This week’s links, like this week and month and lifetime, contain lots of references to sexual assault and other violence. Please take care of yourself and read accordingly!
This week, Quebec passed the racist, Islamophobic and stupid Bill 62, which prevents any person in the province from having their face covered while they give or receive any public service, including public transit. You can read a primer on the bill here, and commentary here and here.
The Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Law Reform is urging the RCMP to end Operation Northern Spotlight, an annual program which targets sex workers in their homes and places of work, disproportionally focusing on the most vulnerable workers. Read the full call here, and share widely.
An interview with Tarana Burke, the activist who started the #metoo movement over 10 years ago.
I enjoyed reading this piece on the replication crisis in social psychology, and its particular effects on Amy Cuddy, who gave that TED talk you’ve seen on power poses.
An interview with Viet Thanh Nguyen, who just won the MacArthur prize
“I am sick of having to suffer so a man can grow.” Men of the world, you are not the weather.
Janet Mock is living her best life
Preparing for Halloween? 26 of the best pop culture witches to help inspire you.
Tri-Radical is the latest piece in the Growing Up Black in Canada series published in Shameless.
If you’re confused about the meaning of a witch hunt.
Sarah Polley on the men you meet making movies
“What does it mean to actually center a survivor who is harmed? What does it mean to actually support people who have caused harm?” In These Times hosted a great roundtable with Mariame Kaba, Shira Hassan and Sarah Jaffe on organizing to end sexual violence, without prisons.
I have been raped by far nicer men than you
A conversation with Leanne Betasamosake Simpson in Room Magazine
A general mood:
“The brutalities of the past are all around this”: Gabrielle Bellot on Octavia Butler
#Solidarityisforwhitewomen: Clarkisha Kent on the continued failure of white feminism
“These are the conditions that create a world where trans women of color may have visibility, but are not supported to tell our own stories. We are dedicated to creating art that celebrates the most vulnerable people in our communities and neither erases nor attempts to make their lives more palatable. We use art to transform oppression. Marsha did that too.” A statement from Reina Gossett and Sasha Wortzel, writers/directors/producers of Happy Birthday, Marsha!
“Those who do not experience racism may be unaware of how it functions in Canada — perniciously and insidiously”. A conversation with Annette Henry
From ex-partner to best friend in 8 easy steps
“no woman is defeated when her heart
is in the ground
she is planting seeds to grow
future generations with connected roots
that have learned how to survive
a cold winter.”