SELF
As a Brown Woman in the UK, I Have Felt Othered Throughout My Whole Dating Life
Between fetishisation and microaggressions, the dating game is even harder for women of colour.
SELF
Our Self section is where personal stories come to life. Get ready for unfiltered, uncensored, unapologetic magic.
SELF
Maybe the Fact That I Stutter Doesn't Matter
On radical self-love and pushing through the fear of public speaking.
SELF
Ramadan Reflections: Rejecting the ‘Good’ and ‘Bad’ Muslim Narratives, and Following My Own Path
How I practice my faith is no one else's decision but mine.
SELF
Real Talk: Powering through my Hormonal Imbalance and Making Sense of my Body
This is Real Talk, where we discuss all things identity, body, and sex care without shame or filter. No taboos, no clichés, just real-life experiences so you won’t feel so alone.
SELF
If You Think Bullying Is Just a Western Problem, Think Again
Growing up in Nigeria, I thought bullying was only what I saw on Western TV shows. But the illusion was quickly shattered.
SELF
What Does Self-Love Actually Mean? On Pleasuring Myself and Learning to Be More in Tune with My Body
As I pushed the limits of my body I realised self-love is a practice that can pay off in more ways than one.
ARTS
Heartbeats: How I Coped with My Long Distance Relationship through Late-Night Album Listening Parties
“Ready? 3, 2, 1…go!” we’d say on the phone, pressing play and listening to a new album together until dawn.
SELF
Reigniting the Fire in my Kitchen: How I Reclaimed my Love for Cooking as a Disabled Woman
The choice was never between being a domestic goddess and a total exile from the kitchen. It was about going at my own pace, without fear.
SELF
What Would Beyoncé Do? How Bey Inspired Me To Wear Blonde Hair Extensions - And Trust My Own Gut
Seeing Beyoncé give the middle finger to the assumption Black women can't wear blonde hair was an awakening.
SELF
As Is: Acting in an LGBTI Play with Fellow LGBTI Actors, I Found Trans Joy, Community and Catharsis
As a trans person, my recent experience of being in a play with a trans writer, director and mostly trans and non-binary cast had a profound impact on me - and proved once again why authentic representation in performing arts is so important.
SELF
On Finding the Essence of Self-Reflection: How I Stopped Being Mean to My Inner Child
On my birthday, I came across a letter I wrote to my younger self and was shocked by how harsh I was, solely focused on pleasing society and my family. Now I'm learning to be kinder to myself and do what makes me happy.
SELF
In a Relationship, I Just Want to Be Seen – And That’s Not Something You Can Teach or Randomly Fetch on a Dating App
This feeling is intangible and ineffable. But it's worth waiting for.
ARTS
Heartbeats: Why I’ve Been Streaming Charli XCX Non-Stop Since I Was Diagnosed With ADHD
The deep thud of the bass and the repetitive magic of the synth so often employed in textbook Charli XCX songs provide that dopamine kick my brain so crucially needs.
SELF
Taking a Holistic Approach to Ramadan by Aligning my Spiritual and Fitness Journey
The month of Ramadan is probably one of my most active ones of the year since I’m more connected to myself.
SELF
At 25, I’m Considering Freezing my Eggs Because of my Endometriosis, But the Odds Are Against Me
Facing yet another devastating diagnosis, I am now forced to make long term decisions I wish I didn’t have to make so soon.
SELF
Self-Doubt, Safety and Liberation: Travelling Solo as a Woman of Colour After a Two-Year Hiatus
As I embark on a 45-day journey through Mexico, emotions are quite high, a mix of worry and excitement.