Women who inspire me...

Today's blog post is a shoutout to some women who lately have inspired me or those who I have admired for what they have done, are doing and will probably continue to do. This list is not necessarily  exhaustive but it certainly highlights some incredible women.

1: Paloma Faith - singer-songwriter and actress.

Paloma Faith is a British musician who has risen to fame with singles including 'Stone Cold Sober' (2009), 'Picking Up the Pieces' (2012), 'Can't Rely on You' (2014), 'Guilty' (2017) and 'Gold' (2020) which were all from her top singles from her first five studio albums. Her sixth and most recent studio album The Glorification of Sadness (2024) was introduced with the lead single 'How You Leave a Man'. This catchy and powerful track offers Faith's opinion on how to leave a man, even if just for the weekend. I love how she has tracks on the album to signify resistance against men.

Paloma also has a recently new podcast entitled 'Mad, Sad and Bad' in which she has included guests who have spoken about being against misogyny and the Patriarchy. She has also used her podcast to counteract the general media. Notice how you often see the far right such as Reform platformed frequently (I'm looking at you BBC Question Time), and how when it comes to crimes from the far right, the police seem unbothered about making arrests to protect people in the U.K? Well Paloma Faith interviewed the leader of the green party, Zack Polanski. Now I know some people might not like him but considering how we always hear Reform this or Conservative that (even when not in power), I think it is only fair to highlight other voices and opinions. I try not to be bias.

Paloma has stood up for Palestine and is vocal in her support for the rights of women and trans people. She is a great musician too!

2: Feyisola Akintoe - recent Big Brother housemate.

In the recent series of Big Brother, housemate Feyisola who appeared was outspoken in the best way possible. There was another housemate who never wanted to hear a bad word about Nigel Farage. The thing that this housemate, she who shall not be named, kept bringing up members of the Labour government who had done things wrong. But she did not like to be informed if Farage/Reform had the same or worse. I personally think that you want to criticise one political party for doing something wrong then you should criticise other parties in the same way when they do the same bad thing or worse.

Another thing is that Feyisola was lovely on the program and she has now started a podcast with fellow housemate and friend, Zelah which is entitled 'The Woke Hotline'. It is actually fun and interesting to listen to.

3: Teja Dalphy - recent Big Brother housemate.

Someone else who got on well with Feyisola was the youngest housemate Teja. She entered the house at the age of eighteen and revealed she has her own cleaning business. To own a business at only the age of eighteen is remarkable. I think she is such an inspiration to all young women because is proof that young women can excel. Teja also was so eloquently spoken on Big Brother calling out things and people she disagreed but not in a nasty way. If you do anything, be more Teja!

4: Beverley Knight - Singer, songwriter, actress and radio presenter.

Known as the UK queen of soul, Beverley Knight has had hits including 'Flavour of the Old School' (1995), 'Made It Back' (1998) featuring Redman, 'Should Woulda Coulda' (2002), 'Keep This Fire Burning' (2004), 'Come as You are' (2004), 'Soul Survivor' (2009) with Chaka Khan 'Mama Used to Say' (2011) and 'Systematic Overload' (2023) across nine studio albums. Recently Beverley Knight posted. She has spoken up for things that are important such as being vocal on H.I.V testing here in the UK. Also she attended the Trans Mission concert on Wednesday to support Trans and Non-Binary, raising funds for two incredible charities - Good Law Project and Not A Phase.

Update: What I loved was how she did a theatre show in central and raced out of the theatre, to the tube station and got from central London to Wembley in the space of forty minutes from one ending to the other beginning. This is remarkable. I saw her make it on her Instagram page where she introduced the UK's first trans rapper, Nate Ethan who you can follow. Anyway, Beverley Knight is incredible!

5: Sophie Ellis-Bextor - singer and songwriter.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor also performed at Trans Mission but the way she has provided so much life and joy in the world says it all. I have become inspired by my favourite song of hers 'Freedom of the Night' (2024) and my second favourite song of hers 'Murder on the Dancefloor' (2001) both of which she performed at Trans Mission with the wonderful Sink the Pink drag collective in tow to help her celebrate diversity, inclusivity and unity through music. There is nothing better than dancing to great singers such as Sophie Ellis-Bextor. I find her music so good and motivating.

6: Melanie C - singer, songwriter and current The Voice Australia coach.

Spice Girl Melanie C is serving up sporty, dance-y realness with her new forthcoming 9th studio album. The album Sweat has so far been proceeded with the singles 'Sweat', 'What Could Possibly Go Wrong' and the brand new single 'Undefeated Champion' which she released today. The songs are catchy, making you wanting to workout or dance. The album seems to be shaping up as a strong album. To be fifty-two and slaying music, alongside having a physique like hers proves that a woman can achieve anything at any age! I cannot wait for the album to arrive as I love listening to her work both solo and Spice Girls stuff.

7: The women is my writing group.

I go to a weekly writing group and hearing everyone's writing inspires me to write more. Not everyone is a woman, we have men and non-binary people too. Everyone inspires so I am shouting out to the women who do write interesting and lovely pieces when we meet up.

8: My grandmother.

She always made the best chocolate cake which is a fond childhood memory of mine. I always joke that I make the second best chocolate cake after her. Family is important to some people and that includes me.

9: My mother.

Where would I be without her? I am so grateful to have her in my life. She inspires me to do well. But then again mothers can be like that.

This is my list, which I mentioned was not exhaustive. But I hope it gave an insight there.

Until next time,

Thomas.