LGBTQIA in Media

Go With The Chaos

Me as a super cute...cat?

Everyone has a crazy amount of responsibilities (work, bills, relationships, family, and all the extras), close environment (people with same views or those who give mean glares), and the political environment around us (aka the longest Twilight Zone episode). In this episode, we* talk about ways to cope with the chaos as feminists in conservative areas or anywhere.

*We meaning my kitty (Jules), puppy (Dottie), wine, and I.

Where's the Respect?

This ranty episode discusses topics ranging from wedding frustrations to social policy. Get ready to follow several tangents to get to the end.

Also, the name hasn't changed from WIC, that is the new name. The website was a bit confusing about the name change, so let me know if you could decode it.

Adventure Double Standard

In this week's episode, I talk about the fear of being attacked while walking alone, especially on trails. It also includes additional puppy notices and wine slurring!

Articles:

Are Runners Likely to be Targets of Violent Crime from Science Based Running

Facts and Statistics from National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW)

This is How Women Feel About Walking Alone at Night in Their Own Neighborhoods from Washington Post

Has Your Voice Been Heard?

I give some info and a lot of rant about Planned Parenthood funding cuts and the possible repeal of ACA (aka Obamacare).

Find your U.S. Representive by zipcode with this link.
Find your U.S. Senator by state with this link.

Handmaid's Tale became
reality in Missouri capitol
May 3rd, 2017

Links:
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/general-health-care
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/women-dressed-up-as-handmaids-to-defend-reproductive-rights-in-missouri_us_590a2417e4b02655f843a8fa

Domestic Violence in the Ozarks Part 2

State Shelters: Arkansas: Taylor House
https://www.domesticshelters.org/ar/batesville/72503/family-violence-prevention-inc-taylor-house-for-men#.WQK3qKVOlnE
Taylor House Article
http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2016/feb/11/batesville-nonprofit-opens-domestic-violence-shelt/?f=threerivers
Harmony House Website
https://www.myharmonyhouse.org/
RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network) Website
https://www.rainn.org/about-rainn

Hotline numbers:
Taylor House - (870)569-8024
Harmony House - (417)864-7233
RAINN - (800)656-4673

Domestic Violence in the Ozarks Part 1

This episode was a bit heavy, but it is super important!! I talk about some domestic violence stats and bring some real life examples to the power and control wheel. Next week, Part 2 will be on male victims in domestic violence and local, state, and national resources.

We will talk more about these numbers next week, but here are a couple Hotline numbers for you or someone you may know.

National Domestic Violence Hotline (US)
1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)

RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network)
1-800-656-4673


References:
https://www.mocadsv.org/Publications/
http://www.domesticpeace.com/pc-wheel.html
http://www.ncadv.org/learn-more/statistics/statebystate click Arkansas

Fired Up!

Intelligent presenters. Policy engagement. Progressive discussion. That was the beginning of my night. It ended with missiles in Syria. I'm not a religious person, but this is one HECK of a sign to get involved...ASAP! Whether you're Democrat, Republican or anything in between, become aware! Know who your State Representative or Senator, the bills coming up (that are passionate to you), and make sure your voice is heard! 

Tonight I participated in a local initiative, Gov't 101, to become aware of who you can call and what bills will have effects on you. Right now, what ever craziness results from the current administration's choice (and it was a choice) will effect us all. 

Gov't 101 panel

Now time for a rant, why in the world was there an attack on another country?!?!?!? I understand, the gas attacks were heart breaking. Why not provide aid? Why not provide assistance to the child refugees? If I read one more time "they crossed a line" I'm going to puke. While millions of older people will no longer get their funded meals, we want to up our military (what a crazy coincidence, right?). Don't forget about the millions of people who will be losing their insurance, especially those who are diagnosed with substance use disorder and all mental illnesses (the new plans won't consider either within the same realm as medical illnesses). Suffering from panic attacks, need help with recovery from an addiction, or experiencing obsessive thoughts...please, go seek help now! Funding will be cut, it may not be this year, but the administration and the Republican led Congress have vowed to repeal and (after the election) wants to repeal it "with something bigger and better" (using Trump's vocabulary). 

I digress! So while our citizens our getting screwed over by this new beautiful budget the administration is playing hypocrite. In September 7th, 2013, Trump uses his now infamous twitter to call out Obama to not get involved in Syria, which he did not. Good thing government workers have some great insurance, because Trump may have some memory loss. Oh and another beautiful tweet from Trump back in the day. On September 5th, 2013, he appears to advocate not getting involved with Syria and "fix U.S.A." Could that statement be anymore hypocritical?!?! Before anyone says this is a heartless view, understand there could of been further initiatives to help children refugees, including aid and visas. How is firing missiles going to help the children still suffering in Syria? Please, explain the reasoning to me.

I'm sure there will be many more rants to come. To end on a positive note, even though I extremely disagree with the current administration and the choices being made, the fact I am able to write this blog shows our country has more freedom than most. Let's hope I'll be able to write this weekend with a kick off of WW3.

Have a great night!

Sincerely,

Hillbilly Feminist

Let's Get This Party Started and Have a Thoughtful Conversation

So it's definitely been a minute since I have posted anything. Good thing is I have more motivation to build on intersectional feminism and, of course, piss off trolls!


Recently I went to a student discussion of Intersectional Feminism at the university I attend, which was amazing! The best part was, instead of being surrounded by white middle class women, there was a great mix of people, also know as an intersectional group. I heard some women (and men!) talking about oppression I will never experience. It was eye opening. Many of the women at our table told experiences of being stereotyped in department stores. Because they were not white, they could not walk in the store without eyes on them at all times. WTF!?

The best part of the discussion was talking about the different types of oppression and how they overlap. I am a woman; experienced sexism. I was lower class as a child; some opportunities were missed, but learned independence and hard work. I was not followed in a department store. No one has ever flinched from seeing me (someone said this happens to them, WTF!?). I ask questions when I please in class and my voice is heard.

In one of my favorite podcasts, The Guilty Feminist, Deborah Frances-White explains white men are, for the most part, not shy to raise their hand to give their opinion or ask a question. In a group made up of women, white women tend to be the first person to raise their hand. With this in mind, I did not raise my hand once during the macro discussion. What I learned was even though my voice was not heard in the large room discussion, no one exploded or was tragically disadvantaged from not getting my point of view! I understood the theology of traditional feminism, the oppression of women. I am ignorant in understanding the oppression experienced by people of color (Black, Latino, Hispanic, Asian, Middle Eastern, etc.) and LGBT.

I am so excited to see what the 3rd wave of feminism brings to our society. Every voice deserves to be heard. If you keep hearing your voice or those who 100% agree with you, it's time to sit down and listen or learn to facilitate conversations with those ignored.

This was a short one, but bet your bottom dollar there will be more next weekend about intersectional feminism! Have a great week and remember it's okay to shut up every now and then!

Sincerely,
Hillbilly Feminist

Create Support & Spread Awareness

If you could pick a city to match your mentality on life, where would you be? Tokyo, super busy with the lights always on? Any rural town, wide open and more relaxed? Anchorage, beautiful, but possibly extremely depressive during the time without sun? Once you have chosen a location, analyze it for a moment. Now, are you content with that location? If not, what needs to be done to change that?

Above is a thought experiment to help kick off something that intimately affects approximately 6 people for every event. Those 6 people may be parents, siblings, other family members, and friends. This pandemic is suicide among our loved ones. In hindsight, professionals and loved ones will remember moments that could be translated into signs of major depression and the rituals that tend to be done before a person attempts suicide. These signs could be as blatant as telling the people around them about their plans or as silent as giving important items to loved ones as if enacting their will.

Statistics on Suicide

Found at American Foundation of Suicide Prevention

If you're currently having suicidal thoughts, you’re not alone. According to the CDC, 3.9% of people in the United States have had thoughts of attempting suicide and 1.1% has made plans. Approximately 40% of suicides are committed by people between the ages 45-65 and 85-plus. While most suicides are committed more often by older to middle aged white men, suicidal ideations and plans are more often set by females than males in the adolescent age range(1). Lastly, untreated and undiagnosed depression is the leading cause of suicide. While the last statement may seem obvious, it can be the easiest to miss. Many people will see the signs of depression and think, "they're just having a rough time" or "there are people in way worse circumstances." Those assumptions of another person's feelings will only isolate them more. With the increase of awareness, the signs will hopefully be seen before an attempt is made and counseling will be sought out.

Loved One Showing Signs?

Through my time and training spent as a volunteer advocate, I have learned some of the myths and misconceptions when speaking to someone who is stating they are suicidal. A major misconception is asking a person if they have thought of the details. If someone discloses to you they have been thinking about killing themselves, find out exactly what they mean. Have they thought about when? How? Where? Contrary to prior beliefs, asking a person about what they have planned, will not instigate the attempt. If anything, this will help the person realize the gravity of what they are saying. If the details are not planned, provide immediate, consistent support and consider resources to help with depression. If they know the details, it’s time to get immediate help from a professional. 

A feeling of hopelessness tends to not be permanent. With support and proper counseling, hope can be restored. In fact, I went to a Specialized Medical Training class and one of the topics discussed was about depression and suicidal ideations. During the lecture, the Golden Gate bridge was brought up.

Kevin Hines, in the video below, survived what most have not. Hines was quoted saying in a video by BuzzFeed,

"The millisecond my hands left the rail, it was an instant regret."

Since its opening, there have been 2,000 people attempt suicide by jumping from the bridge, only 1% have survived. 

Words from HF

I hope if you're reading this, you have found some helpful information and resources. If you're experiencing depression, please, know you are loved. No matter what unfortunate events have happened or words that have been said, you are an important part of someones life, especially your own. 

If you're giving support to someone who is surviving depression, thank you. You are a hero in your story and should be recognized. Keep up the work and feel free to also call the hotlines and crisis lines. The advocates and counselors may help you cope with the situation and provide further information about support.

Sincerely,

Hillbilly Feminist

Resources

If you are in need of a hotline for more information on prevention, visit SuicidePreventionLifeLine.org or call 1-800-273-8255 (for the United States). For the more national hotlines visit this link. Find more crisis lines at CrisisTextLine.org.

References

1 Mueller, A. S., James, W., Abrutyn, S., & Levin, M. L. (2015). RESEARCH AND PRACTICE. Suicide Ideation and Bullying Among US Adolescents: Examining the Intersections of Sexual Orientation, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity. American Journal Of Public Health, 105(5), 980-985. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2014.302391

Hear Bon Roar

Let's see if I can get this straight. The stereotypical Ozarks woman will be quiet and minor mannered. Before staying out late or going out with friends she will ask permission from her male spouse. She will blush and shy away from "locker room talk." She knows her place, which is barefoot, pregnant, and permanently planted in the kitchen. If you have any other stereotypes to share feel free to comment or email.

Now that we got that out of the way, it's time to introduce you to a true bad ass woman, born and raised in the Ozarks. Bon Tindle has fought for the houseless*, refugees, and people living below the poverty line. During the interview with Bon, she explained she was never like the girl who was praised for being "so easy to get along with," adding "that ain't me." Instead, she has taken an assertive and take'm by the balls approach, which has assisted her in pushing through the challenges she has had for being a woman in a conservative area.

Having faced many obstacles within her lifetime, Bon has not let it tear her down or dampen her fire. For example, Bon mentioned a time she was working as middle management at a small sales business in Springfield. After confronting upper management about an employee in a subordinate position making $8,000 more than her, the only excuse was "he has kids."

Bon did not take this reason lightly. "Just because I keep my uterus in check doesn't mean I deserve less and I've done this and this and this," was Bon's response. "I ended up leaving the company because they wouldn't increase my wages at all and it was simply because I was a woman. Every other man at that level made more than me by a significant amount."

Bon has been active in local protests and movements by standing with the protesters, writing articles about the events/issues, and being constantly aware of the rights of the people. During the Slut Walk in 2015, the Springfield city council passed a law for more restrictions on indecent exposure. Bon stayed aware of this and was not shy to voice her concerns about the coincidence of a law being passed effecting the dress of women and the soon approaching peaceful assembly, the Slut Walk. According to the Springfield News-Leader,  councilmen Burnett was quoted saying he was opposed to the protest, even stating it was "appalling" to him. Later, Bon and Burnett met, coming to some agreement on the actions and beliefs of both parties. After this point, Burnett became seemingly more aware of the issues of the community on a citizen level.

Bon has also worked closely with the homeless population in Springfield, including taking supplies to homeless camps, writing articles about the injustices happening, and attending city council meetings to confront the issue head on.She has been known to gather food, clothing, hygiene products, and other essentials, then taking them herself to homeless camps. All after meeting the leader of the camp to ensure all needs have been met. Her passion for the homeless began when she was attacked and soon after became homeless.

"Everyone just thought I couldn't keep my shit together, in reality, I was completely destroyed inside because no one knew what had happened they just thought I was a screwed up kid. First of all, just having been through the experience, but then also seeing how the system is slanted against people."

Acting as Secretary for Springfield Welcome Home, Bon, along with many other volunteers, are there to help refugees coming into Southwest Missouri. The organization provides living essentials and the support of a community. The Springfield group started in December 2015 in response to the Syrian refugee crisis.

Bon's challenges and accomplishments have led to her badassness. I'm ending this with a little piece of advice from Bon, "Don't be afraid to say 'fuck you' and don't be afraid to walk away. You do not need everyone and not everyone needs you. I think we are so trained to be people pleasers that if someone doesn't like us [then] we failed, don't be afraid to fail in that kind of way."

Continue to rock on and have a wonderful day, my lovely readers!

Sincerely,
Hillbilly Feminist

(P.S. Look up Bon Tindle on Facebook and Twitter to see what else she does in the community! Also, she has frequent community chats at Mudhouse, in Springfield downtown.)

*I was corrected by a man in mid interview with Bon at Mudhouse, as someone who is "houseless" he prefered the term. He is the expert in his life. Possible post about houselessness to come.