Elliot Page’s Transition To Male in the Limelight of Hollywood   

By Kate Kissell

Recently Elliot Page, an actor most notable for his roles in Juno, The Umbrella Academy, and X-Men, revealed via twitter that he is transgender. His tweet read, “Hi friends, I want to share with you that I am trans, my pronouns are he/they and my name is Elliot.” Elliot continued by saying, “I feel lucky to be writing this. To be here. To have arrived at this place in my life.”

Earlier in 2014, Page announced publicly that he was gay at a Human Rights Campaign conference in Las Vegas saying, “I am tired of hiding, and I am tired of lying by omission …I suffered for years because I was scared to be out. My spirit suffered, my mental health suffered and my relationships suffered. And I’m standing here today, with all of you, on the other side of all that pain.”

Page is very happy with his decision and believes that everyone should do whatever they wish to feel amazing in their own body. He continues to show his self-love by saying, “I love that I am trans. And I love that I am queer. And the more I hold myself close and fully embrace who I am, the more I dream, the more my heart grows and the more I thrive. To all trans people who deal with harassment, self-loathing, abuse and the threat of violence every day: I see you, I love you and I will do everything I can to change this world for the better.”

Although over the years the acceptance and progress of L.G.B.T.Q people in Hollywood and in the film industry has advanced, Page faced some backlash around whether he should be allowed to replay his past female and straight roles. Page responded, “You would never ask a heterosexual actress that, as being typecast as straight … Why would I not want to play those roles? Quite frankly, I would be thrilled if it’s every role I ever played again.”

Momona Tamada Says She Finds Peace Through Podcasts and Baking Videos Amidst the Pandemic

By Avery Smith

Momona Tamada might be a well-known actress, starring in The Babysitters Club, but when she talks about a week in her life, she comes across as a very relatable and personable teenager. Everyone has had their ups and downs this year and Momona talks about her highs and lows she’s experienced as living through the pandemic.On the topic of online school, it is easier for Momona Tamada to balance her demands of her career with the lessening demands of the virtual world. Hence, Momona Tamada says how being online “definitely helped her find her place”. Slowly, life is getting back to normal, as Momona Tamada says how “today is actually the first day I get to go back to dance”, which is something important in her life, and a way to stay busy during these anxious and scary times. Momona Tamada also reccomedings listening to the podcast called “Daily Breath”, which provides listeners with a meditation activity.

Another plus side to living in this pandemic was that Momona Tamada and her family were able to get a puppy. The puppy is named Miso, and he is still young and adjusting to life on walks and with other people and dogs. Tamada remarks thar having a puppy by her side takes her mind off of the scary reality of COVID-19. Momona Tamada shows a relatable side when she talks about making Tik Toks, playing “Among Us”, and listening to well-known teenage music. Momona Tamada’s adaption to the pandemic life is inspiring and shows how important it is to keep your head up and stay positive during trying times.

Dance Highlights of 2020

By Mary Burdick

While the global pandemic forced theaters and studios across the world to close, the dance community has prevailed and managed to find ways to keep the art alive and thriving. From TikTok dances to Instagram live ballet classes, dance in 2020 has managed to bring people together and create a welcoming and supportive community. Below are some of the 2020 trends and highlights that swept America this year.

New York City Ballet principal dancer Sara Mearns explored different qualities of movement through her performances in “State of Darkness” and “Our Labyrinth”. World renowned choreographer David Gordon released a beautiful dance film called “The Philadelphia Matter – 1972/2020” encompassing dancing from three of Gordon’s pieces. 

Dance was also used as a powerful form of activism this year, particularly in the Black Lives Matter Movement that swept the country this spring. Dance revealed itself again in popular 2020 films and tv shows such as “The Crown” and gave hope and entertainment to those watching in the comfort of their homes.

All in all, dance in 2020 has shown just how powerful art can be in bringing happiness and hope to those in all corners of our country.