Technology has given women the power to take control of their lives and their uteruses through processes like egg freezing and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Unlike our mothers and grandmothers, accessibility to reproductive procedures give us to power to choose where, when, how, and who we choose to conceive with, and it's f*cking revolutionary.
In the past, women who chose their to pursue their career during their "childbearing" years, or had same-sex partners were not granted the opportunity to experience childbirth. But it's 2018, and things have changed. Rihanna's muse and high fashion supermodel Slick Woods just proved it.
The LA-raised supermodel rose to fame after collaborations with Kanye West, Rihanna, and Marc Jacobs and has set the fashion world ablaze with her trendsetting, rule-breaking style, and intense advocacy for the LGBTQ community. And, the 21-year-old just added another title to her long list of accolades: "Mom."
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The fashion icon and self-identified lesbian just announced her pregnancy and the internet was shook. It's been heavily speculated that the baby's father is runway model Adonis Bosso, whose announcement was also met with a slew of questions and personal attacks from inquiring fans. Slick received so much backlash, that she took to her Instagram comments to set the record straight. When someone commented to question her sexuality, Slick had this to say:
"To think we live in a world where people still confuse sexuality with reproduction. Grow up."
When an openly homosexual woman announces her pregnancy, our first thoughts are: oh, I thought she was a lesbian. Although it's a confusing concept for some, lesbians have babies everyday, b. And it's usually not some assumed "accident."
It's time that we eliminate the age old idea that there's only one way to conceive, because thanks to modern technology, it's just not true. IVF is a procedure that is especially beneficial to couples who are unable to conceive naturally, and has changed the lives of parents around the world since the late 70's.
Regardless of what critics had to say, Slick received an outpour of support from her fans that even joked that her runway supermodel seed would pop out of the womb with a modeling contract. Not only will their baby have the dopest style on the playground, but when your parents are Adonis Bosso and Slick Woods, you've already won.
teenvogue.com
We live in a brave new world that gives women choices. And by that, I don't just mean in what lipstick color to wear today, I mean real choices that allow us to fulfill every vision we have for our future, regardless of our sexuality.
Congrats Slick, we're waiting on our baby shower invite in the mail! Seriously though…
Featured image via John Lamparski/WireImage
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The film follows Faith Mitchell, a wife and mother whose life is upended by a devastating loss. As she spirals into despair, it’s the love of family, friends, and God that slowly leads her back to light. And for Paula, this story wasn’t just a role—it was personal.
“It connected to a time in my life that I could really relate to,” she says. “That feeling of having lost so much and feeling like so much pain, and not knowing how to deal with the pain… and numbing out to do that.”
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A Story That Hit Close to Home
Having been sober for seven years, Paula says the emotional territory was familiar. But more than anything, it brought her closer to a deeper truth.
“Once you give [the numbing] up, you have to walk in the desert alone… and that’s when I truly found faith in God.”
Turning Pain Into Purpose
While the film touches on loss and addiction, Finding Faith ultimately lives up to its title. Paula describes the acting process as cathartic—and one she was finally ready for.
“Art became healing,” she says. “That was the biggest challenge of all… but it was a challenge I wanted.”
More Than an Inspirational Thriller
Finding Faith is described as an “inspirational thriller,” with layered tones of romance, suspense, and spiritual reflection. Paula credits that dynamic blend to writer-director LazRael Lison.
“That’s what I love about Finding Faith,” she explains. “Yes, she goes on this journey, but there’s other storylines happening that help it stay entertaining.”
"Finding Faith" cast
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On-Set Magic with Loretta Devine
With a cast stacked with phenomnal talent—Loretta Devine, Keith David, Stephen Bishop—it’s no surprise that the film also came alive through unscripted moments.
“We did this kitchen scene… and Loretta changed it,” Paula shares. “She wouldn’t leave. I had to change my dance and figure out how to work with it, and it took on this whole other layer. I’m forever grateful.”
Faith When It Feels Like Night
The film leans on the biblical verse: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Paula says that reminder is something she’s lived.
“When you’re feeling so anxious, and you look out in the distance and see nothing there… that’s when you have to trust God’s timing.”
Divine Timing Behind the Scenes
Paula didn’t just star in the film—she produced it through her company, Third Eye Productions. And the way the opportunity came to her? Nothing short of divine.
“I said, ‘Just for one week, believe everything’s going to be perfect,’” she recalls. “That same day, my friend Charles called and said, ‘I have a film for you. It’s called Finding Faith.’ I thought I was going to throw the phone down.”
What’s Next for Paula Patton?
When asked about a dream role, Paula didn’t name a genre or a character. Her focus now is on legacy—and light.
“I want to make sure I keep making art that entertains people, but also has hope… That it has a bright light at the end to get us through this journey here on Earth.”
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Feature image by Lev Radin/ Shutterstock