College Feminists Connect!

The Gender Politics of Ballroom Dance

Today I had the interesting and rare opportunity to take an hour social dance lesson at a neighborhood studio,Cinema Ballroom in Saint Paul.  A couple of weeks ago, my professor for my WGSS Senior Seminar revealed that she has been taking dance classes, and that a Macalester professor invited her and our class to join his Behavioral Neuroscience class in a dance lesson; his students were discussing the neuroscience of dance.  We enthusiastically RSVPed YES, thinking it would be a nice break from heavy theory and talking about gender - wow, were we wrong.

The Naked I: Wide Open

This past Thursday night, 20% Theatre Company performed The Naked I: Wide Open at Augsburg College. At its sold-out world premiere in February 2012, these artists offered to the world a unique theatrical experience in which local trans*/gender non-conforming artists and allies created and performed over twenty pieces.  These pieces explore issues such as gender identity, gender expression, self-embodiment, relationships, and love.  The cast at this performance was smaller than in its previous shows, yet nothing about the performance was lost in its smaller number.  The actors make you laugh, make you cry, and leave you with some food for thought.  Regardless of one's own gender identity, this show is not only powerful, but important.  During the talkback, director Claire Avitabile was asked whether or not she knew of other theater companies in the United States who did anything like this, to which she responded "no."  Because theater can create a sort of "utopian space" in which issues that are not usually explored have a defined place, a performance of this kind gives trans* and gender non-conforming individuals and their allies the ability to discuss the way they experience their bodies on their own terms.  When trans*/queer/gender non-conforming individuals are asked questions like "have you had surgery yet?" or "what is your real name?", regardless of the asker's good intention or not, the ability to educate is cheapened. It is not the task of trans* people to educate others, though many often do.  The hurtful nature of these questions, the bombardment of questions about (what really comes down to) genitals, is not, as many of the performers explained during the talkback, on their own terms.  We need more spaces for trans*/gender non-conforming individuals and their allies to talk.  We don't need more silence.

I highly recommend you discover the works of these artists. If you are able to see the show in person, The Naked I: Wide Open has two more performance dates on their current tour:  Tuesday, March 12 at Winona State University and Thursday, March 14 at St. John's Hospital in Maple Grove, MN.  Copies of the full-length play can also be purchased on Amazon.

For more information about 20% Theatre company, visit their website.

 

-Ingrid

 

Women's HERstory Month

Each year, I am ashamed to say, it always slips my mind that March is Women's History Month. I just totally forget that there is a month dedicated to the history of women. Why is that? It isn't because I don't think it's a good idea. It isn't because I don't love women (I think I have made it very clear that I do). It isn't because I don't consider myself a feminist (I mean...obviously...I'm interning at the Women's Consortium. I'm a die-hard feminist). I think the reason I forget is because, quite honestly, as a woman, as a women's studies student, EVERYday and EVERYmonth is Women's History month to me. I think about women, my makers and educators and those powerful individuals that have shaped me, I think about them and the stories they created, every waking second. These women are so powerful to me that they transcend a month of dedication. I'm not saying I disagree with this. I think it's wonderful (just as with Black History Month) that we have four weeks dedicated to the greatness of these oppressed peoples. I would hope, though, that after March (or February) is done that this awareness would continue on. However, despite the memoriams throughout these months, we tend to slip back into the rut of ourselves, of a patriarchal hegemonic society, once they are over. So I want to inspire us to notice these people (and, just in celebration of the impending month I will focus solely on women) in our everyday lives because, in all truth, they have impacted us in every way (even when we do not realize it).♀ I love ALL women (both transgender and cisgender women). I love womyn of all sizes, colors and sexualities. I love womyn of all ages, classes, nationalities and abilities. From all political backgrounds and passions. Women are my friends, my lover, my mentors and advisers, teachers, heroes, mother/grandmothers/aunts. I love women because they are strong, intelligent, capable and beautiful beings. I love women because they teach me how to be the woman I want to be. I love working with women, playing with women, collaborating with women, learning with women, talking to women and being artistic with women. Although the feminist movements had&have flaws, I am still proud to say that I am an advocate for feminism trying to champion and fix those failures. Because my love for all women is so strong, enduring, intense and true ♀ xoxo 

My SHEroes are the women who pioneered for me the notion that a woman is so much more than what societies allow her to be. A woman is more than a textbook history, more than a media portrayal. More than any of us may even know about ourselves. These women taught me how to be more...

♀♀♀♀For each week of this month

                  I will post a miniature bio

           of 2 of the women I most admire.♀♀♀♀

 Here is the beginning of the list of some of my personal SHEroes...

 

• Willa Cather: Was an American Novelist. Her stories detailed life on the Great Plains (some of her greatest works are O' Pioneer, Song of the Lark and My Antonia), her protagonists almost always were young women. She grew up in Nebraska, attended the University of Nebraska (where she often used the name "william", dressed in "man's clothes" and cut her hair short) and, later, won a Pulitzer Prize for her novel One of Ours (set during WWI). There is a lot buzz around whether or not Cather was a lesbian, but not much proof either way. Some debate that her writings had queer tendencies or could be applied to queer theory. Despite whether or not these accusations are true Cather's most significant and impactful friendship was with the editor Edith Lewis of whom she lived with for 39 years, until her death. Towards the end of her career she started receiving negative criticism that attacked her supposed "romantic" (etc) manner of writing. This criticism was hard on her and she became reclusive. Due to this she destroyed most of her drafts, letters, notebooks, etc. Her style of writing can be dubbed romantic (which has negative connotations), but I believe it is better described as poetic and detailed. Her depiction of women is that of strong individuals who hold powerful positions (they aren't made out to be bimbos or femme fatales). As a young girl in home-school my mother had me read My Antonia, and later I would be drawn to O, Pioneers as well as Song of the Lark. As a thirteen year old I loved having a strong, literary, woman figure to idolize and admire (the way they adventured, made friends, followed their dreams, kept the farm running, held a business, inherited their father's land, etc). Her characters made me dream of this life. They inspired adventure in me.

                                                        Willa Cather

• Sophie Scholl: *9 May 1921 – 22 February 1943* (along with the other members of the White Rose non-violence resistance group). Executed because she was convicted of high-treason, because of her/their resistance and revolutionary ideas/actions against Nazi Germany (non-violent opposition). Initially the group just consisted of her brother and his friends, they later realized what a vital role S.Scholl would have in the movement (being a woman, she was less of a suspect for the SS). They co-authored several anti-Nazi pamphlets. One of my greatest heroes & role models. She taught me the power of peaceful resistance and dedication to what you believe in. A wonderful, inspirational and brave individual to recognize and look up to.

                                                            Sophie Scholl
        

 

To be Continued...

-Anna Ruhland

Have a Very Merry Inclusive Valentine's Day

But also, it's cis-gendered and heteronormative. What better way to perpetuate and condone societal definitions of "love", "relationships" and "lifestyles" than going into any store and only finding cards that adhere to the idea of a "heterosexual norm". It hasn't hit mainstream stores yet, but, the only GLBTQ related cards I have seen thus far come from the creative minds on Etsy (obviously not as accessible as Target, although much more supportive of individual artists).And back to these gender-stereotypes...there is some weird dominance surrounding Valentine's cards/greetings, some strange sort of romantic-aggression that I find disconcerting. Maybe I'm looking at too many vintage cards from the '20s where the man-figure in the card persisted, relentlessly, to pursue the woman-figure in the card. Or why is the woman always a tease? It's mysoginistic and demeaning to define a woman's role in comparison to a man's role (to state the obvious) but it even shows through in romantic gestures. By defining women by their relationships to other people is hardly an act of romantic expression. Why isn't the woman showering the man in this heterosexual card with flowers and chocolate and puppies? Pretty sure men like that stuff, as well...I mean, they are human...who doesn't like sugar and cute animals?

I also believe that, with all this focus on out-doing someone romantically or, "since its Valentine's Day we have to do something extra special and loving and we have to be extra nice and caring towards one another more so than we do any other day of the year", we tend to forget that we should show love and gratitude and appreciation 24/7. Not just to our partners, but to the guy on the street, the woman in the library, the elderly neighbor shoveling their snow. Small acts of kindness that occur everyday of the year are much more meaningful than stressing over buying last minute flowers. Love for a stranger, for fellow-humankind is just as strong and necessary. (although I do appreciate that this holiday tries to spread the feeling of love versus that of hate).

And what better way of celebrating a Saint who secretly married people against the law (because HEEELLOOOO love transcends laws and should be allowed to EVERYONE) than going to a Freedom to Marry protest? Let's make Valentine's Day love inclusive to everyone! Where are my Homo-tine cards at?!? Or, celebrate Valentines day by celebrating VDAY. Spread love to your Vagina, treat it well, show som appreciation for yourSELF

I may be cynical when it comes to Valentine's Day, simply because I think we should spread love all year 'round, and I believe that we all forget that or simply do not consider it a necessity, but I'm also hyper-aware of the holiday's faults. Granted every holiday has turned into a commercialized Frankenstein's Monster representing what Dr. Capitalism desires it to represent (getting all Mary Shelley up in here), but not a lot have made me, personally, feel left out and restricted from its celebrations  ((when I was a kid I was always afraid my classmates wouldn't give me valentines because I never had any friends and I was the weird kid and I thought that if I didn't get one of those Walgreen's VDAY card packs I wasn't loved/liked. And now as a grown-up, still weird, with slightly more friends and in a pretty great relationship, I still feel left out, because of my sexuality, because I am constantly told (even if it's not so blatant) that my lifestyle is unacceptable) More than Valentine's (is it just me? am I imagining things, or do y'all simply adore this holiday?). The idealized notion of love should include everybody because, in reality, EVERYBODY feels love, at least some emotion close to it. Granted, I love getting chocolate and flowers from my mom and I WILL bake heart-shaped cookies for my friends BECAUSE I feel like Valentines day should encompass every sort of relationship that a human-being can have, not solely romantic/physical ones. I love all my friends, all my family members. Whether you be Gay, Straight, Bisexual, Lesbian, Transgendered, Queer, Black, Brown, White, any and all genders, any and all colors from the spectrum, a unicorn or a sloth...I love you all the same...365 days a year.

When trying to progress life as a minority, don't oppress others...

The article is titled: "I'm Tired of Explaining Why I'm Offended by a Racist Drag Queen"

It's about a drag queen in Oregon who perpetuated stereotypes about black individuals when dressing up as an "inarticulate black welfare mother with 19 children". This is problematic on so many levels. Not just because of the blatant existence of sexism, but also because this individual, apart of the GLBTQ community, and I believe it is safe to assume that they desire respect and equality for the members of their community, is fighting oppression and expression by placing another group of folk into a deeper area of disrespect. If you wish to extract yourself, save your community, the minority, from oppression it is demeaning, regressive and contradictory to do so to another. It is inexcusable no matter who you are or where you come from. We must take into account the overlap of GLBTQ with race and identity. Also, to be aware that OBVIOUSLY there are a number of non-white folk who identify as GLBTQ, and we cannot make them feel excluded from this community. Acceptance is key, especially since we are striving for it ourselves.What do you all feel about "freedom of expression" or a group of people (who are not apart of the hegemonic top) insulting another group of people?

 

<----here is the image of the performance given by drag queen "Shirley Q. Liquor". Blackface, wig and all. Condoning to stereotypes, a regressive and offensive move.

 

 

 

 

 

-Posted by Anna Ruhland

feel free to comment, queston, remark, etc

Trans* Inclusivity on Minnesota College Campuses

This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to be able to travel to Lansing Michigan with my college's queer group, Queer and Straight in Unity, to the United States' largest queer conference, MBLGTACC (Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Ally College Conference).  While I was there, I was able to attend a number of workshops, keynotes, speakers, and events.  I was super excited to go to the Minnesota caucus, where around 30 students and advisors discussed the conference itself, as well as attempted to create a network of support for campuses across the state. One of the largest issues that came up was trans* inclusivity for students at various campuses.  I also attended a trans* workshop, where this theme was discussed. 

Quick Facts about Trans* Inlusivity on Minnesota college campuses:

• 47 colleges/universities have nondiscrimination policies that include gender identity/expression
• Colleges and Universities that provide gender-inclusive housing:
  • Augsburg College (started Fall 2011)
  • Carlton College (generally not open to first-year students, available in residence halls throughout campus)
  • Macalester College (started fall 2005, open to juniors and seniors in apartment-style housing)
• Colleges with a process for Name changes (students who have not legally changed their names can still use a preferred name on campus records, i.e. ID cards, course rosters, directory listings):
  • Augsburg College
  • Carleton College
  • Hamline University
  • University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

Source: Transgender Law and Policy Institute

The above source also includes "Best Practices to Support Transgender and Other Gender-Nonconforming Students," which I suggest you check out.

What is your college or university doing to create a more inclusive campus for trans* students?  What would you like to see happen?  How can we join together?

Gender Neutral Bathrooms: An Easy Solution?

To many feminists, myself included (until recently), switching over to gender-neutral bathrooms seems like a no-brainer. Mary Ann Case, a law professor at the University of Chicago, called restrooms a “fault line,” saying, “very few spaces in our society remain divided by sex. There’s marriage and there’s toilets, and very little else". However, is it possible that gender-neutral bathrooms might present as many issues as sex-specific? 

First, allow me to highlight the issues with sex-specific bathrooms. 

    1. Male & female bathrooms force people who don't fit into societal gender norms to choose one of two bathrooms, both of which may be inaccurate at describing their identity. Forcing people to choose a bathroom when they may identify as androgynous or gender-fluid often causes them discomfort or frustration.

    2. People who appear to be a different gender than their anatomy can receive various levels of harassment, intimidation, and violence in sex-specific bathrooms-often no matter which they choose, and in some places can even be arrested for 'disorderly conduct' if the bathroom they choose doesn't match their driver's license.

    3. Sex-specific bathrooms also cause issues for families with children (such as mothers bringing sons, or fathers bringing daughters, to a restroom), and people with disabilities who need the assistance of an attendant of a different gender.

So, it would seem that switching over to gender-neutral bathrooms would solve a lot of problems, but what problems might this cause? Here are some issues with gender-neutral bathrooms:

2012 Election: Many Steps Towards Equal Representation

The 2012 election saw many 'firsts' for our nation's government. It is important to be aware of these firsts as a reminder that our society has come a long way inworking towards equality and representation in our governing bodies, as well as a reminder that we still have a long ways to go.  

Ideally, our government (at all levels) should represent all persons, so everyone has the opportunity for their values and opinions to be heard. This is, of course, easier said than done. It is also a difficult thing to measure. Certainly, just because someone is of the same gender, sexuality, race or ethnicity, or religion does not mean that they represent everyone from those groups; there is often more diversity of opinion within groups than between them. However, it is an indicator that attitudes are becoming more egalitarian when we see persons elected to office from demographics that have never been elected to a position before. Not because their identity is causing them to be a better representative, but because their identity is not inhibiting them from being elected.

You may be familiar with some of the firsts of this election, but in case you've missed a few, here they are:

Kids Belong In Homes, Not Alleys

November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month.

Approximately 1.6 million children are homeless each year. Along with the hardship of losing one's home, family, friendship, and routine, many homeless youth are also the victim of trauma. Homeless youth are exposed to countless dangers while living on the street, with an increased likelihood of substance abuse, early parenthood, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and a vulnerability to being trafficked. 

In 2010 in Minnesota, there were 15,898 homeless children. Although Minnesota ranks 2nd best among the states for its homeless youth population, this is still 15,898 too many. Here are some statistics on homeless youth in Minnesota via Youth Moving Forward:

• 47% of the total homeless population in Minnesota are age 21 and younger
• 52% of homeless youth are female (national statistic)
• 66% of homeless youth are Black, American Indian, Asian, Hispanic or of mixed race compared to 18% of all MN youth
• 49% report a significant mental health problem
• 51% had been physically or sexually abused

These number are all very sad, but the one that really stood out to me is "89% of homeless youth 17 & younger are enrolled in school". This means that teachers and other staff have the opportunity to recognize these children are homeless, and are not doing anything about it. I strongly feel that we need better programs implemented in schools to recognize homelessness as well as abuse. I think teachers are a resource for insuring children are safe and healthy that is not being used.

Take Back the Night a Success!

This past Tuesday, October 23rd the Minnesota Women's Consortium and the ACTC Women's Studies Programs co-hosted Take Back the Night-Twin Cities. Take Back the Night is an internationally held march and rally to protest and take direct action against rape and other forms of sexual violence. This year Take Back the Night Twin Cities was held on Hamline University's campus.

An estimated 150 people attended the event, including students from Hamline, St Catherine University, St Thomas University, Augsburg College, and Century College, faculty and staff from these schools, and many community members. 

The event consisted of two open mic portions where students performed music, spoken word, and shared their personal stories about sexual violence. There were organizations tabling with resources for students as well as activites including t-shirt and sign making. The Hamline University Gospel Choir also performed during the event.

The rally featured a number of fabulous and inspiration speakers, including Sarah Jane Johnston, President of Minnesota NOW, Erin Parrish, MN Women's Consortium Executive Director, US House Representative Betty McCollum, Bobbi Holtberg, Program Director at the MN Coalition for Battered Women, Katie Kramer, a representative from the office of Senator Al Franken who read a letter of support from the Senator, Donna Dunn, Director of the MN Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Susan Hadley McCormick, Founder of WomanKind, and Adrik Curtis, a representative of Outfront Minnesota.

The event was concluded with a moving candlelight vigil led by Hamline Women's Studies Professor Kristin Mapel-Bloomberg.

For those of you who were unable to attend this year, be sure to watch for the event next fall. The plan is for the event to rotate between ACTC college campuses.

This event was co-sponsored by Minnesota Women's Consortium, ACTC Women's Studies Program, Hamline University Women's Studies, Hamline University Women's Resource Center, Hamline University Sexual Violence Prevention Task Force, Hamline University Students Preventing Sexual Violence, Hamline University Poetry Slam, Hamline University Hip Hop Collective, Hamline MPIRG, Hamline Democrats, University of St. Thomas Luann Drummer Center for Women, the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women, HU Hedgeman Center for Student Diversity, Minnesota NOW Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Augsburg College Anne Pederson Women's Resource Center, St. Catherine University Abigail Quigley McCarthy Center for Women, Twin Cities Save the Kids, and Gender Justice.