Bust

Bust is an entertaining, highly readable magazine aimed at 20- and 30-something women who unashamedly self-identify as feminists. It reflects a heavy influence of NYC/Brooklyn and the indie scene. The journalism is not terribly political or hard-hitting, but I don't think it intends to be. Bust does occasionally discuss things like comprehensive sex ed, breastfeeding in public, and misogynistic commercial ads; however, for the most part, the content is on the lighthearted side. I have subscribed for almost a year, although I've read it intermittently off newsstands since 2005, and overall, I really enjoy reading it.The great thing about Bust is that it has substance and is fun to read. There are never articles like "How to Look Thinner," "Choose the Right Anti-Aging Surgical Procedure," and other inane, self-hate-inducing garbage typically found in mainstream women's mags. By contrast, Bust has articles on female stand-up comedians, women who travel the world volunteering, and how to choose the right vibrator or electric guitar. (These are also great examples of how Bust has a more lighthearted tone than Ms. or [...].) [MM edit: Thanks a lot, Amazon, for editing out the word B**ch right there -- it's the name of a feminist magazine, not a derogatory term. Just shows you how far we still have to come.]Bust's regular features include:* Feminist interest columns -- Pop Tart, a tongue-in-cheek take on current pop culture; Museum of Femoribilia, with articles on women's cultural objects (swimsuit bra cups, restrictive petticoats, girls' toys, etc.) from the 1920s on and the feminist issues raised by them; and Mother Superior, by Ayun Halliday, who writes self-effacingly and hilariously about her kids' antics* DIY projects -- Make your own queen-size headboard, reusable tote bags, mod-themed tea towels, pillbox hat, subversive cross-stitch art, etc.* Recipes -- Chinese wontons, gingersnaps, tsimmes, mozzarella cheese (yes, how to curdle cheese), how to throw an eco-friendly Thanksgiving feast* Boy du Jour -- A short interview with a hot, progressive, not-so-mainstream dude* Fashion features -- Trend spotting; up-and-coming independent designers; a multi-page fashion spread illustrating a current trend (steampunk, outdoorsy hippie, cowgirl, 80s rock-chic)* Interviews with 1-2 progressive celebrities* Travel -- Articles on domestic and international destinations, with suggestions on restaurants, worthy hole-in-the-wall shops, things to do and see* Sex -- Reader Q&A with Betty Dodson and, more recently, Carlin Ross (this can get graphic at times, but it's info we were all wondering anyway); Sex Files, a column discussing general women's health topics; the "One-Handed Read," stories similar to those in other popular women's mags (i.e., porn for women)* Reviews of 1) not-so-mainstream beauty products, 2) recent indie music, 3) books written by or about women, and 4) recent indie movies produced/directed/written by or about women* Comic strip detailing the trialz & tribz of a high school sophomore in the 1980s (by Esther Pearl Watson) and a feminist-themed crossword puzzle at the end -- I luuurve the comic strip and the crossword!Bust is really big on indie musicians, especially those with a progressive bent, male or female. There is always at least one feature on a musician in each issue.It's also important to note that Bust is not misandronistic in any way; in fact, they're very open about appreciating, crushing on, and having relations with men.However, here's my one gripe: Bust has a somewhat "exclusive" vibe. Don't get me wrong -- they're not out there bashing people who don't subscribe to their indie ethos; they're just not inclusive of a wide audience. I agree with a previous reviewer about the general lack of inclusion of women of color (and I am white). There are, of course, some exceptions to this -- like the features on Eve, Rosario Dawson, Margaret Cho, Charlyne Yi, Sandrah Oh, and Rosie Perez, for example. But these features may be too few and far-between for women of color to feel truly championed. The bottom line is that Bust just aims for a very specific audience, which happens to be white, straight, crafty, indie/hipster feminists in their 20s and 30s. For some people, this may feel alienating. I occasionally feel like I'm not "hipster enough" for Bust, even though I'm pretty sure I fit into their intended demographic. ;)Despite this, I continue to read Bust because I enjoy the positive media outlet it provides, especially compared to the likes of Glamour, Vogue, Cosmo -- which make ALL women feel like crap, regardless of heritage, size, and interests. Personally, I get enough positive value out of Bust as a whole to let the occasional self-doubt slide.Overall, Bust is an enjoyable, lighthearted, pro-woman magazine. I'd suggest you check it out at Borders or B&N before subscribing, just to get an idea of its readability and look/feel. Recommended!

I LOVE, love, love this mag! One of the best things about this book is that there is no "right way" to be a chick these days, no ideal lifestyle, body, hobby, living space, career choice etc. The vibe in this magazine is that we are all diverse, intelligent, free-thinking, awesome women who enjoy all the different aspects of what it is to be a lady these days (crafts, fashion, cooking, motherhood, partnership, sex, music, movies, books, world politics etc). There is no judgment for the choices we've made (children/no children, career/stay home, partner/single, gay/straight etc), it's never derogatory or anti-male. I wish I would have had this magazine in high school it would have helped in SO many ways. I say get that subscription and while you're at it get yourself some back issues!

BUST is my favorite magazine. It only comes every other month so when it does I'm super excited. Usually magazines have the same old stuff saying it a different way. But not BUST. They have great taste in music, books,and movies (and a fun way they rate them lol). They also put in do it yourself projects that provide great instructions!They also always provide a little peice of Female History in every issue! The article in (Aug/Sep 2015 issue) 'The Unknown Soldier' about "the secret female fighters in the Civil War" was such a great read and very informative!I give BUST 5 stars every time!

Bust magazine covers a lot of different subjects, from entertainment to feminism to crafts. Bust magazine doesn't demean and sexualize women like other women's magazines do. Bust is geared toward women of straight, lesbian, or gay orientations. It is geared toward women in their 20s and 30s. The only other feminist magazine of the same caliber is Ms Magazine. I highly recommend Bust magazine.

I've gotten this magazine for a couple years now and I love it. I've saved every copy and refer back to the crafts and interesting articles all the time. It's certainly not Better Homes and Gardens! Yet it has crafts, fashions and interviews with famous people but with a twist. It's not just a women's magazine, it's more of a magazine for an open minded person.

The articles are funny, smart and different. I didn't know what to expect but I was happily surprised. I especially like that they use real women for their fashion spreads. And the items advertised for sale, well, their not your everyday run of the mill beauty products. ;) If you're looking for a cool mag to spend $20 on. Bust is definitley the right choice, plus it looks pretty cool on your coffee table.

Go GIRLS! I'm loving this magazine. Very uplifting and makes a gal feel great about herself, her sex and her awesome intellect...a rare thing on Earth in this time we live in.

My bust library of back issues isn't going anywhere, but I just sadly cancelled my subscription. This magazine used to flat out make my day (week?) as I eagerly devoured it. Now it is a flip and toss. Which is fine for those 10 bucks for 12 issues mags. This one, not so much. Plus the decline makes me sad.