I recently saw this meme circulating on Facebook, including a request for on-line streaming films and television series which would pass all of the listed “tests.” I struggled to immediately think of any shows which would pass every test simultaneously (except perhaps The Great British Baking Show). Upon reflection, I was struck by how many […]
To Speak, or Not To Speak?
A work meeting today has me feeling some kind of way. I keep thinking about gender, and specifically, gendered communication styles. I am a member of a small but growing department, and we were having a check-in and reflection about how things have been going, and what could be better in the future when the […]
Woman
This piece was originally performed for Greetings, From Queer Mountain Episode 37: Woman. I originally had a different piece prepared. I am going through a breakup and I had a breakthrough in therapy yesterday that got me thinking. I have this tendency to twist myself into a pretzel in relationships to make the other person […]
Play a Day: Swipe Left
Read in the style of slam poetry. I joined Tindr to practice saying No. It’s a word women don’t say enough. No to thirsty cis male PUAs who show up on my feed of women. No to the poly woman who admits she wants a unicorn or a “piece on the side.” No to anyone […]
Review: Asking For It
Chances are, you know someone (or are yourself someone) who has been raped. Rape culture surrounds us all the time. Sometimes it seems like every time you turn around there is another news story featuring a celebrity accused of rape or a fraternity on a college campus making a sport out of raping freshman girls. […]
REVIEW: Spinster: Making a Life of One’s Own
I work part-time in a bookstore, and was captivated by both the title and cover of Kate Bolick’s new book, Spinster: Making a Life of One’s Own on our shelves. A woman, presumably Bolick, sits smiling on an antique sofa in a beautiful dress, holding an antique tea cup. It is at once nothing like the […]
What Bill Cosby Highlights About Rape Culture
Though there have been sexual abuse allegations against Bill Cosby for over a decade, women have started coming forward in increasing numbers with accusations against him ever since comedian Hannibal Buress called Cosby out as a rapist in his stand-up act last fall. No matter how many women came forward, however, there was always a […]
The Legality of Upskirt Photos; OR Ridiculous Things We Debate in the US
The most recent example of “holy crap how misogynistic is our legal system?!” comes to us from Oregon. Earlier this week, lawmakers in the Oregon Senate unanimously passed a bill which would help close a loophole currently allowing “upskirt” photographs of women to remain in the “terrifyingly legal” category. That’s right, ladies and gentlemen. It’s […]
Mad Max: Fury Road and the Future of Feminist Film
With the exception of watching Indiana Jones with my father growing up, I’ve never been a huge fan of action films. I would watch them if that’s what everyone else wants to watch, but it wouldn’t necessarily be my first choice. With all the media buzz about how Mad Max: Fury Road is a feminist action […]
Review: Emma When You Need Her
I am somewhat ashamed to admit as a feminist that I didn’t know that much about Emma Goldman or her life. But when I saw the Vortex Theatre was featuring a devised play about a female anarchist and activist trying to smash the patriarchy and capitalism, I figured, I’m in! And I was not disappointed. […]