Last week’s Don’t Ms. generated some feedback that we’re focusing too much on big metropolitan areas such as New York and Los Angeles. You’re right, but I swear we’re not trying to discriminate against smaller cities—we just have a hard time finding those events! This week we tried our best to remedy the problem while still recognizing that the big cities have some great events going on. And please feel free to add events we’ve Ms.ed to the comments, or contact us in advance with events we should highlight.
Nationwide: Call for submissions! Gender Across Borders is partnering with RH Reality Check and Ipas for an online series about stigma and sexuality that will run September 20-22. “The series will explore how individuals face institutional, community or professional stigma because of their sexual and reproductive decisions.” Articles should be 300-1500 words. Please consult Gender Across Borders or RH Reality Check for more information. To apply, submit your article with a resume or short bio to Jessica at Jessica@genderacrossborders.com. Deadline is Friday, September 2 at 5 p.m. PST. No prior experience with blogging or professional writing is necessary.
Chicago: Be a part of the largest annual LGBT sporting event in the world! Cheer on the athletes participating in the 35th Gay Softball World Series, where more than 165 teams from 40 cities across North America will participate in more than 500 games. The event’s annual Talent Show will be hosted at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare on Wednesday, August 31., with proceeds benefiting local charities. Monday-Saturday, August 29-September 2; see the tournament map for game locations and times.
London: Education For Choice is offering a free screening of the 2010 documentary 12th & Delaware from the Oscar-nominated directors of Jesus Camp and Freakonomics. The film “offers a rare inside look at the pitched battle over abortion rights that’s being waged not just in Congress and the courts, but also on the street corners of small-town America.” Refreshments will be provided. Sign up here to reserve your free spot. Wednesday, August 31, 6:30-9 p.m., Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, 50 Hoxton Square.
New York: We’re not zine-crazy … okay, maybe we are. There’s another great zine event happening this weekend: I Read it in a Fanzine will feature the work of six feminist zine editors–Kate Angell (My Feminist Friends), Elvis Bakaitis (Twinks for Sale!), Ocean Capewell (High on Burning Photographs and It’s Not the End of the World!: Building a Life with Limp Wrists), Rachel and Sari (Hoax) and Kate Wadkins (International Girl Gang Underground). Thursday, September 1, 7 p.m., Bluestockings Cafe & Activist Center, 172 Allen Street.
Denver: Catch opening day of RPM: New Feminisms, Revolutions Per Minute, an exhibit featuring the works of more than 15 artists who address issues of gender equity through several mediums. Can’t catch opening day? That’s okay—it continues through the month of September. And it’s free! Friday, September 2, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Emmanuel Gallery, Auraria Campus, 1205 10th Street.
Philadelphia: As part of an ongoing project to bring awareness to global human trafficking, the Philadelphia Women’s Caucus for Art (WCA) will be creating a pile of handmade rag dolls to symbolize the vast number of people impacted by human trafficking. According to WCA, the disturbingly lucrative business of human trafficking generates approximately $32 billion per year. An estimated two million women and children will be kidnapped, coerced or sold into prostitution in the next 12 months. Fifty thousand will be forced into sexual slavery in the U.S. Rag doll donations are welcome; you can use this pattern (thanks to missgioia.com). WCA asks that you either leave the face blank or write a statement related to human trafficking, such as “$32 Billion Industry” or “Slavery still exists.” Friday, September 2, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Philadelphia Fringe Festival, 2nd and Market Streets.
Portland, Ore.: “L-E-T-S-G-O! Let’s go! Let’s go!” Did you ever think cheerleading could be an inclusive, feminist-focused event? Well, welcome to Portland’s Radical Cheerleader Practice, where everyone is welcome no matter their gender, age, size or appearance. The first half of each meeting is dedicated to learning and practicing cheers, followed by a lively discussion of global feminism, rights and solidarity. Catch this week’s meeting Friday, September 2 6:30-8 p.m. In Other Words Feminist Community Center, 14 NE Killingsworth St.
Photo from Flickr user normanack under Creative Commons 2.0.
