Women's Liberation Radio News

Krista Bruhn, a dedicated water protector and mother of three Palestinian children, joins Emmy Award-winning producer Shannon Kring, known for her documentary on the women of Standing Rock. They dive into the pivotal role of women in the protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Topics of solidarity among diverse tribes, the Women's Silent Prayer March, and the ongoing fight against colonialism and systemic violence against Native women are passionately discussed. The podcast shines a light on the unity and resilience of women in the activism for land and water rights.

Interview with Trista Hendren by Staff

In a captivating discussion, the co-editors share insights on the anthology that celebrates the voices of 43 lesbian writers. They delve into the challenges faced by women of color and lesbian authors in the publishing world, emphasizing the need for diverse representation. The importance of promoting literature within local communities is highlighted, along with a focus on the rich tapestry of lesbian experiences, from prison narratives to road trip adventures. They stress the significance of visibility and resilience in storytelling, encouraging a new generation to express themselves creatively.

The second weekend of September, 2016, Thistle Pettersen traveled to Paducah, Kentucky to attend the first annual Cinema Systers Film Festival produced by Resin Rebel, owner of the beautiful farm where many women gathered throughout the weekend. Pettersen had the opportunity on the last day of the festival to talk with Resin Rebel to find out what her inspiration was for this only all lesbian film festival in the United States. In this interview, you will hear about the many films presented at last year's festival, how the films were submitted and how they were received at the festival. There is mention of Into the Ovid: An Ovella by Tina Brand and Gendercator by Catherine Crouch. The festival will be held for the second time annually over Memorial Day weekend in 2017. For more details about this coming year's festival check out http://www.cinemasysters.com/.

Jill Stein, the Green Party's presidential candidate in 2016, shares her thoughts while campaigning in Madison, WI. She passionately discusses critical issues facing women, such as economic disparity and the urgency of protecting women's rights. Stein explores the Nordic model of prostitution, emphasizing accountability for buyers over penalizing sex workers. She also addresses the complexities of gender identity legislation and its implications for women's safety, advocating for inclusive policies that protect all individuals in sensitive spaces.

Mary Lou Singleton, midwife and member of WoLF, discusses radical feminist maternity health issues. Jai Kalidasi, mother of 6 and feminist activist, shares her experiences as a radical feminist mother. Topics covered include childbirth & fertility health, raising gender-free children, and fighting male sexual entitlement.

Maya Dillard Smith, a civil rights advocate and former chief officer of the Georgia ACLU, dives deep into pressing issues surrounding civil rights and safety. She discusses her organization, Finding Middle Ground, which promotes respectful dialogue on divisive topics, particularly transgender rights. Dillard Smith addresses the complexities of women's safety in light of bathroom policies and emphasizes the need for inclusive conversations that honor both individual rights and community concerns. Her insights challenge prevailing narratives and advocate for women's privacy and public discourse.

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.