Today is my first day at Ms., and I’m feeling blissfully overwhelmed by the wealth of feminist knowledge in this office—including information on hundreds of upcoming feminist or women-centered events. Below are my top six picks for this week. Here’s hoping you live near one of these cities:
Hart, Mich.: This week is the legendary Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival. Packed with performances and workshops, it’s sure to provide ample opportunity to bond with sisters from around the country. After a controversy, the festival has made a point to change their gender policy to include trans women. Go for the week or only a day. Tickets can be ordered by phone or purchased at the gate. Tuesday-Sunday, Aug. 2-7 in Hart, Mich., check out the MWMF website for directions.
New York City: The only time I ever stood up to sing at a karaoke bar, I was so nervous I forgot the words to the song. Now I wish I lived in NYC so I could belt my heart out at Shameless Karaoke, hosted by Paradigm Shift NYC and The New Agenda, the latter of which is dedicated to “giving women a voice”–literally, in this case. Tickets are $10 at the door or online. Wednesday, Aug. 3, 6-9 pm, 500 East 11th St., New York, NY.
Limited U.S. release: In The Whistleblower, based on Kathryn Bolkovac’s memoir of the same name, first-time filmmaker Larysa Kondracki tells the harrowing true story of a U.S. policewoman-turned-U.N. peacekeeper who unearthed a Bosnian human trafficking ring run by fellow peacekeepers and U.S. soldiers. Starring Rachel Weisz. Aug. 5; check your local movie listings.
San Diego: Did you know that 77 percent of Internet users read blogs? Maybe it’s time to revamp yours! For inspiration, check out BlogHer ’11. A two-day conference, BlogHer is open to everyone in the blogosphere but aims at highlighting the talents and skills of women bloggers. Ticket prices may vary. Friday-Saturday, Aug. 5-6, San Diego Marriott and Convention Center, San Diego, Calif.
Seattle: With headliners Dean Spade and Chaz Bono, the 10th Annual Conference Gender Odyssey explores and celebrates gender identity and gender expression. Registration available at the door, Friday-Sunday, Aug. 5-7, Washington State Convention Center, 800 Convention Place, Seattle, Wash.
San Francisco: If you’re going to San Francisco … be sure to support health awareness in queer, women’s and trans communities. Catch the Lyon Martin Visual Art Exhibit, which features drawing, needle point and comic illustration works by KD “Megaphone” Diamond, Suzanne Rachel Forbes, Kira Scarlet and Katie Gilmartin. Each piece aims to promote women’s health awareness. Are there four sweeter words than radical queer comic art? Hosted by Femina Potens Art Gallery and Lyon-Martin Health Clinic. Opens Sunday, Aug. 7 at the Lyon-Martin Health Clinic, 1748 Market Street Suite 201, San Francisco, Calif.
Image of BlogHer’10 from Flickr user adria.richards under Creative Commons 2.0
