draper reached the final of the Stuttgart Open, defeating defending champion Frances Tiafoe. Draper will face Brandon Nakashima in the semi-finals, with the match scheduled to be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Sunday’s Matches to Watch
Rothesay Open: Continuation of Raducanu vs. Boulter and Parry vs. Pliskova semi-finals, followed by the final.
Stuttgart Open: Jack Draper vs. Brandon Nakashima in the final, live on Sky Sports from 12 PM.

Raducanu Takes First Set in Epic Tie-Break
Emma Raducanu took the first set against defending champion Katie Boulter, prevailing 15-13 in a gruelling tie-break. The tight contest saw both players saving break points and ultimately decided by a tense decider.

Both players spent most of Saturday waiting to get on court due to rain delays. They finally began play just after 6:30 PM but were only able to complete one set before the match was halted due to inclement weather and fading light.

Continuation and Final on Sunday
The winner of the Raducanu-Boulter match will face either Diane Parry or Karolina Pliskova, whose semi-final is also set to take place on Sunday.

Tournament Impact
The weather disruptions mean both semi-finals and the final will be played on Sunday. Pliskova, who defeated top seed Ons Jabeur in a tough quarter-final match, and Parry, who overcame Kimberly Birrell, will also have a busy day ahead.

Additional Highlights
Billy Harris and Jacob Fearnley: In the men’s Challenger event, both British players made it through to the semi-finals. Fearnley defeated third seed Juncheng Shang, while Harris advanced after Mikhail Kukushkin retired due to injury.
Katie Boulter’s Quarter-Final Victory: Boulter defeated Magdalena Frech to ensure a British finalist in Nottingham, showcasing strong form by recovering from a break down in the second set.
Jack Draper’s Success in Stuttgart: Draper reached the final at the Stuttgart Open, beating defending champion Frances Tiafoe. Draper will face Brandon Nakashima in his seventh ATP Tour semi-final.

French Open 2024 and the prize money by round

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April 29, 2023

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French Open 2024 and the prize money by round

The total prize money for this year’s Roland Garros has gone up by 12.3 per cent from last season

There will be a new men’s champion at the French Open this year with 14-time singles winner Rafael Nadal absent from Roland Garros for the first time since 200

Nadal triumphed on the Paris clay last June to become the oldest French Open champion in history, but he has been sidelined this year by a hip injury.

Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev will be the top contenders to take Nadal’s title – while in the women’s singles Iga Swiatek is aiming to complete a hat-trick of French Opens as she begins the defence of her crown.

Swiatek has been handed a difficult draw, however, with Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina also among the favourites in Paris. But how much is this year’s French Open prize money? And how does it change round-by-round? Here’s everything you need to know.

According to the French Open, total prize money for this year’s Roland Garros is approximately £43m (€49.6m).

That sees an increase of 12.3 per cent from 2022.

Prize money is distributed equally between the women’s and men’s singles, as follows:

Champion – £2m (€2.3m)

Runner-up – £1m (€1.15m)

Semi-finalist – £550,000 (€630,000)

Quarter-finalist – £350,000 (€400,000)

Round 4 – £200,000 (€240,000)

Round 3 – £125,000 (€142,000)

Round 2 – £85,000 (€97,000)

Round 1 – £60,000 (€69,000)

Monday 29 May: Men’s singles, women’s singles – first round

Tuesday 30 May: Men’s singles, women’s singles – first round

Wednesday 31 May: Men’s singles, women’s singles – second round

Thursday 1 June: Men’s singles, women’s singles – second round

Friday 2 June: Men’s singles, women’s singles – third round

Saturday 3 June: Men’s singles, women’s singles – third round

Sunday 4 June: Men’s singles, women’s singles – fourth round

Monday 5 June: Men’s singles, women’s singles – fourth round

Tuesday 6 June: Men’s singles, women’s singles – quarter-finals

Wednesday 7 June: Men’s singles, women’s singles – quarter-finals

Thursday 8 June: Women’s singles – semi-finals | Mixed doubles final

Friday 9 June: Men’s singles – semi-finals

Source : The Independent

Embrace a New Partnership in a Changing Landscape

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January 27, 2023

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Embrace a New Partnership in a Changing Landscape

As in any great reset, the new world we’re embarking into presents plenty of opportunities, and challenges. Some organisations have encountered a sensational setback with more than half decline from projection contrasted with a similar period pre-pandemic, some others have totally closed down activities to reduce costs. And this is just the beginning. As companies rise up to the challenges, the wisdom and strength of their responses to global disruption, as well as their commitment to modernisation will be judged calculatingly and define their future performance.

Business landscape around the globe is restructuring itself and a new mapping will be created. Having a vision is always the number one priority, but envisioning a new goal that can guarantee sustainability in the long run, can prove to be delicate. A method that’s been proven effective in setting up a trajectory is the SMART criteria: Specific, Measureable, Aligned, Relevant and Time-bound. The goals and objectives set will also depend on a few key factors, including strengths and weaknesses. New partnerships and alliances should be gauged and formed once the business has done its homework and Predictive Measurements to ensure the vision is ambitious and doable at the same time. In a highly-charged political and commercial climate, understanding motivations and interests is deemed as significant as much as building trust.

It’s a fact that the pace of modernisation still varies depending on the nature of business, geography and culture. Time will dictate that modernisation requires full commitment of vision, ideology and initiatives. All of which are based on readiness for the next level and a shared vision of a sustainable, future-proof ecosystem. Typical to an “end-of-era” typed civilisation, there will be efforts for exploitation by means of holding back on to existing conventions for as long as possible in order to gain the upper hand and “stock up” resources for the next wave. The stumbling blocks these types of businesses may realise at the crucial stage is that while they may have achieved the desired revenue and asset level, they may get an “ecosystem shock” when trying to adjust and keep up with the speed of innovation.

In a time of uncertainty, most would wish they had a crystal ball in ensuring great strategic move and a good play. Whether it’s forecasting, predictive modelling, simulation or optimisation, understanding the signs and focusing on the best possible outcome are always considered “brilliancy”.

LIV PGA merger: the Aftermath

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January 25, 2023

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Foremer Disney Exec appointed for media relations at the Saudi Public Investment Funds

Geoff Morrell, a former Disney executive, has been recruited by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) to handle media relations for LIV Golf’s collaboration with the PGA Tour. A Foreign Agents Registration Act filing reveals that Morrell will offer “communications and stakeholder consulting services” for the foreign principal.

Morrell’s tenure at Disney was brief, lasting less than four months before his departure in spring 2022. However, he recently assumed the role of president at Teneo, a global consulting and communications firm that already had an established partnership with the Public Investment Fund for various investments. In August 2022, Teneo and the PIF signed a 12-month, $2.7 million agreement to address diverse responsibilities.

The extent of additional compensation from the PIF to Teneo in light of the heightened public scrutiny surrounding LIV Golf’s collaboration with the PGA Tour remains uncertain. The Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations has scheduled a hearing on July 11 to investigate the “risks posed by a foreign government entity assuming control over a cherished American institution.”

LIV Golf is a professional golf league that aims to provide an alternative to the traditional golf tours. It is known for introducing innovative concepts and formats to the sport.

Implications for LPGA

LIV has expressed its intention to establish a women’s league. While specific details about the league are currently limited, here’s what we know so far:

LIV Golf’s plan to create a women’s league suggests a commitment to promoting and advancing women’s golf on a professional level. This initiative aims to offer new opportunities and platforms for female golfers to compete and showcase their skills.

As of now, there is a dearth of specific information regarding the structure, schedule, participating players, or financial details of the proposed women’s league. Further announcements or press releases from LIV Golf are expected to provide more insights into the league’s format and operations.

Potential Impact: The establishment of a dedicated women’s league by LIV Golf could potentially enhance the visibility, development, and growth of women’s golf. It may attract talented female golfers and generate increased interest and support for the sport among fans and sponsors.

What’s been said

During the LIV Golf Adelaide event, Chairman and CEO Greg Norman addressed the topic of a women’s tour, stating that they discuss it internally and have had discussions with individual professional female players. However, he did not provide further details or specifics regarding their plans.

Top-ranked female golfer Lydia Ko described the idea of a women’s golf tour sponsored by LIV as “vague” and refrained from commenting on rumors or hearsay. She emphasized that discussing something that doesn’t yet exist is purely speculative.

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), established in 1950, is currently hosting 34 events worldwide for its professional female golfers as part of its 2023 schedule. While little information is known about LIV’s plans to compete with the LPGA, LIV Golf has expressed its ambition to become a significant rival to the men’s PGA Tour, established in 1968.

LIV Golf Invitational Series was founded in 2021 by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which also owns Premier League club Newcastle United. The PIF has faced criticism for its involvement in sports, with accusations that it serves as a front for reported human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia.

In the previous year, LIV Golf organized eight official events, and this year they plan to hold a total of 14 tournaments between February and November.

Source: M golf, Sportico

BFI Flare: Exploring Rich Minds, Individuality, and Societal Exploration

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January 1, 2023

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BFI Flare: Exploring Rich Minds, Individuality, and Societal Exploration

London’s renowned BFI Flare festival is back, ready to immerse audiences in a vibrant showcase of queer cinema that tells the themes of love, identity, and community. Running from March 13th to March 24th, this year’s festival promises to be a captivating exploration of diverse narratives and human experiences.

Far more than just a film festival, BFI Flare serves as a beacon of inclusivity, inviting individuals from all walks of life to participate in the celebration of queer culture. Through its meticulously curated thematic strands—Hearts, Bodies, and Minds—the festival creates a platform for voices to be heard and stories to be shared.

In the Hearts strand, viewers will be treated to heartwarming tales of love, friendship, and resilience. From the spirited adventures of Isla Roberts in “Isla’s Way” to the poignant struggles of modern relationships depicted in “Our Son,” these films offer a glimpse into the intricacies of the human heart.

The Bodies strand explores themes of identity and transformation, celebrating the beauty of diversity and self-expression. From the empowering narratives of queer athletes in “Life Is Not a Competition, But I’m Winning” to the touching journey of healing portrayed in “Silver Haze,” these films inspire and uplift audiences alike.

Minds, the festival’s third thematic strand, presents thought-provoking narratives that challenge perceptions and spark meaningful conversations. From the political insights of “Orlando, My Political Biography” to the gripping storytelling of “Calls from Moscow,” these films provide a window into the complexities of the human experience.

In addition to film screenings, BFI Flare offers a diverse array of events, talks, and discussions designed to engage and connect audiences on a deeper level. From intimate conversations with filmmakers to interactive quizzes and community gatherings, the festival fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie among attendees.

This year’s festival is brought together to celebrate the richness of love, the power of identity, and the strength of community. Through the art of storytelling, it shall inspire, educate, and unite in the shared journey towards acceptance and understanding.

Program Highlights

The festival boasts an impressive lineup of 33 World Premieres across features and shorts originating from 41 countries. Themes such as HEARTS, BODIES, and MINDS provide a diverse exploration of various facets of queer experiences. Opening the festival is the European Premiere of “LAYLA” by Amrou Al-Kadhi, while the closing film is the World Premiere of “LADY LIKE” by Luke Willis.

Special Presentations

Noteworthy films include “CLOSE TO YOU” directed by Dominic Savage, with Elliot Page serving as an executive producer, and “BACKSPOT” directed by D.W. Waterson.
“CROSSING” by Levan Akin and “LOVE LIES BLEEDING” by Rose Glass are also featured as standout presentations.

Diverse Perspectives:

The program showcases films from around the globe, offering diverse LGBTQIA+ narratives rooted in various cultural contexts. Topics range from coming-of-age tales to trans narratives, explorations of drag culture, and examinations of faith within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Special Events and Industry Initiatives:

Industry-focused events like BFI Flare Industry Day and BFI Flare x BAFTA, in partnership with BFI NETWORK, are integral parts of the festival.
Celebrating its 10th year, Five Films for Freedom, a collaboration with the British Council, offers free films worldwide to advocate for rights.

Notable Films and Documentaries:

The lineup includes documentaries highlighting icons such as Lil Nas X and Tony de Vit, as well as films delving into queer history and culture. Films from Greece and Africa take the spotlight, presenting a rich tapestry of narratives from diverse corners of the world.

Programme details

ALIGNED – Apollo Bakopoulos’ beautiful and engaging drama, follows the story of two male dancers who forge an artistic and sexual bond while training with a dance company in Greece. The intoxicating power of physical discovery and a shared love of Greek culture are vividly revealed in this love story partly played out through music and movement.

ISLA’S WAY – Meet Isla Roberts: great-grandmother, carriage driver, handywoman. The indomitable spirit of the cheeky octogenarian is the beating heart of this delightful and inspiring ode to the visibility of older women.

LESVIA – Tzeli Hadjidimitriou’s initimate documentary, a blissfully nostalgic yet impressively complex insight into the hidden stories of Lesbos, birthplace of Sappho and meeting place for lesbians since the 1970s. From the unique vantage point of being a lesbian from Lesbos herself, Hadjidimitriou expertly balances the perspectives of the women looking for a place to connect and relax alongside the wary locals they often encounter.

OUR SON – Billy Porter and Luke Evans star as a couple on the brink of divorce, fighting over custody of their eight-year-old son.

SINCE THE LAST TIME WE MET – Victor and David’s story takes us on a familiar journey of loving and losing. But 15 years later they get a second chance at love, the result is a fresh and entertaining drama of the heart.

SPLIT – In this sensual web series, a stuntwoman embarks on her first lesbian relationship when she falls for the actor she’s working with. With an incredible cast, including Alma Jodorowsky, Jehnny Beth, Ralph Amoussou and Pauline Chalamet, SPLIT is a bold and intelligent exploration of sex, relationships and intimacy.

DOPAMINE CRASH – A collection of short films about the messiness of break-ups. Coming off the love high is painful, although it may be for the best

DRAWN THIS WAY – The love and craft that goes into animation shines through in this collection of short films, which aim to engage, educate – and even titillate – audiences about queer lives.

QUEER/PLATONIC – An ode to joys and tribulations of queer friendships and platonic intimacies – their intensity, fluidity and subversiveness

TENDER HEARTED: SHORTS FROM THE UK & IRELAND – This selection of shorts seeks to remind us of the radical possibilities of opening up our hearts to life, love and healing.

UNICORNS – Sally El Hosaini and James Krishna Floyd’s stunning romance rooted in two distinct communities.Starring Ben Hardy and Jason Patel, the film is loosely inspired by the real-life experiences of Asifa Lahore, Britain’s first out Muslim drag queen.

Also screening in HEARTS: CHASING CHASING AMY; PINE CONE; SOLIDS BY THE SEASHORE; SUMMER SOLSTICE; UNICORNS; WHAT A FEELING, WHAT’S SAFE, WHAT’S GROSS, WHAT’S SELFISH AND WHAT’S STUPID; WHO’LL STOP THE RAIN.

LIFE IS NOT A COMPETITION, BUT I’M WINNING – In this beautifully constructed, innovative documentary, a collective of queer athletes unearth deep histories of pioneering sportspeople who were excluded from the podium.

CONNECT/DISCONNECT – This selection of shorts looks at how the power of attraction can surprise and unsettle, whether it’s the first few seconds of an encounter or something longer.

COSMIC DREAMS: THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS – Techno-sexual deviants, pixelated dolphins and sensuous goddesses all reside in this fantastical queer multiverse of short film.

PLEASURE ME – Short films exploring queer sex and desire in varied forms. There is beauty and frustration, joy and heartbreak. The pleasure is endless – at least, for some.

SEX IS COMEDY: the revolution of intimacy co-ordinators – A fascinating insight into the role of the intimacy co-ordinator, told through behind-the-scenes access to new queer French TV show Split.

A TASTE OF SPAIN – From the bullring to the boxing ring, and the joys of youth to the vulnerability of old age, this selection of cinematic delights showcases short filmmakers from Spain.

SILVER HAZE – Reeling from the trauma of her difficult childhood, a 23-year-old burns survivor finds some healing through her first lesbian relationship.

SLOW – Dovydas and Elena form a strong connection, but the dynamic of their relationship changes when Dovydas reveals that he is asexual.

TOPS – It’s the hilarious trans 1990s breakfast TV show you didn’t know you wanted. Amy Pennington taps into the spirit of MTV and The Big Breakfast in this comic series.

Also screening in BODIES: BACKSPOT; DEPARTING SENIORS; I DON’T KNOW WHO YOU ARE; JOIN THE CLUB; THE SUMMER WITH CARMEN; RILEY; WE ARE PERFECT.

CALLS FROM MOSCOW – Four Cuban exiles find themselves in Moscow one day before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Triggered by the recent death of a Cameroonian activist, filmmaker Appolain Siewe journeys back to his home country to investigate the roots of homophobia within the local psyche in CODE OF FEAR. Siewe initiates uncomfortable conversations within his community regarding homosexuality and ostracised by his family, he finds himself confronted with the steep cost of African allyship.

METHODS FOR FACING A HOSTILE WORLD – These shorts show people using all the resources of their hearts, minds and bodies to defend what they love.

ORLANDO, MY POLITICAL BIOGRAPHY – Nearly a century after Orlando was published, Paul B. Preciado unpacks the meaning and importance for trans people of Virginia Woolf’s classic novel.

SAY WHAT YOU MEAN – It is really hard to speak your truth to a loved one, or to strangers. Yet all the people in these short films do, in their own time and way.

STATE OF THE ART – Gender-fluid, transgender and non-binary artists draw on dance, filmmaking and literature in these short tales of cathartic communication and exigent expression, contemplating art as a force to be reckoned with.

Also screening in MINDS: BALDIGA – UNLOCKED HEART; COMMITMENT TO LIFE; DAYS OF HAPPINESS; DESIRE LINES; DON’T EVER STOP; HEAVY SNOW; HIDDEN MASTER: THE LEGACY OF GEORGE PLATT LYNES; INDIAS 1st BEST TRANS MODEL AGENCY; LIL NAS X: LONG LIVE MONTERO; LOVE LIES BLEEDING; MERCHANY IVORY; REAS; STORIES OF OUR LIVES; STUDIO ONE FOREVER; TOLL; UNSPOKEN; WE FORGOT TO BREAK UP; WE WERE DANGEROUS; YOU PROMISED ME THE SEA.

BFI Flare 2024 will also host a wide range of events, talks, and debates:

LITANIES FOR SURVIVAL: THREE FILMS BY MICHELLE PARKERSON + Q&A

A journey through the work of pioneering lesbian African-American filmmaker Michelle Parkerson with three short films, STORMÉ: THE LADY OF THE JEWEL BOX, ODDS AND ENDS and FIERCENESS SERVED! THE ENIKALLEY COFFEEHOUSE, followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker.

THE MAKERS returns this year as BFI Flare welcomes visiting filmmakers Amrou Al-Kadhi, director of Opening Night Gala, LAYLA, and Jeffrey Schwarz, director of COMMITMENT TO LIFE, to discuss their career journeys, share anecdotes about the making of their latest films and reveal their artistic approaches.

SCENES OF INTIMACY. A discussion with intimacy co-ordinator Tommy Ross-Williams around the creation of queer intimacy on screen. In this workshop, Ross-Williams will share insights on their own work developing intimate queer content on screen and provide space to reflect on the representation of queer relationships and marginalized identities in our daily lives.This event links closely with two features in the programme, sensual French webseries SPLIT by Iris Brey; and SEX IS COMEDY: THE REVOLUTION OF INTIMACY COORDINATORS the fascinating documentary on SPLIT by Edith Chapinproviding an insight into the work of an intimacy coordinator, highlighting the power dynamics, politics, and ethical considerations that come up on set.

MR. TEDS’ BIG FABULOUS INTERACTIVE QUIZ. The notorious bearded drag artist brings his anarchy-fuelled brand of quizzing to BFI Flare. With a background of performing across the world including Duckie, Underbelly and NYC Downlow, Mr. Teds brings the full force of his creativity to curate an interactive quiz night like no other, testing GBTQIA+ film knowledge, lip-syncing skills and life drawing abilities.

FAITH (IN THE POWER OF LOVE). This illustrated discussion with speakers from different religious communities takes a look at representations of their religions in LGBTQIA+ films, including those that have made an impact on them. The panel will also discuss the intersection of faith and LGBTQIA+ identity: how easy is it for someone to be out in their faith community, and conversely, what is the experience of being out as a person of faith in the LGBTQIA+ community?

OSKA BRIGHT PRESENTS QUEER FREEDOM. Oska Bright Film Festival is the world’s leading festival for films made by or featuring people with learning disabilities or autism, this event see’s Lead Programmer Matthew Hellett present a selection of LGBTQIA+ shorts. Their Queer Freedom programme shines a spotlight on the stories of the LGBTQIA+ community, which can often go unheard. Featuring stories of love, loss, and friendship.

AN AUDIENCE WITH LINDA RILEY. At The Makers’ event at BFI Flare 2022, Gateways Grind director Jacquie Lawrence promised to turn the camera on Linda Riley, a leading LGBTQIA+ activist, the publisher of DIVA Magazine and Founder of Lesbian Visibility Week. This year we see Linda Riley in conversation with filmmaker Jacquie Lawrence in a behind-the-scenes look at her new film The Life of Riley ahead of the film’s release.

CAN WE BE FRIENDS? A community event celebrating queer friendship and platonic intimacy, in all its forms. For all those seeking new friends and connection, BFI Flare programmers Rhianna and Wema have created a dedicated space celebrating queer friendship, inspired by the shorts programme QUEER/PLATONIC. There will be drop-in style creative activities to meet new people, and relaxed facilitated discussions about the joys and complexities of building queer community.

BFI Flare’s popular BADGE CAFÉ will return this year, along with DJ NIGHTS at BFI Southbank BFI Bar (taking place on Friday 15th, Saturday 16th, Thursday 21st and Friday March 22nd) featuring Fèmmme Fraîche, Club Kali, DJ Mike Menace and with Tamer Wilde during the opening night party, while the dynamic Unskinny Bop duo and Queer Kitty play BFI Flare’s closing night party.

Source: https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/flare/

The Quintessential Guide to Masculine Style

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October 31, 2022

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The Quintessential Guide to Masculine Style

In the underground gay bars of the 40s, 50s and 60s – being in a butch-butch relationship or a femme-femme relationship was seen as taboo. Even the lesbian community would say “gender role distinctions needed to be sharply drawn.”

Butch may dress in a masculine way but on the inside we’re a range of different personalities. From romantic and sensitive to stoic and practical, butch are just as diverse as non-butch . Additionally, butch lesbians also don’t really get a chance to shine in the limelight – especially since there’s more focus on giving others from the sexuality and gender spectrums a platform (rightly so!). But I thought I’d take a moment to celebrate the incredible style and fashion of butch.

The more masculine side of menswear
In very general terms, butch style incorporates the more masculine side of menswear. Think sturdy and durable clothing such as outdoors wear, sportswear, smart suits and dapper ties. The butch fashion isn’t to be confused with ‘tomboy’ style – which is based on relaxed cuts and ‘inspired’ by menswear rather than actually being menswear. Butch fashion isn’t about passing as a man, it’s more a subversion of gender expectations.

The hair
Although you can adopt a butch style and have your hair at varying lengths, for many the preferred look is a shorter hairstyle. The cut itself varies greatly: 1950s quiffs, shaved head, crew cuts, mohicans and so on. The butch hairstyles usually take their inspiration from male celebrities ranging from Elvis to Tom Hardy. Of course, some butch are inspired by other butch ’s hairstyles such as Carrie Black from Orange is the New Black and Queen Latifah’s cornrows in Set it Off.

The shoes
Just like other category of fashion, shoes can cover a broad range of styles. The difference is many butch prefer to buy men’s shoes because the style suits them better and the fit tends to be wider (we don’t have time for squashed up toes!). Trainers, converse, flip flops, boat shoes and slip-ons are best suited for casual times, whereas smart shoes and boots are called for when it’s time to dress up.
Smart shoes come in all shapes and sizes. Here are just a few styles out there; Oxfords, brogues, Chelsea boots, loafers, Derby, Monkstraps, split toe bluchers, shortwing bluchers, spectators, medallion caps…butch are truly spoiled for choice with smart shoes!

The clothes
The clothes all depend on the scenario. While a tomboy style may include a blazer and shirt for work, the butch style gives you the power to go all out. This means tailored suits, ties, bow ties, smart shoes, cufflinks and dress shirts. Butch fashion when it comes to formal or office wear means bringing out the full works. It can also go the other way – butch might choose to go full throttle hipster in the office with plaid shirts, braces and skinny jeans. It really does all depend on your personal take on ‘butch.’ For the more ‘everyday’ look butch style tends to veer towards a masculine cut and practical style. However, because there’s a more prominent range of zanier shirt patterns for cisgender straight men, butch fashion has also gone down the same route. We’re talking shirts with lobsters on them, plain shirts with tartan accents, flowered shirts and so much more.

What about when we’re lucky enough to have hot weather? What do butch wear to keep cool and look cool? The possibilities are almost endless – muscle vests, racing vests, short sleeved smart-casual shirts, classic checked shirts, basic tees and so on. The best way to achieve a butch style is to look at the neckline – the most popular among butch style are crew neck and a shallow v neck.

Then we come to the trousers and jeans of butch style. It all depends on three things: comfort, fit and style. For example, you can still wear ‘’s’ straight leg jeans and be butch. This is especially handy if it’s more comfortable for you physically. However, some butch may choose to wear trousers, jeans and shorts designed for men simply because they feel the style and cut matches how they wish to express themselves.

The jewellery
Yeah, butch fashion can include some great pieces of jewellery. Stuff like cuff bracelets, leather bracelets, silver bracelets – well it’s mostly bracelets but some may choose to wear silver rings and thin chain necklaces.
If you prefer more of a hip-hop style then chunky chains could be great, along with sovereign rings. As a general rule, unless you’re purposely going for a more flashy look, gold is a no-no. Butch fashion tends to showcase silver, brushed steel and platinum jewellery. Then there’s the issue of earrings – of course you can still embrace butch fashion and wear earrings, especially if your look is the piercings and tattoos get-up. Some butch might choose to wear one earring – much like the way cisgendered heterosexual men would.

Hats
Hats seem to go in and out of the butch fashion world as regularly as the tide. Some hat styles aren’t in at the moment – fedoras, for example, are a bit too 00s indie boy at the moment but I’m sure they’ll make a huge comeback, whereas snapbacks are insanely popular right now. Believe it or not, 90s buckets hats are coming back in style…
Hats do come with a territory – it depends on what the weather is like and where you’re planning to wear the hat. Popular hats with butch include flat caps, pork pie hats, beanies, trapper hats and ascot hats.

All in all, butch fashion is still a thing. It’s still a choice for LGBTQI+ folk everywhere and it’s a matter of tailoring the style to suit the way you feel inside. As you can see there are so many ways you can achieve the full butch style – there are just so many routes in which to get there.

Ladies, take your pick!

Your post-lockdown social etiquette guide

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March 13, 2022

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Your post-lockdown social etiquette guide

Lockdown is lifting, temperatures are rising (somewhat), and there is an air of optimism that Britain just might beat this pandemic after all. Following months of working from home and staying away from friends, family and the outside world at large, we can finally take another step closer towards normality. But for many of us, our pandemic-stricken lives have become a sort of normal. Returning to society as we knew it before can seem daunting – even scary – and navigating our social lives again can be a balancing act. Our mental health has also taken a hit from the pandemic. Data from the Office for National Statistics suggests that twice as many adults in Britain had feelings of depression last autumn compared to before the crisis began, with women and younger adults more likely to feel depressed during the second virus peak earlier this year.

Data also suggests that people feel anxiety about lockdown lifting. According to recent research by Anxiety UK, 46 per cent of more than 900 respondents said they were concerned about pressure to socialise, while 30 per cent feel anxious about going to a busy shopping centre. So while it is exciting to be allowed to meet and hug family and friends again, visit the cinema or sit inside a restaurant, and potentially make plans to do things in the near future, a large number of people will feel the need to ease back into life as we knew it.

We spoke to experts about what you can do to cope with the anxiety around getting your social life back and how to make the most of our newfound freedoms. I want to do everything, but socialising now is so tiring. How do I avoid becoming fatigued? After England entered the second stage of lockdown easing – which saw pubs and restaurants reopen for outdoor service, and groups of six or two households were allowed to meet outdoors – many people spoke about how tiring it was to be socialising once again. With even more freedoms returning, we might feel the urge to “make up for lost time” and over-stretch ourselves. But Dr Natasha Bijlani, consultant psychiatrist at the Priory’s Roehampton Hospital, says rushing into socialising “could topple your equilibrium”.

“Try not to say yes to everything even if you’re feeling the need to do everything all at once,” she advised. “Start up your interactions again slowly by meeting one friend, then you can gradually start meeting other people – building up from there can help you avoid social fatigue. Jemma Meeson, systemic psychotherapist and founder of the Family Treatment Service, adds: “Wanting to go full tilt back into your previous life and ‘make up for lost time’ is understandable. In the excitement of this there may be a tendency to overdo it in all ways. “Seeing lots of people after limited contact, which has mostly been online, can be overwhelming.

“Pace yourself, manage your alcohol intake, get proper rest and sleep so that when you go out, you can be your best self and enjoy the times that you choose to socialise. This will help manage the exhaustion you may feel with the new changes that are happening all around us.” How do I overcome guilt about wanting to say no to plans? The pressure to socialise may be exacerbated by the fact it has been some time before any of us have been able to do so meaningfully. However, if you want to say no to making plans, it shouldn’t be a problem among good friends. “Be open with them about your feelings around coming out of lockdown,” said Ms Meeson. “If the plans don’t feel safe or feel too much at this stage – that’s ok – suggest alternatives.” This could include suggesting plans to meet up outdoors or in smaller groups. Dr Biljani adds that now may be a good time to do some “decluttering” of your social life and figuring out who your true friends are. “During lockdown, people have thought more about the quality of their friendships and now may be a good time to step away from people who are taking more from you than giving,” she says. “Because you haven’t seen the people who might be more likely to pressure you into socialising in a while, it might be a good time to disengage from them. Do some decluttering in your social circle and keep the friends you want around who will support you and be understanding about this strange and anxious time.” How do I deal with anxiety about being out and around lots of people again?

It may be startling to see large numbers of people mingling in the same area, even if they are social distancing or wearing masks. We have gotten used to being in mostly-empty spaces when we do venture out, so we feel anxious by the sight of lots of people in one place. “Remember we have all come through something extraordinary, it is not surprising or unusual to have these feelings of anxiety,” said Ms Meeson. “Take it gently, start with plans you feel are manageable and take it from there. As you become more confident and perhaps start to enjoy the wider world if you can, also notice how you are feeling and if it feels overwhelming, get help.”

Keeping up to date with government and medical guidance around Covid-19, and ensuring you’re following the rules can also help manage anxiety, says Dr Bijlani. “The virus has not yet been vanquished and so it is very normal that fears around contributing to the spread of Covid-19 are still there,” she says. “Keeping yourself updated and following the rules can help give you an extra layer of reassurance in knowing that you are keeping yourself and those you live with safe. Do what makes you comfortable, but if you feel yourself becoming very anxious, try and talk yourself through it, manage your breathing.

“Introspection is very important, so check in with yourself from time to time. Monitor your inner dialogue and if you find that you can’t manage or control your thoughts, do seek help and give yourself that little bit more care and attention.” How should I organise my social life as we come out of lockdown? While the thought of being able to crack open our planners and actually schedule dates, outings and events might be exciting, it can also feel quite overwhelming. Ms Meeson’s advice is to think carefully about who, or what, you have missed during lockdown, when trying to make plans and prioritising them from there. Both experts also recommend not ditching the good habits you may have accumulated during lockdown in favour of an overactive social life.

“Lots of people have found they have improved sleep habits, picked up exercising, cut down on drinking because they realised they don’t need it,” said Dr Bijlani. “Keep those good habits, and stick to a routine as much as you can because this will help reduce anxiety. “When it comes to making plans, don’t overcommit and don’t be afraid of being selective. At the end of the day, you have to do what’s right for you.

However, don’t be a shut-in if you do feel it is safe to go outside and interact with people again. Human beings are social creatures and social interaction has been proven to be good for brain health, as well as promoting a sense of belonging and security. “Socialising is an important part of the human connection,” says Dr Bijlani. “Don’t live in fear. It’s not healthy if people choose to isolate themselves. Seeing people in the flesh, talking and spending time with one another is really important.”

Source : Time & Independent

Digital Divide: Whose Side Are You On?

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January 1, 2022

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The pandemic escalated many issues, but as the world becoming dependent on digital, it becomes clearer that there is a great digital divide. This can be generational gaps, size and nature of businesses, geographic regions, or which future tech to pursue.

Two factors that companies usually focus on when addressing the above issues either for their Client, the market, or for their own organisation-sake, are Smart Predictive functionalities and Talent quality. There are more and more who now beginning to ask as to why they seem to have been made deliberately short-sighted and not achieving their program goals when they’ve joined the flow and invested so much into digital transformational initiatives. That is the exact point that you need to thoroughly review the purpose and mission of your organisation perhaps as far as from when it was first created. Get impartial and objective views, ensuring it stays relevant with the now and the future, to gain long-term upper-hand and advantages. It is easy to overlook what really matters when your role pressures, office politics and everyday lives create diversion.

Another thing to be aware of is how secure the line of communication and confidentiality, internally. The move toward WFH (Work-from-home) and Virtual meetings may be considered to greatly improve efficiency and productivity. But as the trend now is to condition less face-to-face human interactions, there are more possibility that the validity and legitimacy of any remote communications can be jeopardised. When remote connectivity is not available to some or deemed insecure, organisations will just have to work with and on their own geographical available capabilities instead of the risks of providing potential ammunition to competition. The ammunition does not necessarily have to be real-cases data interception or compromise, but less-advanced, ambitious competitors often use psychological effects to appear to be having advanced means in doing so. And this tactic can work into your employee minds and attitudes thus submitting and thinking they are powerless. At this crucial moment where we are headed into the tip of the divide, you will want to acquire and position your most valuable assets close to you.

High-profile cases have proven that any deal can be easily-dishonoured. Perhaps it’s time to ask yourself and choose wisely, whose side are you on.

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