sex – and so she thinks

How You Might Know Me – Sabrina Mahfouz

admin — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 05:49:07 +0000

One of the brilliant things about words is how they shine a light on other people’s worlds. On the pages and in the ears exist lenses and windows, portals into a place we might never go. How You Might Know Me is a poetic exploration of four women’s lives, connected through their experience in different areas of the UK’s growing sex industry. It’s not written by women in the industry but does feature their voices, the characters of Sylvia, Tali, Sharifa and Darina, created after Sabrina Mahfouz ran creative writing workshops and worked in strip-clubs to fund her degree.

An eclectic range of styles, traditional forms, rolling free verse, the collection represents a broad range of backgrounds, ethnicities, ages and political convictions through the short vignettes to whole lives that are ignored. Sex work is still something of a taboo, hidden under the veil of social norms, gender politics and embarrassment.

Here there’s no judgement, but also it’s not romanticised. These women might work in the sex industry, but they are not only sex workers – workers, mothers, realists, feminists, victims, dreamers, saviours and healers.

But of course others judge, compartmentalising women into one part of their lives. They are shunned at the school gates while the ‘dad that picked you up like milk’ retains his role as family man says Darina in for the regular last Friday who asked what i want. Desire features heavily, as does violence. Sharifa is and was ‘abused…misused…amused…confused…refused’ she explains in give us a reason. Sylvia becomes desperate, taking vouchers to buy a new argos lamp broken by her last client.

There’s also hope. Some of this comes through a sense of solidarity and sisterhood. In olympic dreams 2012 Sharifa speaks of why she is here, reflecting that ‘mostly, if I do this work, then it means at least one less girl / is being taken against her will to have a body part put inside / her as she cries for her passport, her mother, her child. Daily life goes on. Tali works in a bakery, and in sunday is able to practise yoga and feel ‘ my body is mine tonight / lungs exude your touch.’

Through these distinctive and authoritative voices articulated in beautiful poetry, How You Might Know Me sheds some light on the exploitative and hypocritical industry worked by women with lives, loves and passions. It asks us to leave perceptions behind, and enter another world. But it also highlights that this world might be closer to us than we realise.

Published by Outspoken Press. Read this review on New London Writers.

Punk+ by Sheila Rock – capturing the sound and look of a movement

admin — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 15:10:02 +0000

Sheila Rock is what you might call a talented and prolific photographer. The US born London based artist has work in the National Portrait Gallery, and since her career took off after a commission from FACE in 1980, has snapped for everyone from Vogue to The Sunday Times. Her latest book PUNK+ is a collection of 119 of her favourite photographs that capture the mood of the early punk period, 1976-1978. Live performances, rehearsals, fashion, boutiques, behind the scenes and on the street, this a recollection of the excitement of the early punk movement and its impact on society, music, culture and style. I thought I would ask more…
The book does not focus on either music or fashion, but sees the two as inseparable. What for you is the relationship between music and fashion?
In the UK, I have always felt that music and fashion are interlinked. They are mutually expressive of one another and often relate to TRIBES that associate themselves with a particular music movement. For young people, it is a way of belonging but also expressing their individuality and making choices.
Is it individuality, or part of being a fan, to absorb the look and feel of the sounds you hear?
Absolutely. It’s an affirmation of the music or movement . You identify with this by wearing a badge or a colour or dressing up. With Punk it was the most extreme and brilliantly expressive.
How long have you been taking photos?
I always thought I started taking pictures in 1980 when I began working for the Face. Before then I would never dream of saying I was a photographer. I was young and inexperienced and didn’t know what I was doing. Except I had an interest and energy and was never someone who sat on the couch. But I guess with these photos, you can say I started taking photos in 1976. The time of Punk.
Either you have a natural skill, or have clearly learned something. Likely a combination of the two. What for you creates a good image or portrait?
Many things make up a good picture. Composition. Strong graphic shape. An honest expression. A caught moment. Trying to get beneath the surface is where you need to focus the lens.
1976-9 seems a very niche time period. Can you explain what was so cataclysmic about it?
Grey England and economic hardship predominated. Something interesting came from this flat time…. Punk. It was an attitude; a way of being individual. I think it was a very creative time.
You talk to a number of great artists and commentators of the period – Chrissie Hynde, Tony James, Don Letts, Glen Matlock, Chris Salewicz, Jon Savage etc – who was particularly enlightening and had some good stories to tell?
Everyone had some interesting stories to tell. From the “Conversation”, you understand that it was an exciting time and influenced all of us. It was everyone’s beginning and a humbling time. We all made a lot of noise…..
That was then. What is on your ‘record player’ at the moment?
David Sylvian. Verve. Placido Domingo. I love to mix things up.
Punk+ is out now, published by First Third Books.

Think about sex. Please.

admin — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 15:59:39 +0000

More rewarding than Talk Like A Pirate Day, more universally applicable than International Tuba Day, healthier than Cheese Pizza Day, and infinitely more practical than National Beheading Day, February 14^th has been deemed Think About Sex Day. Handily coinciding with Valentine’s Day, for the second year running The Sexual Advice Association is promoting the day as one designed to encourage everyone to think about the physical and psychological issues surrounding sexual activity.
Not at all a guilty pleasure, sex is crucial to our physical and mental wellbeing. The Dept of Health in Minnestoa describes sexual health asa state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality, not just an absence of a physical disorder.
So how does sex benefit us in each of these areas?

Physical

Clearly there is a lot to be said for the physical reaction of the body to sex. As well as the feel good factor of an orgasm, sex has numerous health benefits. A study at Queen’s University, Belfast also found that sex three times a week reduces the risks of a heart attack or stroke. Getting sweaty in the sack increases the heart rate and blood circulation, just like any physical exercise and exertion, and can apparently burn as many calories as a game of tennis. For women the increased oestrogen releases protects the heart whilst the flow of testosterone strengthens men’s bones and muscles. In addition, the same hormones help you to look good, making the skin glow and the hair shine, giving you a physical boost inside and out.

Mental

The blood boosted to the brain during sex has been suggested to improve intelligence, although the debate is still out as to whether abstinence and a preference for books may be a better way to increase IQ. Either way, it’s worth doing your homework to find out.

Emotional

The self-confidence and spring in the step that comes from good, rewarding intercourse with someone you have chosen cannot be underestimated. The boost of endorphins creates an emotionally content state that lasts longer than the orgasm, and the after effects of this bliss only increase the more often they occur. Another hormone, released only in women is oxytocin. Generating feelings of warmth and belonging, it is this hormone that prompts the desire for a post coital cuddle.

Social

As well as resulting in the birth of a new generation, sex serves social functions. People who are relaxed, not frustrated, and are at ease with their sexuality are better functioning citizens. By lowering stress levels and increasing energy, people are happier, more productive, and more engaged – a study at the University of West Scotland found that sex can reduce mental pressure and stress for at least a week. Happier, healthier people make for a happier, healthier world.
The original article was posted on Medicalium.