Often dismissed as superstition or pseudoscience, dowsing quietly challenges our conventional understanding of reality. But this ancient practice is far more than folklore or...

As a child, my mother often painted my fingernails and sent me to school with glossy lips and delicately perfumed hands. This early experience set me on a complex and sometimes confusing path to understanding my gender identity—a journey through the often jagged terrain of sexual nonconformity. Sociologists differentiate between sex and gender: sex is biological, while gender refers to the social expectations assigned to individuals based on their sex. Yet today, conversations around sexual and gender identity often become battlegrounds filled with rigid labels—gay, straight, queer, transgender, tough guy, snowflake—that outsiders use to categorize and, sometimes, to judge. Society tends to reduce masculinity and femininity to neat binaries: a man labeled gay is presumed feminine;...

In times marked by turmoil and deep divisions, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, even hopeless. Yet history shows us that even in the darkest hours, humans have turned to each other for courage, resilience, and connection. This shared strength has been—and continues to be—our lifeline through struggle and uncertainty. As I reflect on today’s fractious political and social climate, I am reminded of my own feelings from decades past. The late 1960s brought its own tempest of conflict: the Vietnam War raged, racial tensions exploded into riots in cities like Detroit and Newark, and the ideals of justice and equality seemed all but out of reach. Many of us, including myself, felt that the dream of...

In a time when headlines can feel heavy and the weight of global challenges looms large, stories of positive change remind us that meaningful progress is possible—often driven by community, creativity, and a deep respect for the planet. From ancient wisdom influencing modern conservation to cutting-edge science revolutionizing sustainability, the world is full of encouraging momentum. Here’s a round-up of recent breakthroughs and inspiring efforts that reflect our shared humanity and hope for a better future. “We Belong to One Ocean”: Indigenous Leadership at the Heart of Ocean Conservation For Native Hawaiians like Solomon Kahoʻohalahala, the ocean is far more than water—it’s a sacred ancestor. In their genealogical stories, the coral polyp is revered as the oldest...