Edition 69: The Year in Review with Lierre Keith & Elizabeth Miller
Jan 7, 2022
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Authors and activists Lierre Keith and Elizabeth Miller discuss top feminist stories of 2021 and offer advice for 2022. Topics include strategic planning against the gender industry, challenges in California prisons, Betty White's legacy, and the importance of female representation in the US. They also touch on setbacks faced by women's rights movements and the ongoing struggle for women's rights.
Representation of women in power shapes girls' aspirations.
Texas and Mississippi anti-abortion laws infringe on reproductive rights.
California's law allowing men in women's prisons poses safety risks.
Deep dives
Impact of Women in Power on Children
The podcast episode highlighted the importance of women in key positions of power and influence, pointing out the positive impact on young girls who view these figures as role models shaping their perceptions of possibilities. Referencing historical events like Billie Jean King's triumph in sports, it emphasized the significance of representation for shaping the aspirations and self-perception of young girls, underlining the importance of historic milestones in empowering future generations.
Texas and Mississippi's Anti-Abortion Legislation
The episode discussed the restrictive anti-abortion laws passed in Texas and Mississippi, particularly highlighting the severe implications of Texas' SB8, allowing private citizens to sue anyone assisting a woman in getting an abortion. It emphasized the alarming nature of the law's enforcement, essentially turning citizens into informants against one another, creating a culture of vigilantism that infringes on women's reproductive rights and privacy.
Challenges in California's Women's Prisons
The podcast shed light on the disturbing consequences of California's law allowing men to transfer into women's prisons based on gender identity claims. It revealed the dire impacts on female inmates, leading to instances of assault, rape, and heightened fear within the facilities. Furthermore, it highlighted the legal challenges posed by women's rights groups like the Women's Liberation Front, striving to protect the safety and rights of incarcerated women amidst these concerning developments.
Backlash Against Women's Rights Movements
The podcast episode discusses the historical and ongoing backlash against women's rights movements, highlighting instances such as the suffrage movement, post-World War II advancements, second wave feminism, and current challenges surrounding abortion rights and legal definitions of gender and sex. This backlash is exemplified through movements like men's rights advocacy, challenges to Roe v. Wade, and issues related to the transgender movement's impact on women's rights.
Activism and International Feminist Solidarity
The episode showcases examples of activism and international feminist solidarity in response to gender-critical issues. Initiatives include the Turf Collective's campaigns in Target stores, J.K. Rowling's advocacy for women's rights, and the Women's Declaration International's efforts to support bills defending women's sports and oppose gender identity provisions in legislation. The discussion also mentions protests against gender identity policies in public spaces and highlights international organizing efforts and feminist publications aiming to raise awareness and mobilize support for women's rights.
Today's show begins with the greeting and world news segment by Emiliann Lorenzen and Jennifer Bilek's monthly report on the Gender Industry.
Next, hear Jenna DiQuarto's tribute to the late great Betty White and the song "It's a Good Day" sung by Ms. White.
Following the song, hear interviews with Lierre Keith, author, and activist from the Pacific Northwest, and Elizabeth Miller, editor of Spinning & Weaving: A Feminist Anthology for the 21st Century and founder of the Chicago Feminist Salon. Both of these women offer their rundown on the top stories of 2021 and advice for what to focus on and look for in 2022.
Stay tuned 'til the very end for Sekhmet SheOwl's analysis and commentary on the women's movement in 2021 and what to look for in 2022.
Thanks for staying tuned to WLRN, feminist-powered community radio!
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