š¤What does an average mind or body look like? Where would we find one? All our notions of ānormalā and ideal are illusions – in many cases ones we all collaborate in! Averages are concepts that only exist because of human VARIETY – how ironic! Statistics are a great tool to understand populations or groups…
Category: Ministry of Burlesque
Beauty is not a matter of size…
Every body, Every mind… beautiful. š Beauty norms are an illusion. Every cell that makes up every body is a unique expression of the universe, creating itself. š§ Regardless of height, weight and other measurable things, immeasurable beauty lives in the whole-ness and joy of every living being. ā„ļø Love your body and know that it…
Not Lost in Translation… insight from transgender and non-binary voices
If we want to pursue individual happiness and a fair society, we all need to be allies to those whose voices are diminished beneath the roar of controversy. When I took part in a panel discussion on trans for the Church of England last year, I decided to interview as many transpeeps as I could…
Perfectly Presented or a Work in Progress?
Why do we all worry about perfection and presentation? Because we think everyone else is achieving it? Or that despite not being perfect themselves, they will judge imperfection? Well… if they do, let them. If they are seeking perfection in you… itās because they lack so much more in themselves. Focus on being REAL. On…
Preaching to the Subverted
Last Winter I was invited to speak as part of a panel discussion on the topic of ātransgenderā hosted by Rev. Michael Hampson of the Church of England, at St. Margaretās Church in Hornby. My contributions were drawn from my long experience in both burlesque theatre and in advocating psychological wellbeing. My āangleā overall was…
Aspire to be without Ambition
Ambition is rather IFFY…. It is often seen as something to be proud of – or a personal quality that would ensure āsuccessā, whatever that is… but itās all so hypothetical and future-dwelling. I say itās time to put ambition on hold and be inspired in the moment. Ambition involves competition and therefore comparison to…
Coming Out of The Closet: Victorian Spiritualism and the Vaudeville Striptease
Coming Out of The Closet Victorian Spiritualism and the Vaudeville Striptease (First Published:Ā Erotic Review. Issue 66, 2004.) A grand parlour room bathed in the dim and eerie glow of phosphorus and magnesium lamps hosts an arrangement of ladies and gentlemen, seated on edge. They eagerly await the emergence of the fine figure of the scantily…
Why burlesque could be good for you.
Why burlesque could be good for you. In the face of ever-evolving social and artistic controversy over burlesque as a form of entertainment, Iād like to volunteer my tuppence-worth on an overlooked aspect of participation. Ā As someone who has meaningful experience in both the promotion of burlesque theatre and mental health interventions, I believe that…
Gossip: A Bitter Pill – but only poisonous if you swallow it…
“Malicious gossip is a bitter pill indeed – but it’s only poisonous if you swallow it.” The irony is that it is not just the target who must avoid swallowing. For gossip to spread and be effective, it needs carriers. Those who spread it – gladly swallow it whole – and become embroiled in unnecessary…
FAQ You! Are you a professional?
When does a performer become a āProfessionalā? Having a professional attitude or approach to a thing is not necessarily what makes it your ‘profession’. When something is your profession, it is implied that this is your main source of earning and what you have specifically dedicated your training to. Those who perform as a hobby…