Billie Eilish’s British Vogue cover dropped yesterday, and immediately attracted attention. The first thing that people noticed were the photos, which showed Eilish in 1940s pin-up styles, a departure from her usual look. While hearing Eilish talk about why she wanted to make this stylistic choice was interesting, her interview also delved into a topic that’s been getting a lot of attention recently — how abusers often use the power that comes with age to take advantage of young people.

In the Vogue interview, Eilish talked at length about her new single, titled Your Power, calling it “an open letter to people who take advantage — mostly men.” The single isn’t about a specific instance or person, according to the Grammy award winner. “It’s not about that,” Eilish said. “It’s really not at all about one person. You might think, ‘It’s because she’s in the music industry’ – no, dude. It’s everywhere. I don’t know one girl or woman who hasn’t had a weird experience, or a really bad experience. And men, too — young boys are taken advantage of constantly.”

Eilish wanted to use the song to shine a light on how age differences can create a huge power imbalance in relationships, one that isn’t always easy to see or understand. “I used to not understand why age mattered. And, of course, you feel like that when you’re young, because you’re the oldest you’ve ever been. You feel like you’re so mature and you know everything,” Eilish said. “People forget that you can grow up and realize shit was fucked up when you were younger.”

According to the interview, Your Power isn’t the only piece of music Eilish has put out that tackles the topic of abuse and how it affects those who experience it, specifically minors. She said she often thinks back to a line in her 2019 single When I Was Older: “I’m still a victim in my own right / But I’m the villain in my own eyes.”

What she wanted to say — and what she still believes — is that you can be strong, have a support system, be incredibly smart, and have all the things that should seemingly prevent you from being abused, but “you can always be taken advantage of,” Eilish told Vogue. “That’s a big problem in the world of domestic abuse or statutory rape — girls that were very confident and strong-willed finding themselves in situations where they’re like, ‘Oh my god, I’m the victim here?’ And it’s so embarrassing and humiliating and demoralizing to be in that position of thinking you know so much and then you realize, I’m being abused right now.”

Recently, the topic of how much autonomy young people, especially young people who are in the public eye, actually have has been getting a lot of attention. The documentary Framing Britney Spears, for instance, sparked conversation around how in control of her image Spears really was when she was first becoming famous in her teens, and the ways in which she was taken advantage of. It may be tempting to treat young celebrities as if their talent gives them more control over their lives and their safety, but as Eilish pointed out, that’s not always true — and young people can be more vulnerable than they even realize.

As always, Eilish’s openness and thoughtfulness have made it clear that her voice is one of her most powerful tools, in more ways than one. And it’s clear that this won’t be the last time the award-winning singer will speak out about these heavy-hitting topics. “I would like people to listen to me,” Eilish said — and we think they will.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Billie Eilish Opens Up About Her "Identity Crisis"

Chrissy Teigen Reflects On Wanting More Kids

Fans Think Billie Eilish’s Song Is About Her Ex, Q

Erase all the negative hang-ups you have about retrogrades. When used correctly, they can be a positive tool for growth — a change to reflect and move forward. Such is the case with Pluto retrograde.

From April 27 to October 6, the Planet of Destruction will enjoy a backwards dance in the ambitious sign of Capricorn. This isn’t an entirely new spot for Pluto; it’s been hanging out in the sign of the goat since 2008 — the year that gave us the first Twilight film and Barack Obama’s first term as president — and it’ll stay there until 2024. Pluto goes retrograde once a year, for around six months each time, so we’ve felt and survived the effects of this retrograde plenty of times before. Still, each retrograde has the potential to bring us new growth, so being prepared for can’t hurt.

Until Mercury retrograde, which has a habit of making itself known through communication and tech mishaps, it’s common for Pluto retrogrades to go unnoticed, says Leslie Hale, psychic astrologer for Keen.com.

Despite the subtlety, Pluto still affects our lives, in very specific ways. “Pluto’s farness from Earth is representative of the areas of life that it rules: psychology, power, regeneration, and the subconscious mind,” says  Narayana Montúfar, senior astrologer for Astrology.com. “Basically, Pluto rules taboo topics that lie under the surface and that are hard to talk about.” When it retrogrades, we’re given the opportunity to review everything we’ve learned or experienced surrounding these subjects in the previous six months, while the planet was moving direct, Montúfar explains. “Unlike those retrogrades of the natal planets, Pluto’s take longer to manifest, but have more long-term effects,” she adds.

Madi Murphy, astrologer and founder of The Cosmic Revolution, says that this transit asks us to look at where our power is being challenged. “Since Pluto is in Capricorn, we are dealing with matters specifically involving business, structure, patriarchal constructs, karma, and stability, both on the individual and collective level,” she explains. “Under Pluto’s influence, we are called to examine themes like our psyche, our subconscious selves, shadow work, and transformation.” Murphy says that we don’t call Pluto the Planet of Destruction for nothing — the planet loves to “implode anything that is inauthentic.”

Luckily, this retrograde graces us with the energy to work on ourselves — which we’ll need, since we’ll be facing some pretty big (and sometimes difficult) truths about ourselves. Murphy says that this transit specifically asks us to be radically honest about where we need to take more accountability in our lives. “Pluto wants us to stand fully in the light of our truth by owning our deepest and darkest selves. You can use this transit for your personal empowerment by looking at the ways you self-sabotage or get in your own way and making small adjustments,” she says. “What are the things you do that hold you back from your spiritual evolution? When you face them and decide to make changes, you will become aware you have way more power than you realize.”

One thing to keep in mind: This transit is often more about thinking than doing, says Lisa Stardust, astrologer and author of Saturn Return Survival Guide and The Astrology Deck. “Pluto is a planet that pushes us to evolve, but when retrograde there are delays in moving forward with necessary changes,” she says. “It just means that we’re slowing down the movement towards growth. Matters will be exposed, but the way in which we go to correct them won’t be as swift as usual.” The key here is patience. If you’re solution-oriented, it can be frustrating to see areas of your life that need work without feeling like you can fix them. But sometimes, we just have to sit with some information for a beat before taking action to course correct.

Pluto retrograde is all about slow, transformational change. So now’s the time to ask yourself what in your life needs a refresh, and tackle it head on. The only thing you’ll regret doing during Pluto’s backwards dance is nothing at all.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

This Taurus Season Is Going To Be Really Intense

Charge Your Vibrators: Venus Is In Taurus

Mars In Cancer Is Bringing Out Our Inner Homebody

When I was lucky enough to secure a COVID-19 vaccine appointment in New York City this April, I went into full preparation mode: I looked up what I should wear, what documents I needed to bring with me, and of course, what side effects I was going to endure after I received my jab. In my scramble to ready myself for the vaccine, I came across a TikTok video that claimed to offer a solution to the achy arm many people reported developing after their first shot: swinging your arm around in circles. Although the person in the video is windmilling their arm so dramatically it almost seems like a joke, it had me intrigued. Could this method really work?

Apparently, there is some science behind it. Abisola Olulade, MD, a San Diego-based physician, tells Refinery29 that moving the injected arm does help ease soreness. “When you get a vaccine your immune system creates a reaction in your body, and it causes inflammation at the site of the vaccination,” Dr. Olulade explains. “That is what leads to the soreness and the pain.” She says that moving your arm around allows blood to flow to that area, which encourages those inflammatory molecules to move away from the injection site. “It helps to prevent the soreness from being concentrated in that one area,” she explains.

Notably, Dr. Olulade warns against the Michael Phelp-style swing-around the TikToker implemented. She says that aggressive a movement could cause hypertension if done repeatedly throughout the day. And you might smack your arm against something, which would make your arm more sore, not less.

Here’s where my experiment fell off track: Dr. Olulade says the best way to prevent soreness is to start moving your arm around right after the 15-minute allergic reaction waiting period. Unfortunately, I received that info a little too late, and I didn’t begin shaking my arm until the day after I got my shot. I woke up with an uncomfortably sore feeling in my left shoulder, right where I’d gotten jabbed. Thinking the TikTok trick could help lessen the pain in the moment, I gave it a try. Keeping my elbow bent so I didn’t hit anything around me, I moved my arm small circles while shaking it. And it worked! My arm felt less stiff and achy right away. I continued to shake my injected arm around throughout the day whenever it bothered me, and it helped the pain subside every time.

@chellyfst

this shit better work so my arm doesn’t hurt tomorrow fr ##vaccinated ##vaccine ##pfizergang ##vaccinequeen ##fyp ##foryou

♬ Please Don’t Go – Mike Posner

Moving your arm can help alleviate pain for any kind of vaccination — in fact, I wish I knew this piece of info after I received my flu shot, which was particularly painful.

“Slow movement will help with it, and doing that for the next several hours, as well as icing, is also beneficial,” Dr. Olulade says. You can also take Tylenol or ibuprofen to decrease the inflammation that’s making you feel sore. And the side effect won’t last forever. “[The pain] goes away for most people in about a day or two,” Dr. Olulade says. (If it doesn’t, or if it gets worse over time instead of better, call your doctor.)

Of course, it’s always possible that what I experienced was nothing more than the placebo effect. Regardless, I’ll take it — some of my friends were complaining about some pretty severe-sounding arm pain, which I skipped entirely. So if you’re still awaiting one of your vaccination shots, put this tip in your back pocket. Just remember: Aim for more of an Arrested Development chicken dance sort of arm movement, versus a full Michael Phelps swing.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Your COVID Vaccine Side Effect Questions, Answered

Birth Control Blood Clots Deserve More Attention

So, How Long Does The COVID Vaccine Actually Last?

After its transit through flirty and playful Gemini, Mars, which governs how we take action and go after our desires, is making its way over into emotional, loyal Cancer on April 23. This placement will put us on the defensive: We may feel more compelled to protect ourselves, protect others, and reach for things that truly make us feel safe.

Fiery Mars isn’t actually super-comfortable in the sign of Cancer, where it resides until June 11. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, according to Madi Murphy, astrologer and founder of The Cosmic Revolution. “Some say Mars has a difficult time in Cancer because Mars is all about fast-acting decision making and Cancer tends to be more nurturing, passive, and a total homebody. However, I disagree,” Murphy says. “While Mars may move slower as it wades through the Cancerian waters, we get to feel a different type of heat.” Mars in Cancer can bring up a kind of strong-willed, protective “mama bear energy,” Murphy says. As such, this transit often creates an opportunity to strengthen our connection with our family and our homes as a whole.

We should channel these protective vibes inward first, and ensure our home base is in order. Take that advice figuratively and literally: Connect with your closest loved ones, but also clean out clutter so your space feels fresh, comfortable, and nourishing.

We’ll want a peaceful space, because this isn’t the calmest transit. “Expect emotions and feelings to run higher than normal while Mars transits through Cancer. You may feel on top of the world one day, and then down in the dumps the next,” says Leslie Hale, psychic astrologer for Keen.com. This is because the sign of Cancer is ruled by the moon, and “the moon changes signs and moods every 24 hours,” Hale points out. “Our energy and action will be attached to the lunar cycles during this period.”

Lisa Stardust, astrologer and author of Saturn Return Survival Guide and The Astrology Deck, notes that this transit is a good time to practice asserting our needs and asking for what we need in order to feel secure. During this transit, “when we’re pushed outside of our comfort zones, we will act out,” she warns. “Passions will be momentary but will run deep when they’re felt.” That said, this isn’t a selfish energy — it’s just self-protective.

One of Cancer’s primary traits is empathy and sensitivity, which can also make us vulnerable to a blow-up, adds Valerie Mesa, astrologer and daily love horoscope writer for Astrology.com. Our desire to keep ourselves safe can make us suppress or ignore our emotions, but that can lead to passive aggression or even outbursts. It’s important to let yourself feel your feelings during this transit, and find a safe way to release them.

One suggestion: Take advantage of the domestic side of Cancer. Dive into those DIY home improvement projects you’ve been seeing on social media over the past year. “We suddenly have more energy for house repairs, family outings, intricate recipes, and more importantly, protecting our safe haven,” Mesa says. This sort of work can help you burn off some energy and think through any emotions that come up during this transit.

Even if you’re not normally a homebody, Mars moving through Cancer may bring out that side of you. Sure, many of us have been hoping to get outside a little more right now, as the weather gets nicer and more people get fully vaccinated, but don’t fight your nesting instinct. Ensuring that you’re feeling protected and comfortable, especially at home, will pay huge dividends in your peace of mind.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

This Taurus Season Is Going To Be Really Intense

Charge Your Vibrators: Venus Is In Taurus

Obsessed With Astrology? Thank TikTok — & COVID

In a new interview with Vanity Fair, Paris Hilton has revealed that her infamous 2004 sex tape leak is “something that will hurt me for the rest of my life.” Seventeen years later, she’s still dealing with the repercussions, including long-term trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder.

“It’s always there in the back of my mind,” Hilton said, calling the nonconsensual leak and following media frenzy “humiliating.” “When it happened, people were so mean about it to me,” she said. “The way that I was spoken about on nightly talk shows and the media, to see things with my family was just heartbreaking. I would be in tears every single day, I didn’t want to leave my house, I felt like my life was over.”

Today, the release of the tape by Hilton’s ex, poker player Rick Salomon, would be considered revenge porn. “It was a private experience between two people,” Hilton explained. “You love someone, you trust someone and to have your trust betrayed like that and for the whole world to be watching and laughing … It was even more hurtful to me to have these people think that I did this on purpose — that killed me. It still gives me post-traumatic stress disorder to talk about it.”

Hilton has previously spoken about the trauma she endured from the leak in the 2018 Netflix film The American Meme. “It was like being raped,” she says in the documentary. “It felt like I’d lost part of my soul and been talked about in such cruel and mean ways. I literally wanted to die at some points. I was like, ‘I just don’t want to live,’ because I thought everything was taken away from me.”

In recent years, Hilton has become much more open about her mental health, including the effect that staying at Provo Canyon School, a reform boarding school in Utah for troubled teens, has had on her. In her 2020 documentary, This Is Paris, the pop culture icon touches on her past childhood trauma and how she’s been getting through it. Since she spoke out, many other former residents at Provo Canyon School and similar facilities have come forward to speak about the abuse they experienced.

But right now, the public and the media is being forced to re-examine how women stars including Hilton, Britney Spears, and Amanda Bynes were treated throughout their careers. Hopefully, Hilton’s openness about the enduring impact the release of this tape and the public’s response to it had on her will help keep the same thing from happening again.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Paris Hilton Testifies About Alleged Abuse

Bhad Bhabie Speaks Out About Abuse At Teen Ranch

No, Revenge Porn Is Absolutely Not "Free Speech"

Today, the sun is moving into stable, dependable Taurus. The theme for this season is growth. And while the overall energy may be a big shift from what we experienced during fiery, impulsive Aries season, this month promises to be no less transformative.

“The sun in Taurus is a time to become steady on our feet, get grounded, and turn our attention to more material concerns,” says Leslie Hale, psychic astrologer for Keen.com. “This represents the second sign of spring when the seed begins to grow, and our new beginnings from the previous month should start to show some growth.”

This season will bring sensuality, creativity, and inflexibility to our lives, according to astrologer Lisa Stardust, the author of Saturn Return Survival Guide and The Astrology Deck — and good things are about to happen. “We will deal with matters in a more stubborn and inflexible way, which will help bring us towards our dreams,” Stardust says. “The upside to this transit is that we will not veer from our innate artistry and visions. This means that we’ll be more creative and driven towards what we want to give to the world on our terms.” Taurus is all about prioritizing what you want — so be a little selfish this month.

The season of the Bull is all about taking action and being productive, which is a welcome vibe switch from impulsive and wildly creative Aries season. Madi Murphy, astrologer and founder of The Cosmic Revolution, says that now is all about enjoying the process. “During this time, we all have permission to take our time and bring a little bit more mindfulness to our magic,” she says. “Taurus also prefers quality over quantity, so it may be time to do some editing of any projects that don’t totally light you up. Strength and concentration are the superpowers available to you right now.”

You heard her: As much as possible, de-prioritize all of the tasks on your to-do list that don’t speak to your soul or spark your creative fire. That way, you can focus on completing the things that really matter to you — and you’ll be more likely to knock those tasks out of the park too.

While things will move along a bit more lackadaisically compared to when we’re in Aries season, this particular Taurus season is more charged up than usual. “This Taurus season is set to be a wild ride,” says Narayana Montúfar, senior astrologer for Astrology.com. “During this time, both the sun and Mercury will be forming intense connections with Uranus and Black Moon Lilith in Taurus, as well as Saturn in Aquarius, bringing surprises, obstacles, and endings.”

Montúfar says that this intensity will be especially noticeable during the April 26 Super Full Moon in Scorpio — so mark your calendars, because it “will bring an important situation to a climax,” she notes.

The major thing to watch out for this month is stubbornness: Be aware of getting in your own way. “The shadow side of Taurus can keep us digging our heels into our comfort zones, old habits, or our opinions of the ‘right way’ to do things,” warns Murphy. “Releasing control over the small details is a tip that will go a long way when we are working with Taurean energy.” If you work on striking that balance, Taurus season will be yours for the taking.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Charge Your Vibrators: Venus Is In Taurus

Mercury Is In Taurus, So Take Things Really Slow

Obsessed With Astrology? Thank TikTok — & COVID

Last fall, Chrissy Teigen shared some devastating news with the world: the loss of her son, Jack, when she was 20 weeks pregnant. Since that day, Teigen and her family have begun to pick up the pieces that Jack left behind — and now, she wants to help others too.

The model, author, TV host, and entrepreneur recently partnered with RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association and Ferring Pharmaceuticals to launch Fertility Out Loud, a new campaign designed to help anyone struggling to start or grow their family — a cause that’s near and dear to Teigen’s heart. Even before the loss of her pregnancy, she had spoken publicly about her own experiences with fertility and IVF, even joking about the process on Twitter.

“I’ve been open about so much throughout my life, and so [infertility] didn’t seem like a crazy thing to talk about. But the more I spoke about it, the more I realized how taboo it was,” Teigen tells Refinery29 over the phone. “But quietly, I was getting DMs and letters — like handwritten letters — and emails. I realized that people didn’t think they could talk about it on an open forum, but they were happy to do it privately. I realized people don’t feel comfortable talking about this.”

But not being open about, for example, what IVF feels like can make people going through feel alienated, and can leave them uninformed. Teigen herself regrets scheduling a fertility treatment to coincide with a Sports Illustrated cover shoot back in 2016, a decision that came in part from not understanding the process. “I genuinely thought that I would tell them when my period would be and we would go harvest eggs and just scrape them from my body and that would be it,” she says. “But the process of leading up to it, getting your body ready for it, it can be brutal. There are a lot of shoots I look back on now and I’m like, Oh man, I was extremely bloated for that. Or, you know, you’re bruised from all the shots that you’re doing. I naively thought that harvesting was like, you just take a rake and you go in and you’d take them off. Nope. It wasn’t that at all.”

Teigen believes in sharing about the good parts of her fertility journey, too, like the embryo transfer of her first child, Luna. “I remember John couldn’t be there and I remember having him on FaceTime,” she says. “I remember having an acupuncturist come in because our first embryo hadn’t taken and I had really regretted that I hadn’t done acupuncture for some reason. When they inserted her little egg, it just shot across like a little shooting star,” Teigen continues. “Seeing it, and then praying that it would stick and stay, and sure enough, she did. And now she’s about to be five years old.”

And while Teigen has always had her share of detractors who’s criticized her openness, more often, her honesty is met with gratitude and compassion. That was the case when she spoken generously and openly about her experience with pregnancy loss. After losing her son Jack, Teigen posted on social media and wrote on Medium about the immense grief she and her husband, John Legend, felt. The response to her candor was overwhelmingly positive, especially from people who had gone through or were going through something similar.

Teigen and her family are continuing to work to keep Jack’s spirit alive. “In the Thai culture, you’re very open about death and speaking about death and loss and when someone passes, they’re still very much a part of your life,” Teigen says. “I’ve kind of been bouncing back and forth between that Thai tradition of keeping your loved one close but also wanting to release him and wanting him to be a part of the Earth again — just spiritually wanting him to be a part of the universe again.”

The mom of two and her husband have been toying with the idea of if — and where — to release Jack’s ashes, but until then, they’re going to continue to honor him in other ways, including music. “[John] has a song that, when it comes out, it’s just going to be… I think everyone will know which song I’m talking about when it does come out because it’s so beautiful. I’m so excited for the music to come out,” Teigen says. “It’s especially an emotional thing for me, because it takes me right back to that exact moment.” She compares it to Legend’s Wild music video, which was released in August 2020 to announce their pregnancy with Jack. “It’s hard to watch now because we filmed that in a time when we were so hopeful,” she says. “Music for us is so healing, and I think it’s going to be a really beautiful summer and year coming up, with being able to release grief and loss. It’s going to be really transformative and amazing.”

Teigen has also grappled with the fact that she’s been told she shouldn’t try to get pregnant again. “It’s still hard for me,” she says. “I’m in therapy and something that I talk about often is, I just don’t understand how I can’t [carry children] because I have a really healthy uterus now,” Teigen says, noting that she was treated for endometriosis. “I think one lingering thing is that Jack was so healthy, and it was just something with my body that was not right at that time. In my mind, I’m like, I need to try again, though. I want to try again. I believe my body’s in a better place than it was. And it’s hard to be told that you shouldn’t when you genuinely believe that you could. It’s hard to come to terms with and something that I talk about, honestly, twice a week still.”

Teigen is eager to continue to grow her family, whatever that looks like. “My mind is open to any way there is about having that child. I’m honestly not sure if I would ever stop having children,” she says. “They just bring light and life to our household and to the world. I love being a mom and I can’t imagine ever saying, ‘Well, I’m done, I’m good on kids.’ John will probably have to be the one to pipe up and say that [laughs]. But my IVF journey has not ended at all.”

Teigen tells Refinery29 that she and Legend still have a couple of frozen embryos that are, “ready to go in — if it’s not me, somebody.” She’s even ready to harvest more eggs, despite calling the process “a bitch.” She remembers how she felt when she saw “that little shooting star” that was to become her daughter, how beautiful that was, and says again, “It’s not the end of my journey at all.”

As she thinks about continuing to grow her family, Teigen reflects once more on the importance of community and having those around you who understand you — and who love you. “Honestly, to this day, I still am not exactly positive what it is between John and I that just doesn’t mesh well enough to make a baby naturally,” she says. “We’re happy that we’ve been able to find so many incredible people and doctors that have talked us through the process that resulted in two incredible little babies… I just wish there was a place where more conversation was created.” For now, she’s happy to be the one to have started the conversation.

“There’s no one way to [become a parent] and there’s no straight road at all,” Teigen says. “I’ve seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows with it. I encourage anyone to be open and honest as they’d like to be. And they’ll get the same from me.”

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Why Sharing Publicly About Grief Is So Important

You Can Be Pro-Choice & Grieve A Miscarriage

Chrissy Teigen Opens Up About Her Pregnancy Loss

Mercury, a planet that’s known for impacting communication, rationality, and reasoning, is inching its way from Aries into Taurus on April 19 — the very same day Taurus season begins. This will stir up a massive dose of stubborn, yet diplomatic energy that’s sure to affect all of us, especially in the ways we talk to one another.

“When Mercury enters Taurus, the flow of communication naturally slows down,” says Narayana Montúfar, senior astrologer for Astrology.com. “Mercury enjoys a swift pace, but the Taurean energy is a bit too slow to accommodate the cosmic messenger’s preference. Expect some blocks, surprises, and delays in communicative exchanges.”

Just like Venus in Taurus, Mercury in Taurus likes when you take things nice and easy. Resist the urge to send a frantic text or a quick email, especially if it’s about something important. Take your time with your written and spoken communications, and make sure the meaning of what you’re trying to say really gets across. “We can expect our words and thoughts to feel more deliberate,” says Madi Murphy, astrologer and founder of The Cosmic Revolution. 

But the more relaxed pace won’t necessarily interrupt your effectiveness. “Taurus is a sign that’s known for taking care of business and for being super-reliable. You can expect to feel inspired to slow down and express ourselves in more productive ways,” Murphy says. “When Mercury is in Taurus, there is also a persistence that can be quite powerful. If you’ve been getting distracted or been procrastinating, this transit may give you a boost of celestial stamina.” In other words, if you’ve been putting off any projects or responsibilities (which is understandable, given that Mercury was just in fiery Aries), now’s the perfect time to tackle your incomplete to-do list.

We often equate “responsible” with “dull,” but Leslie Hale, psychic astrologer for Keen.com, says that this push toward the finish line benefits our creative spark too. “Aries season was the time we felt inspired and full of new ideas, and now is the time to turn these ideas into concrete reality,” she says. “Mercury in Taurus can give our communication and thinking a practical type of style and determination.”

The influence of the Bull’s energy has the potential to cause some tense interactions. “Mercury in Taurus can point to being so stubborn in your views that you can’t see the the outside perspectives,” says Lisa Stardust, astrologer and author of Saturn Return Survival Guide and The Astrology Deck. “The lesson here is to be more flexible in our thinking and mindset.” Try to go with the flow during this transit. Your temper will thank you.

On April 24, Mercury meets Uranus in the sky. This is notable because it will bring “unexpected developments in the form of messages, but also big aha moments,” Montúfar says. Although erratic, she says that this energy can be brilliant and creative. Hale suggests writing down your big ideas on this day — they might disappear from your mind as quickly as they come, and some of them will be worth saving. But it may be a better time to brainstorm than it is to act. “Mercury will also be squaring Saturn at the same time, so stay away from pushing your agenda, especially when it comes to career-related matters and issues with authority,” Hale warns.

Overall, Mercury in Taurus is creating a definite The Tortoise and the Hare vibe, and as the book taught us, it’s best to bet on the slower strategy. Our vision and communication during this time will be streamlined, and we’ll be able to think practically and responsibly about how to best get what we want — all we have to do is take the time to listen.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Obsessed With Astrology? Thank TikTok — & COVID

Charge Your Vibrators: Venus Is In Taurus

How Important Is Your Roommate's Zodiac Sign?

In a Good Morning America interview on Wednesday, former Bachelor lead Colton Underwood revealed that he’s gay to host Robin Roberts, and detailed his struggles coming to terms with his sexuality while growing up in a conservative, Catholic community.

During the interview, Underwood made a public apology to Cassie Randolph, his ex-girlfriend and former Bachelor contestant. The pair split back in May 2020, but their amicable separation ultimately turned sour. In September 2020, a restraining order was granted to Randolph, at which time the public learned that Underwood had been sending Randolph and her family “unsettling” text messages, showing up to her and her parents’ homes uninvited, and that he had even put a tracking device on her car. The restraining order was dropped a month later, after Underwood and Randolph reached a “private agreement.”

Although it’s good that Underwood can live authentically now, fans of the franchise have taken to Twitter to point out the fact that he’s getting a good ol’ fashioned Bachelor edit in this situation — and his former behavior is at risk of being swept under the rug.

Shortly after the interview aired, for instance, executive producers of The Bachelor publicly expressed support for Underwood in a statement that read, “We are so inspired by Colton Underwood’s courage to embrace and pursue his authentic self. As firm believers in the power of love, we celebrate Colton’s journey in the LGBTQIA+ community every step of the way.”

Underwood’s apology seemed heartfelt, and he may continue to demonstrate that he’s changed. But to award Underwood a glowing redemption arc right now could signal to Randolph and other people who may have lived through similar events that their experiences were unimportant. “[Underwood] and his struggle with his sexuality is going to be the highlight, as opposed to an examination of the character that leads to mistreating others,” Veronique Valliere, PsyD, a psychologist who counsels sexual assault perpetrators and victims, tells Refinery29.

The Bachelor executives’ statement is also notable due to the fact that the famously straight dating show hasn’t exactly done their part in supporting (or even representing) members of the queer community. They may say they’re celebrating Underwood’s journey, but there has been virtually no LGBTQIA+ representation on the ABC show, with the exception of a handful of bisexual women. The Bachelor grasping at the opportunity Underwood has given them to be “allies” is empty, and ultimately disappointing.

Underwood’s inner struggles and turmoil were undoubtedly painful for him to go through, and caused him great harm — he even opened up to Roberts about experiencing suicidal ideation. But his actions also led to his former partner fearing for her safety, which is inexcusable. “The phrase ‘Hurt people hurt people’ comes to mind,” tweeted Bachelor fan Brett S. Vergara, “and while context sheds light on the situation, it does not excuse, change, or even minimize that hurt and pain caused by those actions. I’m hoping Cassie feels supported by those close to her today.”

Dr. Valliere points out that we tend to treat situations like this as either/or: Underwood can either be a victim of his own oppressive upbringing and our unaccepting culture; or he’s a bad guy for his past actions. But he can be both. “He needs to address his turmoil and come to peace with himself and his sexuality,” Dr. Valliere says, “but he also needs to deal with the piece of himself that felt entitled to mistreat somebody else.”

If you are experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224 for confidential support. 

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Colton's Big "GMA" Interview Included An Apology

Bachelorette Star Opens Up About Eating Disorder

Even More "Bachelor" Spin-Offs Could Be Coming

Venus, the Planet of Love, is about to head into one of its favorite signs — dependable, hardworking Taurus. From April 14 until May 8, we’ll be getting some new, refreshing energy, prompting us to soak in the luxuries of life and put ourselves first.

“Venus is at home in the sign of the Bull, as it is one of the two signs it naturally rules,” explains Narayana Montúfar, senior astrologer for Astrology.com. “In this earthy territory, Venus can work at her best and bestow gifts our way, making the next few weeks some of the best of the year for romance, flirting, and even practicing self-love as well.” This positive transit will have all of us focusing on love, money, and relationships, so prepare for good things to come in those specific areas of life.

Venus in Taurus is known for being indulgent and pleasurable, which is why Lisa Stardust, astrologer and author of Saturn Return Survival Guide and The Astrology Deck, says “it’s a time to embrace one’s hedonistic sentiments and embrace sensual desires.” This time is all about you, your wants, your needs, and your wishes, so don’t let anyone else get in the way of you fulfilling your desires over these couple of weeks — especially in the bedroom.

Montúfar agrees, and says that since Taurus is one of the most sensual signs of the zodiac, “this planet-sign combo is all about opening ourselves to a more sensorial experience.” She points out that Venus in Aries was more interested in quickies and fervent sexual escapades, but “Venus in Taurus wants us to take our time luring, undressing, and teasing our partner.” The vibes of this transit make for the perfect opportunity for you to take things slow and experiment in the bedroom, with or without a partner.

The “pleasure first” energy of Venus in Taurus is extending outside of the bedroom too, according to Madi Murphy, astrologer and founder of The Cosmic Revolution. “During this transit, you might be feeling extra luxurious, grounded, and more connected to your five senses,” she says. “Taurus rules earthly delights, and while Venus is in Taurus your job is to make pleasure your top priority.” In other words, Murphy says that the time to treat yourself is now.

Nina Kahn, astrologer and author of Astrology For Life, agrees, saying that it’s a good idea is to focus on pampering yourself during this time instead of worrying about pleasing others. “Venus in Taurus is a great time to indulge in lots of pleasure-centered self-care,” she says. “Think hot bubble baths, luxurious massages, and cozying up for naps between some high-thread-count sheets.”

There are a couple of dates to look out for during this transit, including April 22 when Venus aspects Uranus. Stardust says we can expect to let our “freak flags fly” while Montúfar notes that surprises may come up in our personal relationships during this time. Leslie Hale, psychic astrologer for Keen.com, says that this can be an unusual day. “You may feel restless and desire to do or try something different, and many unexpected things can happen involving your social life, love, and money,” she warns.

Then, on April 25, Mercury will meet Venus in Taurus, which Montúfar says will “bring the opportunity to openly talk about our feelings, as well as the opportunity to express devotion, affection, and trust in our most important relationships.”

Although this transit may sound like it’s a tad overly self-serving, it isn’t all about being selfish — Venus in Taurus just wants you to prioritize your own happiness and pleasure, which in turn may make you a better friend or more attentive lover. The decadent, lustrous energy of this transit may also be the push we need to propel us into what could be the Horniest Summer Ever — that is, if you’re ready for it.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Please, STFU While Mercury Is In Aries

Obsessed With Astrology? Thank TikTok — & COVID

How Important Is Your Roommate's Zodiac Sign?

Roe v. Wade was a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that solidified the fact that our Constitution protects a pregnant person’s right to an abortion. The newly released movie Roe v. Wade, however, is a piece of anti-abortion propaganda that perpetuates falsehoods about abortion and the motives behind passing the life-saving court case. The movie doesn’t claim to be historically accurate; it only says it’s “based” on a true story. But although at first, I thought the movie aimed to be Borat-esque, political satire with a bit of raunchiness (I’m still half-convinced that Greer Grammar’s wig must have been a joke), I was wrong — it clearly has a different agenda.

Directed by Nick Loeb — who’s main claim to fame was attempting to battle his ex-wife Sofia Vergara for possession of their fertilized embryos — and Cathy Allen, Roe v. Wade tells a skewed tale of how the historic Supreme Court ruling came to be through the eyes of Dr. Bernard Nathanson, an obstetrician and co-founder of the National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws (NARAL). Dr. Nathanson pioneered the pro-choice movement, only to switch sides after the 1973 ruling. The movie paints him, along with abortion activist Larry Lader, as money-hungry opportunists who were fighting for the pro-choice movement for the wrong reasons.

The movie is hard to watch for several reasons, including the terrible acting, the graphic images, and the appearances from far-right figures including Stacey Dash, Jon Voight, Tomi Lahren, and Milo Yiannopoulos. Jamie Kennedy, the actor who plays Larry Lader, also revealed that a number of the cast and crew walked off the set once they realized what the movie was going to be about. In short, this film is a mess.

Roe v. Wade is full of half-truths and inflammatory language intended to get its anti-abortion point across. The film describes safe, surgical abortions in overly graphic ways; it frames women who’ve been forced to travel to receive abortion care as careless and flippant about their decision; and it implies that certain Supreme Court Justices were borderline coerced by the women in their family to vote a certain way in the landmark case.

The movie seems intent on pushing a narrative that we’ve been hearing from anti-abortion folks since the 1950s. And while it may not be intended to be completely factually accurate, it’s hard to ignore some of the lies it tells about the realities of abortion and abortion access in the US. Here’s a sampling of some of the biggest untruths in Roe v. Wade.

After 10 weeks, the fetus will feel the pain of the abortion.

This statement has been perpetuated by anti-abortion folks, but has been proven time and time again to be false. “The best available evidence indicates that it’s not possible for a fetus at 20 or 22 weeks to feel pain,” Daniel Grossman, MD, a professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at the University of California at San Francisco previously told Refinery29. “The neurofibrils that connect pain receptors to the cerebral cortex are not developed, and really don’t develop until the third trimester — past 26 weeks.” A 2005 review in the Journal of the American Medical Association also states that fetuses don’t develop the neurological wiring to feel pain until the third trimester.

Jane Roe regretted participating in the case.

This film completely ignores the fact that Jane Roe, aka Norma McCorvey, was coerced, manipulated, and bribed by anti-abortion activists to become a public figure for their agenda after the 1973 ruling. A documentary around McCorvey titled AKA Jane Roe was shot in 2017, shortly before her death. “I think it was a mutual thing,” she revealed. “I took their money, and they’d put me out in front of the cameras and tell me what to say. That’s what I’d say… I did it well, too. I’m a good actress.” The documentary also reports that McCorvey received, at the very least, $456,911 in gifts from anti-abortion groups.

Police officers found buckets of baby parts and fetuses in a hotel room.

A fictional sequence plays out in the movie, depicting a group of officers performing a sting operation on an illegal abortion in a hotel room. After barging in, the cops find buckets in the bathroom containing bloody tissue and “baby parts.” This never happened — anywhere. The Daily Beast speculates that this scene came from an incident where a woman died from an abortion in Buffalo in 1971.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

The Supreme Court Restricts Abortion Pill Access

Why Are At-Home Abortion Pills So Hard To Get?

Why Did Josh Hawley Have This Creepy Dorm Poster?

Spring has sprung, but the buzzy, outspoken, spontaneous energy you’re feeling has more to do with the planets than it does with the warm weather. Mercury, the Planet of Communication, is zooming its way into fiery, action-oriented Aries on April 3, and while it’s in the sign (where it will stay until April 19), we’ll find ourselves really telling it like it is — and having fun doing it.

“At its best, Mercury in Aries can provide us with a mental state that is optimistic, encouraging, on point, and self-confident,” says Leslie Hale, psychic astrologer for Keen.com. “Mercury’s entrance into Aries can bring about much needed clarity, especially after its transit through Pisces over the past few weeks, which was much more lethargic.” If you’ve been feeling stuck in the mud lately creatively or professionally, now’s the perfect time to get new ideas flowing; your energy will be on turbo mode. Bring your fresh ideas to the table during meetings, pitch those innovative solutions to your boss, or just let yourself revamp the way you attack your workflow. Your mind will be sharp — use it.

Although we love when we’re feeling quick-witted, Mercury in Aries can be a double-edged sword. “When in impulsive Aries, Mercury is very harsh tongued and fast-lipped. Nothing is held back,” says Lisa Stardust, an astrologer based in New York City. “This means that we all can put our foot in our mouths during the transit.” Stardust warns that we’ll be more likely to unintentionally hurt others now if we’re not thinking before we’re speaking. “Mercury in Aries will bring many frustrating moments, but the lesson is to learn patience and be more understanding,” Stardust says.

Patience. Understanding. These seem like reasonable requests, right? Stephanie Powell, head of content for Horoscope.com, thinks so, and warns that an overly direct approach during this transit may rub people the wrong way. The antidote to that is to take a second before communicating your thoughts to others. “It will benefit us to pause before speaking, especially in tougher conversations, because we can speak before we actually think about what we really mean or want to convey,” she says.

During Mercury’s tour in Aries, Powell says there are a couple of different dates to be aware of. On April 11, Mercury will form a supportive sextile with Saturn, the Planet of Responsibility. “This is a fantastic time to put our ideas into practice and root them in the real world,” Powell advises. “If you’ve been brainstorming nonstop, Saturn is here to ask, ‘How are you going to achieve that?'” she says. “This is a great day to work toward a goal or project of interest.” In other words, it’s time to get busy!

Then on April 18, Mercury will form a harmonious sextile with fiery Mars and expansive Jupiter — but it will also meet destructive Pluto at the same time. “Mars and Jupiter’s influences will encourage us to speak what’s on our mind, but Pluto may not have our best interests involved and can stir up and exaggerate Plutonic themes of jealousy, manipulation, or even power struggles,” Powell says. “Go easy on yourself, and if you have an urge to confront someone or something it may be better to do some deeper reflection before giving into obsessive thinking.” Worth noting: Pluto’s influence can be positive and give us the energy to “confront structures or situations that need to be torn down and rebuilt,” Powell says. Although it may be a little rocky, impactful change can be accomplished during this time.

For the next couple of weeks, let yourself embrace the abrasiveness of Mercury in Aries — brainstorm, take action, and make your voice heard. Just know that if you’re not thinking before you speak, you may step on some toes. So take a deep breath, and practice pausing (at least a little) during this exciting time. You’ve got this.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

It's Aries Season. Be A Little Selfish

Obsessed With Astrology? Thank TikTok — & COVID

How Important Is Your Roommate's Zodiac Sign?