March 2021 Monthly

The Monthly

March 2021

ARTICLES

Letter from the Editor

The Monthly Editor explains this issue’s theme, the future, and says farewell.

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Queer Creativity

Photo courtesy of Queer Kid Creative

Lindz Amer (Communication ’14) centers queer narratives through children’s media. Their webseries “Queer Kid Stuff,” which introduces kids to LGBTQ+ and social justice issues, was a 2018 Webby honoree. Amer’s passion for this work was fueled partly by a local elementary school canceling a show they directed while at Northwestern.

“Golem Girl”

Photo courtesy of Riva Lehrer

Northwestern instructor Riva Lehrer is an artist who focuses on the socially challenged body. Her recent memoir tells her story of growing up with spina bifida. It won the Barbellion Prize for ill and disabled voices in writing and is a National Book Critics Circle Award finalist.




Sunflower, Sun, Waves

Photo courtesy of Evelyn Molina Pérez

Evelyn Molina Pérez (SESP ’19) crafts handmade jewelry through her business, Girasolas. Pieces are usually shaped with wire and inspired by patterns in nature. The business launched when Molina Pérez was a junior year at Northwestern, rediscovering a childhood passion when looking for ways to destress.

Off the Page

Photo courtesy of Chad Leverenz

Michael Moreci (School of Professional Studies ‘07) has spent over a decade writing comics for established IP’s like Star Wars, Stranger Things, and Superman. Over the past five years, he has published his own original work, including ventures into science fiction and horror.




Making Space

Photo courtesy of Johan Gotera

Researcher Verónica Dávila Ellis (Weinberg Doctorate ’20) discusses Latinx music and representation in academic spaces. Dávila Ellis is currently a postdoctoral fellow in Latin American and Latino/a Studies at Smith College and the co-founder of the transfeminist pop culture podcast, “The Plátano Diaries.”

Around the World

Graphic by Cynthia Zhang

From manga to movies, The Monthly’s staff shares our international recommendations. From Spanish singer-songwriter Rosalía’s to Kenyan comedian Elsa Majimbo, here are arts and entertainment picks we think you’ll enjoy.




Reel Thoughts

Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios

Assistant Sports Editor John Riker explains how Marvel’s “WandaVision” is breaking new ground for our film and TV column. Riker examines the show’s strengths, and explores what the Disney+ series signals for the future of the franchise’s cinematic universe.




Liner Notes

Photo courtesy of OVO

For our music column, In Focus Editor Wilson Chapman reminisces about “Degrassi: The Next Generation,” in a review of Drake’s latest EP. Chapman breaks down the tracks on “Scary Hours 2,” and comments on this sequel project compares to its predecessor.