December 6th Memorial Events in Calgary

Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is held on December 6th every year. On December 6, 1989, 14 female students were killed at L’Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal, simply because of their gender. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the “Montreal Massacre.”

A number of events are scheduled to happen in Calgary to recognize and remember this important day. Below is a list of the various events. Please leave a comment below if you know of other events that we have not mentioned.

Memorial ceremony at the University of Calgary
Tuesday, December 1
Noon to 1:00 pm in the Rozsa Centre

Film screening at the University of Calgary
“Polytechnique” will be screened with a discussion following
Wednesday, December 2
6:00 pm in “That Empty Space” (located in MacEwan Student Centre, University of Calgary)
Free admission with food bank donation

Film screening, live music and keynote speaker
Sunday, December 6th - 7:00 to 8:00 pm
Temple B’nai Tikvah (900 47th Avenue SW)
Film: “December 6: A Short Poetry Dance Film” by Cara Mumford
Music: Jadesong Ray Marlin
Keynote Speaker: Marsha Ellen Meidow
Free Admission
*Important* If you plan to attend this event, please RSVP to caramumford@gmail.com to reserve your spot. The temple is very small and has limited seating.

Films & Memorial at Mount Royal University
Monday December 7, 10:30 am to 6:00 pm
Location: Wyckham House, Mount Royal University
From about 10:30 am to 2:00 pm, a biography of each one of the fourteen women will be read every 15 minutes and a rose will be placed. Cara Mumford's short poetry dance film, December 6, will be shown between bio readings throughout the day. Drop in as you please.
The feature-length film, Polytechnique, will screen in the second floor Art Gallery room from 4-6 p.m.
All events are FREE.

My Thoughts on Adam Lambert and Bullshit Double Standards

So, remember when Britney Spears and Madonna kissed at the 2003 MTV awards, and everyone was so freekin' excited about it? Well apparently that doesn't go over so well when it's two men kissing. Adam Lambert (American Idol runner up and openly gay singer) recently pulled a "Madonna and Britney," and received some pretty negative feedback.

Lambert was singing his new song "For Your Entertainment" at the American Music Awards when he kissed a male keyboardist, fondled a dancer and had another dancer briefly stuff his face in Lambert's crotch.

Lambert's actions prompted many complaints to ABC, who then canceled his TV appearance on Good Morning America.

Why are Britney and Madonna allowed - even encouraged - to get away with a very public make-out session, while it's completely unacceptable for two men to do the same thing? Why are homosexual acts between two beautiful women applauded, while homosexual acts between two men are shunned? Double standards surrounding homosexuality are really starting to get on my nerves. You know we live in a fucked up society when we're more comfortable seeing two men holding guns than two men holding hands.

So what did Lambert have to say about all this? "Obviously, I respect [ABC's] decision — they gotta do what they gotta do... It's too bad, I think there were a lot of fans who were excited to come see me. [ABC] probably had a lot of pressure coming at them from certain people who weren't happy about it."

He goes on to comment that "there are a lot of double standards as far as that goes... We've seen female pop and rock performers do that for the last 10 years. They've been very provocative, owning their power and sexuality. You just don't see men doing it very often. And I'm hoping to break down that double standard with this number."

All I have to say about this is... You Go, Adam! Own your sexuality and BRING IT! If America ain't ready to handle a gay man spreading some love... fuck 'em.

Tonight's Show - Black / Curly Hair

Tonight we are stoked to be discussing Black hair (and naturally curly hair). In particular, we're digging into the cultural and personal reasons why so many black women spend an enormous amount of time and money relaxing/straightening their hair.

Black hair is a feminist issue because it is inextricably linked to issues of race, privilege, beauty and class. We're gonna get into this tonight, so please tune in from 8:30 to 9:00 pm on CJSW 90.9 fm, or listen via the web at cjsw.com.
And remember... we podcast our shows, so if you miss the live thing, download the podcast!

Here are some articles/websites that will be referenced in our discussion:

The Michelle Obama Hair Challenge
Chris Rock's Good Hair Day - Chris Rock discusses his new documentary about Black hair
Newly Natural - a website for folks with naturally curly hair
Treasured Locks - natural Black hair care
Black British Feminism: A Reader - see pages 114-117

RIP daul kim

i am so sad by this news. a friend of mine showed me your blog when i first started my own. you are funny and precious and hope that you're in a happier place now. you will be missed and remembered.

Next Week's Show, All About Black Hair

This coming week's episode of Yeah, What She Said holds a lot of significance for me personally. We will be discussing black women and their hair, a subject of great intrigue for some and much devastation for others. I won't get into it too much here because I'd like to save all of my thoughts for the show, but there are tons of fascinating, sad and triumphant stories to be told about the complex relationships between black women and their hair (I've been chatting about it with some girlfriends over the last few days). In the past, Jennie and I have posted videos and links to articles regarding this subject on the blog; I've always thought that we should one day use this topic for an episode of the show and that it would be nice to have black women gather 'round and share their thoughts on this particular area of interest.

It looks like the show has been timed perfectly as it has been brought to my attention by a couple of friends that Chris Rock's new comedy/documentary film, Good Hair, is coming out shortly. The trailer tells all and I have posted it below, along with previous posts and clips on black hair from us here on the Yeah, What She Said blog.

Films About Black Women: Kiri Davis' A Girl Like Me

New Black Barbie Dolls: Fab or Flop?

Solange Knowles Chops It: Is She Insane?

Chris Rock's Good Hair (Trailer)


Tune in to CJSW 90.9 FM at 8:30 PM (MST) this coming Monday to catch the show live.

Treat Yourself to Some Feminist Art!

Two art galleries in Calgary's downtown core are featuring exhibits that may be of interest to local feminists! Check them out - you can see both in one day and have yourself a fabulous, fun, feminist day!

If Women Ruled the World: Judy Chicago in Thread
Textiles by Judy Chicago
Art Gallery of Calgary
The exhibit runs until January 23, 2010

War Brides: One-Way Passage
An exhibit that encompasses different formats ranging from paintings and sculpture to multi-dimensional media installations. The exhibit is inspired by the War Brides from WWII.
Glenbow Museum
The exhibit runs until February 14, 2010

Nov. 20 - Transgender Day of Remembrance

November 20th is Transgender Day of Remembrance - an occasion in the GLBTQ community to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice (transphobia).

Tonight we are interviewing three members from the University of Calgary club "Queers on Campus." We will discuss the issues that transgender individuals face, and also talk about the event that Queers on Campus has planned for Friday. Tune in from 8:30 to 9:00 pm on CJSW 90.9 fm, or you can listen online.

What? Transgender day of Remembrance - discussions, vigil and march
When? Nov 20, 2009 5:00 pm
Where? "Bianca" room in MacEwan Student Centre, University of Calgary
Who? The event is hosted by Queers on Campus - everyone is welcome to attend

There will also be a ceremony and film at the old YWCA centre downtown. Details about that event can be found on Gay Calgary's website.