In this 44th edition of WLRN's monthly podcast you will hear the world news written and delivered by WLRN's April Neault followed by the song "Libres" by Mora Navarro. Next up, Thistle speaks with Mexican feminist Laura Lecuona Gonzalez of the organization Mexican Feminists Against Surrogacy. Laura Lecuona studied Philosophy at the National Autonomous University of Mexico and her professional life has been devoted to the editing world. Currently, she is an independent editor and translator, having worked for some major publishing houses for more than twenty years. She is the author of "Las Mujeres son Seres Humanos" (Women are human beings), an introductory book on feminism for teenagers and young adults, and keeps writing and giving lectures and talks on feminism despite the backlash she is facing. Laura spoke with Thistle about her feminist work and her experiences with trans activists in Mexico who have targeted her for attack and about how she has responded to those attacks. Next, enjoy the song “Antipatriarca” by Ana Tijoux before listening to the interview Thistle did in Spanish with Magali Terraza Ramirez, a young feminist activist from the organization Rosas Rojas, https://garmexicoblog.wordpress.com/rosas-rojas/?fbclid=IwAR0EDJEAx7q0n7rRhsAIMBqVQcNsc0njxGV3FsNkFuC5AT4iBuORxZjAFXE. Magali describes how she became interested and involved in socialist and radical feminist activism and what her recent experiences have been like in the streets. Magali is a graduate student in the school of social work at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, the largest university in Mexico. She has participated as a leader and speaker at different universities around the issues of abortion, sex trafficking, violence against women and more. She is a specialist in the oppression of indigenous women. Finally, stay tuned for Sekhmet SheOwl's brilliant commentary on the feminist activism we see emerging in Mexico and Latin America and how it is different from North American feminism namely because the women of Latin America have to deal with racism, US imperialism and a whole host of factors that north american white women do not. Thanks for tuning in to our feminist community powered radio station online, WLRN. If you like what you are hearing and would like to support our work, consider a monthly donation to be taken directly from your account by clicking on the donate button on our wordpress site. We have a variety of WLRN merch to send you in exchange for your listener sponsorship and will also send you a handwritten "thank you" once you are on board as a listener sponsor. To sign the petition April reports on in the world news segment, click on this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfMw_9K-LSXrbsCh_Br7WZFIF4VionR2NNoLia47-irQ7Imfw/viewform

Renee Gerlich, a New Zealand feminist activist and writer, discusses the profound impact of addiction on women, linking it to broader societal issues and personal liberation. Young NYC dyke Jen Z shares her journey of recovery from alcohol addiction, addressing the nuances of trans culture and its intersection with substance use. They delve into the vital role of female-only spaces in recovery, the emotional ties between substance use and trauma, and the societal pressures facing women today. This enlightening conversation emphasizes empowerment, healing, and community.

Ann Menasche, a seasoned civil rights lawyer and activist, dives into the critical issues surrounding women's rights and gender identity. She discusses Feminists in Struggle's campaign to amend the US Federal Equality Act, clarifying the vital distinction between sex-based and gender-based rights. Ann emphasizes how current legislation may undermine women's protections and highlights the nuanced challenges faced by transgender individuals. Her insights reflect decades of advocacy for economic, social, and civil justice.

Cindy Sheehan is an American anti-war activist, whose son, U.S. Army Specialist Casey Sheehan, was killed by enemy action during the Iraq War in 2004. Since then, she has traveled in the USA and abroad to speak out against US led wars and war time economics that fuel endless wars. In October 2019 Ms. Sheehan was dis-invited from speaking at an anti-war event in Carbondale Illinois due to trans activist pressure on the organizers of the event. This interview focuses on the story of her de-platforming at that event and also her thoughts and analysis of what trans activism is and the role it is playing in leftist movements.

"Witches & WitchCraft" features an interview with Max Dashu, a witch historian. They discuss the witches of old and the current state of witch resistance in today's culture. The podcast also includes an interview with Ruth Barrett, who talks about the practice of witches in today's world. Thistle delivers a special commentary about her life as a witch. Don't miss this seasonal podcast filled with witch magic.

WLRN's Danielle Whitaker recently spoke with Donna Freitas, author of the newly released novel, Consent: A Memoir of Unwanted Attention, which tells the story of a young woman who was stalked in an unconventional way by her mentor. Freitas is a writer and scholar who has conducted extensive research on students, consent, and sex on college campuses. She has spoken at nearly 200 colleges and universities about her research and has been published in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Boston Globe, and The Washington Post. Her latest book offers a unique perspective on the nature of stalking and the type of "unwanted attention" that can often be difficult to recognize or define. This interview explores the narrative of Consent, its background, and what inspired Freitas to come forward and share her traumatic story after all these years.

Issy Dickinson is a Lesbian-Feminist Activist and one of the Organisers of the Lesbian Strength March and Rally that took place in her hometown of Leeds in the UK on September 7th, 2019. Ms. Dickinson is studying for a Masters Degree at the University of Leeds and spoke with Thistle via skype on September 18th about the lead-up to the March and what the March was like on-the-ground the day it happened. This interview if full of useful information and lively discussion for any budding feminist activists out there who wish to learn how to organize uplifting and positive demonstrations on the streets. The Lesbian Strength March was born out of months of weekly meetings and planning sessions a handful of creative and dedicated women attended to make sure the marchers and speakers would be safe and have an enjoyable time. The two main organizations putting the March on were ReSisters and Get the L Out UK. Both had members who had attended Pride events in Lancaster and in Leeds prior to creating their own march, separate from regular Pride. Please view video coverage of what happened to the lesbian presence at Lancaster Pride in late June of this year linked to below. It is important to understand the prior situation on the streets some of these same demonstrators faced that day in Lancaster in the hands of the transactivists. youtube.com/watch?v=tcX11sKKUWM&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR1TPT4fwlDR54KC7Hv2vuKPAasNqoJcxBsC6wRHkf96RS2YT5X0l5aj22U Please also view the rally speeches given at the March: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuU_ArcIWrBmHlqyY5pww5Q From the frustration, trauma and demoralizing experiences the pro-lesbian activists had at these two Pride events, fertile soil was cultivated for creating the Lesbian Strength March on September 7th. What the story of this March shows is that we have the choice to go forward in solidarity and in our sisterhood, or to be demoralized and fearful because transactivism has gotten so ugly and in many cases, the powers-that-be, such as the police, are not on our side. These Leeds sisters and sisters from across the United Kingdom demonstrated to the world on September 7th that our sisterhood truly can be powerful and our bonds undiminished by transactivist attacks. Listen to this compelling telling of Issy's stories of her organizing experiences in a tightly knit group of ten women and then her glorious moment in the sun with her sisters the day the March happened.

In this podcast, the Michigan Framily Reunion is celebrated as a women-only festival that promotes community and empowerment. The episodes covers the highlights of MFR 2019 and plans for MFR 2020, the year of the Dragyn. It also discusses the importance of women's spaces, healing the planet, and the power of women-only gatherings. Additionally, it explores the significance of women's music festivals and unlearning societal conditioning under patriarchy.

Two sisters share their gripping experiences from the 2019 New York City Dyke March, revealing the rifts between feminist and trans activism. They discuss the tensions of identity and representation that shaped the event. Personal anecdotes highlight the atmosphere of enjoyment and reflection during the march. The dialogue continues with plans for future marches aiming to better advocate for female homosexuals. The conversation concludes with the importance of reviving women-centered spaces and the ongoing fight for women's rights amidst evolving social dynamics.

WLRN's 40th edition podcast takes a look at the current state of lesbians within what is now known as the LGBTQ+ movement, by exploring women's experiences at this year's Pride Parades and Dyke Marches. In this August 1st broadcast of our monthly news program, April Neault delivers the latest in women's news, followed by our featured song, "Whole Woman" by Ali Bee, written about a dyke march that was taken over by men. http://alibeemusic.com/ Next, you'll hear an interview with Eli and Jen, two lesbians who participated in this year's Dyke March in New York City who were barred from marching by trans activists who were Dyke March officials. Next up, Sofia Simonson of the Lancashire Resisters speaks with WLRN's Sekhmet SheOwl about the Resisters' demonstration this year at Lancaster Pride. They too encountered trans activists but had a "street plan" before they went and managed to maintain a lesbian feminist presence for quite some time before being taken over by the mobs. Finally, for our commentary this month, we have chosen to re-broadcast Thistle's commentary from Edition 31, which is once again particularly relevant to today's program. As mentioned in this month's show, the Lesbian Strength March is coming up this September in the UK—a pro-female event created by and for lesbians. Click here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-lesbian-strength-march-and-rally-tickets-64786948507 to learn more and support this brave and momentous initiative. https://www.gofundme.com/f/lesbian-strength-march-and-rally On behalf of all of us here at WLRN, thank you for supporting feminist-powered community radio. If you like what you hear, please share our content widely so our voices can reach more and more women across the globe!