Monthly Archives: November 2019

Gender Issues

Music, identity, and pride

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11-year old me was watching MTV and Adam Lambert’s Whataya Want From Me came on.  I liked the sound; before I knew it, I loved the song.

I’ve been listening to it for the last decade & the track has meant so much to me in the process of figuring myself out. The icon Lambert is, both as a personality & as an openly gay musician has helped me understand myself.

A few months ago, I was browsing through Spotify & discovered another song; this one, titled Fuimos Amor (“We Were Love”), is by Colombian singer Esteman, from his album Amor Libre (“Free Love”). Since I first heard it some six months ago, it’s been a constant on my drive playlist. Like Lambert’s track, I love everything about Fuimos Amor: lyrics, video & aesthetics.

This June, I was in Vienna on summer break & later, in New York City for a university program. In Vienna, our bus passed by buildings celebrating pride.

A building in Vienna with the pride flag (June 2019).

In New York, I witnessed the Pride parade & I danced as the procession did. I saw the Camp exhibit at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Walking around the city, I noticed graffiti & street art that celebrated pride. I tapped my feet & swayed as performers going home after the parade sang & danced in the subway.

“I Choose Love”: street art in New York City (June 2019).

These experiences have been monumental in navigating my identity. I can say now, that I am bi & not be afraid or disgusted by it.

Gender Issues

Gender Equality in the European Union: a study

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A few days ago, a report about gender equality in the European Union was released. It looks at the changes in gender equality between 2005 and 2019, with a focus on work-life balance.

The report highlights a glaring issue – while there is progress for women in terms of job opportunities and pay, as well as healthcare, the large share of power (political, economic or otherwise) still remains with men.

Further, even as countries like Sweden and Denmark have made remarkable progress , others like Greece and Hungary, are trailing. Meanwhile, per the study, countries like Lithuania  have not progressed since 2005 in achieving gender equality.

The report concludes, “In some domains, progress has slowed, stalled or even regressed. We are still far from the finish line.”