Tag: feminism

I don’t know about you but I feel like I’m basking in a post-Women’s March glow at the moment. It certainly feels like the Feminist Movement has gained momentum again. The shots of the crowds were incredibly moving, uplifting images of solidarity. The world does feel a little brighter, so forgive me if this post seems to dim the lights on what was an incredible event.

In the aftermath of the march coverage, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of cynicism over the celebrations over the zero number of arrests, the comments on how peaceful the protesters were, and how well received the march was in general by the public. Whilst, yes, it’s always reassuring to know that no one got hurt, I can’t help but think about the levels of violence protesters faces for the Black Lives Matter movement and the Dakota Access Pipeline in the past year alone.

The Women’s March, though largely attended by a huge number of minority groups and run by women of colour, they were largely outnumbered by cis-white women. The march itself was well funded and rigorously organised. They had legal permission to march and police were very much on side for crowd control, rather than regulate protesters. For all intents and purposes, if you wanted to dive into activism this was probably the best possible situation to do so.

It begs to question, are we only willing to stand up when we know we’re not going to get attacked? Tear gassed? Blasted with ice water? Or even shot at?

More than a march, welcome to the movement

There is a privilege that comes with being white or cis-gender to have the choice of being actively political and to speak out. Even us, white passing people of colour have to admit that we so far have had an easy-ish ride.

The challenge now? Are we willing to reach out of our comfort zone, in order to protect those who have fewer rights than us. Are we willing to see the World intersectionally? Are we willing to understand that women of colour, the LGBTQ+ community and the disabled have been marching and shouting far longer than many of us have.

Are we willing to set aside our privilege and listen to people with wholly different experiences to our own?

A call to arms

So I speak now to you, the apprehensive and tentative activist. If you’re new to the movement, welcome. We are an inclusive and caring bunch. We want the numbers, we need the numbers now more than ever. But that uneasy feeling in your stomach that dealing with issues of inequality; of facing violent racism and homophobia head on; the drop in your stomach on being called out for being transphobic or ableist; the fervent tiredness of fighting?

It’s a familiar feeling that minorities are living everyday.

It’s not a fun feeling and it may be something you’re not used to. But it’s time to embrace uncomfortable conversations, issues and actions. After all, when has fighting for something you care about ever been easy?

A few things you can do right now to slide yourself into that mindset:

• Read one of the Founder of the Black Lives Matter movement’s (Alicia Garcia’s) article on why cynicism will not help build the movement, and how collaboration will.
• Follow these activist Twitter accounts: The European Women’s Lobby (@EuropeanWomen) a great network of Women’s organisations in the EU and Migrants Organise (@migrantsorg), plus the Women’s March (the USA and London branches), and these two amazing Twitter activists Shaun King and Dr. Eve Ewing.
• Read The Good Immigrant, for a fresh UK perspective on race, diversity and discrimination.
• Read Everyday Feminism’s tips on everyday radical activism.
• Listen to NPR’s Code Switch podcast, for balanced, well researched conversations regarding race.
• Consider subscribing to news sites like Bitch Media, Teen Vogue, Slate or Vox. All three are publishing some incredible journalism at the moment.

Whatever you do, don’t resolve to stand still on issues.

Embrace being comfortable with being uncomfortable.

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If you’re new activism, what’s been your first act? Was it something big like the Women’s March, or something small, like RT-ing activists on Twitter.

Ria Xx

We may be only a few days away from the inauguration of President Trump (vomits), but there’s a much more significant event happening in DC just a day after.

The Women’s March on Washington is due to take place next Saturday (21st January), with many sister solidarity marches happening all over the USA, and in the UK, Australia, Canada, and many other countries. After a fraught and divided 2016 the mission for the march is to bring forth a global conversation about women’s rights, diversity and equality. It’s affirmative, non-violent action in the face of a year that has both physically and vocally threatened the lives of women and minority groups. More importantly it’s an opportunity for people around the world to stand united in the face of corrupt, misogynistic governments, institutions and people.

“…We stand together, recognizing that defending the most marginalized among us is defending all of us.”

– Women’s March Mission Statement

Whilst attending marches and protests is a powerful tool, I know there are many passionate activists who cannot attend for financial or logistical reasons, are not physically or mentally able to attend. But there are many other ways in which you can participate, some of which don’t even involve getting off the sofa.

Financially support protesters

Protesting is costly. There’s travel expenses, accommodation fees, and food bills to consider, all before you even pick up a placard. Even if you can’t make it to a march, there may be someone who is dying to go, so why not help them out. If you are financially able donate to the Women’s March fund, sponsor transport, or have a look on their Facebook group or individuals on GoFundMe. Even the smallest donations make all the difference – think bottles of water, the cost of a return bus ticket or even printing costs for posters and banners.

Educate yourself on the issues and organisations the march is trying to protect

People aren’t marching for the sake of marching. The issues that underpin a protester’s motivation to march is just as important as showing up on the day, so swot up on what’s at stake. There’s a heavy focus in the US on protecting reproductive rights and Planned Parenthood – who’s federal funding is likely due to stop once Trump’s Administration in office. In the UK the Women’s Equality Party, Amnesty International, Verve, The Equality Trust & Unite are all key sponsors for the London March, and there are countless other charities around the world that are aligning their values with the protesters this weekend. One easy way to support these organisations is to learn about them and what they do. The next step, support them financially, volunteer, or educate others.

Get loud online

Linked with the last point, once you know what rights and issues are at stake, shout as loud as you can about them. Scour hashtags, promote the march on social media, repost articles, or encourage others who are based in nearby cities to attend in your place. Tweet media outlets and journalists urging them to cover the marches and the issues they are raising. Share articles and correct facts to stop the spread of fake news. And don’t limit yourself to your Twitter feeds. Get the message out on Instagram, Snapchat, your blogs (wink wink nudge nudge) and Facebook. Engage everyone you can, as vocally as you can.

Keep talking

Long after the protesters will leave DC, New York or London, the issues they have marched for will still (unfortunately) exist. The DC organisers have already noted aiming their rhetoric at Trump himself is not effective. Take Trump out the equation and we still have a divided world filled with racism, sexism, and homophobia. They have instead insisted the Women’s March’s priority is to raise awareness of pro-women issues. And we need to be consistently vocal about that fact. Hate does not dissipate over night. Which is why these important conversations need to be kept alive. The march is step one, it’s up to us to follow through.

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I’ll be making the most of these tips myself (as I’m unable to attend the London march *sad times*), but I hope you guys take these on board too!

Ria Xx