Women's Liberation Radio News

Stripe Gandara, a butch lesbian who holds her PhD in Gender and Sexuality Studies from the University of Nebraska, was a panelist in the discussion called "Between Butches: Maintaining Sisterhood, Survival, and the Specificity of Womanhood in a Post-Trans World." The discussion took place at the first annual Lesbian Film Festival in Paducah, Kentucky in September, 2016. WLRN's Thistle Pettersen starts by asking her what it means to be in a "post-trans" world and is surprised by her answer. You will notice that Gandara, like other butch lesbians on the panel are truly feminist in their choice to embrace their womanhood and sisterhood, yet they are still trying to co-exist with transgenderism. Using a lot of academic language, they make it seem like co-existence and mutual support are possible, which is not the view of radical feminists who understand the violent nature of the take-over of women's spaces and culture by trans activism and ideology. To view the panel discussion in its entirety, click on this linkhttps://www.facebook.com/resin.rebel/videos/vb.100008977329477/1577114385931124/?type=2&theater

Ruth Barrett, editor of 'Female Erasure,' dives into the pressing issues surrounding gender politics and its impact on women's rights. She discusses the grassroots efforts behind the book, which includes voices from 47 contributors. Ruth also highlights the historical context of female erasure and the challenges of respectful discourse in a polarized climate. She emphasizes the importance of embracing female identity and maintaining civil discussions on sensitive topics while advocating for a revolution against oppressive gender norms.

In this engaging conversation, Pippa Fleming, a butch lesbian performance artist and motivational speaker, shares her unique insights on the experience of Black lesbians in the women's liberation movement. She reflects on her childhood during the Civil Rights era and the influence of Black women writers. Pippa also critiques modern activism, emphasizing the need for unity among women and addressing the intersectionality of race and gender. Additionally, she discusses her upcoming book, highlighting empowerment through self-discovery and community action.

Kara Dansky, a spokesperson for the Women's Liberation Front (WoLF), delves into the legal challenges against policies affecting women's spaces. She discusses the implications of the Obama administration's changes to Title IX, highlighting concerns for women's safety and privacy. Dansky differentiates between sex and gender, raising alarms about the potential risks when men enter female-only spaces. She also reflects on her personal journey with trans ideology and the societal constructs of gender and race that contribute to oppression.

Jocelyn Macdonald, a prominent advocate for lesbian issues, leads a lively discussion on political lesbianism at WoLF Fest 2016. The conversation tackles the complexities of sexual identity amidst societal pressures, emphasizing the need for safe spaces for self-exploration. Macdonald highlights the harmful implications of the 'Born This Way' narrative and shares insights into unique cultural practices, such as the Tanzanian tradition of women marrying each other. The dialogue fosters empowerment and visibility within the radical feminist community.

Cindy Sheehan, a peace activist known for her anti-war efforts after losing her son in Iraq, and Samantha Berg, a radical feminist journalist focused on combating prostitution and sex trafficking, discuss the feminist implications of the 2016 U.S. presidential election. They explore the struggles women face in a male-dominated political landscape and critique superficial political representation. The conversation emphasizes grassroots activism over electoral participation, questioning the effectiveness of female politicians in challenging patriarchal norms.

WLRN's 6th edition podcast is focused on Black Lives Matter movement and Black Feminisms. We hear from Maya Dillard Smith, 3 black radical feminists based in the UK, Pippa Flemming and feature the classic song, Four Women, by Nina Simone that so brilliantly illustrates the unique oppression black women face coming from the brutal history of the African slave trade.

This podcast dives into women's voices in sports, celebrating their triumphs at the 2016 Summer Olympics while revealing stark media bias against them. It discusses the alarming legal landscape for women's rights in Turkey and the U.S., covering topics like child marriage and gender identity legislation. Additionally, the complexities of hormones in sports are explored, raising concerns over safety and fairness, especially regarding biological males in women's competitions. Essential insights on gender empowerment and activism weave through this engaging conversation.

Thistle Pettersen visits the land and reports back with women's voices, discussing the importance of women-only spaces and the remembrance of MichFest. Sarah Jones shares insights on organizing the women-only WLF festival in California, while Ruth Barrett talks about women's spiritual practice and the erasure of women through gender identity ideology. The podcast also addresses the harm caused by medical interventions for gender non-conforming children and the impact of males in women's sports.

In this engaging discussion, Sarah Barr Fraas, a college student challenging gender politics, shares her experience of being told to stay silent in class or take it from home. She explores the ramifications of trans ideology on young people's perceptions and the feminist movement. Alongside Catina Hyman, an IT analyst and black lesbian mother, they dissect the impact on community safety and identity. The conversation includes a satirical take on gender identity, provoking thought on societal norms while emphasizing the need for open dialogue and diverse perspectives.