Pace Paw Print

On Feb. 26, the Gay, Straight Alliance (GSA) held an event in Gottesman, titled 'Bisexual Politics and Feminism of the Future.' Speakers and authors Amy Richards and Jennifer Baumgardner spoke about the recent topics of Feminism and their previous experiences with it.

Richards and Baumgardner met in 1993 when Baumgardner was interning at Ms. Magazine and Richards was working down the hall in Gloria Steinem's office. Their experiences and journey through feminism inspired them to write a book together, Manifesta: Young Women, Feminism, and the Future, written in 2000 about the state of the women's movement.

The event started with a discussion from both Richards and Baumgardner. Both of them went back and forth telling the students the history of feminism, how it started, and what led to the belief of feminism. They brought up the question of what does it mean to be a feminist, and quickly responded by stating that it doesn't matter, that's not the problem.

Both Richards and Baumgardner didn't realize they were involved in a bigger movement when they first started believing and researching feminism. They feel that transgender explains feminism best, and they believe that feminism equals liberation.

In regards to making this cause more widespread, some explained that it's a challenge to stay open minded because people say things they've already tried and they feel that it's a waste to give it another shot. They soon realized that the questions and opinions that these people were giving them were something they needed to look deeper into.

When asked by a student, if a person can be both pro life and a feminist, Richards stated 'no' without hesitation. She later realized that she wasn't listening to the question. It started a new concept to feminism and the way she looked at it. She began to realize that being a feminist means that the cup could either be half full, or half empty. You could shave your legs and still be considered a feminist. It's not about the acts you do, but how dedicated you are to the belief and concept of feminism.

Both Richards and Baumgardner have learned from their personal experiences, and they have led to where they are now. Baumgardner explained that her mother always had traditional expectations. She continued to tell the story of when she first came out to her mom, and that it was around the time Ellen DeGeneres was becoming popular with a talk show. She remembers wanting to have someone like DeGeneres to prove to her mom that bisexuals and/or gays don't turn out bad.

Feminism started in 1848, and at that point it became the main topic for conversation in regards to women's voting rights. Although that was the main thing women wanted, throughout the journey, women gained other rights as well. "We are creating the world because those people don't want to create it," Richards explained, stating that because others wouldn't allow women's suffrage, or for women to be treated equally, women were doing it themselves and creating a better world for themselves.

Feminism has become a major topic in the world today. Both Richards and Baumgardner agree that the situation for feminists today is harder because of it becoming so popular. They agree that if you "believe it," believe that you're entitled to change, that it will happen. Richards had to have her mentor tell her to "believe it" because he himself had been fighting for so long, that he didn't know if he still believed it.

"Feminism needs to start being an individual thing," Baumgardner stated. She believes that since a group people have fought so long, it's time for individuals to speak up and have their voices heard. They also believe that since we are individuals, we should be taking care of ourselves. They discussed HPV, and mentioned how it affects both men and women, but only women are being warned about it.

The topic of being pure as a woman came up, and one asked if you have to be pure to be considered a feminist. Women are expected to be perfect, but they aren't. That's what makes feminism now in 2008 different and better than it was when it first started. Feminism wants you to be liberal. You can be what you want and be a feminist, that's how feminism and the idea of it grow. "Use whatever tools you have to go with the social justice movement," stated Richards.

After a great discussion on their beliefs and views of feminism, Baumgardner's take on bisexuality was a topic brought up by GSA coordinator, Rebecca Aaron-Albanese. Baumgardner argued that bisexuality, especially in younger women, is more widespread than we think. She stated that it's not something she is against, but rather is completely approving off. She herself considers herself as a bisexual and feels that it is the normal for woman to be open with their sexual appetite. She brought up history and explained how bisexuality has happened throughout history; and we look back now and see this. It's just more accepted now.

The discussion ended and I felt like it should have been longer. It was fascinating to learn about the history of feminism and what it has become throughout the years. The Women Studies course offered at Pace had their students present and there were males present.

"This event was very inspiring for a male minority of color. It was inspiring because it showed me that I can be a feminist as a male," said student Jonathon Soto.

"I am pleased with the outcome of this event. Amy and Jen are both intelligent women. They have a lot to say about a new wave of feminism being supported my men and women of various beliefs and backgrounds. I hope their presentations were insightful and beneficial to the faculty and other students in attendance," said Aaron-Albanese, ending the event.

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