While I was studying for my Masters degree, I worked part time as a janitor. It was extremely glamorous. The last school where I worked, Tong High School in Bradford, England, had unisex toilets. I don’t know how common this is, but I’d never seen it in any of the schools I’d been in before … Continue reading Liberty, justice, and toilet freedom for all
Category: gender
Waiting on my emperor
If a man has managed to make it to the age of 25 or 30 or 35 without me cooking for him, why on earth would I suddenly be responsible for his nourishment? I have a Masters degree, and I work- and I... don't pay bills? Is my money not good enough for bill paying because I’m a woman?
Ungendering language
In 2015, hen will officially enter Sweden’s lexicon as a gender-neutral pronoun.While some complain that this is “taking it too far” (a concept I addressed here and here), it’s really a step in the right direction. Sure, it may make for some occasionally confusing conversations, but the overwhelming majority of the time, knowing someone’s sex … Continue reading Ungendering language
“You take it too far”
It’s not uncommon for people who have never experienced systemic, institutionalized oppression of a certain type to accuse those who have, and identify it, as being “too sensitive” or “taking it too far.” For people who have never been on the receiving end of systematic discrimination, or for people who are, but for some reason, … Continue reading “You take it too far”
When culture fails
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a widespread phenomenon. In the popular imagination, it’s often associated with Islam, or Africa, even though they both Islam and Africa are varied and diverse. While it is true that FGM is practiced in 29 out of 54 African countries, it also takes place in Asia, the Middle East, and … Continue reading When culture fails
“Sex” with boys isn’t sex
It’s physically impossible to have sex with a child. If you’re an adult and you are “having sex” with a child, that’s rape. Even if you insist that the child consented. The Huffington Post recently reported about a woman who was jailed for “having sex with an eight-year old.” When the story was reprinted in … Continue reading “Sex” with boys isn’t sex
Building peace through gender in Dakar
29 students have just completed a Masters program in gender and peacebuilding at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, Senegal. The program is run jointly by the university the United Nations Peace University in Costa Rica, and Femmes Africa Solidarité, an NGO that supports the inclusion of women in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. The 29 … Continue reading Building peace through gender in Dakar
The revolution begins… with menstrual pads
It seems as though women’s bodies have always been a source of controversy. Through media and daily interaction, I’ve learned that women’s bodies are disgusting and shameful, and need to be hidden. (That is, of course when we’re not supposed to have our bodies fully on display, but only after we’ve completely altered what we … Continue reading The revolution begins… with menstrual pads
How to be/not to be an ally
I am no expert on trans rights, but over the past several years, trans activism- blogs, videos, magazine articles- has taught me a lot about my privilege as a cis-woman, and how to be a good ally to those who are not. Among those great teachers are Janet Mock, Laverne Cox, and TransGriot. A few … Continue reading How to be/not to be an ally
A crazy way to live
I don't really have anything new or constructive to say on the subject of violence against men of color, except that I am getting weary of hearing about young boys being violently assaulted because of their race. February 5th would have been Trayvon Martin’s 19th birthday, and it’s almost exactly two years of the anniversary … Continue reading A crazy way to live
Doreen Akiyo Yomoah 