Nedra Johnson, a veteran musician in the women's music scene, shares her wealth of experience from the 70s and 80s. She dives into her impactful time at MichFest, reflecting on its significance in women’s herstory. The conversation shifts to her provocative T-shirt critiquing misogyny, igniting discussions on inclusivity in feminist spaces. Nedra also candidly addresses the complexities of trans activism and the ongoing debates about gender identity and safety, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and understanding within the community.
Nedra Johnson's music career was significantly influenced by her artistically rich family environment, particularly her father's jazz background and mother's songwriting.
Her engagement with the women's music scene, especially at the Michigan Women’s Music Festival, fostered a sense of belonging and commitment to female artistry.
Nedra emphasizes the need for open discussions about women's spaces in relation to trans activism, advocating for respectful dialogue over derogatory labels like 'TERF.'
Deep dives
Musical Roots and Early Influences
The music career of Nidra Johnson is deeply influenced by her family background. Growing up with a father who is a renowned jazz musician and a mother who was a singer-songwriter, she was surrounded by live music and artistic expression from an early age. The eclectic music scene in their home fostered her passion for music during her formative years in Santa Monica, where she participated in school orchestras and bands. Despite not attending college, her musical upbringing paved the way for her entry into the music scene, particularly within the women's music community.
Emergence in Women's Music
Nidra's introduction to the women's music scene was significantly shaped by her experiences in Woodstock, New York, where she was exposed to a vibrant community of women artists and musicians. She became actively involved in the women’s music movement during the 1980s, which included attending the Michigan Women’s Music Festival multiple times, solidifying her presence in the genre. The sense of belonging and camaraderie within this supportive female community motivated her to pursue her musical career further. Participating in various gatherings reinforced her commitment to women-centered music and the promotion of female artists.
Conversations on Trans Activism
Nidra explores the complexities surrounding trans activism and its impact on women's spaces, particularly at events like the Michigan Women's Music Festival. She recounts uncomfortable exchanges spurred by the rising tension between trans-inclusive perspectives and women-born women spaces, illustrating the divides these discussions have created within the community. Through her experiences, she emphasizes the importance of allowing open dialogue without resorting to derogatory labels, like 'TERF,' which she believes stifle meaningful conversations. Rather than shying away from conflict, she advocates for discussion as a pathway to understanding differing viewpoints within feminism.
The Significance of Female Space
Nidra passionately defends the necessity of spaces specifically for women born women, arguing that such environments foster empowerment and support. She emphasizes that the existence of these spaces does not inherently exclude others, but rather acknowledges the historical context of women's struggles and shared experiences. Through her performances and public stances, she seeks to maintain the integrity of these spaces, which she believes have become increasingly threatened by the push for broader inclusion without proper consideration. By questioning the implications of redefining womanhood, she calls for clarity on the boundaries and meanings of female spaces.
The Provocative T-shirt Incident
The conversation takes a provocative turn when Nidra discusses a t-shirt she created, which boldly addresses the 'TERF' label as a means of shutting down discourse. This t-shirt sparked significant attention and controversy, leading her to reconsider her public sharing of the message. She recounts that while her intention was to provoke thought and inspire dialogue, the immediate backlash from various groups revealed the polarized sentiments surrounding these discussions. Ultimately, she remains committed to her views, seeing the t-shirt as a catalyst for conversation rather than hatred despite the risks involved in speaking out.
On July 9th, Thistle Pettersen got to sit down with Nedra Johnson at the National Women's Music Festival held in Madison, WI. She asked Nedra about her music career, MichFest & a t-shirt Nedra made and posted online using the misogynistic slur term TERF. Nedra's insights and stories about Michigan make this a gem in the treasure chest of our women's herstory.
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