“Conventional wisdom would have one believe that it is insane to resist this, the mightiest of empires, but what history really shows is that today's empire is tomorrow's ashes; that nothing lasts forever, and that to not resist is to acquiesce in your own oppression. The greatest form of sanity that anyone can exercise is to resist that force that is trying to repress, oppress, and fight down the human spirit.”
― Mumia Abu-Jamal
Freedom. As we have been forced to think about our own, we have shown to care more for that of others. “Until we are all free, none of us are free.” These words were first published well over a hundred years ago and yet, here we still are. The independent mind still focused on the same notion.
Have you ever wondered why progress looks so much like destruction?
Have you never embarked on a revolution (even just of your cupboards) and thought you may not make it to the other side? Stuck midway with inertia. Bound in the consciousness you may have unearthed too much and the sober realisation you may not have the energy to go on.
Despite this feeling like the collective mood of the world right now, there are always those who do find the will, energy, insight and awareness to push forward and advance.
Artist Vali Myers: loved by Salvador Dali, feared by The Ramones. The labelless Eliot Sumner claiming their space on our cover. Ziggy Ramo healing through music. Activist Marsha. P. Johnson inciting real change, yet not triumphantly. We salute them here within.
While liberty has many faces and voices, we have made this issue for anyone who “how are you?” has ever felt like a cruel question.
This is me, and I’m going to suggest this is, or at some stage, has also been you.
At this moment, when fragility and bravery are more closely interlinked than ever, we must fight for the strength to forge on.
Freedom, for all, depends on it.
The Freedom issue is available on newsstands February 25 and through our shop now. Find a stockist near you.
MODEL Eliot Sumner @ Tavistock Wood wears Louis Vuitton
PHOTOGRAPHY Jeff Hahn @ LGA Management
FASHION Anna Foster
HAIR Jody Taylor using Babyliss Pro
MAKEUP Valeria Ferreira @ The Wall Group using Dior Beauty
PHOTOGRAPHER'S ASSISTANTS Callum Inskip
STYLIST'S ASSISTANT Malina Robotin
CASTING Megan McCluskie
