Hashtag games are a very popular feature on twitter.  What makes them interesting, is that they occur spontaneously; with people from various class, race and sexual identities playing along.  The anonymity of the internet means that people more often display a truer side of their nature.  There are certain thoughts or ideas, that we censure because we know that an open discussion may lead to a negative feedback.  This can readily be seen by the hostility that regularly app... Read Full Story

This is not a day of celebration. This is a day when  we must mourn the fact that we live in a world that is so intolerant, that it means death for many.  Being trans in this world is not an easy identity. As a cisgendered woman, I can only work to challenge my assumptions and dismantle the privileges attached to my body.  I can never for one moment walk even a single footstep in their shoes.  This year, once again too many names have been added to the list of those who ha... Read Full Story

Each day I interact with the public, I learn something new about dealing with my disability.  At first, I thought that I would only have to learn the new changes and or limitations of my body, but it quickly became apparent that with an obvious disability, the way that people understood me also changed dramatically.  One of the largest assumptions I have learned is that my class status is understood to be decidedly poor.   I am not one for affectations or obvious display... Read Full Story

Last night I froze watching my oldest child play hockey.  It is part of the duty of a Canadian mother to tolerate this little ritual.  Destruction got his second assist and though they lost the game, he played well.  As I stood there, my body wracked in complete pain, I decided that it was time to make management aware of exactly how inaccessible their arena was. If one is a wheelchair user, it is impossible to see over the rink to actually watch the game.  There are no p... Read Full Story

When Universal decided to market Couples Retreat in the UK, it removed the Black actors from the both the poster's photo and the list of stars typed out. Of course, Universal did not mean any offence by this action. The Mail on Sunday reports: The studio said it regretted causing offence and has abandoned plans to use the revised poster in other countries... A Universal spokesman said the revised advert aimed 'to simplify the poster to actors who are most recognisable in international marke... Read Full Story

Well another hump day has arrived.  Yes, we are steadily making it through the work week.  Please use this thread to chat about what ever is on your mind.  Are you reading anything interesting, have you seen a movie, or checked out an awesome restaurant?  Is there an exhibit you are dying to see?  Is there an issue that is driving you around the bend?  This is your thread to share.  I will join you in the comment section. Editors Note: Not one crack about... Read Full Story

Ever since Obama deigned to bow to the Japanese Emperor Akihito conservatives have been literally tying themselves in knots. But Mr. Obama, unlike his predecessors, likely knows no better, and many of those around him, true children of the grungy '60s, are contemptuous of custom. Cutting America down to size is what attracts them to "hope" for "change." It's no fault of the president that he has no natural instinct or blood impulse for what the America of "the 57 st... Read Full Story

I was reading The Intersection of Madness, when I came across this story.  I don’t normally agree with much that Rippa has to say, but damn he was right this time. I'd wager that, unlike me, most black women - being liberal Democrats or Democratic-leaning independents - have a pretty negative view of Palin. She's been called "white trash" by white elites, and even by some blacks. Yet ironically, Palin probably has just as much - and arguably more - in common with many black... Read Full Story

Mother, mother There's too many of you crying Brother, brother, brother There's far too many of you dying You know we've got to find a way To bring some lovin' here today - Ya Father, father We don't need to escalate You see, war is not the answer For only love can conquer hate You know we've got to find a way To bring some lovin' here today Picket lines and picket signs Don't punish me with brutality Talk to me, so you can see Oh, w... Read Full Story

This is a guest post from Sparky, of Spark in Darkness.  Many of you are  familiar with him from Livejournal, as well as from his insightful and often hilarious commentary here. Each Tuesday, Womanist Musings will be featuring a post from Sparky. Specifically, why marriage rights are important to homosexuals. I've already spoken many many many times about all the essential, non-imitatable rights and protections are inherent in marriage. I've also touched on how denying ANY right, n... Read Full Story