Author: Brianna Kovan

Brianna Kovan is a reader and writer from the Midwest. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in English.

A New Feminist Book Once a Month? Yes, Please!

While many have argued that the rise of sites like Amazon.com killed the indie bookstore, one enterprising pair of young women are using the popularity of e-books to carve out a space for feminist authors online. Emily Gould and Ruth Curry founded Emily Books in 2011 while both at professional crossroads. Currently, Curry works in academic publishing and Gould, a […]

On the Docket: The Top 4 SCOTUS Cases to Follow in 2015

The Supreme Court’s 2014-2015 term—which began on Oct. 6—will conclude near the end of June 2015. After a year of decisions that narrowed women’s reproductive and economic rights, the current term provides the justices ample opportunities to right their wrongs (that is, if they can see past their egregious “blind spot” for women’s rights). Below, take […]

Crank These Feminist Tunes on New Year’s Eve

As we bring 2014 to a close, we celebrate a year of feminism—a year in which the movement rose to national spotlight (quite literally), sparking conversations and empowerment on a grand scale. For those partaking in New Year’s Eve celebrations (and for those camped out with a good book), we’ve compiled some feminist gems to […]

The 10 Most Feminist Ads of 2014

The last year was full of advertisements highlighting smart, strong women and men that defied traditional gender roles. While advertisements are—at their core—just marketing ploys for our chronically capitalist society, this year’s ads highlight the palatable version of feminism that’s taking the country by storm. Feminism’s popularity is rising, so media campaigns are catering to the […]

We (Forever) Heart: Toni Morrison

“I wanted to show how painful this constructed horrible racism was on the most vulnerable people in a society—girls, black girls, poor girls—and that it really and truly could hurt you. So that’s what I was looking for, and no one—I thought—had written that book. So since I really wanted to read it, I thought I should write it.”

NEWSFLASH: U.S. Workers Strike in 160 Cities

Fast-food workers are holding strikes in 160 cities today, calling for a $15 minimum wage and the right to unionize. For the first time, these workers are joined by airport baggage handlers, skycaps, wheelchair attendants and aircraft cleaners. In a series of protests starting in November 2012, the “fight for 15” has spread across the […]

Pass the Turkey, Spread the Feminism

Family holidays are ripe with opportunities to insert feminist commentary and social critique. With each holiday tradition, there’s ample material to pick apart, analyze and either support or condemn. But ultimately, Thanksgiving is about celebrating community and togetherness—two staples I’ll neither condemn nor disrupt. In the meantime, here are a few ways to rock the […]

NEWSFLASH: Immigration Reform Protects Undocumented Women

In a 15-minute address Thursday night, President Obama issued an executive order that will expand protections and opportunities for undocumented immigrants in the U.S. and their families. Last year, the Senate passed a comprehensive immigration reform bill, but House speaker John Boehner didn’t let the House vote on it, claiming that Republicans didn’t trust Obama’s […]

The All-Women Chasidic Band That Will Rock Your Stockings Off

From the Crown Heights neighborhood in central Brooklyn, known for its large Chasidic community, comes a fresh-sounding, repeat-button-worthy all-women rock band: Bulletproof Stockings. Comprised of Perl Wolfe, Dalia Shusterman, Elisheva Maister and Dana Pestun—all Chasidic Jews—Bulletproof Stockings mixes heavy vocals with light melodies, their music carrying echoes of Chasidic melodies and incorporating drums, piano and […]