As feminists we do a lot of thinking about girls and how to help them become strong, powerful women. I thought it would be fantastic to turn our attention to boys and talk to some feminists on the front lines of raising feminist men!
How can we protect and discourage boys from the toxic masculinity that results in so much harm? Are there positive ways for them to express their masculinity? Do their hormones really change their behaviour and how can we help them manage that? Who are their feminist male role models? And how do we build the courage within them to push back against all the pressure to perform these strict gender roles?
To join us in a discussion of Feminism and Boys I’ve invited three amazing panelists to the CLF stage for the very first time:
Preeti Maharaj is a proud public school teacher of fourteen years. In that time, she has taught in London, Dandenong and is currently teaching at a lovely school in the inner north of Melbourne. She is also a writer, presenter and feminist.
Selina Jenkins is a genderqueer character comedian who brings Beau Heartbreaker to glorious life, singer, youth worker and feminist. Sel has a strong interest in gender and performance, and the relationships people form with both.
Peter Mattessi is a television screenwriter in both Australia and the UK whose credits include the BBC’s EastEnders, BBC/ABC’s Worst Year Of My Life Again, and the full spectrum of Australian soaps. He is an occasional broadcaster on Triple R and the ABC, a lifetime lover/hater of the Melbourne Football Club, weeknight tennis hack and feminist.
So if you’ve been meaning to share your CLF experience with others this is the month to invite parents, teachers, coaches and creative types, as we talk about making a world in which boys feel safe expressing their feelings and secure in their vulnerability, and grow to be men who respect women and themselves.
Tuesday 3 June 7-9pm
Level One, The Duke of Wellington (upstairs)
Corner Russell and Flinders Streets, Melbourne
Tickets $15 online / $20 on the door
Kitchen open all night
Fully accessible venue close to Flinders St Station
Parking at Federation Square
More information at www.cherchezlafemme.com.au, including details about our Girl Gang suspended ticket program.
Warmest
Karen x