Latest Stories from Flo
David Hockney’s new exhibition is a celebration of art’s future
Beloved British artist David Hockney may be 85, but he is still pushing the boundaries of what art can do. Known for his bold use of colour, astute portraiture, and intrepid depictions of queerness, David Hockney is a national treasure. His work has pushed boundaries in every way that art can; politically, socially, aesthetically. And, in recent years, his use of the iPad has raised new questions about the capabilities of...
How Tory Lanez case demonstrates Hollywood’s misogyny
Rapper Tory Lanez has been found guilty of shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the foot. But angered responses from Lanez’ fans – and the demonisation of Stallion – highlight Hollywood’s persistent issue with successful Black women. Since the summer of 2020, rapper Megan Thee Stallion has claimed Tory Lanez shot her in the foot multiple times after leaving a party in the Hollywood Hills. After a small dispute led Megan...
The intern behind Spotify Wrapped was never given her dues
The popular round-up format has become a viral trend marking the end of a year. But many don’t know it was created by an intern in under three months. Is it even December if you don’t share your Spotify Wrapped? The music streaming platform launched Wrapped playlists in 2016, giving users the chance to view a personalised recap of their past year as defined by their listening habits. The format, though simple,...
Opinion – sexual assault victims need more digital protection
Reality star Stephen Bear was convicted for acts of revenge porn against ex-girlfriend Georgia Harrison. His case sets a precedent for protecting women in the digital world. On 2nd August 2020, reality TV star Stephen Bear and then-girlfriend Georgia Harrison were captured having sex on CCTV cameras in his garden. Harrison was unaware they were being filmed, and had asked Bear not to share the footage when they discovered it existed. But...
Why Megan Thee Stallion is more than just her milestones
After becoming the first Black woman to cover Forbes’ 30 under 30, the rapper is using her success as a foundation for important conversations that go beyond race. Megan Thee Stallion is on a winning streak that shows no signs of slowing. Since releasing her first single in 2016, the Texas-born rapper has won a Grammy for Best New Artist, launched countless number one hits, and is now the first Black...
Balenciaga’s quest for redemption has had the opposite effect
The luxury brand’s brush with accusations of paedophilia has united haters and fans in shared concern. But the controversy also points to systemic issues of exploitation and power within the fashion industry. Publicity stunt? Mindless oversight? Elite satanic conspiracy? Whichever best explains Balenciaga’s latest controversy – triggered by two campaigns that featured disturbing associations between children and sex – finding an answer to the whole fiasco has become somewhat of a...
San Francisco launches income programme for trans community
The city’s GIFT pilot program sets a new benchmark for tangible inclusive legislation. San Francisco has become one of the first cities in the world to launch a guaranteed income program designed to protect trans residents. The Guaranteed Income for Transgender People, or GIFT, will grant trans applicants up to $1,200 per month for 12 months, and will be open to 55 people in total. In order to qualify for the...
31 children have been found working in US meatpacking plants
Packers Sanitation Services Inc. has been accused of ‘oppressive child labour’ after children ages 13-17 were found cleaning warehouses overnight. The US Labor Department has sought an injunction against Packers Sanitation Services Inc. after 31 young children were found cleaning meatpacking plants across the Midwest. Officials say the children were being forced to carry out illegal work – including the cleaning of dangerous industrial equipment – during night shifts. According to the...
Will Grammy’s honour more diverse nominations this year?
The 2023 Grammy nominations honour artists Latto, Lizzo, and Beyonce. But when it comes to supplying the trophies, will the Recording Academy pay Black women artists their dues? Beyonce has just cemented her status as the most nominated artist in Grammy’s history, alongside partner Jay-Z. With nine nods this year, she is the most nominated artist overall in the 2023 line-up. The Pop-R&B singer is nominated in the most prestigious categories...
Right wing government in Tennessee attempts to criminalise drag
The GOP has felt the sting as they sit neck-and-neck with Democrats in the midterms. But blue victories haven’t stopped Republicans from introducing far-right state legislature. This week, Tennessee Republicans introduced two new bills that would ban gender-affirming care for children, along with public drag performances state-wide. Sponsored by Republicans Ken Yager and Ferrell Haile, ‘Senate Bill 1’ – also titled the ‘Protecting Children From Gender Mutilation Act’ – states that...
