Submissions

WASH wants you to submit thoughts, articles, stories, links, ideas, reviews, stats/data, resources, questions…anything relevant to be posted on our blog!!!

E-mail: w_a_s_h_@hotmail.com

*Please indicate if you want your name to be published with your entry. If you want to be completely anonymous please feel free to access the following email account to contact us from here:

id: washanonymous@hotmail.com
password: secret

Monday, December 28, 2009

Help Save the Toronto Women's Bookstore!

For those of you who don't already know, the Toronto Women's Bookstore is on the verge of closing down. Being one of the only non-profit feminist bookstores in North America, they are a vital resource. They are not only a bookstore, but a safe space for the people who use it. They host tons of events, workshops, and provide plenty of community resources. Please help keep them around. You can purchase something from the TWB or you can donate. Anything and everything helps. Donation information can be found on their website, www.womensbookstore.com.

You can follow their fund raising events here, http://www.facebook.com/#/event.php?eid=224659239047&index=1

Thanks so much. Happy new year!

Friday, November 20, 2009

Nobody warned me about the noises

Call for Submissions

WASH is in the process of putting together a new zine issue! (Currently we have
two issues out which you can get more information about here)

We want this issue to be filled by experience-based pieces about the funny/awkward/odd parts of sex that nobody talks about (and by sex, of course, we are referring to any and all of its gazillion variations and definitions). Among other things, this was inspired by something a mortified friend said to one of us shortly after she began having sex with a partner: "NOBODY WARNED ME ABOUT THE NOISES!!!!"

I think that sums up a lot about what we want to do with this.

Anyway, basically we want to discuss all the cringing and sloppiness and flopping and awkwardness that really plays a part of any kind of sex. As we mentioned, this zine is going to be largely based on personal/experience pieces and so, we are looking for you to submit stories, poetry, art, anything that you feel is relevant and you feel comfortable sharing. We welcome anonymous entries - please specify whether you want your name/information disclosed with your submission.

Please send submissions, inquiries, anything to:
w_a_s_h_@hotmail.com

If you don't feel comfortable using your own e-mail address, feel free to access our anonymous e-mail account and send your submission through there:
id: washanonymous@hotmail.com
password: secret

*Please type "Submission: nobody warned me" in the subject field.

- Vivian

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Sexsomnia, not a threat?!?!

Man with sexsomnia not a threat

I don't think I will ever understand the massive lack in systems of accountability when it comes to cases of sexual assault.

- Vivian

Thursday, November 5, 2009

This is not Okay

Watching this made me cringe completely:

Heteronormativity Epitomized


This link was submitted to us with the following comment:

"A high school voted that the title of cutest couple in their yearbook should be given to two lesbian teens. I think this is personally awesome, but watch what Fox News had to say about this, and lesbian sexuality. Pretty sure somebody needs to wash their mouths with soap after saying the things the host of Fox News said (among them being that the kids voted for them in order to cause mischief aka the vote wasn't "sincere"). It's horrible to think people have on strict view of what is "proper" sexuality still." - Natalie

I can't move past the nature of the discourse used in this discussion as one that is utterly homophobic, heteronormative, and ultimately oppressive beyond belief. I am also disturbed at O'Reilly's shameless interruptions and condescending manner of speaking. One can always count on FOX for this type of garbage! Definitely disheartening.

- Vivian

That's Gay

That's Gay is a recurring segment on infoMania, addressing clueless/negative/horrifying media portrayals of gay and lesbian identities in a way that is simplified, insightful, and super funny. I find this a really interesting medium to disperse information about important issues and to allow people to question their own biases and reproduction of oppressive ideas. It's the sort of thing that makes you laugh and think at the same time, making is accessible and easy to engage with.

I love you Bryan Safi!

- Vivian

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Sex gender body

A friend of mine sent me a link to http://sexgenderbody.com/

"a direct, honest and respectful conversation about sex, gender & body".

There are some really great articles to read. Check it out!

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Create Community Expore Research Build Change

Research with Pride is taking place on October 2nd! For any of you interested in participating, go over to the website and register as it will likely fill up soon.

"The Research with Pride Forum provides the opportunity for community members, academics, and students to come together to explore community-based research (CBR) with regards to wellness and health among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, two-spirited, and queer people and communities (LGBTT2Q, henceforth referred to as the "Queer" community). Research with Pride is about exploring the potential of CBR to transform our communities and create positive change."

- Vivian :)

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Woman complains about being assaulted

I found this article on hollabacktoronto called Sex Assualt Charge Follows Subway Attack.

Did anyone else notice that the victim of assault was repeatedly refered to as the complainant? God forbid a woman should COMPLAIN about being sexually assaulted! I guess the writer of the article felt that a good woman knows her place, so to speak and so she should just keep quiet. It's as if they're likening the act of speaking up against sexual assault to a grumpy old neighbour complaining about the kids next door who always step on their grass. Sexual assault just doesn't seem to be taken seriously. Furthermore, it paints the actor of assault in a passive voice, as if he was doing something normal/natural and this woman was just being difficult.


It's amazing how the language one uses can alter how one perceives a situation.

Ladyfest seeks volunteers!

Ladyfest Toronto 2009 is a celebration of arts, feminism, and community featuring the work of women and trans- people in Toronto and beyond. This year's festival will take place November 4-8 in various locations in Toronto! Our festival is completely wheelchair accessible and we are working towards putting together an entirely free festival.

New Dates!
Ladyfest 2009 will kick off November 4th with Grannyboots at the Gladstone Hotel Ballroom! We are still organizing the rest of the events for the weekend following.

Volunteer with Ladyfest

We are always looking for people to organize with us! The first meetings for potential committee volunteers will take place near the beginning of September. All committee meetings will take place at free and wheelchair accessible spaces. If you are interested in joining a committe (such as arts, music, film, fundraising), or you want a smaller commitment, email your name, interest, and availability to ladyfestvolunteer@gmail.com

Check out their blog here