Women's Liberation Radio News

First up, hear Thistle greet the listener with an appeal for support to get the team at WLRN over to England this Fall for the FiLia conference. Learn more here: https://wlrnmedia.com/2025/03/28/filia/. Next, stay tuned for WLRN's world news segment written and delivered by aurora linnea in which she features stories from the UK, France, Mexico and the USA. The world news is followed by the song "Goodbye Mississippi" by Jess Hawk Oakenstar, a song suggested by our guest this month, Dianne Post. It's a beautiful and sad song with heart-felt lyrics about a mother and daughter trying to escape male violence. Following the song, hear the interview Thistle did with Ms. Dianne Post about the male bias present in the law in the United States and what feminist women need to do to combat it. Finally, stay tuned for the replaying of Sekhmet's brilliant commentary about female sexuality in the face of the commercial sex industry that seeks to exploit it for male gain. Thanks for tuning in to feminist community powered radio, WLRN! #prostitution #DiannePost #WLRN

This podcast features Andrea Heinz, a former brothel worker turned activist, and Sybil Jo, who exited the sex trade after over 15 years. They delve into the harsh truths of prostitution and pornography, exploring the emotional toll and societal pressures faced by women in the sex industry. The discussion highlights the intersection of feminism and economic vulnerability, advocating for a cultural shift towards understanding women's rights. Sekhmet SheOwl emphasizes that the root issue is male dominance, urging a redefinition of female sexuality away from male objectification.

Join Lierre Keith, a radical feminist author and activist, as she discusses the impending re-release of Andrea Dworkin's influential work, 'Right Wing Women.' She highlights its crucial relevance in understanding contemporary political dynamics and women’s roles in the right-wing movements. The conversation dives deep into the complexities of female identity amidst patriarchal structures. Also explored are pressing global issues facing women, from reproductive rights in Louisiana to educational access in Afghanistan, emphasizing the need for solidarity against oppression.

In this engaging conversation, Ava Park, founder of the Museum of Woman, shares her community's harrowing experiences with the LA fires, stressing the emotional toll on individuals, including a displacement crisis. Actor and comedian Goldie Hoffman talks about the fire's impact on her neighborhood, shedding light on the resilience and activism of the community. The discussion emphasizes ecofeminism's role in disaster response and calls for renewed leadership, particularly advocating for the reinstatement of Fire Chief Kristin Crowley.

Dive into the compelling intersection of ecofeminism and women's rights. Discover the alarming rise in violence against women and its connections to global conflicts. Explore transformative literature that challenges patriarchal dominance and empowers female voices. Reflect on unique childhood influences that shaped a powerful worldview, and consider the importance of community engagement in feminism. Lastly, learn about the intriguing parallels between primate social structures and human societal issues, emphasizing the need for compassionate leadership.

In this enlightening discussion, a young UN Women organizer shares insights on being a feminist from the Global South. She emphasizes the importance of unity in the fight against male dominance and societal injustices while navigating the complexities of global feminist movements. The podcast also features critical updates on women's rights issues in Afghanistan, Iran, and Sudan, alongside a reflection on the pressing intersection of feminism with broader global challenges like hunger and water scarcity.

Katherine Acosta, a feminist sociologist and writer, brings her insights on the recent U.S. Presidential Elections and their implications for women. She critiques the limitations of the electoral system and discusses the pervasive misogyny in politics. Acosta emphasizes the need for collective feminist activism beyond traditional voting. The conversation touches on systemic challenges faced by women, such as political repression and the illusion of choice in electoral politics. Listeners are encouraged to explore alternatives to foster real change.

This edition features compelling discussions on women's rights globally, including challenges in Thailand and the U.S. activism against gender identity legislation. Personal journeys into radical feminism are shared, shedding light on encounters with backlash and the importance of community. The hosts reflect on their evolution in feminist activism and the significance of events like the FiLia conference. The music and personal stories intertwine to emphasize solidarity, while there’s a rallying call for support of women's liberation efforts.

Lola Bessis, a passionate advocate for critical thought, interviews Dr. Dina Siddiqi, a distinguished feminist anthropologist. They delve into the profound complexities of the Palestine-Israel conflict, especially on its poignant anniversary. The conversation highlights the importance of transnational feminism, illustrating Palestinian women's struggles and voices amidst the occupation. They also discuss global gender injustices, the significant role of solidarity, and challenge oversimplified narratives surrounding gender and violence in the region.

In this engaging discussion, Elizabeth Boyce, a ukulele ensemble instructor, shares her reflections on the WPI festival, emphasizing personal growth through music and community. The conversation delves into how gatherings like these foster creativity and emotional safety. Thistle and Elizabeth highlight the significance of women's voices in advocacy and the transformative experiences that arise from shared artistic expression. They also touch on the communal spirit that strengthens connections among women in these empowering environments.