January 16th saw the third instalment of our Clitbait Cabaret, hosted at the beautiful Dona in Stoke Newington. The theme was Blues and Boobs, to drag us out of our bleak mid-winter despair – and the night did not disappoint. Sexy, salacious and soulful, there was something for everyone. The evening was held together by our incredible host S-bars, who is an extraordinary stand up poet, facilitator and movement artist.
Our co-founder, Laila Ghaffar, analyses the political and cultural significance of the Pakistani film, Joyland.
When we decided that this month’s theme at Clitbait should be heat, I wanted to write a love letter to the sun. I wanted to write about how nourished I feel by its warmth. My world comes alive when it is illuminated and dripping in sunlight.
Without thinking, I turned from the main, busy street into a side alley. I was running late to see a friend, and Google Maps showed this route through dark, pot-holed Athens back streets to be the fastest way to get to my destination. I hurried along, frowning down at the map on my phone screen whilst music blared through my headphones. I don’t know when I became aware of his presence. But I remember feeling my stomach drop. You are not safe said my body to my mind.
On Wednesday night the world watched in horror as scenes from Capitol Hill, the political heart of the United States of America, were broadcast live onto television. Upon encouragement from President Trump, a mob of armed fascists marched on the building; breaking in and occupying the House floor and the offices of senators.
In the latest instalment of Tory fuckery, the government in collaboration with the CyberFirst released their first advertisement in what was intended to be a long running campaign to promote cyber security jobs. The ad’s release was timed in conjunction with Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak’s suggestion that artists retrain and find other careers.
Home Secretary Priti Patel’s name pops up in the news circuit regularly; whether she’s gaslighting a minority group, bullying the opposition, screaming the ‘benefits’ of Brexit or devising racist and classist immigration plans. As a chest-thumping fascist using her modest upbringing and brown skin to masquerade as one-of-the-people- Patel is the Tories’ wet dream…
Our co-founder Laila examines the sexual racism prevalent in the language that white men use to approach brown women…
Our co-founder Laila questions the potential long-term effects of corona on our relationships…
Meet the Clitbait Team: an interview with Laila Ghaffar, co-founder
‘Focus on the small stuff’ has almost become a cliche. It’s the mantra of every self-help coach, the driving concept behind many successful books and the topic of copious podcasts….
Last year I spent a portion of my gap year in Pakistan. One day I attended a lecture on Jinnah, the founder of the nation. I remember shivering in the…