Conversations around sex trafficking experienced a resurgence following the investigation and indictment of billionaire Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. However, the renewed spotlight on sex trafficking also helped popularize a plethora of unsupported conspiracy theories—leaving survivors in the shadows as powerful people continue to contort the narrative.
#TaylorIsFree: Taylor Swift Takes Back What’s Hers
Taylor Swift knows what her words are worth—and she’s about to show us. By re-recording her music, she is reclaiming not only her work, but also her stories, memories and words.
Swift re-recording her masters is not only huge news for Swifties excited for updated versions of their favorite songs, but also a feminist victory for Swift and all female musicians.
The Ms. Q&A: Sara Sinclair on the Imperative of Indigenous Voices
Karla J. Strand had an opportunity to speak with Sara Sinclair—editor of “How We Go Home: Voices From Indigenous North America”—about the book, its impact and the power of collective memory.
Fashion and Feminism Converge in a New Exhibit at the Peabody Essex Museum
“Made It: The Women Who Revolutionized Fashion,” a new exhibition at the Peabody Essex Museum in Massachusetts, explores 250 years of fashion through 79 female designers—innovators, entrepreneurs and activists who fostered social and political change as women won more equity and freedom in the world.
The exhibit open in-person Nov. 21, 2020, with virtual events for remote visitors.
Keeping Score: Getting Feminists Back in the White House
In this week’s Keeping Score: a record-breaking number of women elected to state and federal office; Dr. Jill Biden will be the only first lady to simultaneously hold a paid job; Lucille Bridges passes, years after escorting her daughter to integrate an all-white school; Joe Biden champions access to universal childcare and preschool; Harry Styles makes history in a ballgown on the cover of Vogue; New Mexico will send three women of color as its House delegation in 2021; and more.
The Ms. Q&A: Katherine Brewster on Documenting the Fight for Civil Liberties and the Ongoing Struggle to Preserve Them
No modern rights should be taken for granted, says Katherine J. Brewster, president of BC Voices and executive producer of the new series “Stand Up, Speak OUT.”
November 2020 Reads for the Rest of Us
Each month, I provide Ms. readers with a list of new books being published by writers from historically underrepresented groups.
To all reading this, join me as we look toward the future with a renewed sense of hope, unity and power. Enjoy these 20 books, in solidarity.
Nasrin Sotoudeh, Iranian Women’s Rights Attorney, Freed from Prison After Two Years
In a huge victory, Iranian women’s rights attorney Nasrin Sotoudeh—jailed two years ago on bogus spying and propaganda charges—has been temporarily released from Qarchak prison on medical leave.
Sotoudeh’s release is due in large part to international pressure from the tireless efforts of activists and human rights groups.
The Ms. Q&A: Lucinda Williams talks Politics, Protest Songs and Overcoming Abuse
Lucinda Williams’s “Good Souls and Better Angels,” was released early into the pandemic this April. I interviewed the Grammy-winner this summer, while she was quarantined with her husband in their home in Nashville.
Ms. Q&A: Carmen Maria Machado and Laura Marks on Writing Feminist Heroines into Horror Graphic Novels
A conversation between PEN award-winning playwright and TV writer Laura Marks and National Book Award finalist Carmen Maria Machado.
Both women have graphic novels from DC Comics out this fall. Women comic book writers are in the minority to begin with, and even more so in the horror genre.