Latest Stories from Jessica
Athletes on TikTok are switching up the Olympic perspective
Virtual tours of the Olympic Village, cardboard beds, crushes on competitors, and daily coronavirus testing are all new elements of this year’s spectator experience. Qualifying for the Olympics is a level of achievement any professional athlete dreams of. So, when we think about the qualities of those competing, which words come to mind? ‘Disciplined’, ‘strong’, ‘laser-focused’, perhaps even ‘serious’ are probably amongst them. After all, these competitors are the best in their...
Stormzy expands Cambridge scholarships for Black students
The rapper has secured a three year partnership with HSBC to boost the existing funding provided by his charity, #Merky Foundation. The Stormzy Scholarship began in 2018 and has offered financial support for two UK-based Black students a year. To date, six students have received funding through the program. Stormzy has previously self-funded their education, aiming to address the cultural and racial inequality of students completing courses at one of the...
Opinion – Gen Z is invoking the carefree spirit of the 90s
Y2K fashion is on the rise and musicians are striving to create a happier 90s sound. Gen-Z is bringing positivity to the troubled, modern world they’ve found themselves in. Kids of the 90s and early 2000s had it made. Crop tops, bucket hats, tie-dye, beaded bracelets, and fluffy anything was considered fashion forward. Climate change was not yet looming relentlessly in the back of our minds, online bullying wasn’t occurring so...
21 ways you can ditch plastic in 2021
It’s no-plastic July! Here at Thred, we’ve been making a conscious effort to cut down on our plastic consumption and recycle responsibly when it is unavoidable. Here’s some tips on how you can cut your plastic use down too. As you might already know, it’s our mission to spread the word about positive social change, so this month we want to share 21 of the easiest ways to get closer...
Contraceptive pills now available over the counter in UK
For the first time in 50 years, access to the ‘minipill’ no longer requires a prescription, reflecting a big change in attitudes towards women’s health. Those who need it can now acquire the oral contraceptive pill over the counter for just under £10, requiring only a consultation with a pharmacist beforehand. The new legislation makes it easier to get a repeat prescription without seeing a GP for a follow up appointment...
How understanding animal species protects ecosystems
Research into new species by zoologists is essential in helping us to protect the animal kingdom and adapt to climate change. This may come as a surprise, but there’s a whole lot we don’t know about life on Earth. In fact, new species are being discovered by biologists all the time. While the last year may have felt uneventful for most, scientists were busy naming and describing over 500 previously unknown...
Migrants cross English Channel in record numbers
On Monday, 430 people made the dangerous journey across the Channel in search of a better life, the highest number ever recorded in a single day. The arrivals have come in the wake of an ongoing debate amongst MPs on whether to strengthen current measures on national borders, with aims to render the crossing ‘unviable’. Leading the pack in what has been called the ‘anti-refugee bill’ by critics is none other...
Ben & Jerry’s to end sales in Occupied Palestine Territory
The decision comes after years of pressure from activists and listening to the concerns of ‘fans and trusted partners.’ In a brief statement, Ben & Jerry’s has announced that continuing the sale of its ice cream in occupied territories of the West Bank and East Jerusalem would be ‘inconsistent with values.’ Though precise details have not yet been revealed, discussions to terminate the contract with its Israel-based factory are complete. The...
Research finds 1 in 4 LGBTQ youth identify as nonbinary
In a study involving 35,000 Gen-Z members aged 13-24, about twenty six percent say they identify as nonbinary. The number of young people identifying as nonbinary has grown and the use of pronouns ‘they/them’ is becoming more commonplace. In fact, a recent poll found 35 percent of Gen-Z say they know someone who uses gender-neutral pronouns. However, there remains widespread misunderstanding about the nonbinary community, their identifies, and the term itself. A recent...
Opinion – Britney is a pop idol turned women’s rights icon
Some might say this headline is a stretch, but it’s undeniable that Britney’s conservatorship case has shed light on two very important topics. You may have noticed #FreeBritney trending numerous times across social media in the last year. Even if social media isn’t your thing, you’ve likely stumbled upon a news story or two about Britney’s ongoing court appeal. There is reason behind the diligent media coverage on the world’s favourite...
