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A Clever Life October 2021

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A CLEVER LIFEC R E A T I N G L O V E & E Q U I T Y T H R O U G H V O I C E S ,E D U C A T I O N , & R E F L E C T I O NIT'S NOT JUSTBLACK AND WHITESHANTELLMARTINNATIONA L COM ING O UT DA YSTORIES FROMTHE FRONTLINESI s s u e # 3 | V o l . 1 | O c t o b e r 2 0 2 1MO NTHLY BOOK CORN ERSPOOKTACULARREADING FOROCTOBERCLEVERWINTERCLEVER CLOSETGRAND OPENINGEXTRAVAGANZA

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A CLEVER LIFEOctober 202101Creating Love and EquityThrough Voices, Education,and ReflectionTruth through love.CLEVER

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Coming Out DayTABLE OFCONTENTSMeet The BoardMovie Of The MonthMental Health Matters0406111720A memorable interview with anup and coming queer artist. Emily Rosa shares her mentalhealth journey.Born To Shine: Stories From The PeopleBroomsticks, Pumpkins, and Spookysongs is the theme to this belovedHalloween film.Liz Goodman, Co-Vice Chair02October 2021BookCorner with Carly27Monsters, vampires and horrorstories- oh my! Shantell Martin It's Not all Black and WhiteCalendar of Events19Check out what's new and comingup next with CLEVER

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Each month A CLEVER Life will showcase one of our amazingBoard Members, so you can get to know us on a more personallevel. Last month, we heard from Emily Rosa, Vice-Chair. Thismonth, we celebrate Liz Goodman, C.L.E.V.E.R.’s other Vice-Chair of the Board.Hello! Thank you for taking a few minutes to learn aboutme, and how I fit in with the rest of the C.L.E.V.E.R.crew!I’m Liz, and I grew up in New England. At forty, I’m theoldest member of the Board. I moved to North Carolinain 2007, to be with my boyfriend Mike, who became myhusband in 2010. We met in a punk rock chat room in1994, before online dating was cool. I have opted out ofhaving children, because I firmly believe that motherhoodis a choice, not a societal obligation. Instead, I have anAustralian shepherd / pitbull mix named Dory who Ispoil in all the ways that a good girl deserves to be spoiled.In my professional life, I’m a data nerd. I work for a majorappliance manufacturer managing databases and buildingreporting. This passion found me in my thirties when Idecided to make a change and went back to college afterfailing out (twice) when I was nineteen and uninspired. Iam a huge advocate for community colleges and gratefulthat they helped me find my niche. I even went back andtaught my favorite class for a few semesters at MitchellCommunity College, although I now focus on my full-time career and volunteer work. I jumped at the opportunity to volunteer withC.L.E.V.E.R. because being an ally to the queercommunity is extremely important to me – especiallyqueer youth. My little sister came out as queer and transgender in hertwenties. She is now living her best life, as herself, with apartner who loves her. I couldn’t be prouder. Still, I livewith the knowledge that her childhood was full ofstruggles that she faced alone. I know that a kinder andmore progressive community would have made it easierfor her to be herself from a younger age. I can’t changethe past for her, but I can try to be a part of a change forother kids and teens who are in the same situation. I amso happy to be part of an organization that is activelyimproving people’s lives.Currently I am the most excited about our upcomingin-person events: C.L.E.V.E.R. Closet Grand OpeningExtravaganza at Daveste Vineyards November 5th, andThe C.L.E.V.E.R. Winter Gala on November 19th atBrick Row. If you are local, I hope that you can make it!Until then, The Other Vice-Chair04October 2021MEET THEBOARDLIZ GOODMAN

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06October 2021MOVIE OF THE MONTHHOCUS POCUSPhoto via Disney PlusEach Month, a CLEVER Life Magazine will feature a different film. Some months there may be independent films.Some months they may be cult classics or Blockbusters. What they will all have in common, though, is that they aremust-see movies! So, to kick off our Movie of the Month, we will focus on a Classic Halloween comedy – Hocus Pocus! If you haven’t yet seen the 1993 Kenny Ortega cult classic, you are in for a treat! The film begins in 1693 inSalem, Massachusetts, with the Sanderson Sisters. After a brief encounter with Emily and Thackery Binx,the sisters are set to be hanged. However, just before their execution, Winifred casts a spell to resurrect thesisters during a full moon on All Hallows’ Eve when any virgin lights the Black Flame Candle. Flash forward to October 31, 1993, when Max Dennison and his family, new to town, are experiencing theirfirst Salem Halloween. While trying to impress his crush, Max lights the Black Flame Candle, and theSanderson Sisters are back! Max, his sister Dani, his crush Allison, and Binx (Thackery in black cat form)spend the rest of the movie trying to get the Sanderson sisters, save the townspeople from the Sanderson’sspells, and reverse the spell that turned Thackery into a cat. I’ve been watching Hocus Pocus as a Halloween tradition since I was a kid, and it is always the perfect wayto get into the spooky season! The fun music, the Sanderson sister’s quirks, and Binx make for a wonderfulnight of laughs. This cult classic is a Halloween must-see. So grab some popcorn or your favorite full-sized candy bar and getready for a fun family movie! It’s available for streaming on Disney+ and regularly played during FreeForm’s31 Nights of Halloween. By: Bai Rosa

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The founder and CEO, Stephanie Kline birthed C.L.E.V.E.R. in its infancy, years ago when shebecame frustrated with the lack of outlets to assist and help in the areas of social justice andcommunity growth that she was most passionate about. C.L.E.V.E.R., since its inception, has been bold in it's roots. We don't care about mixingmessages, or branding. We care about helping in the areas we know the best. Therefore,CLEVER's three main pillars will not forever be just Youth LGBTQIA+ initiatives, Literacy, andYouth in Film, but will also expand as we reach others, and others reach us. The world ishurting, and hate is too bountiful to ignore. C.L.E.V.E.R. hopes to give some love, send it out,and watch it flourish and grow, all while educating anyone we can.Though most of the current projects are focused within North Carolina at the moment,C.L.E.V.E.R. looks to expand and partner withcommunities and organizations across the UnitedStates and beyond. The more we reach, the more we can help. C.L.E.V.E.R.'s mission is to create anequitable societythrough three pillars: Youth LGBTQIA+Initiatives, Literacy For All, and Youth in Film.WHAT ISC.L.E.V.E.R.?08October 2021Our current projects are helping us to dust off our shoulders aftera long hibernation from COVID. While the pandemic continuesto change the way we reach people, we cannot let it stop us fromdoing so any longer. So, we're getting creative. Though the enormous CLEVER Con that we had planned forOctober was canceled for this year, we still have to reach ourfundraising goals. In order to give our next year projects thefoundation they need, our fundraising goal for 2021 is $10,000!

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09October 2021So, instead of CLEVER Con, we're goingto be doing a succession of smallerfundraisers and we need your help. Thetwo biggest areas we need assistance aredonations and volunteers! Its okay if youcan't volunteer in person, there are plentyof things you can do right where you are. Use one (or MORE!) of the QR Codes tothe right, and help us make our goals andcreate some amazing programs in 2022,including:- Business and Formal Closet - Youth Film Festival- Growing Our Youth LGBTQ+Groups- Our Online Every Day Closet (For those who feel more comfortableshopping for clothing from the comfortand safety of their home, withoutjudgement).- Literacy Story Hours With LocalQueens and Kings- CLEVER Con 2022

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A C O M M U N I T Y C E L E B R A T I O N O FBorn To Shine!11October 2021October 11th of each year is National Coming Out Day.It’s a celebration of who we are and all that we have doneto be where we are today. Of course, there are still milesto go in our fight for equity and acceptance, but we havecome so far, and that is worth celebrating. On October 11th, 1987, 500,000 people joined together inthe March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.National Coming Out Day is held every year on theanniversary of that historic march. This year, the HumanRights Campaign named the theme of NCOD “Born toShine!" We all deserve to shine as the people we truly are. Tocelebrate, we asked some of our friends from around thecountry if they could share what National Coming Out Day,and coming out, means to them. We hope you find their wordsinspiring.NATIONALCOMING OUT DAY

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“When I celebrated my first National Coming OutDay, I first came out as a lesbian. Since then, I’ve comeout as queer, non-binary, and transgender. I mighteven say I “came out” about having top surgery. Tome, coming out is a beautiful snapshot of my identityat a single point in time. These big announcementsand celebratory dates are an accumulation of muchsmaller acts of self-reflection and searching to belongthat envelop my thoughts on a daily basis. When I was8 years old, I wrote in a school paper, “I like who I am,and I am proud of who I am.” I am happy to say thatstill rings true, although I’m sure I could never haveimagined at 8 years old the person I am today. I lookforward to growing more in my understanding ofmyself, and I am thankful for all of the privileges inmy life that have allowed for this path of self-discovery. On this National Coming Out Day and allthose to come, I celebrate our queer family across theworld and recognize the beauty in the diversity ofidentity." - Lee R., they/them/theirs12October 2021“’Coming Out’ to me means freedom. When I was younger andfirst realizing that I was gay, I thought to myself that I wouldnever come out. I would just hide this part of myself that I was soashamed of so that no one could hurt me or reject me. While Iwas still in the closet, I felt so much pressure and loneliness. Ifirst came out to a friend in my senior year of high school. WhenI told him I was gay, he joked “Hi, I’m bi. How are you doing?”,and I couldn’t help but laugh and instantly feel relief. All of thisweight that I had put on my shoulders just melted away. Irealized that I wasn’t alone and there were so many people outthere that loved and accepted all of me. And while the journeyhasn’t always been easy, I’ve never regretted coming out when Idid. It was because I came out that I could really figure out who Iwas. I could find the people who are my found family and will bewith me for the rest of my life. Coming out is a joyfulproclamation of who I am, and I couldn’t be more proud tocelebrate who that is.” - Jonathan G., he/him/his

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“National Coming Out Day for me is equal parts celebratory andreflective. On one hand, it reminds me how far I have come interms of celebrating and honoring my queer identity. The labelsthat have identified my sexuality have shifted over the years, andI am proud of that journey and the acceptance I found withinmyself and my community. I feel so grateful to feel comfortableand safe being visibly queer every day, and to be surrounded byfamily and friends who show me unwavering support. ThisNational Coming Out day feels extra celebratory since it is myfirst one being married to my wonderful non-binary spouse.Being able to have our relationship and marriage legallyrecognized is a huge privilege, and I feel very grateful that thisrelational step is accessible to queer folks like us. On the otherhand, National Coming Out day is a somber reminder of thequeer folks who may not feel safe enough to be visibly queer. The world still has a long way to go in terms of creating a more loving and supportive environment fortransgender folks, particularly trans and gender non-conforming people of color. I am committed tohelping support those in the queer community who are wanting community and validating, as I wish topay forward the kindness and mentorship that has been shown to me by older members of the queercommunity. All queer people are loved, wanted, and celebrated, and I feel thankful to be able to bereminded of all of these important lessons during National Coming Out Day.” - Cassandra R., she/her/hers14 October 2021“Have you ever had to keep wonderful news a secret?Unless you moved it out of your mind completely,you would think about it more and more, almostobsessing over it. Keeping that secret probablyaffected your daily life, maybe you tensed up in ordernot to spill it. Or maybe you chastised yourselfbecause you felt you were lying. Now imagine peoplewho feel they have to keep a secret, but they do notknow how people are going to react. Imagine howobsessed they feel to keep it a secret, how keepingthe secret affected their life, how tense they feel. That's why coming out is important: it frees a person from feeling they have to keep a secret, and it frees themfrom the daily obsessing and tension and worry and fear they are liars. Coming out allows a person to morefully be themselves and have one less secret to pay attention to.” - Steven M., he/him/his

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“For me, National Coming Out Day is a day to celebrate allthose who have been able to live their true lives, but it’s also aday to remember and think about everyone who isn’t yet safe tobe themselves. It’s both a day of celebration and a day ofmourning. Coming out can be incredibly freeing, but it can alsobe a very scary time for some. We must hold space for all thoseexperiences at once. I am so proud of the person I have becomeand will continue to fight for everyone to be able to live to theirfullest for as long as it takes.” - Bai R., they/them/theirs15October 2021

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Personally, I believe everyone should be intherapy. I’ve been in and out of therapy andcounseling offices since I was 11. But it took meuntil I was 27, still suffering from the loss of aparent and a collapsed economy with littleprospects for work, for me to remind myself thatit doesn’t always have to feel this way. My firstday in Michelle’s office, I broke down and criedbecause I knew I could finally stop lying to myselfthat I was “totally fine”. My friends would say thatI was “so happy and always smiling!” but they hadno idea the misery behind that smile. I ended upgoing once a week. Sometimes it was fun andchatty, but there were days that I left moremiserable than when I went in. But Michelle wasthere and listened intently and eventually theheaviness I’d learn to bear in silence started to lift. 17October 2021mental health mattersBy Emily Candelario-RosaWhen you hear someone talk about mentalhealth, it feels like a buzzword. Someonementions therapy or depression and you nodalong but really, deep down it’s just for “crazypeople” or maybe someone who’s gone throughsome serious stuff but... definitely not you. Thensomeone makes a joke or sends a meme makinglight of depression and says “well if you'refeeling bad, maybe you should go outside more”.More often than not, those morbid memes aremore relatable than you’d like. In this currentclimate, the future has become so much lesscertain and the media feels like satire; it’sunderstandable to feel that way. Unsurprisingly, the CDC states that 3.2% ofchildren aged 3-17 years (approximately 1.9million) have been diagnosed with depression.Even more so, about 20% of all teens experiencedepression before they reach adulthood, yet onlyabout 30% of depressed teens are even beingtreated for it. Those statistics make my heartsad. But what’s amazing in my opinion is thatthese numbers are trending up, meaning thatmore parents and people are recognizing thatmental health isn’t just a buzzword. It’s morethan a meme. It’s as important as the health ofyour heart or skin. "..I knew I could finallystop lying to myself"E. Candelario - Media: watercolor, brewed coffee, graphite. "Portrait; Untitled Unfortunately"

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Having someone to help me process the griefand other experiences that beat me down, yetalso recognize my own toxic tendencies, savedmy life. She turned me into someone who isn’tperfect, but is working to be better. Also, guesswhat - she recommended I try antidepressants!Now.. if only I had taken her word at that time.Fast forward to the summer I turned 29- newyear, new psychosis! I got a new therapist andat their advice and that of my doctor, I startedmedication to ease the symptoms that had metruly struggling. Which, while medications orantidepressants may not be the avenue youshould pursue, they happened to be the lifelineI needed. Who knew that other people couldfeel like this? My story, while it may sound similar to others,isn’t the same path others may take. But youcan always take that first step. Even justacknowledging that what you’re feeling reallysucks, that’s the first step. Then if you’re feelingbold, pull out that tiny supercomputer in yourpocket and reach out to someone. I promise,every step forward in taking control of yourmental health is a good step.I’ll leave you with the words of my favoritecontestant from America’s Got Talent JaneMarczewski, “You can’t wait until life isn’t hardanymore before you decide to be happy.” Love you all, 18October 2021mental health matters

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O C T O B E ROct 15 - A CLEVER LIFE magazine Issue 3 releasesOct 18 - CLEVER Board MeetingOct 23 - CLEVER CLOSET Donation Drive*Oct 27th - Youth LGBTQIA Virtual MeetingOct 31 - HALLOWEENN O V E M B E RNov 1 - First Day of American Indian Heritage MonthNov 5 - CLEVER Closet EXTRAVAGANZA!Nov 8 - CLEVER Board MeetingNov 15 - A CLEVER LIFE magazine Issue 4 releasesNov 19 - CLEVER Winter GalaNov 25 - ThanksgivingNov 26 - Native American Heritage Day19October 2021CALENDAROF EVENTS

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20October 2021Interviewed by Emily Candelario-Rosa SHANTELLThank you so much for joining us, we're honored to get the chanceto speak with you - let’s get started. You grew up in London, wentto Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design, thengraduated and left it all behind to move to Japan. What influencedyou to make this move? How did the cultures of these 2 placesinfluence your work? "Because of where I come from, even though I had gone to thisincredible art school, I knew that the access that I had to the artworld and opportunities as an artist was limited, I knew that Ineeded to leave. I had become friends with a lot of Japanesestudents in school and had grown up watching and loving cartoonsand anime, so there was already an intuitive interest in Japan andJapanese culture. At the time, it just felt like the right thing to do,so I moved to Japan."It's Not All Black &White

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21October 2021I noticed that while living in Japan, you were a “VJ”.What was that like? Can you explain what that is andhow you came into it? “A “visual jockey” was a natural fit for me. I had lots offriends in the club scene in Japan and became friendswith other more avant-garde artists who invited me toVJ their events and it really was my introduction tocollaboration and live performance. Just like a DJ, a VJworks with visuals to create an experience.” That’s very cool- it seems like that kind of work complements your art so well. Your work spans anumber of different mediums and I also noticed that it has become quite synonymous with the growingtrend of NFTs (non-fungible token). Can you explain the concept and your perspective on them? Whatled you to this form of art? “It was quite accidental, someone just asked me if I was selling NFT’s and at the time I wasn’t so I did alot of research and it became a part of my practice through the community around it. It’s also a greatway to collaborate and push my own practice so it was very natural. I’m excited to keep growing thisarea of my work and in this community with my own $WHO coin which will be released in October2021.” Shantell Martin x Kendrick Lamar

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22October 2021I noticed that while living in Japan, you were a “VJ”.What was that like? Can you explain what that is andhow you came into it? “A “visual jockey” was a natural fit for me. I had lots offriends in the club scene in Japan and became friendswith other more avant-garde artists who invited me toVJ their events and it really was my introduction tocollaboration and live performance. Just like a DJ, a VJworks with visuals to create an experience.” So let's bring it back to present day. During this currentupheaval in the political and social-economic climate,what do you find yourself struggling with the most?what advice do you have for young artists growing andworking up through this complex time?“Stay consistent and don’t let the outside world impedeyour own creative process. I’ve struggled with tuningout all the noise and feeling completely powerless. Mywork as an artist is what has helped me to find peaceand confidence to stay positive.” Some of the major themes in your work are genuineself-expression and intersectionality. Can you talkabout how your identity as a queer POC artist hasinfluenced your work? “It's interesting, I don’t think about it while I’mcreating work. It’s not intentionally influencing mywork. It’s definitely a part of the fabric and core ofwho I am and how I experience the world. I’m veryproud to be a queer artist and a POC and to be apart of those communities. I’ve always been anoutsider, and that has influenced my work in thesense that I’ve never felt the need to conform or beanyone or like anyone else, and I think my workreflects that.” Shantell Martin x PumaShantell Martin's "The May Room" on Governor's Island, NYC

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F I N D G I N A ' SG E M S O NF A C E B O O K23

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24October 2021In your body of work, kindness to oneself and othersplays a major role. The May Room on Governor’s Islandfor example, the viewer removes their shoes and enters aspace for contemplation and reflection and findsthemself surrounded by compassionate wishes. Can youtalk a little about what experiences have moved yourwork in this direction? “Living in the world, seeing how we treat each other,how we treat our environments, how we treat animals,(the list could go on and on) that’s led me to this placewhere I really want to create work that comes from apositive place and adds more positivity into the worldaround us. Kindness is so simple it doesn’t cost anyoneanything and it’s odd how people can truly forget thatit’s really important, especially in our day to day lives.” You’ve had quite a busy last couple of years! Mostnotably the New York City Ballet invited you to createan art installation in collaboration with the dancers andthe company. Having gone to art school myself, I knowthe relationship between physical art and dance. Butwhat I’m most curious about is how the element ofmovement was expressed within black and white linearimagery. Can you explain a little of your process?“My process changes with each project. Every project isunique and my approach to it is unique in that way. Forexample, with the New York City Ballet I really wantedto create work that was reflective of those who are trulybehind what we know as the NYCB. So I interviewedmany dancers about their creative process, theirrelationship with their craft, their life outside of dance,etc. Then I also created work during their rehearsalsand let my own lines be guided by the dancer’slines/movement.” Shantell Martin's "The May Room" on Governor's Island, 2019NYC Ballet Art Series featuring Shantell Martin, 2019

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25October 2021I’ve never seen someone create as large-scale andinnovative yet deeply relatable pieces as yours. Howdo you do it? What drives you day to day? “I’m driven by learning. Learning new ways toapproach life, learning new skills and tools, newways to communicate, new ways to discover the coreof who we are, why we do what we do, and how werelate with each other and the world around us.Keeping it real, staying grounded and humble andgrateful for all the opportunities and experiencesI’ve been blessed by.” Okay, so let’s talk about your style. For those whomay not know much about your work, at first glancethey may find it simplistic and figurative. But onceimmersed, one may find the content has a muchdeeper meaning. What brought about your signaturestyle of black and white line drawings? Have yourpieces always felt too big for a conventional canvas?“My time in Japan really influenced my work andthe development of my craft. Living in a crafts basedculture where you perfect a craft over time, maybeover generations even, gave me the freedom andpermission to not to try to rush to “perfection” butto create a practice that was process based vs resultbased. I love working in Black & White because youcan’t hide the process with it. You also can’tmanipulate your audience with it so there is thisnever-ending ability to explore it.” Now let’s end on a high note. What makes youfeel hopeful about the future?“There are so many creatives working today andthe work that’s being made by so many people inso many industries, which is focused on truth,connection, positivity and creating real positivechange… that keeps me hopeful.”Thank you Shantell for speaking with us! If youenjoyed this interview, please consider followingthis incredible human on social media. Lookforward to more amazing interviews in futureissues of "A Clever Life".Follow Shantell MartinInstagram : @shantell_martinTwitter : @shantell_martinYoutube : shantellmartinFacebook : shantellmartinartistSpotify : Shantell MartinTumblr : shantellmartin.tumblr.comWebsite : shantellmartin.artThe Occulus, Shantell Martin x WTC, NYC 2019

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TIME OUT YOUTHFounded by Tonda Taylor, Time Out Youth Center grew it's roots in a less tolerantCharlotte in the 1990's. Tonda wanted to create an organization that offers support,advocacy, and opportunities for personal development and social interaction tolesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. Today,Time Out Youth provides a safe environment for LGBTQ youth and their allies byfostering interaction, learning and affirmation. They work to build a youth’s self-concept to its fullest potential through uniquely targeted programming. Offer diverseopportunities for group activities that are open to all and closed to none. They work topromote awareness, understanding, acceptance and inclusion for LGBTQ youth.Time Out Youth's vision is to inspire inclusive communities where all youth areequally empowered to reach their true potential. Their mission is to support lesbian,gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth by offering vital programs,fostering unconditional acceptance, and creating safe spaces for self-expressionthrough leadership, community support and advocacy.26October 2021Youth VoiceRespectAcceptanceHonestyConfidentiallyIndividualityCore ValuesLeadership by YouthSocial ChangeUnconditional AcceptanceInclusivenessSelf-ExpressionEmpowermentCore Beliefs

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27October 2021Boo KornerKHer Body and Other PartiesMy Favorite Thing is MonstersR E D.By Chase BerggrunBy Emil FerrisBy Carmen Maria Machado

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If you’ve ever thought about jumping a cemetery fence late at night toexplore the crypt everyone in your hometown says is haunted, youshould be reading Carmen Maria Machado’s Her Body and Other Parties,preferably by flashlight underneath your bed covers. The short stories inthis collection are a gathering of American folklore and urban legendstold over countless campfires. The stories we think we know are madeall the more chilling thanks to Machado’s unnerving way of knottingtogether reality with sci-fi to show us something that feels at once newand yet like it’s being pulled directly through the blood and sinew ofyour very chest. 28October 2021Boo KornerKWelcome to CLEVER Magazine’s inaugural BookCorner, your monthly space for recommendations,reviews, and all things books (but do me a favor and pretend that “books” is actually secretly spelled withan “r,” for alliteration sake). I’m going to jump right in by shamelessly recommending three of my favoritespooky season appropriate reads, all of which just so happen to be authored by Queer writers. (What aweird coincidence, huh?)My personal favorite is the first story, “The Husband Stitch,” anexpanded retelling of “The Green Ribbon,” the story of a girl who keepssecret the reason for the titular green ribbon always tied around herthroat, until sick and old in bed she unties it and her head topples off.What was a brief and brutal story I read when I was six years old andlearning to read— and also probably too young to be entertained bydecapitation— becomes an unsettling meditation on autonomy and theviolence inherent in existing as a woman.“A wife", he says, "should have no secrets from her husband.""I don't have any secrets," I tell him."The ribbon.""The ribbon is not a secret; it's just mine.”Written and reviewed by Carly Hubbard

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For those who are less into short stories and more into graphicnovels— as well as B-movie horror films— might I suggest MyFavorite Thing is Monsters by Emil Ferris? This thick tome iswritten as ten-year-old protagonist Karen’s diary, as shechronicles her investigation of the murder of her upstairsneighbor in 1960s Chicago, picking through the politics and pastsof the lives wrapped up in hers through monster illustrations; shedepicts herself like the wolf man, and her brother’s hairlineinvokes Bela Lugosi’s iconic Dracula. (Thankfully there’s aVolume 2 to the story, and so plenty more brightly colored pagesto satisfy your pulp monster needs.)29October 2021Boo KornerKAnd speaking of the sinister Count, my final rec for the monthdraws directly from the literary horror classic, scraping apart thetext to craft an entirely new narrative of monsterhood: R E D.Chase Berggrun’s epic erasure poem of Bram Stoker’s Draculadeftly transforms the seminal gothic novel into a story of anabusive relationship rife with feminist rage and terriblevengeance. Like the other two books I’ve recommended, this taleconfronts the thin if at all existent line between the monstrousand the mundane, the visceral violence that exists withinhumankind regardless of supernatural status.Written and reviewed by Carly HubbardMonsters have always been mirrors, after all. And, each in their own way, thesebooks ask that you be brave enough to meet the gaze of what looks back at you.Happy exploring. Happy racing pulse. Happy reading.

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29October 2021A CLEVER LIFEC R E A T I N G L O V E & E Q U I T Y T H R O U G H V O I C E S ,E D U C A T I O N , & R E F L E C T I O NNovemberCOMING UPNEXT MONTH