Gender Issues, #162 Contents

Issue #162 • Spring 2014

Gender Issues: Theme Articles

On This Episode of “Girls with Tools”… By Cole Wardell

At The Midden, members confront the effects of patriarchy not only in their outside activism, but also within their community.

Particulate Matter By Molly Shea

Unconscious gender-related expectations, inequities, and trauma can exert pervasive influence even in groups committed to undoing them.

Sexism at Dancing Rabbit By Sam Makita

At a community founded in feminism, a member suggests that strategies like corrective discrimination, single-gender gatherings, and prioritizing “gender balance” may themselves be sexist.

Who Builds the Houses?: Gender in Eco-Communities By Jenny Pickerill

A researcher finds that men still dominate building in eco-communities, and offers strategies to empower women.

Gender-Bending on the Commune By Valerie Renwick

When a Twin Oaks member leads a tour, “co” must “address the dress” (when appropriate) and wear a shirt, whether or not participating in the collective menstrual calendar.

Feminism vs. Spaghetti Pits By Kathryn Simmons

Trichomycosis axillaris can be the pits, causing even die-hard feminists to shave.

Evolving Gender Consciousness in New Culture Camps By Oblio Stroyman

A genderqueer member helps a community move beyond its past assumptions by offering workshops on exploring and expanding concepts of sex and gender identity.

● Gender at Summer Camp East By Michael Rios

Genderqueer Geeks Discover Hivemind in Community By Esty Thomas

In this interest-based intentional community, it’s easy to forget that not everyone is queer and geeky.

Gender: The Infinite Ocean By Innis Sampson

When gender is self-created, self-defined, and self-sustained, people, as well as community, flourish.

Feminist Spirituality and Gender: Lessons from Beyond Women-Only Space By Mary Murphy

Does the culture of women-only space still serve a worthwhile purpose, or does it perpetuate division? A long-time leader of women’s circles advocates inclusivity.

Teaching Feminism by Example By Kim Scheidt

Community presents many opportunities for working to dismantle sexism—through action, not just through speech.

My Gender Journey, in Family and Community By Luke Byrnes

Raised in a homophobic family, a new communitarian finally finds a safe space to explore gender and sexuality, even as his community works to overcome gendered biases.

Healing Gender Issues through Community By Marcus DeGauche

Long-dormant childhood gender issues resurface in an intimate relationship in community—and this time avoidance and escape aren’t options.

Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation: Sharing a Heartfelt Conversation By Niánn Emerson Chase

An Apache childhood lays the groundwork for a lifelong dedication to cultivating self-esteem and personal wholeness in community.

Margaret and Me: The Iron Lady Becomes an Unexpected Ally By Andrew Moore

A squatters’ housing cooperative activist describes how Margaret Thatcher broke with her image to support an early “occupy” movement.

Voices

Letters

Publisher’s Note: Gender Dynamics in Cooperative Groups By Laird Schaub

Notes from the Editor: Gender: Is There a “There” There? By Chris Roth

The intensity of community living can bring issues of gender, sexual identity, and gender relationships to the fore as nothing else does.

Opportunity Village Eugene: Pioneering New Solutions for the (Formerly) Homeless By Alex Daniell

An innovative self-governing village lifts spirits while modeling new ways to address homelessness.

Community Living Worldwide: Energising Community Spirit: Australian Intentional Communities Conference, 2013 By Bill Metcalf

Creating Cooperative Culture: Honoring Ira Wallace By Laird Schaub