arvan's picture

Call for Solidarity: Freedom and Gender Equality in Iran

Submitted by arvan on 9 February, 2010 - 00:05
in

Over a month ago a group of Iranian women’s activists called for all defenders of women’s rights, women’s organizations and networks to take action in support of the women’s and civil rights movements in Iran, and to prepare measures of support and protest under the banner of “freedom and gender equality in Iran”.  They requested, in case of repression in Iran, that these organizations act as the voices across the world of their sisters in Iran, and in that way demonstrate solidarity with them.  Thus far many women’s and human rights organizations have responded to this appeal and some of them are planning events for March. Now the women of the world are calling to everyone to show solidarity with the people of Iran.  Please join us.  The names of individuals and organizations supporting the appeal and holding events will be announced as confirmed.

Show Your Support by Siging Our Statement Below

arvan's picture

Ireland: Abortion Limits Violate Human Rights

Submitted by arvan on 8 February, 2010 - 23:45
in
Policies Designed to Sabotage Access Both at Home and Abroad

(Dublin, January 28, 2010) - The Irish government actively seeks to restrict access to abortion services and information both within Ireland and for its residents seeking care abroad, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today.

The 57-page report, "A State of Isolation: Access to Abortion for Women in Ireland," details how women struggle to overcome the financial, logistical, physical, and emotional burdens imposed by restrictive laws and policies that force them to seek care abroad, without support from the state.  Every year thousands of women and girls travel from Ireland to other European countries for abortions.

"Women in need of abortion services should, as a matter of international law and - frankly -human decency, be able to count on support from their government as they face a difficult situation," said Marianne Mollmann, women's rights advocacy director at Human Rights Watch. "But in Ireland they are actively stonewalled, stigmatized, and written out."

LaPrincipessa's picture

Super Bowl 44: Sexism and Misogyny in Society 101

Submitted by LaPrincipessa on 8 February, 2010 - 19:25
in

Hey Women's Studies majors, no need to take those extra sociology courses - If you watched last night's Super Bowl and the accompanying advertisements, you're an expert in sexism and misogyny!

You can now say with confidence and pride: " I aced Sexism and Misogyny in Society 101". Well, you can only say that if you didn't break your TV after the whole shibang was said and done, no doubt some of us failed the course, myself included.

If you haven't taken this course or are interested in applying please see course features, prerequisite requirements and goals of the course below.

The cost of this course is monetarily free (cost upon society unquantifiable and unaccountably negative-for certain reverberating for generations, as the course will be reenacted every day.  )

The Time and Date of Course: Super Bowl 44 - but if you missed it, there will be another Super Bowl next February!

Christina Cicchelli's picture

Why Pee Wee Herman Influenced Me to Masturbate

Submitted by Christina Cicchelli on 8 February, 2010 - 16:02
in

When I heard that Paul Reubens was returning to the stage as his legendary alter-ego, I got excited. No… I got very excited. You know… down there. This Pavlovian response has followed me throughout Reubens’s career. From Buffy The Vampire Slayer to Cheech and Chong’s Nice Dreams to Blow… even in Reno 911: Miami, when I saw his eccentric character departing from an airplane, I couldn’t help but gather up my blanket underneath my curiously throbbing vagina and rub against it quite vigorously.

Strange as it may seem, this response is not surprising at all, for Pee Wee was the first to ever introduce me to the guilt-ridden joy of masturbation.

Clarisse Thorn's picture

Chicago-area pro-BDSM, sex-positive events this week!

Submitted by Clarisse Thorn on 8 February, 2010 - 12:58
in

Now that I have successfully ambushed my good friends in their home, I can break my semi-secrecy and announce that I am home in Chicago! This week only! (My favorite part was when I dashed into a close friend’s room, threw my arms around him from behind and was already squeaking with joy by the time he realized it was me and shouted “Holy shit holy shit!”)

Because I am me, I have arranged a host of sex-positive, pro-BDSM events for your pleasure even though I am only here for a week. Note that all these events are free and open to the public (though one comes with a suggested donation)!  Check it out:

SEX+++ DOCUMENTARY FILM SERIES: “SLUT” (2004)
Tuesday, February 9, 7 PM
Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, 800 S Halsted

Every town has one. She was notorious in your high school. The girls harassed her; the guys had her. Or did they? Who is the slut? Can one be both virgin and whore? What does the word actually mean and why is it often shrouded with invention and intrigue? And should “slut” be added to the ban on “7 dirty words” from radio and television broadcast? Come out and join us at the ongoing Sex+++ Film Series for delicious documentary and discussion, and also some fascinating snacks! Chicago’s own sex-positive activist Clarisse Thorn, the original Sex+++ curator, is visiting from her work in Africa and will facilitate the post-film discussion.

Christina Engela's picture

The "M" Word

Submitted by Christina Engela on 8 February, 2010 - 09:59
in

Are we only gay, bi, trans or intersex when the good times are rolling?

Are we only pink at parties?


You may detect a note of bitterness in my article today, and I apologize for it - but I feel that by just covering it over with pretty wallpaper will just do more harm than good.

So here we go, here beginneth my rant.

We all know the TV series "The 'L' Word"... well today's subject is "the 'M' Word".

This morning I attended a prayer vigil for the Methodist minister who has been suspended recently, not specifically for being gay - but for being gay AND daring to get married. I find this telling of the times we live in, in South Africa - where almost any attempt by us to use that precious "M" word results in slant-eyed looks, or sudden embarrassing silences.

I took leave specially just for this event as I did not want to miss it. A friend called me at the last minute to attend and asked me for a lift, and even though it was in the opposite direction to the church where the vigil was being held, I said it was on my way and picked him up.

We walked into church together five minutes early, with about 3 people sitting inside, including the minister. We looked at each other half sheepishly, recognizing the significance. This, it seems was going to be yet another typical Port Elizabeth event for the apathetic Port Elizabeth pink community.
LaPrincipessa's picture

Black Enterprise Announces 2010 Women of Power Awards

Submitted by LaPrincipessa on 8 February, 2010 - 00:21
in

This year's Legacy Award winners are B. Smith, Founder & Chief Creative Officer, B. Smith Enterprises; Hon. Shirley Jackson, Ph.D., President, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Audrey Smaltz: CEO and Founder, The Ground Crew Worldwide; Aulana L. Peters, Retired Partner, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP; and former Secretary of Labor Alexis M. Herman, who now serves as Chair and CEO of New Ventures LLC.

B. Smith: Founder of B. Smith Enterprises is an author, television personality, analyst, creative director and much more. Read more about her and her company here. 

Check out the other Women of Power Legacy Awards winners at their site. 

LaPrincipessa | Twitter: @sophiabiabia | sophiabiabia@gmail.com

(Posted at Women Undefined)

arvan's picture

Welfare Justice Coalition to Announce Win For Transgender New Yorkers

Submitted by arvan on 7 February, 2010 - 22:43
in

Written by Q4EJ

HISTORIC VICTORY:  WELFARE PROCEDURE APPROVED TO ADDRESS DISCRIMINATION AGAINST TRANS AND GENDER NON CONFORMING PEOPLE, BRINGING NYC CLOSER TO BEING INCLUSIVE FOR ALL NEW YORKERS.

NEW YORK CITY HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATION (HRA) APPROVES PROCEDURE FOR SERVING TRANS AND GENDER NON CONFORMING CLIENTS

(New York City, February 5, 2010) – TransJustice of the Audre Lorde Project, Housing Works, Queers for Economic Justice, and the Sylvia Rivera Law Project will announce a victory for their Welfare Justice Campaign at a press conference on February 10, 2010 at 10AM at the Housing Works Bookstore, 126 Crosby Street (between Prince St. and East Houston), Manhattan, NY. On December 23, 2009 — after five years of organizing by Trans and Gender Non Conforming communities — the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) passed a procedure to stop rampant transphobic discrimination and harassment in New York City’s welfare system.  Speakers include Jane Corbett, Executive Deputy Commissioner of HRA and members of the Welfare Justice Campaign.

Transgender and Gender Non Conforming people face extreme, abusive, unjust discrimination when trying to access government benefits in New York City. Some transgender people are denied the ability to even apply for benefits and told to come back when they “dress more like a girl, or boy.” Since 2005, Trans and Gender Non-Conforming (TGNC) communities in New York City have been fighting back by urging HRA to address the widespread Transphobia, discrimination, and harassment that Trans and Gender Non-Conforming people in New York City face when accessing public assistance.  In 2005 HRA and a Citizen Advisory Transgender Sub Committee developed Best Practice Protocols for Serving Trans and Gender Non Conforming Clients (the new procedure is based on this document). Unfortunately, these protocols sat on the shelf for years and were never implemented nor adopted by HRA.

Olga Wolstenholme's picture

My First Experiences With Oral Sex

Submitted by Olga Wolstenholme on 7 February, 2010 - 19:42
in

The first time someone went down on me, I was about fifteen and we had broken into an abandoned house on the highway walking distance from my house. The summer after grade nine was what I used to refer to as the best summer of my life. To put it mildly, I packed all the hijinks a teenager could get themselves into in two short months. For instance that very night, I had snuck out of my house to hang out with the boy I liked and his friends.

Sneaking out was exhilarating, but rather simple. I’d come home right around my curfew, say goodnight to my mom and go into my room. The moment I would get home she would go to bed. Once, I knew she was asleep, I’d put some pillows under my blanket, tiptoe out of the house and put my shoes on once I was outside. The trick was to come home before she woke up, something I forgot to do that very night.

The guy I liked, his friend and I had broken into an abandoned house. The place was a mess, clearly, we were not the first kids to enter the premises. Broken plates littered the floor, some of them broken by our very hands. Our friend passed out on the living room couch while the boy and I snuck into one of the bedrooms. A dirty mattress laid bare on the floor, but I didn’t mind. Two firsts would happen that night. It was the first time someone would explore my cunt with their hands and with their mouth. It was great. It was exhilarating. He was slightly off the mark, but I didn’t mind.

arvan's picture

Philip Huang: Sex Ed for Koreans

Submitted by arvan on 7 February, 2010 - 00:02
in

Philip on behalf of Reverend Moon educates Berkeley students about sex.  I don't know about you, but I want this guy on my street corner.

h/t Go Like Water

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