Intersectional Feminism explored at USU
On Friday Oct. 8, Utah State University’s Perspectives Club put on a “Fem Fest.” All were welcome to come eat pastries, mingle, learn about intersectional feminism and make “zines” — a mini, self-made magazine used to talk about hard topics.
The event started with a lecture presented by the program coordinator of the USU Inclusion Center, Sarah Timmerman. She went over terms such as “feminism,” and “patriarchy” and shared different theories such as the “systems of oppression” and “intersectionality.”
“Intersectional feminism is essentially looking at women’s oppression from the framework of understanding that there are multiple forms of oppression and intersecting identities,” Timmerman said. “So, if you’re looking at the experiences of a Black woman, you need to look at her oppression from both being Black and being a woman and that those identities form a very specific form of oppression.”
Timmerman also shared about her role model, Audre Lorde — an African-American writer, feminist, librarian and civil rights activist. She was an internationally recognized activist and an essential voice when talking about intersectional feminism, as well as part of the reason why Timmerman does what she does now.
“She is my absolute, 100 percent, favorite person ever,” Timmerman said.
Timmerman really wanted to push the idea that intersectional feminism centers the voices of those who experience overlapping oppression. She wants this to be a topic everyone talks about.
Edward Harimoto Fem Fest 2021.
After the lecture, students mingled and shared their ideas and why they are involved in these issues.
“I’m here for all the conversations about gender and all the good stuff,” said River Johnson, the vice president of the Perspectives Club.
The members of the club want everyone to feel welcome and involved — not just women. Ella Fletcher, a sophomore at USU, said she attended the event because she’s a woman, but the club is about including everyone.
“I’m here to support people and be here for people I meet,” Fletcher said. “I think we’re all here for a great cause.”
Anna Cliff, an Inclusion Center intern, attended the event to educate herself about these topics.
“I want to learn more about gender equity,” Cliff said, “and understand intersectionality.”
The event finished with a creative activity. Everyone who attended made their own zine. Students chose a topic and crafted away.
One student made a zine titled “On the wildness and broadness of gender,” where they talked about gender in our society.
Another student’s zine called out society’s beauty standards and displayed how all bodies are beautiful.
Education is the most important aspect of this club according to Timmerman. Intersectionality is a topic many people have never considered. It is also about inclusion.
Timmerman said it is important to have dedicated spaces to talk about feminism, gender and social equity. It gives students who might be afraid to speak about these topics a place where they feel safe.
“I want women, non-binary folks and men who are supportive to be able to come into a space and be able to talk about these issues and to have that community,” Timmerman said.