Semper Floreat is the University of Queensland's free & independent student newspaper.
As I turned four, my parents had to acknowledge the inevitable – and I was gifted my very first Barbie doll. Pink, sparkles, dresses, glitter, horses, ballgowns – you name it, and I had it. My precious father could have craved nothing more than to anticipate my first motorcross competition win or my first recorded […]
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The moon is beautiful when she shines. She lights my way and paves my tenebrous road with a path I can follow. She is there during my brightest dawns and she is there during my dimmest, starless nights. But I know that light isn’t really her own, it’s nothing more than a reflection. I’ve lived […]
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I owe them the entirety of my knowledge. It is an amusing contradiction, then, that I state with pride that I have never learned to braid my own hair. But I never had to learn to braid my hair because my big sister did that for me. My sister and I have lived on different […]
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Stoicism has seen a surge in popularity on social media. This philosophy was first developed by the Hellenistic Greeks, adopted by the Romans with Marcus Aurelius as one of the most well-known stoics. With stoicism’s popularity high amongst early 20th century Christian theologians, is it any wonder that this philosophy that was embraced by many […]
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In 19th century Queensland, the age of consent was twelve. Upon marriage, women lost what little autonomy they had. They were often forced to resign, and the law prevented them from owning property or investments, obtaining divorces easily, or retaining custody of their children. There were no laws against marital rape or domestic violence. Women’s […]
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I’m sure we all heard the recent audio clip of Triple M radio host Marty Sheargold passionately claiming on-air to the nation “God, don’t ladies carry on. Jesus Christ, there is no end of it. Honestly, endometriosis, and this is controversial… It’s made up.” Speaking from someone who suffers with this disease, I can assure […]
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Gisèle Pelicot is the 72-year-old woman who was at the centre of a mass rape trial in France in 2024 that shocked nations worldwide. It was not just the horrific nature of the abuse she suffered that made her a household name, but also her unwavering strength and determination. The trial has evoked criticism on […]
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I cannot believe a plane is about to embark me on a journey where I have always been told “don’t go” “it’s too risky” as a solo, young, woman, who does not speak the language. One of the countries I am about to visit is listed as one of the “most DANGEROUS countries” in the […]
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The woman I am? A cartographer of curiosity. Resident of far and wide. Adventurer, explorer. Treasure hound. Passionate devotee of beautiful things. Collector, curator. My most precious collection? Women. Priceless, robust, delicate. Such as a cursed amulet at the Nepalese border. Captivating. Intoxicating. Formidable. I offer you a glimpse at my collection. No passport required. […]
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Look upon the mighty halls, Filled with canvases and likenesses Perhaps you may happen upon a plaque A great artist was inspired by his beautiful wife Or fiancé Or daughter Never her on her own Her as adjacent to him He’ll immortalise her likeness to the canvas or marble Proclaiming her as his muse For […]
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