Feminist co-operative provides macho-free activist space
Relative to many college towns, one could say Richmond has a notable activist scene. Richmond boasts The Flying Brick Library, Food Not Bombs, The Gender Blender, The Richmond Women’s Collective, PISSAR, RRFP, animal rights organizations, political art collectives, LGBTQQIA organizations and groups working on everything from immigrants’ rights, to the environment, from Books for Prisoners, to ending the war in Iraq.
Relative to many college towns, one could say Richmond has a notable activist scene. Richmond boasts The Flying Brick Library, Food Not Bombs, The Gender Blender, The Richmond Women’s Collective, PISSAR, RRFP, animal rights organizations, political art collectives, LGBTQQIA organizations and groups working on everything from immigrants’ rights, to the environment, from Books for Prisoners, to ending the war in Iraq. In a city as traditional and conservative as Richmond, these efforts should certainly be applauded. I wouldn’t want to live in Richmond without them!
There are some, however, who struggle to find a place in the Richmond activist scene. Although many members of these organizations attempt to subvert our preconceived notions of the ideal social structure, a pretty sizeable amount of good ol’ patriarchal B.S. trickles through the filter. That’s to say these organizations are anti-woman, but in general, it seems that some of the guys who are down to “smash the state” forgot to read their copy of “The Second Sex.” You can talk class rebellion all day long, but you might not want to mention menstrual politics, lest you suffer a severe eye rolling.
The Womansion Feminist Co-operative started in August and has already hosted three events designed to raise awareness and to bring the woman-supporting community together. The grand opening ensued with a movie screening and potluck, which drew a large crowd. With a wellness and D.I.Y. gynecology workshop already under its belt, the Womansion is planning a feminist Halloween party, consent workshop (because consent is sexy), vaginal arts and crafts workshop (to remove the taboo from the nether regions), and a comedy night including Margaret Cho and Sarah Haskins (because feminists DO have a sense of humor). The five women who live at the Womansion (myself being one of them) are also in the process of organizing a feminist library that will soon be open to public.
The folks at the Womansion seek to provide a space where activists are encouraged to include sex and gender in their political discourse. The house accepts all sexes and genders. Has three simple rules meant to foster a pro-woman environment:
1. No gendered curse words
2. If anything makes you uncomfortable, tell us
3. No mactivists allowed! (A mactivist is one who would attempt to widen their dating pool by mingling with activists)
House member and student Emelia March moved in because she “wanted to be a part of a community of women that would make a difference.” Other house-goers mention the comfort they find in a place where they know they won’t experience woman-hating behavior or speech, which is often just as pervasive inside the activist community as it is outside. The Womansion attempts to be a place where people can create, think, relax, and learn from one another in a safe, supportive, sex-hate free environment!
