As buzz about the Oscars begins to swirl, consider my review of Jackie, published by Bitch: Oscar Contender “Jackie” Is Good, But Not Good Enough.

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Watch or listen to the interview here: Pablo Larraín’s Biopic ‘Jackie’ Comes Ahead Of Trump Inauguration

Tomorrow on Rising Up With Sonali, we discuss the new film Loving. If you’re in LA, listen in at 8:30ish AM PST on KPFK 90.7 FM, or no matter where you are, watch on Free Speech TV at 3:30ish PM PST. You can also listen or watch the interview online: “Aptly Named Film ‘Loving’ Reminds Nation Of What Is Important.”

I’m honored to join this panel to share my experience working in corporate America and the publishing world. Join us at 3PM in the Los Angeles Room of the third floor of the U-SU. Sponsored by the Gender & Sexuality Resource Center.

I’ll be reading on the panel entitled, “The Rejection Game,” with the writer’s group Women Who Submit. “Rejection is par for the course if you’re trying to get published. This reading will celebrate work that has been rejected time and again, but that we still believe in. Featuring: Stephanie Abraham, Tammy De La Torre, Ryane Nicole Granados, Siel Ju, Jac- queline Kate Maruyama, Rachael Warecki, hosted by Lauren Eggert-Crowe.”

In this interview on Rising Up with Sonali, I talk about the groundbreaking film Queen of Katwe and explain how Disney has broken all of its own rules. Watch or listen to this interview by clicking here.

LIFE-AFFIRMING NARRATIVES: AUTHOR RANDA JARRAR TALKS ARAB-AMERICAN IDENTITY AND SURVIVAL

Published September 12 by Bitch Media.  (more…)

Check out my new essay, published by Bitch, here. Also pasted below:

Cuba is quickly becoming a trendy playground for the rich and famous.

First came the president. In March, President Obama became the first U.S. president to visit the island in nearly nine decades. He met with Cuban President Raul Castro, promised that the embargo would end, and then took his family and Castro out to a ball game to watch the Cuban national team play the Tampa Bay Rays.

Then the fashion folks followed. Last week, Chanel hosted a private fashion show in a public park in Havana, which was attended by a long list of stars, including Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld and supermodel Gisele Bundchen. The Kardashians also visited last week, likely shooting for their reality series, and caused a stir, especially when Khloe posed underneath a Fidel sign. (more…)