Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D. 'Chaos Theory' Review

After last week's revelation as to the identity of the Inhuman killing machine Lash being the much loved Andrew Garner, all round good guy, psychologist and love interest of resident bad arse Melinda May it's all hands on deck as the team come face to face with that revelation and the monster they've been hunting.

After learning about May's back story last season, of having to kill an Inhuman child in Bahrain, and seeing the effect that had on her it's almost gut wrenching to know that she could be facing a similar situation now,but with her ex-husband instead.  Perhaps it was that baggage that drove May to confront Andrew on her own, but whatever her reasons it was an unusually stupid choice from a normally level headed character, but one driven by how much she has grown emotionally since her introduction.

The fact that Andrew is Lash wasn't kept secret from the rest of the characters as they came to the same revelation was a good one.  Rather than keep it as knowledge the audience held over the characters as they frustratingly circled other leads they immediately confronted, and apparently neutralised, the threat.

The scenes in which S.H.I.E,L.D., along with the assistance of Lincoln and the A.T.C.U., were brilliantly executed, tense and action packed.  The show also used those moments of action to expand upon Daisy's powers, with her using her seismic abilities to save a falling Rosalind, showing the versatility of Daisy's powers, as well as hopefully showing Rosalind that not every Inhuman is a threat.

Whilst Lash may have been neutralised in the episode, it's worth bearing in mind that this is only episode 7, and that it's more than likely he'll be back before the season is through.  My only hope is that if he is, it's not May who will have to kill him.  With the information that Lash will eventually become Andrews dominant personality it's very likely that death will be the only way to stop him, and that May will be the one to do so, for dramatic effect.  Now, while this might make good TV, I really don't want to have to see one of my favourite SHIELD characters go through that.

This week we also learnt that despite her relationship on an alien planet Simmons genuinely does love Fittz after he was able to recover the information on her phone.  Despite Fitzz initial anger at seeing the photo of Simmons and Will, it was seeing the emotion and heartbreak on his face when he watched her final message to him that shone through.  Yes, he has her back, but he still felt the emotions of watching what was essentially her goodbye to him.  It's these little moments from Ian De Caestecker that have made season three some of the best in the show.

The episode ends with a rather intriguing revelation that Rosalind is working for Gideon, the mysterious 'Foreigner' that has been working with Hydra since the very beginning.  I'm hoping that things will play out where Rosalind is unaware of who Gideon really is, rather than turning out to be a villain as I'm really enjoying her and Coulson on screen together, but then the idea of Hydra getting it's hands on a super powered army of Inhumans is a pretty exciting prospect too.

'Chaos Theory' kept the pace and excitement rolling whilst managing to give us some touching and emotional scenes as well as setting up even higher stakes for the rest of the season.  A great episode that goes a long way to show why Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is one of the best shows on TV right now.

Amy.
xx


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The Sun Newspaper Under Fire For 'Insidious' HIV Article

The British newspaper The Sun has come under fire today following what is being described as an 'irresponsible' and 'insidious' article that speculates on a Hollywood actors HIV status.

The paper published the article on it's front page today, titled 'Hollywood HIV Panic', that claims 'Hollywood was gripped with fear last night after a womanising A-list actor was diagnosed with HIV'.

The Sun has 'chosen not to name' the actor, but claims that they have had a string of high-profile lovers, including 'an award winning actress', a 'busty glamour model' and a 'celebrated media personality'.

The article goes on to speculate that the lawyers for the 'superstar' were preparing themselves for a 'raft of potential legal claims'.

The article, and the headline, have been highly criticised by both the public as well as HIV campaign groups.  Many went to Twitter to slam the article, some of whom suggested it was more like the articles on HIV produced in the 1980's.

Shaun Griffin, of the British HIV charity Terrence Higgins Trust, spoke to The Independent and said, 'The fact is that for anyone diagnosed with HIV, they are given treatment that reduces the amount of HIV virus to an 'undetectable' amount and this means that HIV cannot be passed on.'

'The fact is that it's utterly wrong to disclose an individuals HIV status without their permission - though we are not provided with enough information here to identify them.  Even with the advances made in HIV treatment, this shows that unfounded prejudices still remain.  It's attitudes like these that perpetuate HIV stigma.'

'Stigma is a dangerous construct and we've seen that it has a damaging effect on individuals and public health.  It can deter people from accessing testing or treatment, and can isolate someone living with HIV causing anxiety and depression'.

According to the HIV Aware charity an estimated 100,000 people in the UK are currently living with HIV, and one in five of those are believed to be undiagnosed.

Amy.
xx


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The Flash 'Enter Zoom' Review

Wow, what an episode.  After weeks of build up and tease, after seeing a blurry Zoom beat Jay Garrick in a fight, after hearing the creepy voice of Tony Todd say scary stuff we finally get to see Zoom in action against Barry, and it doesn't disappoint at all.

The first part of the episode was all further build up to the climatic fight, that saw some slow character moments that were able to build tension whilst managing some warm and funny beats that got to showcase the whole of the cast.

Following on from the previous weeks encounter with the villainous Earth-2's Doctor Light the team must turn to their worlds version of her, Linda Park, in order to form a trap for the evil speedster Zoom.  The warehouse scene in which team Flash try to teach Linda how to act in the part was one of the funniest the show has had, with some great visual comedy in the form of Cisco's cardboard cut outs of the group.

Having Linda take the place of her Earth-2 counterpart not only helped to complicate what would have been a pretty straight-forward plan, but also brought Linda into a more prominent role, even going so far as to trust her with Barry's secret.  Which is good for fans of the source material as she felt a lot like a throw away character in the first season.

Despite these comic elements there were plenty of dramatic beats leading up to the conclusion, including a further look into the past of the Earth-2 Harrison Wells.  We not only learn that the daughter that Zoom kidnapped is none other than Jesse Quick (please give her super speed too CW), but that Wells is not another of Zooms agents sent to kill Barry, just a desperate man willing to do anything to save his daughter.  These brief looks into Wells' past also gave us an interesting insight into the Earth-2 version of Green Arrow, who in that universe was Robert Queen, instead of Oliver.

The call backs to Barry's previous feud with the Reverse Flash also help to give a possible insight into his drive to face Zoom, that his lack of closure in not being the one to defeat the Reverse Flash at the end of season one might be leading to him making some rash choices.

After all the build up the team were ready to face off against the villainous Zoom, but nothing happened.  Their plan was a bust.  Instead Zoom lures team Flash into a false sense of security before striking, showing us all just how cunning and calculating the villain really is.

Not only is Zoom smart enough not to fall blindly into the trap set for him, he's pretty damn scary.  With a face that reminds me of a creature from my nightmares and the gravelly rasp of Tony Todd Zoom is instantly made memorable and vastly different from the Reverse Flash.

Just like with the Reverse Flash, Barry's first fight against Zoom does not go well.  Unlike that fight though, Barry was lucky to escape with his life.  Up against a foe even stronger and faster than the Reverse Flash Barry is quickly beaten into submission before being held aloft as a defeated and broken hero in front of Central City's press and police.

The season definitely hit a high point with this episode, firmly cementing the threat of their new villain, shutting down any complaints that he's just another Reverse Flash and setting up some new drama (though I doubt Barry will stay paralysed for long).

Amy.
xx


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Uber & Lyft Driver Who Chauffeurs in Drag

With ride-share and private taxi services like Uber and Lyft rising in popularity it's quickly becoming a competitive market for their drivers, some of whom are going the extra mile to stand out and create an enjoyable and memorable experience for their passengers.

One such person is Erika Simone, the drag personality of an L.A. driver who's making something of a name for herself with her flashy and fun service.

Answering the call for her service Erika arrives on the scene in her Prius, complete with sign declaring 'Driving is a Drag', with Erika decked out in her bright-yellow taxi uniform and fishnet stockings, calling out 'Hey babe, I heard you needed a Lyft!'.

When asked what made her chose to start 'Driving is a Drag' is quite open and honest that it coincided with her starting cross-dressing with the need to stand out as a business.  'I was really into cross dressing summer 2014 when I really needed to take a job as a Lyft driver to pay some bills.'  She explained.  'I was recently out of a 3 month rehab program and needed a low stress job.  After reading on a news site that there were other Lyft drivers that had dress up themes to their cars, like Batman, Big Lebowski and Harry Potter, I thought to myself...what am I going to do?'

'Then I thought, what if my drag alter ego Erika Simone went to pick people up?  I had an epiphany, and it was a big neon pink sign  that said 'Driving is a Drag', and off I went.'

Despite the obvious worries that some people could react negatively Erika went ahead with the idea, and so far has been met with nothing but positive reactions from those she has met.  'I was really worried at first that people would say nasty things, beat me up or kill me, so I went with a friend for the first few rides but quickly found that everyone loved it and told me it was the best Uber and Lyft ride they had ever taken.  I've done 1,600 trips and have only been turned down once, and the man was nice about it.'

Part of the reason why Erika has been so accepted and embraced by her fares also comes down to the fact that she creates a full experience for those that she picks up, with the car being decked out in beads, teddy bears and even comes with fun props for people to play with, such as novelty headbands complete with springy penises.

'I've had people drop their groceries because they're laughing so hard.  So many people are shocked because they've never seen a themed Lyft driver before, but then they're like, 'Fuck yeah, let's get in!'

Using her 15 years experience in the music industry to put together a three episodes of  'The Drag Car Sessions', which features bands performing in the back seat of her car.  'I have met with six different reality TV studios since March but finally found one that completely understood my vision.  This is not a TV show, but a web series for YouTube and is going to be out any minute now.  The goal is to take the web series as a package to major TV networks next year to try and sell it as a new show concept.'

Erika is hoping to use the exposure and attention from press, social media and television to franchise a party bus and limo service fronted by drag queens.  She is also aiming to create a much needed 'safe ride' solution for the transgender, cross dressing and drag community.

'I've seen many stories of Taxi and Uber drivers that still discriminate against us, leave us stranded on the corner because of how we look or actually throw us out of the back of their cab.  It's 2015 and people should feel safe from getting from A to B.  Many trans people are scared to go out and be in public and take public transportation.  This would allow them to be 100% themselves.'

Erika goes on to explain how the ever increasing presence of the transgender community has gone on to change the way she uses 'Driving is a Drag'.  'Ever since Caitlyn Jenner's story became massive global news my ride has gone from 100% entertainment to 50% entertainment and 50% education.  People ask me what's the difference between transgender, cross dressing and drag.  Many people don't know.  I'm happy to give them trans 101, if you know what I mean.'

'I've had so many trans youth contact me on Facebook and tell me that I've inspired them to come out to their families and friends and to be themselves.  Even though I identify as a man, I guess some people see me being fearless out their driving in drag and look up to me.  It's a really cool thing, it's very empowering to me.'

Amy.
xx


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David Welch Claims Trans People Can Be Cured

Pastor David Welch, one of the more outspoken opponents of the now failed Houston Equal Rights Ordinance, HERO, has further disrespected the transgender community by claiming that transgender people can be 'cured' by 'biblical therapy'.

Welch has spoken out against the transgender community, claiming that he 'felt transgender people disrespect the Christian God by wanting a body other than the one he created for them.'

He also went on to say that transgender people 'should seek Biblical therapy to settle their confusion'.

During the campaign against the HERO bill Welch was one of the more outspoken members of the anti-HERO campaign, alongside the US Pastors Council of which he is a member.  The main slogan of the anti-HERO campaign was 'No men in women's bathrooms'.

In the past Welch also said that he prays for God to 'free' Houston Mayor Annise Parker, an open
lesbian woman, from her 'condition'.

Amy.
xx


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Wikishuffle - One of The Best Podcast's Around

I don't listen to many podcasts, if anything I find podcasts to be rather annoying.  I've tried listening to dozens over the years and never stuck around with any of them for very long.  For the most part there seems to be slew of 'geek' podcasts around, shows that cover comic books, movies, TV and video games.

Now, these are all things that I like, but these are also things I read about often, so they're not breaking any news to me, and their subjects I talk about with friends, so some of those conversations I end up listening to are very familiar ones.  So to find a podcast that's different, unique and entertaining seems to be more difficult than you'd first think.

Luckily for me, I've found a podcast that I've been listening to for months (my own personal record), and look forward to every week.  Wikishuffle.

Wikishuffle is one of those little gems, where the concept is so amazingly simple that it'll astound you that no one else had done it before, and that you weren't the one to come up with the idea yourself.  Every episode the presenters press the random article button on Wikipedia and talk about whatever subject comes up.

I know what you're thinking, 'couldn't that be really dull?'  Well, they do have to cover moth's a lot, and their are some subjects that you'd never go and read about off your own back, but even these things that would never normally interest you are full of intriguing pieces of info, and a lot of humour.

The three hosts, Jack Stewart, Chris Wallace and Phil Sharman, are able to take some of the most mundane subjects and make them interesting, and more importantly entertaining.  I found myself strangely intrigued listening to them talk about Sesame Street plot lines, Vanta Black and the sexual activity of Popes.  I was even kept entertained for almost an hour listening to the life story of a footballer, but then again that particular man's life story was so crazy and unbelievable it would make an amazing film.

Not every subject that Wikipedia generates for the hosts are entertaining ones, some are over and done with extremely quickly because there's not really much to talk about, and some cover subjects that are extremely uncomfortable.  In one episode that still sticks with me vividly the brave hosts talk about the 2011 San Fernando Massacre, a mass murder of 193 people by the Los Zetas drug cartel.  Whilst it would have been easy for them to cut the segment and pretend that it never came up they plough ahead and talk about a truly shocking account with respect and reverence, something that most comedy podcasts would never do.

Informative, funny, and at times moving, Wikishuffle is one of the best new podcasts around, even received the UK Podcasters Award for Best Comedy this year.

If you want to be entertained for an hour a week, to laugh and to learn (though possibly not learning vital information, but learning nonetheless) then Wikishuffle is definitely the podcast for you.

http://www.wikishuffle.co.uk/

Amy.
xx


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Trans-Scribe

Following comments from a number of fans, and the natural progression of my journey from someone blogging for fun to a more active member of the internet news circuit it's time for a change for the blog.

This site is no longer known as 'Trans Girl Writer', but will hence-forth be called 'Trans-Scribe'.  Thank you to the fan who suggested the new name (you know who you are).  Due to the change in name the site has a new address;

www.trans--scribe.blogspot.com

The site will continue on with providing LGBT+ related news, opinion pieces and the occasional rant, and hopefully will be featuring a number of new reviews of some very interesting media pieces if all works out well with a new partnership.

I want to thank everyone for their continued support and for visiting the site in the great numbers you are.  I couldn't be doing this without you.

Thank you all.

Amy.
xx


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Lingerie Brand Neon Moon Latest To Add Transgender Model

The lingerie brand Neon Moon, who recently gained media attention for fighting online trolls for body shaming women, has become the latest fashion label to add a transgender model to their ranks.

A company that labels itself as 'feminist', and tries to actively promote body positivity, Neon Moon has been making headlines for their combat of online body shamers after photoshopped pictures of their models surfaced.  Priding itself on this message of not altering their images and believing that all women should be proud of their bodies, Neon Moon quickly worked to get the altered images removed from the web and named and shamed those responsible.

Their new campaign 'I Am Neon Moon' aims to 'fight against transphobia, body shaming and negative perceptions of the female body'.  When asked how they would be combating transphobia their founder and CEO, Hayat Rachi, replied 'By being inclusive and representing transgender women in a positive light within the lingerie industry.  Representation is important in today's society and normalising transgender women as women within our campaign in a very proud and unapologetic way to fight back at transphobia in today's climate in the fashion industry.'

I asked Hayat what made her chose to include a transgender model in the Neon Moon campaign, 'One of our main values at Neon Moon as a feminist lingerie brand, is to reflect our community better.  I have never seen a mainstream lingerie brand include a transgender women in their campaign alongside other women.  I always wondered why, and why is there such unnecessary pressure from society for transgender women to look like cis women in order to be models?  Representation is so important, as transgender models cannot be what they cannot see.  So instead of succumbing to the transphobia and body shaming in today's society, Neon Moon is fighting it head on with our latest campaign - #IAmNeonMoon.  It's important to be body positive and inclusive of transgender women, as women deserve equality.'

I also managed to catch up with Jilly Norman, the transgender model featured in the Neon Moon campaign.

Have you modelled in the past Jilly, or is your work with Neon Moon your first experience?

No, no, I've never modelled before.  Neon Moon is my first foray into the world of modelling at the tender age of 49.  And who knows, now that I'm an international model, it may not be my last.

How did you come to start working with Neon Moon?

So, I have been involved in the world of lingerie for many years, writing, reviewing, blogging and promoting/marketing lingerie companies.  I have my own lingerie site and Twitter feed.  I came across Neon Moon on Twitter and got chatting.  At one point I said something like 'Well if you're ever looking for a transgender model..' to Hayat and she took me on.

What is it about Neon Moon's products and philosophies that appeals to you?

Product wise, if I'm being completely honest, Neon Moon's items are not traditionally what I go far.  I'm a lace and bows and ribbons and straps and silk kind of girl.  But the set I'm wearing in the photo shoot felt really good, comfortable and, I'd hope, flattering too.  The other thing to say about the products is that I was under the impression when I came across Neon Moon, as many are, that they have been established for years, but that's not true.  They are relatively new.  As such their product range/sets are still growing.

Philosophies wise how could any forward thinking person disagree with the universality of the concept of body positivity, of empowering women, through honest representation, of contentment and of a zero tolerance approach to photoshopping images. Hayat and Neon Moon may not speak to everyone but she is allowing everyone to speak, amplifying voices that are spoken over by traditional campaigns.

Do you feel that Neon Moon is a company that works well with the transgender community?

Absolutely 100%.  Because the philosophy is built on a solid foundation of equality, diversity and representation.  Those who identify as transgendered are free to buy their lingerie anywhere, but in Neon Moon they have a powerful, supportive ally.

A number of fashion companies have started using transgender models over the last few years, what makes Neon Moon different to these others? 

So yes, having transgender models appear in advertising is something that is on the rise and good - why not.  In that, Neon Moon are joining the growing movement towards representation.  What sets them apart, at the moment, in the lingerie world is their philosophy.

Neon Moon promotes a campaign of body positivity and encourages women to embrace their bodies and love themselves despite 'flaws' that other people would criticise them for.  Is this a message that you feel is important to the transgender community, who are quite often shamed for their bodies?

The message is vital for every single human being but especially so for women and transgendered people.  I suppose I find it difficult to answer this question as my own body issues as a transgendered person may not be the same as another.

Any body shaming comes from a bad place.  Neon Moon offers a place free of it.  Free to do what you want with your body, free to wear what you want.  Feminism is, in part, engaged in a discussion about the role of transgendered people.  I would regard Germaine Greer's views as little more than body shaming but society will show, in the end, that harmony and equality will win over the bitterness, shaming and division.  People like Hayat are snowploughs, ensuring that those who come behind have a slightly easier path to take.

There will be some people out there who would say that a transgender woman has no place modelling women's clothing, especially taking part in a lingerie shoot, how would you respond to those kinds of comments?

I'd say why do I have no place?  I buy lingerie, I wear lingerie, why can't I model it?  Now I have some sympathy with them if they were to say that I don't represent them and, I've had no reason to believe that me as a 49 year old male presenting as a woman, will  make women rush to buy anything I endorse.

They are free to buy or not to buy, but I'm not doing it for them.  This photo shoot is important for a number of reasons, I had a responsibility toward transgendered people everywhere, a responsibility towards body positivity, a responsibility to Neon Moon, but ultimately a responsibility to myself.

Neon Moon, it's founder and CEO Hayat Rachi, and their transgender model Jilly Norman, are all sending a very loud and clear message, that body positivity is massively important to them, and that any transphobic views will not be tolerated.

When asked about possible backlash to the Neon Moon campaign from within the transgender community, about the possibility that some people could accuse them of being just another company that is trying to 'cash in' on the popularity of appearing to be trans inclusive just to gain media attention and increased sales Hayat Rachi refused to answer, stating that she was 'not comfortable with this question'.

She did go on to state, however, that Neon Moon would like to feature more transgender, gender non-conforming and gender fluid models in the future.  'Neon Moon's aim is to showcase a model that affiliates with one person across the globe.  It's so important to be inclusive and representative of our community so people growing up see themselves in our Neon Moon models.  It's all about empowering people to love their bodies and be confident with themselves.  Neon Moon is here for body positivity in a very feminist way!'

Hopefully Neon Moon's #IAmNeonMoon campaign will gain some positive attention for the transgender community and help to show detractors that trans women do have a place in the fashion world.

Click to go to the Neon Moon blog to read more about their new campaign.

Amy.
xx


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Theatre Company Casts Trans Actor In Cis Role

Boulder based LOCAL Theatre Company is scheduled to present the world premier of James McLindon's dark comedy 'Faith', a story about the religious fanaticism of a thirteen year old boy called Simon.  The company has cast transgender actor Em Grosland in the lead role.

Grosland will play the role of Simon, the son of 'an apostate mother who is desperately seeking a vision in the parking lot of a Walmart'.

Em Grosland commented on their website, 'I identify as transgender, although I am interested in playing roles all across the gender spectrum, I actively seek out transgender, and genderqueer roles as well as cis-gender male roles.'

'I have been pleasantly surprised and encouraged by the open-minded and supportive people of our artistic community.  I want my career and my work as an artist to challenge the rigid gender roles of our society and this art form.'

'Faith' opens on November 20th at the Dairy Centre for the Arts and will run through to December 6th.

Amy.
xx


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Disney Rumoured To End Slave Leia Merchandise

Disney has always been a studio that has tried to create good representations of women over the years, and whilst some might argue that early Disney Princess' were little more than damsels in distress waiting for their handsome prince it's very much changed in recent decades.  Brave saw a capable and fierce princess, Mulan saw a woman who saved her entire country from invasion, and Frozen went on to say that sometimes the princess' can save themselves.

That same philosophy of good feminine role models has extended to the Marvel universe, as Disney are adding more and more female led books, and changing some traditionally skimpy outfits to more conservative ones, such as Captain Marvel and Spider Woman.  Now it would appear the same might be happening to the Star Wars universe.

After speaking to Interview Magazine, Carrie Fisher (known around the world as the gun toting space warrior Princess Leia) advised the 'Star War: The Force Awakens' actress Daisy Ridley to 'fight for your outfit.  Don't be a slave like I was'.  The comments came during a discussion of Fishers status as a 'sex symbol'.

Now Marvel artist J. Scott Campbell has spoken out to say that Disney is 'wiping out' the Slave Leia outfit from their future merchandising.

He went on to say in a Facebook post, 'Daisey Ridley won't have to fight against anything.  Disney is already well on its way to wiping out the 'slave' outfit from any future products period.  You will not see any future merchandising featuring the outfit ever again.  Trust me, I've heard from two sources.  We can't even draw Leia in a sexy pose at Marvel, let alone in that outfit!  We also had a 3-D statue killed at a major manufacturer because there will no longer be any Slave Leia merchandise.'

Disney have not yet commented on the claims and at the time of the writing of his article it is still just a rumour, though a solid one that news websites are reporting on.

Amy.
xx


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