The social experience of gender expectation is more than just unfair – it can be hazardous to your health. Exploration of the impact of gender roles has to go deeper than just the social impact – there is a significant amount of work to be done in terms of Continue reading
Finding Empowerment in the Face of Oppression
When we look back on the history and repercussions of the holocaust, we tend to think in terms of anti-semitism and victimization. This book review highlights key elements of Sarah Helm’s book, Ravensbrück: Life and Death in Hitler’s Concentration Camp for Women. The book itself describes important aspects of the history of lesbian oppression Continue reading
11 Ways to be a Trans* Ally
In the past year, a number of transgender people have been gained increased visibility in mainstream media. With their stories capturing the attention of a continually growing audience, it has become evident that well-intentioned folks may not know how to properly express their support. Continue reading
Being a “Nice Guy” doesn’t make you a feminist ally.
“Passivity is still Complicity.”
In this article, Erin Tatum breaks down the complex forces at work regarding men and their relationship with feminism. While an increasing number of men may acknowledge that patriarchal values are unacceptable, they often have trouble learning to be productive feminist allies. Read more here about feminist allyship for men.
White against White Supremacy
Acknowledging racial injustice exists is only the first step in developing allyship skills. You are aware that racism is a real part of lived, daily experiences for People of Color. You share #BlackLivesMatter memes, support affirmative action, and actively oppose the use of racial slurs. You’re an ally right? Not necessarily. Being an ally Continue reading
81 Awesome Mental Health Resources When You Cannot Afford Therapy
With limited access to professional mental health care, dealing with mental illness can seem impossible. Never fear! Katherine Schreiber recognizes the need for us to be our own mental health advocates, and lists several resources for those of in need of education and treatment. Read them here!
Ruffalo on Feminism
Not to give cookies for pointing out the obvious, but there’s something special about seeing an influential white man use his platform to speak some feminist truth.
I certainly understand why many people in social justice activism reject the label “feminist,” because historically it has primarily benefitted white, cisgender women. However, it is definitely frustrating for me to see people reject feminism because they’re buying into the false, Rush-Limbaugh-version of it, instead of actually doing the work to understand the history of first- and second-wave feminism.
To pull a quote from Ruffalo’s tumblr post –
“First of all, it’s clear you don’t know what feminism is. But I’m not going to explain it to you. You can google it. To quote an old friend, “I’m not the feminist babysitter.”
Serving Deaf Customers
“Good customer service is the defining factor of any good business – especially important is the first point of contact. As deaf consumers, we frequent a variety of businesses daily such as retail establishments, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and many more. If we experience bad customer service, chances are, all of our friends will hear about it and unless there have been improvements, we are unlikely to return.”
Trans Affirming Therapy
There’s a difference between “acceptance” and “affirming” counseling. Even though many practitioners may be willing to work with Trans clients, it’s important that those individuals have more than just a willingness. Affirmative counseling does more than tolerate: it celebrates, explores, and upholds identity. Here’s a list of ways in which clients and therapists can evaluate their cultural competence and create the most affirming environment possible.
“For transgender individuals, finding a therapist who is transgender can be extremely difficult. They often feel lost in a large gap where many therapists are completely uncomfortable, and unwilling to work with them versus those who feel comfortable, but who aren’t educated in trans-related issues. This list can help transgender individuals who are considering participation in therapy make a decision about who they should work with.”
Have something to add? Let me know in the comments below!
Savior Complex?
When we see what we perceive as oppression, it’s easy to want to swoop in and protest it, but it’s important to bear in mind the ways in which other perspectives might differ from your own. The only person who has a right to make decisions about a body is the person operating it.
Dr. Karen McDowell 