Feminist Book Club

"Life-transforming ideas have always come to me through books." ~ bell hooks

Powerful characters inspire us to be more than just romantic interests/sexual objects/background characters in our own lives. We want equality in our books! We are intersectional and we talk feminist, class, and race theory to make sure we are good allies to each other and other feminists.
To join us, please be willing to abide by these rules:
1. Come to book club. We want members that respect the RSVP, love a good high-five,  can handle a spontaneous dance party and want to make amazing friends. 
2. We are intersectional and inclusive of all people. Be respectful when talking about things like sexual violence, race, gender, etc. 
3. Three no-shows and you're out. Life is too short. Feminists show up for each other and honor their word.

This is a "Private" group. That means only members of this group can see its full content, including details about its members and events. Some information about the group is public, but your personal information is not. Your personal contact information is not available even to the Organizer except through Meetup messaging. The private status of the group is permanent and irrevocable. 

The "Organizer" is that in name only. This group is run collaboratively by a leadership team that has emerged organically from the membership. Suggestions for new books from all members are welcome and encouraged, as well as ideas for new venues and events.

For a deeper dive into the works of women, much of it political, please have a look at Reading Women's Work: https://www.meetup.com/reading-womens-work/

If you have an interest in movies by or about women and issues important to them, please visit our sister Meetup group CinimaFemina: www.meetup.com/Cinema-Femina/

If you are interested in events focused on feminist activism, visit Radical Feminist Activists: www.meetup.com/RadFemActivists/

If you would like to learn more about human trafficking, a crime that greatly impacts women, visit another sister Meetup site: Fight Slavery Now! www.meetup.com/Fight-Slavery-Now/

Guidelines for Men (borrowed and adapted from Seattle Feminist Book Club (https://www.meetup.com/Seattle-Feminist-Book-Club/))

Feminist Book Club is a space where men can learn and be challenged, but women are the center and the priority of this group. Men who aren’t into that are welcome to join any of the zillions of meetup groups where their privilege will go unquestioned. Here are our guidelines/expectations for men:

1. This is an explicitly feminist group. We are not here to debate the validity of feminism or the existence of patriarchy. See "core principles" above.

2. If you feel a burning itch to ask “what about the men??” in our discussions please DO NOT scratch that itch. Patriarchy is allll about the men, so you should be able to handle a two-hour conversation in which you are not the centerpoint.

3. Do not come to book club to stretch your “intellectual debate” muscles. Patriarchy isn’t an abstract concept or philosophical quandary, it’s our daily experience.

4. Come to listen. Men are not the experts on women’s experiences. You might learn something interesting if you listen more than you speak.

5. Do not interrupt women.

6. Do not come here to meet women (romantically).

7. Do not accuse us of hating men or being too critical of men.

If you don't like these rules, don't come. We won't tolerate any bullshit.