WLRN Edition 34: An Up Close Look at The Vancouver Rape Relief Shelter
Feb 7, 2019
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Lee Lakeman, a founding member of the Vancouver Rape Relief Center and women's rights activist since 1978, discusses the organization's history and ongoing efforts against gender-based violence. Laurel McBride shares insights into the shelter's operations and the importance of advocacy. Spoken-word artist Dominique Christina captivates with "The Period Poem," addressing societal stigma around menstruation. Together, they emphasize resilience in feminist activism and explore the critical need for community support and solidarity among women.
The Vancouver Rape Relief Center exemplifies the resilience of grassroots feminist activism, enduring 45 years amidst misogynistic backlash and global injustice.
Interviews with founding members reveal the importance of shared lived experiences and community engagement in empowering women facing crisis.
Ongoing debates about gender identity and women's rights highlight the necessity for feminist spaces to responsibly navigate evolving societal complexities.
Deep dives
The Vancouver Rape Relief Center's Legacy
The Vancouver Rape Relief Center, established in 1973, holds the distinction of being Canada's oldest rape crisis center, embodying grassroots feminist activism. This organization has endured decades of misogynistic backlash, maintaining its focus on women's rights and supporting autonomous women's organizing. Its longevity is attributed to a robust network of support within the community, highlighting the importance of collective action in feminist movements. The center campaigns for women's economic independence and advocates for accountability within the criminal justice system regarding violence against women.
Interviews with Rape Relief Members
The podcast features interviews with founding member Lee Lakeman and member Laurel McBride, examples of committed individuals who inspire the movement. Lakeman reflects on the center's journey and stresses the significance of maintaining a radical feminist agenda amidst external pressures. McBride offers insight into the collective’s approach to crisis work and community engagement, emphasizing the value of shared lived experiences among members as they strive to empower and support women in crisis. This dialogue underscores the center's mission to provide not just services but also a space for transforming women's lives through feminist solidarity.
Challenges in Feminist Discourse
The episode discusses the contentious atmosphere surrounding discussions of gender identity and women's rights, spurred by a public event that drew protests. Megan Murphy's talk at the Vancouver Public Library serves as a focal point for debates regarding the inclusion of trans voices within women's spaces. Participants observed a peaceful protest outside the venue, illustrating the tensions that can arise when feminist ideologies clash with emerging gender discourse. The discussions reflect broader societal struggles over defining womanhood and rights, highlighting the necessity for feminist spaces to navigate these complexities responsibly.
Legal and Political Developments Impacting Women
Listeners are updated on various global political developments affecting women's rights, including controversial legislative changes, advocacy efforts, and alarming incidents of violence against women. For instance, the podcast highlights ongoing debates surrounding policies that impact schools' inclusion of transgender pupils, which activists argue breach children's rights. Disturbing reports of violence against women in India and Iran serve as stark reminders of the persistent threats women face worldwide, underscoring the need for continuous advocacy and action. These narratives not only emphasize the urgency of the feminist movement but also call for unity in combating systemic oppression globally.
Community Resistance and Grassroots Fundraising
The episode wraps up with details about WLRN's fundraising efforts aimed at securing resources for feminist community radio, stressing the importance of sustainable funding for feminist organizations. The collective encourages listeners to support feminist media work actively, highlighting the precarious nature of independent feminist spaces in the face of censorship and societal backlash. The initiative to raise funds for a hard drive underscores the commitment to preserving the archives of feminist thought and activism, which serve as a vital resource for current and future generations. This call to action reinforces the notion that grassroots support is crucial for the survival of feminist initiatives.
Wondering how to sustain radical feminist organizations over the long haul? Take a listen to WLRN's Edition 34 dedicated to an in depth exploration of the Vancouver Rape Relief Center & Women's Shelter that has been in existence for 45 years.
Our program starts off with the greeting by Damayanti, WLRN’s youngest member from
India, who also delivers our world news segment this month. The world news is followed by a radio skit by Jenna and Thistle to help get the word out about our fundraiser to raise $150 for WLRN's own hard drive to back up all of our media files. Next, is the song Dead Men Don't Rape by 7 Year Bitch followed by an interview Julia did with Laurel McBride of the Vancouver Rape Relief Collective. Dominique Christina is next with her spoken-word piece called "The Period Poem" and is from a live recording WLRN captured of Christina performing it at the Vancouver Rape Relief Center's annual Montreal Massacre Remembrance event in early December of last year. Then, learn a ton from member of the Vancouver Rape Relief Collective since 1978, Lee Lakeman as she speaks with WLRN's Robin Long about the herstory of their organization. Finally, enjoy the profound and thoughtful commentary this month delivered by WLRN's Sekhmet SheOwl.
Thanks for staying tuned to feminist community powered radio. If ya like what you hear, please comment, share and spread the word about our station and work.
This program is one of our most practical yet. Listen closely sisters, and get fired up in your own femispheres to MAKE RAPE RELIEF HAPPEN
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