WLRN's 22nd Edition: The Politics of Love & Sexuality
Feb 1, 2018
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Bev Jo, a legendary lesbian feminist and separatist activist, and Meagan Tyler, a senior lecturer and author, discuss the complexities of love and sexuality in today's world. Bev shares insights on the deep connections between feminism and lesbian relationships, while Meagan critiques patriarchal norms regarding women's sexual experiences. They dive into societal pressures surrounding penetrative sex and challenge accepted narratives that diminish women's desires. Together, they advocate for a more inclusive understanding of love, emphasizing the significance of female friendships and authentic connections.
The podcast discusses how male dominance and societal norms on Valentine's Day diminish women's authentic expressions of love and affection.
It emphasizes the importance of lesbian love as a political act of resistance against patriarchal power structures and societal expectations.
The significance of female friendships is highlighted, showcasing their potential for emotional fulfillment and challenge to traditional heterosexual relationship norms.
Deep dives
The Enduring Impact of Male Dominance
Male dominance is deeply rooted across all sectors of society, impacting women's discourse and empowerment. This pervasive male entitlement permeates American politics, leaving little room for female voices except in specific feminist contexts. Even movements that aim for inclusivity often struggle to fully incorporate issues related to race and immigration. The podcast emphasizes the necessity for women to unite and assert their political power, especially in the face of patriarchal rule.
Valentine's Day: A Reflection on Love and Sexuality
The politics of love and sexuality are examined through the lens of Valentine's Day, suggesting that romantic love in a heteronormative society often perpetuates patriarchal values. The commercialization of the holiday distracts from genuine expressions of affection, pushing women into materialistic displays that overshadow authentic love. The discussion raises questions about how true affection between women is often stifled by societal expectations. It argues that authentic love and friendship should prioritize emotional bonds without the interference of male influence.
Women Marching for Change
The podcasters report on the Women's March as a significant movement, reflecting women's collective strength in the fight against male dominance and advocating for political change. Despite strides made, criticisms persist regarding the inclusivity of the marches, especially around race and immigration issues. The initiative aims to embolden women to not just vote but to run for office, which marks a considerable increase in female political participation compared to previous years. This reflects a broader shift in women taking on roles that directly challenge patriarchal systems.
Lesbian Love as a Political Statement
Lesbian love is depicted not only as an emotional connection but also as a significant political act against male power structures. This perspective presents lesbian relationships as pivotal to women's liberation, emphasizing that choosing partnership with women counters societal norms that dictate heterosexuality as the default. Discussion of love within feminist spaces promotes the idea that affection among women can disrupt patriarchal narratives. It challenges the notion that love must conform to heterosexual standards and encourages deeper exploration of female-centered bonds.
Redefining Female Friendships
The podcast explores how female friendships can be profound and transformative, often benefiting from the absence of male involvement. It suggests that friendship among women can offer more emotional intimacy and fulfillment than traditional heterosexual relationships. By prioritizing female connections, women can cultivate supportive environments that challenge patriarchal structures. The discussion emphasizes the importance of redefining love and relationships outside societal expectations, asserting that deep emotional connections can exist independently of romantic attachments to men.
WLRN's 2018 Valentines Day Edition on the Politics of Love & Sexuality begins with world headlines written and delivered by Jenna DiQuarto before featuring When You're Gone, a moving song about love by the late great Dolores O'Riordan, lead singer for the Cranberries.
After this song, hear excerpts of an interview WLRN's Sekhmet She Owl did for this edition with legendary lesbian feminist, Bev Jo. https://bevjoradicallesbian.wordpress.com This interview segues nicely into the first of three mini-commentaries Sekhmet presents on lesbian relationships, heterosexual and bi relationships and friendships among women.
Hear excerpts of an interview Thistle did with WLRN's Julia Beck, a reporter for the collective and staunch woman-loving-woman. Then, be moved to tears by listening to the song Harmless Love by Ferron. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJUP8hNbAHY
Edition 22 concludes with excerpts of an interview Feminist Current's Meghan Murphy did with Meagan Tyler last month on the patriarchal nature of sex therapies for women and expectations of women to have and enjoy penetrative sex with men. http://www.feministcurrent.com/
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If you'd like to get in touch with WLRN, to donate or to volunteer to help keep us on the airwaves, please contact WLRNEWSCONTACT@GMAIL.COM. Thank you for your support!
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