SUMMER 2019 - Geaux Girl! Magazine
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
SUMMER 2019 GEAUX GIRL! SUMMER 2019 1
We would like to th ank our in c re d ibly g e ne rous
Summe r Do no rs fo r suppo rtin g our missio n
an d helpin g us make this issue h app e n.
rie Jill & Ma
Marjo rc
t W i n sto
& S c ot n
n
C o we
A n o ny m o u s
T he Hitt el
Ha wf J il l I s r a
Family
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Geaux Girl Media relies on the generosity
of passionate individuals and engaged organizations. Please
contact us at info@geauxgirlmagazine.org if you want to make a
contribution to help us fulfill our mission or visit our website at
geauxgirlmagazine.org to make a donation.
INFORM • INSPIRE • ENGAGE • EMPOWER
2 GEAUX GIRL! SUMMER 2019
Contents
37
Express Yourself Program Spotlight:
Grow Dat Youth Farm
14 Photography Submissions
Teen Writing:
Have Fun
8 A Constant Reminder
33 The Black Girl Diaries 3 What’s Happening in New Orleans
38 Student of the Struggles 4 Dat’s My Jam
5 Must Read Books this Summer
27 Hair & Makeup: Spa Sleepover
Be Well
37 Program Spotlight: Grow Dat
9 Yoga: Partner Poses 42 Hangout Spots
12 Girls Giving Advice: Periods 43 Ruby’s Zodiac Skincare Guide
16 The Savage Makeover: 45 Mystic Moons
Your Personality
22 Real Talk Expand Your Mind
24 Stirrups, Speculum, Pap Smear,
Oh My 19 You Geaux Girl: Audrey Ligier
34 Summer Skin Care
30 College Q&A
39 Be Safe, Y’all
40 Rémy’s Recipe
Meet Louisiana's
27
First Transgender Spa
Homecoming Queen Sleepover!
19
The cover photograph was taken by Kelly Yu, who was then a senior at
Lusher Charter School and is now going to study film production at the
University of Southern California. Kelly took this photo over the summer
for her Instagram account (@itskelieephoto) for which she was aiming
to take portraits that captured the feeling of summer. The model in the
picture is Caroline Thaking, who Kelly met through Instagram. “Caroline
is not only beautiful and so good at what she does, but also so sweet and
kind,” Kelly told us. “My favorite memory from one of our shoots is when
I had her pose with an umbrella that I attached a pink smoke grenade to.
Needless to say, it backfired. But it looked so cool that someone stopped by
to take a polaroid of her.” See more of Kelly’s work on page 27!
GEAUX GIRL! SUMMER 2019 1
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR:
The Geaux Girl! team and I wish all of you a wonderful summer filled with adventures and fun times. Summer
marks the end of something, but most of all, summer means freedom and new experiences. Fresh beginnings are
already on the horizon. At the end of summer, there’ll be a new grade, possibly a new school, maybe even college.
I would like to single out three young ladies who will be going off to college in the fall. Elena, Y’vonne, and
Nitzayah, you all have made invaluable contributions to this magazine as members of our Teen Advisory
Council. Thank you for being awesome girls, congrats on this big milestone in your lives, and best of luck for
your transition to college! You geaux, girls!! Y’vonne, we are thrilled that you’ll be staying close as a Tulane
University student and will be joining our core GG team. We are also excited for our team member Melanie’s
upcoming semester abroad in Sweden. We’ll be welcoming you back with open arms, Melanie!
I have been thinking a lot about all the people who have made this issue possible. Without our incredible team
of volunteers and the talented women and girls in our community who contribute mind-blowingly awesome
content, you wouldn’t be reading this magazine right now. And just as important, Geaux Girl! wouldn’t be
here without the support of many kind and generous people who believe in what we do and provide us
with the resources to produce, publish, and distribute this beautiful magazine.
For this issue, we were very fortunate to receive an overwhelming number of donations through GiveNOLA
Day. We are indebted to the Greater New Orleans Foundation for coordinating this day of giving in support
of local nonprofits. For a tiny organization like us, it made an enormous difference. A heartfelt THANK YOU
to each and every donor that day; you all contributed to this issue and our work moving forward. Thank you
to everyone who is part of our village because it truly takes a village to make Geaux Girl! happen.
Alright, y’all, enjoy this issue, have a GREAT summer, stay safe, and be yourself!
With love and appreciation,
Heide
Geaux Girl! is a print and online magazine created for and with New Orleans teen girls to inform, inspire, engage, and empower.
GEAUX GIRL MEDIA IS A 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION. Teen Advisory Council
Editor in Chief: HEIDE WINSTON
Creative Director: LIZ JUREY Executive Director: HEIDE WINSTON Naomi-Corrine Adler
Claire Ahlquist
Social Media & Brand Management Volunteer: Board of Directors Mae Anglim
COURTNEY PELLEGRINI HEIDE WINSTON (Chair) Y’vonne Antoine
Elena Bateman
DANIELLE DEL SOL
Project Management Volunteer: Evelynn Coffie
FLORENCIA POLITE, M.D.
MELANIE CARBERY Isabella Danzig
Ella Densen
Officers
Community Outreach Volunteer: Kaitlyn Jones
HEIDE WINSTON (President & Secretary)
ERIN ZIMMER STRENIO Amber Parson
DANIELLE DEL SOL (Vice President & Treasurer) Nitzayah Schiller
Printing: MPRESS Genesis Scott
Founders: HEIDE WINSTON & DANIELLE DEL SOL
Emily Smither
Mylah Tracy
geauxgirlmagazine.org info@geauxgirlmagazine.org
2 GEAUX GIRL! SUMMER 2019
WEDNESDAYS, JUNE 5 – SUNDAY, JUNE 9 FRIDAY, JULY 5 –
AUGUST 7 SUNDAY, JULY 7
Family Equality Day
“Truth be Told” Creative What: Celebrate diversity and inclusion
25th Anniversary Essence Festival
Writing Workshop during Pride Week 2019 at this family- What: ESSENCE Festival is the largest
centered event on the Longue Vue grounds. celebration of African American music,
What: Creative writing workshop for
high school students (ages 14-18) who When: 10:00am–1:00pm beauty, health, entrepreneurship and
have been directly or indirectly impacted more. Former First Lady Michelle
Where: Longue Vue House and Gardens,
by incarceration. The workshop aims to Obama will headline the festival’s
7 Bamboo Rd.
chip away at stigma and create a space for commemorative 25th year.
artistic healing through a variety of imagi- (Parking is limited. Please bike, carpool, or ride-
Where: Ernest N. Morial Convention
native approaches to self-expression. Final share. There is no parking on Bamboo Rd.)
Center, Mercedes Benz Superdome,
work will be published in a class magazine. Contemporary Arts Center, and Louis
When: 9:30am–12:15pm Armstrong Park
Where: NOLA Spaces, 1719 Toledano St.
SUNDAY, JUNE 16
Juneteenth Festival THURSDAY, AUGUST 1
FRIDAY, JUNE 7 What: Celebration of the Juneteenth
Holiday recognizing the emancipation “Connected to the Crown”
Baby Cakes Pride Game of all slaves in the United States of Workshop
America. Featuring live musical
What: Celebrate the kickoff of New Orleans
performances, spoken word artists, brass What: Free floral crown class, full course
Pride with the New Orleans Baby Cakes vs. meal, guest speaker, and much fun for
bands, local student bands, and speeches
Sacramento River Cats and fireworks. Pro- teenage girls ages 11-18. This empowering
from community leaders.
ceeds of this second annual LGBT-friendly workshop will feature topics such as
game will benefit Crescent Care. Where: 2500 Bayou Rd.
self-esteem, inner being, style, higher
When: 7:00-10:00pm education, and wearing your crown!
Where: Shrine on Airline, 6000 Airline Dr. When: 12:00-3:00pm
(Tickets are $10.) Where: Arts Estuary, 1024 Elysian Fields Ave.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 –
June is SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
LGBT
Pride Fried Chicken Festival
A free outdoor festival that
Month! What:
brings food, music, family and festivities
together in celebration of a classic
Southern dish.
Where: Woldenberg Riverfront Park
Follow us at
to get updates on local events!
GEAUX GIRL! SUMMER 2019 3
Favorite happy song: “Sunflower” by Post Malone & Swae Lee
Favorite feel-good movie: Superfly
Best song to cry your eyes out to: “W.A.Y.S.” by Jhené Aiko
Saddest movie of all time: Roots
Song I’m embarrassed to admit I love: “Thotiana” by
Blueface TV show I’m embarrassed to admit I love: Nickelodeon shows
Best TV show hands down: Bring It!
Song that makes me dance like nobody’s watching:
“Truth Hurts” by Lizzo Favorite local movie theater: AMC because the seats are
comfortable.
Gracie (15), Mount Carmel Academy
Briana (14), KIPP Morial Middle School
Favorite happy song: “Comme Tu Es” (feat. Alonzo) by Jok’Air
Favorite feel-good movie: The Wizard of Oz
Best song to cry your eyes out to: “Losin Control” by Russ
Saddest movie of all time: My Sister’s Keeper
Song I’m embarrassed to admit I love: “Fergalicious” by TV SHOW I’m embarrassed to admit I love: Love Island
Fergie
Best TV show hands down: Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Song that makes me dance like nobody’s watching: “Snap
Yo Fingers” (feat. E-40 & Sean Paul of YoungBloodZ) by Lil Jon Favorite local movie theater: Prytania Theatre. I love that it
has so many options. It even shows foreign films and classic films.
Olivia (18), St. Martin’s Episcopal School It is also super cute.
Grace (17), Archbishop Chapelle High School
Favorite happy song: “Heaven” by Kane Brown
Best song to cry your eyes out to: “Heaven” by Julia Favorite feel-good movie: Avengers: Endgame (Yes, I watched it)
Michaels Saddest movie of all time: 12 Years a Slave
SONG I’m embarrassed to admit I love: “This Is Me” by Demi movie I’m embarrassed to admit I love: To All the Boys I’ve
Lovato Loved Before
Song that makes me dance like nobody’s watching: “Can Best TV show hands down: Justice League or Black Lightning
We Dance” by The Vamps or All American
Ludovica (16), Cabrini High School Favorite local movie theater: AMC theaters (Westbank and
Elmwood)
Maliyah (14), KIPP Morial Middle School
4 GEAUX GIRL! SUMMER 2019
Sal and Gabi Break
the Universe
by Carlos Hernandez
What it’s about: Sal Vidón
is the new kid in school who
ends up in the principal’s of-
fice after only three days. But
why should he just accept
bullying when he can open a
portal to another universe for
the purpose of leaving a raw chicken in his bully’s locker? Gabi Real
is student council president and editor of the school newspaper,
and she doesn’t miss a trick. When she finds out about Sal’s pow-
ers, which include being able to conjure things much larger than a
chicken, and takes it in stride, they begin an unlikely friendship that
may end up breaking (or fixing) the entire universe.
Why read it? Multiverse hijinks, humor, sci-fi, and magic, this
this summer exciting adventure story has all that and is full of characters that
you’ll want to root for.
Stepsister
by Jennifer Donnelly
What it’s about: Isabelle is
an ugly stepsister. She tried
to fit in, cut away pieces of
If It Makes herself—literally and figu-
You Happy ratively—to become more
by Claire Kann like sweet and beautiful
What it’s about: Winnie Cinderella, but she didn’t
has finished high school get the happily ever after.
and is looking forward Now she’s been made into
to living her best fat girl an unwitting pawn in a wa-
life and spending her last ger between Chance and
summer before college Fate, until an offer from
someplace she considers a fairy queen gives her a
to be the best place on chance to alter her destiny.
earth: her Granny’s diner Why read it? Donnelly doesn’t just fracture this fairy tale, she
in the small town of Misty shatters it. Isabelle gets her own completely original adventure
Haven. All she wants is to and her journey leads toward empowerment and the realization
wear her 50s inspired uni- that ugly, just like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.
form, earn tips, and spend
time with her family and ungirlfriend. But then she unexpectedly
becomes Misty Haven’s Summer Queen and is forced to take cen-
ter stage in photo shoots, attend a never-ending list of royal com-
munity engagements, and interact with the Summer King—things
that she discovers terrify her. These recommendations were provided by
Kacy Helwick, Youth Collection Development
Why read it? This is a character-driven story, and Winnie, who Librarian at the New Orleans Public Library.
has to conquer her fears, defy expectations, and embrace her
cultural and sexual identity, is a great character in an incredibly
enjoyable book.
GEAUX GIRL! SUMMER 2019 5
Visit the
Best Buy Teen
Tech Center!
Light Years
I Am
by Kass a Feminist:
Morgan
Claiming the
F-Word in
What it’s about: Amidst an interga-
Turbulent Times The Best Buy Teen Tech Center at the New
lactic war, the Quatra Fleet Acade- Orleans Public Library is an interest-based
by Monique
my has finally abandonedPolak its exclu- learning environment for teens to experi-
sivity andWhat started admitting
it’s about: Feminism the ment and master various new technologies
best and has brightest students
changed immensely from
the less desirable “edge” planets in with help from their peers and adult men-
in the last hundred years.
the solarFrom system.
first-waveLight Years
feminists tors. The center is equipped with technolo-
follows fourandcadets from different
the suffragists to to- gy and multimedia tools that can be used
planets and social
day’s statuses as they
understanding of for music and video production, interac-
navigate intersectionality
their first yearand in thethe tive programming, graphic design, and
#MeToo
military space movement,
academy: Mo-
the ambi- much more.
tious hotshotniquepilot
PolakVesper
examines the
whose
history of feminism and the mother
issues thatpulled
girls and women
strings tocontinue
get her
to face
into the today. Cormak who stole someone else’s identity for
program;
the chance
Features: 15 PCs, 4 Macs, Access to the
Why to leave
read it?hisThe
toxic planet;has
author shycreated
outsideraArran reallywho falls in
readable,
love comprehensive
with the son of an enemy;
resource. and Orelia
She combines who isexperiences
personal forced to Adobe Creative Cloud suite and Avid Pro
infiltrate
withthe academyfacts,
interviews, on aand
darkhistory
mission.
to answer essential questions Tools, 2 Digital Drawing tablets, DSLR
like “What is feminism?” and “Why
Why read it? It is a thrilling character-driven does it space
still matter?”,
opera fullwhile of Camera, Music Studio, Green Screen, VIVE
also looking at the ways in which people, especially young Virtual Reality System, 3D Printer, Vinyl
romance and intrigue. And there’s more to come as it’s a series
people, are currently working together to stand up for equality Cutter, Sewing Machine, Serger
opener by Kass Morgan, whose previous series, The 100, spawned
and speak out against injustice.
the hit TV show.
HOURS:
Monday through Thursday, 3:30pm – 7:30pm
Friday, 12:30pm – 4:30pm
Check, Please!
Shuri: The The Best Buy Teen Tech Center is located
BookSearch
1: #Hockey
for on the second floor of the Main Library,
fl
Black Panther 219 Loyola Avenue, and is made possible
by Ngozi Ukazu by grant funds from Best Buy and The
by Nnedi Okorafor
Clubhouse Network, a collaboration with
What it’s&about:
Leonardo Hockey, pies, the MIT Media Lab. For more information,
Romero
vlogging, college life, and just a bit visit during open hours or email
of romance! WhatEricit’s
Bittle (“Bitty”
about: Bothto bbttc@nolalibrary.org.
his teammates) is super excited
a techno-genius and to a
leave behind his Shuri
princess, small istown
next in in
Georgia toline attend
for Samwell
the throne, Univer-
but
sity, a New whatEngland
she enjoys areamostliberal
is
arts college. He even
creating thingsgotina her
hockey
lab.
When the Black Panther goes scholarship
missing whileafteronsending
a mission the to
space, and Wakanda needscoaches her, Shuri will have
videos of histo step
skillsoutasofa
her comfort zone and pushformer herselfjunior
to seefigure
if sheskating
is able to be-
cham-
pion.come the leader
But college her people
hockey is a lotneed.
scarier than when he played in a
coed Why
no-checking league,
read it? It’s a Shuriandsolohis newAnd
comic! team captain
since Shuri is unfortu-
is arguably
natelythe
as best
grumpy as he that
character is handsome.
has ever been in a Marvel movie ever,
that it?
Why read question answers
More than itself. comic,
a sports Plus Nnediit’s aOkorafor
story about is a friendship,
bestselling
Afrofuturist
identity, acceptance,author and Leonardo
and overcoming fears.Romero
And since is this
an Eisner-
graphic
novelnominated artist,
collects the so half
first you know it’s going
of Ukazu’s to bepopular
very great! webcomic,
there’s already a dedicated fandom to join once you fall in love with
Bitty and his teammates.
6 GEAUX GIRL! SUMMER 2019
LOCATIONS
EN
SM
NM
MC
NV
AV MLK
MAIN
NX
KE
HB
CC
LA
CRC AR
Algiers Regional Library – AR Milton H. Latter Library – LA
3014 Holiday Dr. • 596-2641 5120 St. Charles Ave. • 596-2625
Alvar Library – AV Main Library – MAIN
913 Alvar St. • 596-2667 219 Loyola Ave. • 596-2560
Central City Library – CC Norman Mayer Library – NM
2405 Jackson Ave. • 596-3110 3001 Gentilly Blvd. • 596-3100
Children’s Resource Center Library – CRC Mid-City Library – MC
913 Napoleon Ave. • 596-2628 4140 Canal St. • 596-2654
East New Orleans Regional Library – EN Nora Navra Library – NV
5641 Read Blvd. • 596-0200 1902 St. Bernard Ave. • 596-3118
Cita Dennis Hubbell Library – HB Nix Library – NX
725 Pelican Ave. • 596-3113 1401 S. Carrollton Ave. • 596-2630
Rosa F. Keller Library & Community Robert E. Smith Library – SM
Center – KE 6301 Canal Blvd. • 596-2638
4300 S. Broad Ave. • 596-2660
Martin Luther King Library – MLK
1611 Caffin Ave. • 596-2695
nolalibrar y.org GEAUX GIRL! SUMMER 2019 7
A Constant Reminder
BY Lillie Bates
EVERYONE experiences anxiety in their life, whether it is when you are
standing in front of your class giving a presentation that could determine
your entire grade for the quarter or the time you forgot to hand in a paper
you were supposed to give to your teacher the day before. Anxiety has
always been around and can be triggered by many different things. It
has also always been something that not only teenagers experience,
but adults too. Maybe your grandfather suffers from anxiety and
you just have no idea. But why is that? Why do people choose to
not talk about how they are feeling or what is going on in their
lives? Is it because they don’t want to bore others with this subject
matter? Or maybe it is because they don’t think someone else could
relate and give them the words of advice they want to hear, or even
worse, maybe it’s because they don’t want your help.
Anxiety is not a topic that easily gets brought up in conversation.
However, it should not be an excuse to not do something
challenging. Anxiety might be what prevents you from having the
courage to overcome fear, but it doesn’t make it impossible. Isn’t it
ridiculous how a feeling can make you question everything!? It can fill
your brain with horrible thoughts that make you hate yourself. Anxiety is
a constant reminder that everyone is better than you, that you will never get
anywhere in life. Or is it? Maybe subconsciously your brain created this idea of
anxiety to better you, to want you to become the best you possible.
But that doesn’t sound right. Isn’t it possible that what we experience around us
affects the way we think, the way we look at ourselves?
Let’s take social media. Do not get me wrong, I love it. I use social media to talk to my
friends, the ones who do and don’t live here. But it is filling our brains with information that
we do not need. Take models for example. We are told that they are the ideal of beauty for men
and women, that if we do not have the perfect skin, if we do not have a skinny body, then we
are not beautiful. What is that? What is beauty? Can’t anyone be beautiful without having the
“perfect” skin or the “perfect” body? Trust me, I’ve thought this through over and over, but what is
there to do? It is as if we have all been brainwashed into thinking a small majority of the population
is beautiful, which is completely false. We have created crazy standards, and these standards lead to
anxiety for many of us, and anxiety can create depression. So let’s look at it this way: no matter what
you think, no matter what they say, you are the most beautiful person alive, and we all know it.
Lillie Bates is a rising sophomore at Lusher Charter School and wants to major in psychology
later on in the future. In her free time, Lillie enjoys hanging out with her friends.
8 GEAUX GIRL! SUMMER 2019Partner
Yoga Poses
By Laurie Azzano of Lolo’s Youth Studio
Yaaaas, finally! Hello, summer! Inhale deadlines. Exhale freedom.
freedom
If you’re like most, summer represents one big sigh of relief. No more early morning alarm
clocks, homework, tests, school drama, or crazy, overscheduled schedules. Finally, you get to
take a break and relax… and have fun!
As good as yoga is for helping you focus, build strength, and find calm, it can also be a ton of
fun! Partner poses allow you to benefit from all the cool things yoga has to offer (develop
core strength ; help with balance ; build physical strength ; increase focus ) and have a
blast with your besties at the same time! So grab a friend and get on the mat... or the grass,
beach, whatever. Yoga anywhere, everywhere! Whether you’re on a stay-cay or vay-cay, all
you need is a friend to have fun with yoga this summer.
Ava and Eva of Isidore Newman School and Eleanore and Adison of NOLA Micro
Our models—Ava
Schools—are excited to show you their favorite partner poses.
tag lolo’s on insta to win!
Lolo’s Studio 1. Follow @lolosyouthyoga on Insta
2. Post pic of you and a friend in
is New Orleans’ first youth-centered yoga
your favorite partner pose
studio. Through yoga, fitness, and art, Lolo’s is
bringing body + mind together and helping youth 3. Tag two friends
tap into their internal power so they can better 4. Tag Lolo’s to be entered to win
manage physical and mental stress. Learn more a free 10-week Yoga + Leadership
at lolosstudio.com or check out Lolo’s Studio Fall Package (value of $325).
@lolosyouthyoga
on Instagram at @lolosyouthyoga.
GEAUX GIRL! SUMMER 2019 9double dog
Down Dog is a great pose for building strength in the
upper body while also stretching out the shoulders and
arms and the backs of the legs. To turn Down Dog into
a fun partner pose, simply have one friend get into Down
Dog. The partner will stand about 12 inches in front and
go into a Forward Fold pose, placing her hands on the
ground. Slowly raise one leg and place it gently onto the
lower back of your partner. Take a good inhale and gently
lift your other leg and place it onto your partner’s lower
back alongside your other foot. It looks a lot harder
than it is! So be sure to give it a try. Barking optional.
double tree
Tree is a great pose to work on your balance and ability to
concentrate. However, we admit that striking your Double Tree
pose with your BFF might lead to more giggles than focus. But,
hey, yoga + fun = yay! Stand next to each other in Mountain
pose, then each raise your outside leg, bend your knee and place
the heel of your foot to rest on your standing leg. If you're
feeling shaky, start low and place your foot at the ankle of
your standing leg. You can go higher with your bent leg as your
stability allows. And as partners, you're able to support each
other by interlacing your arms, either at your heart or reaching
them above your head for extra effort. Stay strong!
double boat
This is one of my favorite poses to strengthen the core.
By practicing it with a friend, you get to develop your
strength and your friendship at the same time! Start
seated facing each other with your legs bent. Hold hands
on the outside of your legs, then connect the soles of
your feet and press into your feet to lift and extend
one leg up at a time. Then extend the other leg. For an
added degree of complexity, use your core to help you
balance while slowly bringing each leg outside of your
arms for a wide boat pose. Bon Voyage!
10 GEAUX GIRL! SUMMER 2019supported forward fold
A great, easy pose to help stretch out your arms,
shoulders, and backside. Great for swimmers, tennis,
volleyball and basketball players, or anyone with a
tight upper body, lower back and hamstrings. Face
each other and place your hands on each other’s
shoulders. Take a step back and bend forward from
the hips, getting as much distance as your muscles
will allow (particularly those tight hamstrings).
Breathe in, breathe out. With each exhale, see if you
can release yourself a little more into the stretch.
elevator pose
A fun pose to see just how much you trust your
bestie! Stand facing away from each other, as far
apart as possible but close enough so that you can
still reach out and hold hands. Then, still holding hands,
start to lean back and begin bending your knees to
slowly lower into Chair pose. Continue to lower down
as far as you can while still supporting and holding
onto each other (you can link your arms instead of
holding hands). Then come back up together. This is a
great pose to work on building leg strength together.
You can enjoy going up and down in your elevator
to build your yogi power.
lizard on a rock
This a great pose to open up the chest, lengthen the spine,
and help develop your Wheel pose. The “rock” will start in
Child’s pose, while the “lizard” will sit gently on the “base”—or
low back of the “rock.” Then the lizard will slowly backbend
over the rock, extending her arms over the rock. The rock
can grab the lizard’s hands to help deepen the stretch.
When the lizard is ready to come off, the rock can slowly
arch her back to help the lizard roll up and off. Be sure
to switch roles/poses so that everyone gets a chance to
stretch. Rock on! (Ha, get it?)
GEAUX GIRL! SUMMER 2019 11Periods
We sat down with four awesome
ladies of our Teen Advisory Council—
Kaitlyn (14), Amber (12), Adler (17), and
Evelynn (17)—to chat about periods.
Any fun names for your period? Adler: I was 13 and it happened on a band trip to Disney World
in Orlando. I was the only girl in the band. Initially, I thought I
Adler: “Shark week” is a popular one. “I’ve fallen to the
had gotten food poisoning or had too much root beer and poo’d
communists” from The IT Crowd. I’ve also heard “the tide is
myself. I hate when books describe the first period as a rose pet-
coming,” “tampon drive,” “my red flower is blooming,” and “my
al between your legs. Mine was murderous. There was so much
moon door is open.” The last two are from Game of Thrones.
blood. I put on a bathrobe over my clothing and went to find the
Kaitlyn: “Japan is attacking” (because of the national flag). My female chaperone. She gave me a week’s worth of panty liners. I
friends and I usually say, “My uterus is dying.” used those and Disney princess napkins for the rest of the trip.
Evelynn: My mom uses names like “Aunt Flo.” Kaitlyn: I was 11 and woke up soaked in my own blood. I was
terrified. I was like, ‘What happened in the middle of the night?
Amber: I don’t know a lot of period slang because I don’t really Did the dog attack me?’ I didn’t realize where the blood was com-
talk about my period with my friends because they don’t have ing from. I didn’t go to my mom. She found out because she saw
their periods yet. the blood on the sheets when I came home from school. My first
Evelynn: I feel like a lot of people don’t use specific terms be- period lasted about nine days and was so heavy. It would get light
cause there is stigma around it. My friends and I typically just for a day and then kept coming. A friend told me to go to CVS to
ask for a pad or tampon—that’s a clear sign. Or people will just buy pads. And for some reason I thought the sticky side was sup-
say, “I’m on my cycle” or talk about how their cycles are syncing. posed to go up. So that happened. I started Googling everything
about periods and was a lot more prepared the second month.
! Evelynn: I had mine when I was 12. I was having really terrible
What was it like to get your stomach pains and my mom took me to several doctors around
period for the first time? Louisiana because we thought something was wrong with my
Amber: I got my period for the first time in February of this stomach. At some point I started having brown discharge. A
year. I had just turned 12. We were at a basketball game at Dillard week later, I was at school and bled through my khaki pants
University and having a good time. I had to go to the bathroom during first block. I put my sweater around my waist and had
and I looked at my underwear and was like, “Oh my God.” I was to go the whole day with dry blood in my pants. I told my mom
so confused. I cleaned myself up and robotically walked back to when I got home and she was excited.
the bleachers and told my mom that I thought I had gotten my Adler: My mom was very excited too. The second I got home
period. I was wearing these really nice white pants and they were from my Disney World trip she had all this stuff laid out and told
totally stained. We went to CVS on the way home and got some me about all the products.
pads and my mom told me what to do. For the next few days, I Kaitlyn: I didn’t know how to talk to my mom about this. I have
was scared of myself. Why was myself doing this to myself? I was always bought my own pads and tampons. We don’t talk about
hungry, irritated, and mad at everyone for no reason. That was this stuff very much.
hard because I’m usually nice to everyone. Amber: When I first went to buy pads on my own, I was so
12 GEAUX GIRL! SUMMER 2019Any thoughts on feminine products?
Evelynn: The first time I wore a tampon, I put the whole thing
in. I didn’t push the plastic tube. It was very uncomfortable, but
I told myself it was fine and went swimming in a lake with the
plastic inside of me. I never wanted to use a tampon ever again,
but then I spoke with my mom and she explained to me that the
plastic part is not supposed to go in, that you’re supposed to use
it to push the tampon in.
Adler: I didn’t use tampons for a long time, but now I’m like,
‘Why be afraid of a roll of cotton!?’ But it can hurt if you don’t
put it in right.
Evelynn: It’s a bit scary to use tampons because you don’t know
exactly where you’re sticking it and how far it should go in. It’s
helpful that there are so many options for different tampon and
pad sizes, but it takes a while to figure out what’s right for you.
nervous. I begged my mom to buy them for me, but she wanted Adler: If you want to use tampons, find a good starter tampon.
me to do it myself. I got a male cashier and didn’t make any eye Something small. You’ll have to change it sooner, but it’ll be eas-
contact. And then I just cried on my way out the door. I don’t ier to get comfortable.
know why.
Kaitlyn: I typically use a tampon and a pad, and I’ve been want-
Kaitlyn: I stare the cashier in the eye when I buy tampons or ing to try menstrual cups because I like that they are reusable.
pads. I hate the stigma. My friends will be like, “I need a tampon.
Slide it under the desk!” and I’ll just throw it to them in the mid- Adler: My mom sends me period product trends and is about to
dle of class. There just shouldn’t be stigma around it. order me a ton of period panties [washable, reusable undies that
absorb your period].
Amber: Don’t get scented stuff. It’ll just irritate your skin.
How does your period affect you
and what helps you feel better?
Any other words of wisdom for girls who
Evelynn: The week before, I’m just really frustrated at every- are about to have their first period?
thing and everyone. And then the week of my period, it’s just
sadness. It’s terrible. Adler: Every experience is different. Don’t freak out if your first pe-
riod seems different from what you’ve heard. It’s probably normal.
Adler: I turn into a witch. I always get a killer headache the day
before and then I’m just awful to everyone. I get very antisocial. Evelynn: Make sure to tell someone who can help you!
Evelynn: My flow is really heavy and my period lasts a full seven Adler: Buy stuff now so you’ll have supplies when it happens.
days. My friends have them for three days and then they are done. And if you have friends who already have their period, talk to
them!
Kaitlyn: I just wallow in my pain and try to lie down in differ-
ent positions. I still don’t really know what to do. Kaitlyn: Don’t be scared if your period is irregular, but also
don’t forget to track your period. I have the Clue app. Most im-
Amber: I usually go into my room, lock the door, turn off all the
portant of all, don’t be embarrassed!
lights, get a pillow and lie there facedown. Ginger tea does help
in my experience. Amber: Yes, love yourself! Even though this is happening, you
should still continue being yourself.
Adler: Lying on my side and rubbing my stomach clockwise
helps me. And yes, liquids, liquids, liquids. Stay hydrated. Pho
is great. And I like taking baths. I get cold and hot flashes when
I’m on my period. If I’m feeling really hot, I’ll run a cold bath. If
I’m feeling really cold, I’ll run a hot bath.
Evelynn: Ibuprofen doesn’t really work for me. I typically end
up switching to Aleve. It’s really important to figure out what
helps with the pain. Heating pads can only do so much. The pain
just comes and goes. I have friends who take birth control to
alleviate the pain.
Adler: Exercise helps me with cramps. I know it works for a lot
of people. I also like martial arts to let all the emotions out so I
won’t yell at my mother or my cat.
GEAUX GIRL! SUMMER 2019 13Use hashtag
#nolageauxgirl
to submit your
photos through
Instagram!
“Untitled”
by Breyisha McKay
(15), Sophie B. Wright
“Eye-capturing” Charter School
“In Bloom”
If you want your art to be featured in
Geaux Girl!, email your photography to
submissions@geauxgirlmagazine.org.
Please make sure to include your name,
age, school, and a phone number where
we can reach you.
We are also always on the lookout for
great shots for the cover. To submit a
cover shot, keep in mind that the image
needs to be vertically oriented and
provide space for our logo at the top!
by Breyisha McKay
(15), Sophie B. Wright
Charter School
“Bacon”
14 GEAUX GIRL! SUMMER 2019“In Bloom”
”
by Alice Hanks (14),
Benjamin Franklin High School
“Summer” “Tourist”
GEAUX GIRL! SUMMER 2019 15THE SAVAGE MAKEOVER
Your Personality
By Dr. Sarah Fontenelle
The word “savage” means wild or uncontrollable. A Savage Makeover is unlike
any makeover you know; it’s got nothing to do with changing your bedroom,
makeup, or hair. A Savage Makeover is about your mood, thoughts, and feelings.
You—and all other teenagers—will experience a Savage Makeover because of
the changes your body and brain go through during the teenage years.
Being an adolescent can be challenging and leave you feeling crazy at
times. I am here to help you understand the “savagery” a bit better
so you can take advantage of these years and emerge a better you.
IN NEW ORLEANS, people love to wear masks. They allow us to
transform ourselves into someone (or something) we are not—
just put one on and see how even your physical posture changes to
accommodate the character. The truth is that each one of us wears
a symbolic mask every day, by way of our personality.
What is personality? In “simple” words, it is the essence of a
person—one’s pattern of social, emotional, and behavioral ten-
dencies—that emerges from and adapts to one’s interactions with
the world. This means that your personality can change, although
certain aspects often seem to stay the same—like how friendly or
adventurous someone is. Personality is basically a constellation of
habits. You probably change your habits every day (without realiz-
ing it) based on who you’re with and what you’re doing. Think for a
minute about how your principal sees you versus your best friend?
What about your mother versus your neighbor? These people may
see you differently because you’ve learned how to control certain
aspects of yourself to accommodate the situation.
Adolescence is the perfect opportunity to try different person-
alities, to experiment, and be intentional about the “mask” you
wear. If you find you are not very open, maybe try being more
spontaneous when given the opportunity to try something new.
Or if you find you are more introverted and highly competitive,
challenge yourself by joining a team that requires collaborative
effort. Explore all of your personality potential!
16 GEAUX GIRL! SUMMER 2019Activity
DESCRIBE YOUR OWN PERSONALITY BY SAYING “I AM “ AND FILLING IN THE BLANK.
For more insights into your personality (and extra fun!), get together with a friend and have each of you
complete the “I am ” statement five times (yes, write down five different things that are an important
part of who you are!). Then each of you complete five “You are ” statements about each other.
Compare your perception of your own personality to that of your friend’s perception of your personality.
What are the similarities and differences? What would explain the differences?
Take this quiz to discover your
NOLA Summer Personality
Circle T(RUE) or F(ALSE) for the following statements—whichever most accurately applies:
1. I would rather follow my mother’s recipe for jambalaya than make up my own. T F
2. I tend to rush through my work and often make careless mistakes. T F
3. I like to be the center of attention. T F
4. I’m quick to forgive when someone has done something that hurts my feelings. T F
5. I’m afraid to speak up in class for fear of sounding dumb. T F
6. In the summer I wear what keeps me cool versus worrying about the way I look. T F
7. I tend to forget to put things away when I’m finished using them. T F
8. I tend to get in trouble in class for talking to my friends. T F
9. I always try to see the good in other people. T F
10. I often worry about what others think of me. T F
1 1 . I’d rather go to Voodoo Fest for the third day in a row than a one-time TED Talk. T F
12. I tend to say things impulsively without thinking about the consequences. T F
13. I tend to say “hi” when I pass others on the street versus being aloof. T F
14. I believe you have to look out for others before yourself. T F
15. I’m afraid to make mistakes. T F
16. When sad, I prefer to do something fun versus think about what I’m feeling. T F
17. I often wait until the last minute to start a project. T F
18. I would rather go to the mall with my friends than read a book. T F
19. I try to avoid arguments. T F
20. I find it difficult to relax and have fun. T F
21. I’d prefer a sno-ball with my three favorite flavors mixed versus a flavor I’ve never had. T F
22. I tend to be late when meeting friends or for scheduled activities. T F
23. I often say what I think even in front of people I don’t know well. T F
24. I would rather have fun versus win a game. T F
25. I get stressed out easily. T F
GEAUX GIRL! SUMMER 2019 17Put a 1 or 0 in the empty boxes for each item on the previous page!
Scoring For each item you indicated as TRUE, put a 1 in the empty box.
Key For each item you indicated as FALSE, put a 0 in the empty box.
Add up the number of points for items of the same
color and put the total in the appropriate box:
Pink (#s 1, 6, 11, 16, 21) =
Purple (#s 2, 7, 12, 17, 22) =
Yellow (#s 3, 8, 13, 18, 23) =
Blue (#s 4, 9, 14, 19, 24) =
Green (#s 5, 10, 15, 20, 25) =
0-1 “OPEN” = You tend to seek out new experiences and ideas and are very imaginative.
Pink 2-3 “QUIRKY” = You are unpredictable and may have difficulty making decisions.
4-5 “COMFORT” = You like what is familiar and tend to stick with what you know works for you.
0-1 “DISCIPLINED” = You tend to be reliable and prompt because you plan ahead and are organized.
Purple 2-3 “SELECTIVE” = You are strategic and methodical only about the things you’re excited about.
4-5 “SPONTANEOUS” = You tend to “fly by the seat of your pants,” or act on instinct in the moment.
0-1 “INTROVERT” = You tend to be self-driven and value your personal space and time.
Yellow 2-3 “AMBIVERT” = You enjoy socializing when you don’t have more important things to do.
4-5 “EXTROVERT” = You are high-energy and prefer interacting with other people.
0-1 “COMPETITIVE” = You are competitive and may be perceived as distant and stoic.
Blue 2-3 “ASSERTIVE” = You are generally agreeable but push back when it comes to strong beliefs.
4-5 “CHARMING” = You are concerned with harmony and cooperation and tend to exude warmth.
0-1 “OPTIMIST” = You tend to be calm and optimistic and undeterred by failure.
Green 2-3 “REALIST” = You tend to see things as they are, for good or for bad.
4-5 “PESSIMIST” = You have perfectionist tendencies and tend to be too hard on yourself.
Fill in the five blanks with the words that best describe you from
each section to determine your NOLA Summer Personality:
__________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________
Dr. Sarah Fontenelle is a licensed developmental psychologist based in the Greater New
Orleans area. She earned her doctorate in Experimental Psychology from Tulane University, where she
studied the mechanisms that drive early human development. Dr. Fontenelle has since worked with
many families, including parents and their teenaged children, to help them achieve school, work, and
personal goals. She also makes time to pursue her passions, which include giggling with her 4-year-old
twin daughters, singing in a band with her husband, and reading books about quantum physics.
18 GEAUX GIRL! SUMMER 2019audrey
ligier
Meet Audrey
Ligier, a rising
high school
sophomore at
Morris Jeff
Community
School who
became
Louisiana’s first
transgender
homecoming
queen last
November.
GEAUX GIRL! SUMMER 2019 19“I was nervous that
people were going
Age: 15
to judge me because
I was the center of
Best advice ever received:
attention and walking
Confidence is everything. in front of everyone,”
Audrey recalled when
Personal motto: thinking back to the
moments before the
Don’t be afraid to do what you want in life. homecoming game.
When did you realize that you feel female although you were born male?
Ever since I was old enough to remember. When I was little, I wore dresses and told the kids in kindergarten that I
was a girl. I wrote a letter to the tooth fairy once asking to be made into a girl.
When did you come out?
I came out as bisexual first. About a month later, in August 2017, I came out to my dad as trans. I was super nervous
and didn’t want to do it in person so I just texted him. It was nerve-wracking. He texted me back “That’s cool” or
something like that and we talked when he came home later.
What has your process of transitioning from male to female been like?
My dad got me a therapist to work out what I had going on in my head, and she referred me to an endocrinologist for
puberty blocking medicine. That was a big step. Homecoming was the first time that I dressed in female clothing and
wore makeup. It basically was my official coming out. I still went by my birth name, Dylan, though and used they/
them pronouns. Once my doctor and I started talking about hormone replacement therapy (estrogen) and I started
presenting as a female in clothing, I decided to start going by she.
Why did you want to be homecoming queen?
I went to a school masquerade ball and they had a queen. Truthfully, I really liked the idea of getting a tiara, so I ran
for the queen of that dance. I didn’t win, but it broke the ice for me to try again. I found out about our school having
its first homecoming dance and they were having a meeting for those interested in running. I told my dad I wanted
to run. It wasn’t until the school talked about the implications of this being a media event that I realized this would
be about more than just a crown, but a stand for the rights of myself and others like me.
What did it mean to you to be voted homecoming queen by the student body?
It was huge! I felt like I was supported for me being me, which is a lot when you’re in high school and you’re not like
everyone else. I wasn’t popular so I didn’t expect the win. That’s what made it that much more special. The day I
found out, I couldn’t even get out of the campus without everyone trying to hug and
high-five me to show their support.
Were there any negative reactions?
There was a lot of press about this, from WDSU and WWL on TV to NOLA.com and
even national press like Huffington Post. With that came a lot of bad comments, but my
principal, Mrs. Margaret Leaf, warned me not to read the comments, so I didn’t read
any… not even one. But my dad did. He said I was better off not reading them. There
even were several death threats. Some classmates posted not so nice stuff on social me-
dia and the student who was elected homecoming king didn’t want to escort me, but
one thing I know is that you can’t let what others think stop you from being you.
Her dad walked Audrey across the basketball court. “I could feel her shaking.
I was nervous too. I think I cared even more about what others were thinking
than she did,” he said. When everybody started cheering, they felt a huge sense
of relief. “I almost cried with happiness,” remembered Audrey.
20 GEAUX GIRL! SUMMER 2019Audrey had never worn makeup
until homecoming and loved
getting pampered by Emily
Tatum, a movie makeup artist
who volunteered her services
to make Audrey feel extra
beautiful and confident. (Hair by
Marcos Gonzales)
How do you deal with intolerance and hate?
You have to be strong and not let what others say get to you, because you are the only one who can let that negativity
have power over you. And I know that I am not what those people say.
It takes inner strength to live one’s authentic self, but we also need other people
who support us. What does your support network look like?
I surround myself with positivity. Everyone around me accepts me and is very supportive. All of my family is supportive,
except for my mom. My parents are divorced and my father raises me so it’s not that much of an issue. Maybe one day
she’ll realize I’m the same person she’s always loved and known. Until then, I get more than enough love and support.
Is there anything you tell yourself or do when things are tough?
I tell myself that I am strong and capable of doing anything I put my mind to.
You are a role model for other young transgender people. What has been the
response from the New Orleans LGBTQ community, especially from other gen-
der non-conforming teens?
I have had people come to me telling me that because of my courage it has helped them to come out or live their true selves.
Any words of encouragement for someone who isn’t living their authentic self
yet out of fear of being rejected?
It’s really important that you not care what other people think. You are the only person to live with you 24/7 and your
opinion is ALL that matters. You only live once, so live your true, authentic self.
Waiting for the limo at her school.
“I couldn’t wait for the dance,” Audrey said.
“My friends were
so excited for me,”
Audrey told us.
Photos by © 2018 Scott
Saltzman / Barefoot
Photography
GEAUX GIRL! SUMMER 2019 21with Dr. La’Nasha Tanner & her team at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine
How do you know your period is coming?
There are lots of signs that your period is going to show up in a few days. Skin breakouts are pretty common
due to clogged pores, and you might experience breast tenderness. The hormonal changes also make it
more difficult to get a good night’s sleep so you may notice that you’re feeling more tired and even a little
bit sad. The most common sign is abdominal cramps; these usually come right before bleeding starts and
last 2-3 days. Mood swings are a common sign to watch for at this time of the month as well. Be sure to get
enough sleep, eat healthy, and try to exercise during your cycle to help relieve these symptoms. Stacey Holman, M.D.
Does sex hurt?
Having sex should not hurt. A healthy sexual relationship between people involves good communication
about what you like and don’t like. This is especially true when it’s your first time. You should talk about
anything that hurts or feels uncomfortable. You can also use a lubricant to prevent pain that comes
from genital dryness. When in doubt, talk with your partner to make having sex an enjoyable and
painless experience. And remember, there is absolutely no need to rush into having sex. Do not engage
Katherine Williams, M.D.
in sexual activity if you don’t feel ready!
Why do boys love pornography?
Some boys like pornography—and so do some girls! Pornography allows us to see sexual acts
that maybe we had only imagined before. Most of us have had imaginary sex scenes in our mind, and
pornography is one way to see them come to life, without actually having to do them. Most boys have
a higher sex drive than girls so they will imagine sex scenes, and potentially want to watch them, more
often than a lot of girls. Girls may be less likely to talk about watching pornography, even if they do
like to watch it. It is totally normal to either like to watch pornography or not! If you have a boyfriend
who watches pornography, it may make you think that he wants to be with someone other than you.
This very often is not the case—they are just turned on by watching some of their fantasies played out.
Nicole Freehill, M.D.
Curious about something?
You can email REALTALK@GEAUXGIRLMAGAZINE.ORG to submit your anonymous questions.
22 GEAUX GIRL! SUMMER 2019Whatever your questions may be, Geaux Girl!’s very
own sex ed and girls’ health expert, Dr. La’Nasha
Tanner, and her team at LSU Health New Orleans
School of Medicine are here to answer them. Dr.
Tanner, a native New Orleanian and graduate of
Spelman College and Meharry Medical College who
completed her residency at LSU, can’t wait to
answer your questions so let’s get real!
How do you kiss and what is French kissing?
Kissing is a form of showing affection between two people, which involves interlocking your lips with someone
else’s. French kissing is basically a more intimate form of kissing with your mouth open that includes using
your tongue. There really is no formula for how to kiss, but you and your partner will find a rhythm that is
enjoyable for you both. There will probably be some trial and error along the way. The important thing is that
you are learning how to experience this with someone you feel comfortable with!
Selamawit Whitfield, M.D.
I’m worried that I don’t smell good. What do I do about body odor?
Body odor is the perceived smell your body gives off when bacteria that live on your skin are broken down
by sweat. The smell usually comes from your feet, groin, armpits, genitals, pubic hair and other hair. Body
odor is unique to each person and is influenced by diet, gender, health, and medication. Your unique smell
may even be pleasant to others. However, if you perceive your smell to be unpleasant, here are some ways
to prevent body odor: wash daily with warm water to reduce the bacteria on your skin; wear natural fibers
such as cotton or silk that allow sweat to evaporate; use deodorant and antiperspirant. In severe cases, Botox
Jamie Sias, M.D.
injections or even surgery can be used to reduce the amount of sweat produced by sweat glands. You should
see your doctor if your body smells different than usual or if you are sweating more than usual.
I have always hated having boobs. I started binding and I feel
so much more confident, but my parents don’t really understand.
They think I’m trying to look like a boy, but I’m not and they know I
am not transgender. I just don’t like boobs. Am I weird?
First of all, you are not weird. If binding makes you feel more comfortable in your body, that is okay. Explaining that
to your parents may help them understand. There are many different reasons why girls, and women, may bind.
Ophelia Langhorne, M.D.
These include athletics, costuming, gender dysmorphia, cross-dressing, transgender identification, lactation
suppression, wound healing, aesthetics, concealing breast development, and even to help heal from surgery! Whatever your reason, as
long as it contributes to a more positive body image of yourself, it is okay. It is important to know that you can hurt yourself or deform
breast tissue with overly restrictive binding. To be safe, if you bind, make sure that you use a stretchy material and wear it as loosely as
needed to get the look you want. Lastly, don’t bind for more than eight hours at a time.
GEAUX GIRL! SUMMER 2019 23By Brooke Naranjo
A GYNECOLOGY (GYN) EXAM, also called a female exam, is a clinic visit that focuses on the female body—mainly
the female reproductive organs (breast, vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries). Some pediatricians and
primary care providers can perform these visits, but often girls prefer to go to an OB-GYN (obstetrician-gynecolo-
gist). OB-GYNs are doctors who specialize in women’s health, pregnancy, and post pregnancy care.
GYN exams will cover questions you may have regarding the female reproductive organs, female hormones, your men-
strual cycle, menstrual pain, contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), urinary tract infections, or your breasts.
Every clinic and visit are different, but here is a general overview to help you navigate the world of stirrups, specu-
lums, and pap smears.
Making an Appointment
1 When you call the clinic, let them know whether you are a new or returning patient.
2 Provide a brief reason for your visit. You can give as much or as little information as you like, whatever makes you
comfortable. Some examples: “I have cramps with my period.” “I need to get tested for STDs.” “I want to learn about
my options for contraception.”
3 You may need your insurance and contact information. Let them know if you have Medicaid or CHIP.
4 Ask if there’s anything else you will need for your visit, such as medical records or a list of current medications.
The Visit
Again, this process can vary, but it typically consists of the following phases:
1 CHECK-IN: This part will be completed by clerical staff. You will be provided with privacy guidelines explaining confi-
dentiality, you will be asked to share your phone number and address, and your picture may be taken. Sharing your
phone number is important. This is how your provider will contact you regarding lab results.
2 TRIAGE: You will be greeted by the medical assistant or nurse to take your vital signs: weight, height, blood pressure,
heart rate, and temperature. Most likely, you will be asked when the first day of your last menstrual cycle (period) was
and will need to collect a urine sample. If you need to use the restroom while you’re in the waiting room, ask for a cup,
just in case (so you don’t empty your bladder before they ask you for a urine sample five minutes later).
3 AFTER YOUR TRIAGE IS COMPLETED, you will be escorted to an exam room, where you will be asked to share your medical
history to assist the provider with your care. Medical history includes: medication, allergies, and medical, surgical,
family and social histories.
4 THE PROVIDER WILL COME IN to get detailed information about the reason for your visit. If you brought someone with
you, they may be asked to step out briefly.
5 DEPENDING ON THE REASON FOR YOUR VISIT, the provider may ask you to change into a gown for an exam. This could include
a breast exam (although breast cancer is very rare in teens) as well as an exam of your inner and outer reproductive organs.
24 GEAUX GIRL! SUMMER 2019The Two Ps: PELVIC and PAP
A lot of fear is created around the pelvic exam and Pap test.
Before you panic and cancel your appointment, we encourage you to take deep breaths and
remember that everyone’s experience is different… and it’ll all be over before you know it!
Not all adolescent gynecology visits require a pelvic exam or Pap test. A pelvic exam may
be required if you’re experiencing pelvic pain or there are any other concerns about the
health of your female organs. A pelvic exam allows the provider to look
at the inner and outer reproductive organs. This is done by
completing a visual exam, physical exam,
and bimanual exam.
What to Expect from Your First Pelvic Exam
1 You’ll be lying on your back with your feet in stirrups
2 The outside of the vagina (vulva) is examined
3 Speculum (can be metal or plastic) is inserted into the vagina opening so the provider can look at the vaginal walls and cervix
4 Bimanual exam: two fingers are inserted into the vagina to feel the uterus and ovaries
(the provider will press down gently on your belly with the other hand)
The other p word: a “Pap” is a test performed during a pelvic exam. Pap tests screen for cervical cancer. Some girls are told
that they will need a Pap once they are sexually active. This is no longer the recommendation. A Pap test should be done at least
yearly in all healthy females 21 years and older. Girls who have a weak immune system (such as girls who are HIV positive) may
require a Pap before 21 and more frequently. If you believe this applies to you, talk with your provider.
What to Expect from Your First Pap Test
After the speculum is in place…
1 A soft brush is inserted into the vagina to collect cells from the cervix
2 The brush is placed in solution and sent to a lab
You might be a little uncomfortable during the exam, but none of this should hurt! Just breathe and try to relax.
GYN visits may take up to 45 minutes to an hour, although the pelvic exam typically only lasts a few minutes.
It will depend on your provider, the type of exam, and whether you’re a new or returning patient.
Brooke Naranjo is a family nurse practitioner and member of the REAL team at the LSU Health Sciences
Center New Orleans. The mission of Reproductive Education + Advocacy Louisiana [REAL] is to improve adolescents’
access and utilization of comprehensive, accessible, and youth-friendly sexual and reproductive healthcare services by
enhancing knowledge, expanding training, and growing advocacy capacity of current and future healthcare providers.
GEAUX GIRL! SUMMER 2019 25You can also read
