October 1988 South Africa's decades of resistance CPPA $1.75

Books...movies...concerts...theatre..,albums.. STAFF BOX Kinesis welcomes volunteers to work on all aspects of the paper. Call us at 255-5499. Our next News Group is Tues. Oct.ll at 3:00pm at Kine­ sis, #301-1720 Grant St. All women welcome even if you don't have experience. PRODUCTION THIS ISSUE: Marsha Arbour, Gwen Bird, Lea Dawson, Patty Gibson, Susan Lash, Andrea Lowe, Le- anne Macdonnell, Allisa Mc­ Donald, Joni Miller, Sarah Or- lowski, Nancy Pollak, Cathy Stonehouse, Sonia Marino, Yvonne Van Ruskenveld. Cookies from Elsie. FRONT COVER: Photos from Analisis, a Chilean peri­ odical: "Freedom for political prisoners." BACK COVER: We don't usually feature Mila's hus­ band, but who could resist? EDITORIAL BOARD: Mar­ sha Arbour, Pat Feindel, Allisa McDonald, Nancy Pollak, Nor­ een Shanahan, Esther Shan­ non, Michele Valiquette. CIRCULATION AND DISTRI­ BUTION: Gwen Bird, Cat L'Hirondelle. ADVERTISING: Marsha Ar­ bour. OFFICE: Cat L'Hirondelle. Kinesis Is published 10 times a year by the Vancouver Sta­ The White Spot menu now features tus of Women. Its objectives Battered women feel they are "looking in a mirror" when the VOICE are to be a non-sectarian fem­ troupe performs 7 union-busting 5 inist voice for women and to work actively for social change, specifically combat­ ting sexism, racism, homopho­ bia and imperialism. Views expressed in Kinesis INSIDE are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect VSW policy. All unsigned material is the responsibility of the Kine­ fiBtfttM.? sis Editorial Board. 0WX ....3 SUBSCRIPTIONS: Individual BCGEU gets a new contract subscriptions to Kinesis are Feminists won't network with REAL Women ...... 3 $17.50 per year or what you can afford. Membership in the Everywoman's Health Centre opens soon 4 Movement Matters ... .. 2 Vancouver Status of Women B.C. Woman's Housing Coalition active 4 is $25.50 or what you can af­ ford, includes subscription to Assault trial leads to lenient sentence ....5 Whats's News .. 6 Kinesis. SUBMISSIONS: All submis­ sions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit and submis­ Beans .10 sion does not guarantee publi­ Wife assault gets big bucks 7 by Nora D. Randall cation. All submissions should by Noreen Shanahan be typed double spaced and must be signed and include In South Africa: picking up the spears .... 8 Commentary . 11 an address and phone number. by Sadie Kuehn by Anne Innis Dagg Please note Kinesis does not accept poetry or fiction con­ Whether to play Pinochet's game ....9 and Pat Davis tributions. For material to be by Carmen Rodriguez returned, a SASE must be in­ cluded. Editorial guidelines are Moving the censor in women's film ...12 Natural Causes . 14 available on request. by Duane Burton by Heather Herington ADVERTISING: For informa­ tion about display advertising rates, please contact Kinesis. flfvf <~> ...15 For information about classi­ Feminists Organizing for Change in review ... In Other Worlds . 20 fieds, please see the classified by Melanie Conn by Frances Wasserlein page in this issue. ... 16 DEADLINE: For features and Uncluttereby Pam Gallowayd by the language of Art reviews the 10th of the month Letters . 21 preceding publication; news Miriam Makeba: determination and hope ...17 copy, 15th; letters and Bulletin by Maura Volante Board listings 18th. Display advertising: camera ready, Fringe Festival: laughs and laundry ... 19 Bulletin Board . 21 18th; design required, 12th. by Yvonne Van Ruskenveld compiled by Sonia Mai 7/70 Kinesis is a member of the 1 Canadian Periodical Publish­ ers Association and is indexed in the Alternative Press Index. r Camera work by Northwest CORRESPONDENCE: Kine­ Graphics. Laser printing by Second class mail #6426 sis, Vancouver Status of Each Time and Eastside Data Women, 301-1720 Grant St., Graphics. Printing by Web ISSN 0317-9095 Vancouver, B.C. V5L 2Y6 Press Graphics.

KINESIS MOVEMENT MATTERS

To obtain this booklet, information about bulk orders and the Health Press' publi­ Movement cation and poster hst, write to C.P. Box LEAF offers 1000, Station Place du Pare, Montreal PQ, Off to matters listings speakers Canada H2W 2N1. Nicaragua information West Coast LEAF and the Charter of Members of the women's sector of B.C. Rights Coalition (Vancouver) have created Nic are planning a three week tour of Nicaragua during November. The tour or­ Movement Matters is designed to be a a Speakers' Bureau which will provide vol­ New books on ganizers are hoping to gain exposure to network of newt, updates and informa­ unteer speakers to address groups on equal­ women's health issues, cooperatively- run tion of special interest to the women's ity rights for women. women/feminism businesses, women artists, writers and ar­ movement. Submissions to Movement Mat­ LEAF—the Women's Legal Education tisans, and the many other women partici­ ters should be no more than 500 words, and Action Fund—is a national organiza­ pating in building Nicaragua's new society. typed, doable-spaced on eight and a half by tion which supports court test cases to ad­ New Books on Women and Femi­ eleven paper. Submissions may be edited for vance women's equahty under the Charter nism is one of the regular offerings from The tour will maintain a record of their length. Deadline is the 18th of the month of Rights and Freedoms. Their goal is to the Women's Studies Librarian for the Uni­ activities, via slides and audio tapes, and preceding publication. help women use the law to effectively re­ versity of Wisconsin System. An impressive plan to share their experience upon their re­ dress inequality. bibliography of English- language publica­ turn. tions, New Books is divided into topic ar­ Besides offering the speaker service, West eas (Film Criticism, Humour, Spirituality, Any form of assistance is welcomed by Coast LEAF is interested in hearing from Economics ... ) and includes subject and the organizers (there might even be tour members of the community about potential author indices. spaces still available) who may be contacted Outreach to equahty rights cases. at: Second Women's Tour to Nicaragua, 9 The Women's Studies Librarian gener­ W.Broadway, Vancouver B.C. V5Y 1P1 Groups who would hke a speaker to ad­ ates other bibliographies and directories Caribbean women dress either equality rights in general or throughout the year. For information about some specific application (e.g. workplace is­ these publications and how to order them, Words of Women is an ambitious project sues) are welcome to contact coordinator write to Susan E. Searing, 112A Memorial aiming to promote the exchange of writ­ Susan Hayne at 733-3382 or the West Coast Library, 728 State St., Madison WI53706 ings between Canadian and Third World LEAF office at 684-8772. women. In its initial stage, WOW is activat­ ing a program of contact and exchange be­ Ukrainian Corrections tween English-language feminist publishing groups in Canada and the Caribbean. women meet In "Retribution ... and the Party of Canadian women's groups can become Low-cost The Second Wreath Cultural Society is God" in September's Kinesis, Zaynab active participants by linking (via WOW) a Toronto-based Ukrainian feminist col­ should have been described as the grand­ with a Caribbean women's group, providing health booklets lective. On Oct 28-30, they will hold a daughter of the prophet Mohammed. that group with a continuous supply of fem­ conference in Toronto entitled "Ukrainian Also, in last month's listing of resources inist literature. Similarly, individuals are in­ Health Press Women: Tradition and Change", an event for incest survivors, the telephone number vited to form local WOW committees and The Montreal Health Press is a non-profit they describe as an opportunity to explore for the Vancouver Incest and Sexual Assault forge a connection. women's publishing house which has dis­ the themes of feminism and ethnicity. Centre (VISAC) should have been 738-3512. WOW has asked book and periodi­ tributed over 18 million copies of their book­ Workshops and presentations will exam­ cal publishers to supply them with fem­ lets in the past 20 years. They are commit­ ine Ukrainian women's historical and cur­ inist literature which they will then dis­ ted to producing low cost, mass distribution rent status, their contribution to the arts, Display tribute to Caribbean women's organiza­ texts that both inform and encourage peo­ and their role in the community and family. tions; Caribbean publishers will make a sim­ ple to make their own health decisions. Advertising: ilar exchange to Canadian groups. English will be the primary language of Their most recent publication, A Book the conference, which is wheelchair accessi­ This space is yours WOW is coordinated by MATCH Inter­ About Menopause, is now available. It pro­ ble and offers daycare through advance reg­ national, a Canadian-based women's orga­ vides details on all aspects of menopause: istration. (Travel subsidies and billets also for only $23. nization committed to working with Third body changes, sexuahty and strategies for available.) Registration is limited, and the Ask us about discounts. World women for a feminist vision of dealing with this mid-life stage. The publi­ fees are $45, $35 students/seniors. Make development. Contact WOW at North­ cation is illustrated with medical diagrams cheques payable to Second Wreath, Box Phone 255-5499 ern Woman's Bookstore, 184 Camelot St., and photographs, and is available in both 340, Stn D, Toronto Ont. M6P 3T9. Thunder Bay Ont. P7A 4A9, or at MATCH, English and French for $4. (Bulk orders 1102-200 Elgin St., Ottawa Ont. K2P 1L5 available.)

6 issues/year: • $5-$10 individual • $25 sustaining Wor •$15 institution The Womanist P.O. Box 76, Stn B, A new feminist newspaper Ottawa, Ont K1P6C3 distributed nationally (613)230-0590

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KINESIS ////////////////////^^^^^ /////////////////^^^^ NEWS

BCGEU Workers ratify good-news, bad-news contract context the ratification should be than go to Kelly services. gotiators did not adequately do by Elizabeth Briemberg a rock and a hard place in con­ tract negotiations or on strike. placed. Further improvements are in so because they said they have no difficulty hiring women at such The media jeers them or pities The new contract strengthens adoption leave benefits and clauses wages. Following a one week strike in them and the government virtu­ and extends protections for work­ concerning VDT's, giving preg­ September, the B.C. government ously pretends to be protecting the ers whose jobs are to be privatized, nant women more options for pro­ employees ratified a new contract. No one is happy with the set­ taxpayer. and includes job options, sever­ tection. Auxiliary workers will now tlement, not even the union pres­ The union has a high propor­ Respect for their work, done ance pay and pension protection. be able to specify days and times ident. The union's alternatives tion of women workers jeopardized under harassing conditions due The contract places limitations of availability for recall. were limited and difficult. Ii the by privatization and victims of low to government pohcies, is rarely on the use of temporary work­ That's the good news. The bad membership stayed on strike, a re­ wages, both of which were major forthcoming. Workers become con­ ers too. Now the government will news is the wage settlement. On newed injunction probably would issues in the strike. fused over what union tactics will have to hire office workers and pay the surface, an average wage in­ have led to the permanent denial BCGEU workers are between be most effective. It is in this union wages and benefits rather crease of 20 percent over three of right to strike for corrections years sounds reasonable. It has workers and to the signing of high­ been compared favourably to 1988 ways privatization contracts that forest industry settlements of 19 would have left those workers un­ percent. protected. ,ITDP If you look closer it does The new protection clauses in not impress. Nineteen percent of the face of privatization are of $15/hour is much greater than of great importance to most mem­ $10/hour. Office workers, about 25 bers and could have been lost if . ,., percent of the union membership, this contract was not signed. The and financial assistance workers protections will cost the govern­ who process applications for wel­ ment and are therefore impedi­ fare will continue to receive wages ments to further privatization. lower than poverty level. Almost all these workers are Given that the B.C. Federation women, many are single parents. of Labour's pohtical battle to stop Despite Vander Zalm's statement privatization has gone nowhere, that he agreed to improving the this was the most many union wage of the lowest paid, his ne­ members felt could be achieved. Kinesis survey And What A Night It Was ... results now in Vancouver's Take Back The Night march got an assist from Mother Nature this year in the form by Allisa McDonald of outraged thunder claps and lightening bolts ... and rain that wouldn't go away. Close to month Kinesis reaches some sub­ 125 women took over Hastings Street on September 16 and, with an enthusiasm undampened by scribers. We're working on that, Over 260 Kinesis readers re­ has anybody noticed? There were dampness, reminded passers-by, motorists—and each other—that the night also belongs to us. sponded to the Reader Survey in­ requests for more investigative re­ Take Back The Night has been marked across Canada for a decade now. In Toronto this year, the cluded in the June 1988 issue—a porting, as well as analysis and return rate of more than 16 per­ commentary. And while 5 percent theme was "Women Fighting Rape: Our Lives, Our Action." cent! Thanks to all those who took want more fashion articles, 4 per­ the time to give us their feedback. cent don't want fashion at all. Thanks also to the volunteers who Readers were asked to rate Ki­ helped tabulate the results. nesis coverage of sixteen different Feminists refuse to network Due to the unprecedented re­ topics. Coverage of abortion got sponse, we have not been able to the highest rating (39 percent said tabulate every reply. The results Excellent, 37 percent said Good) with R.E.A.L. Women here are drawn from a sample of and coverage of the environment 100 replies received before July 15. the lowest (35 percent said it was by Nancy Pollak The seed for Women in Cel­ working sessions. Over a hundred Of course there's no such thing Fair). ebration was planted at a Jan­ women attended. as an "average" Kinesis reader. Nearly half the respondents (49 Organizers of a Vancouver net­ uary networking meeting called Each group was given a num­ However, based on the data, we percent) use Kinesis for research, working event not only invited the by Pat Cooper, western vice- bered balloon-on-a-string to be can begin to sketch a profile of a mostly on women's sexual and anti-feminist R.E.A.L. Women, president of CACSW. "About worn on their representative's "typical" survey respondent. Let reproductive rights, but also on they structured the event so no ef­ 15 women's groups—transition wrist. The numbers corresponded me introduce you. a wide range of issues, including fective protest could be launched. houses, the YWCA, the University to the group's name in the pro­ daycare, health, pornography, sex­ Women's Club, housing groups The typical respondent is a Women in Celebration was held gram. By this means, women could ual and physical violence, and hu­ and others— were kicking around thirty-nine year old, white woman, September 10 at a local com­ seek each other out to network. man rights here and abroad. Ki­ ideas," said Maurer. They decided university educated, earning munity centre. Several feminist "We were not prepared to net­ nesis is often used for statistical, groups were so outraged by the on an "inclusive" day-long event around $ 22,000/year. If she is cur­ for groups and individuals. work with women who are fighting rently employed (we didn't ask) presence of R.E.A.L. Women and to destroy everything we've been see Survey page 6 two other anti-choice groups (in­ she's either a professional or in­ R.E.A.L. Women attended one working for," said Joan Meister of volved in some kind of artistic or cluding Nurses For Life), they left planning meeting. "It was awk­ DAWN Canada. "By virtue of our in protest. creative work. She hves in a large ward," said Maurer."We knew an disability we are denied choices, city—most likely Vancouver. She The DisAbled Women's Net­ event in Vancouver would be con­ and that makes us emphatic about is probably a tenant but has a work (DAWN), Press Gang Print­ troversial ... and the only way choice. They [R.E.A.L.] Women good chance (44 percent) of own­ ers and the Vancouver Status of to bring together such a diverse aren't going to allow us to choose." ing her own home. She shares her Women left the gathering not sim­ group was in celebration." Besides being anti-choice on home with one other adult and has ply angry, but surprised and dis­ To avoid what Maurer de­ abortion, R.E.A.L. Women op­ no dependents. Besides Kinesis, mayed. scribed as a "soap-box envi­ poses equal pay for work of equal she reads The Vancouver Sun, The event was organized by ronment" ... there would be value and the gender equahty pro­ McLean's, Ms., and The Globe an ad-hoc committee of volun­ no mikes—networking, but no vision in the Canadian Charter of & Mail. teer representatives from various speaking out." Rights and Freedoms. They are So, how do we rate? Most read­ women's organizations in the lower also virulently homophobic. Maurer cited the 1983 Women ers we heard from seemed to hke mainland. Funding was provided Against the Budget coalition meet­ Sec State's Soong appeared to the paper. Enough so that 95 per­ by the Secretary of State Women's ings as the kind of atmosphere have no difficulty with the par­ cent get it every month and share Program whose local officer, Carol they didn't want. "There, some ticipation of anti-feminist groups. it with one or two other people. Anne Soong, was involved in the groups were 'in' and others were "We left it at, invite groups, The large majority feel Kinesis is event's organizing from the start. 'out.'" you [the organizers] have your priced fairly (78 percent) and 13 According to organizer JoAn agenda." Soong believes that ag­ percent feel it's a bargain. Maurer, "the mandate from Sec Women in Celebration's agenda enda—"to look at women's accom­ The most popular part of the State was to include all women's included addresses by Rosemary plishments around equahty, past, "That's 3 concerts, 1 confer­ paper was the "Across B.C." sec­ ence and a poetry reading that groups." Maurer is the Vancouver Brown and Sylvia Gold (President present and future"—was strong tion, with "Arts" and "Movement happened before we got our Ki­ rep for the government- appointed of CACSW), a panel of "Women and clear. nesis. Wow, VSW just saved us Canadian Advisory Council on the Speaking Out," film screenings, Matters" in close pursuit. A fre­ quent gripe was how late in the another $85." Status of Women. and formal and informal net­ See Refuse page 4 KINESIS ACROSS B.C.

Housing for women has up to 100 women coming in ev­ ery day. When staff goes home at 5 o'clock, the women are forced to leave. Many of them are homeless, Coalition active as watchdog sleeping outside, in hotel rooms, at friends.' H anything goes wrong— by Barbara Wild and Housing Forum held last City Council hearings regarding Council fell far short of those put and it often does—they have no May in Vancouver. Composed the Pacific Place (False Creek) de­ forward by the Coalition. place to go. "Pretty desperate" is how Joan of women from women's centres, velopment. Marlene Healy, on be­ Also of interest to BCWHC is The proposed shelter would al­ LeClair, spokeswoman for the housing groups and concerned in­ half of the Coalition, called for 50 the non-criteria women's shelter leviate this situation. However, as recently-formed British Columbia dividuals, the Coalition's agenda percent social housing. being proposed by the Downtown far as the planning goes, "we still Women's Housing Coalition, de­ is twofold: to educate both them­ ("Social housing," also known Eastside Women's Centre. don't have a core group," said scribes the current housing situa­ selves and the public around the as non-profit housing, affordable Most shelters or hostels, such staffer Pam Cooley. "Nothing has tion for women in Vancouver. issue of housing as a right, and to housing, and public housing, usu­ as transition houses for battered been decided yet, location, fund­ "Some studies show more than address any immediate situations ally means housing that is govern­ women, drug and alcohol or men­ ing, etc ... The staff of DEWC 17,000 people on massive wait­ in the Lower Mainland affecting ment subsidized and not intended tal health facilities, are designed does not have the womanpower to ing hsts for non-profit and co-op housing for women. for profit-making. Co-op housing is for people who fall into spe­ provide leadership for this project. housing, with the hsts consisting Eventually, BCWHC hopes to one form of social housing.) cific "categories." A non-criteria We need all the help we can get, mostly of single mothers and sin­ involve all of B.C., perhaps assist­ Speaking to Council, Healy said women's shelter would open its especially people who are good at gle mature women," says LeClair. ing other groups in getting started. her group's concerns centered on doors to any woman in need of a fund-raising." place to stay. The B.C. Women's Housing The Coalition's concerns were housing mix, livability and public BCWHC is also paying atten­ Coalition came out of the Women made known at recent Vancouver amenities, creek and soil toxicity, In the week preceding the is­ tion to events in Surrey. The and community consultation. The sue of welfare cheques, DEWC— Red Door Housing Society re- guidelines subsequently passed by which is not a residential facility— see Housing page 6 Giving ourselves credit by Diane Strandberg Conventional banks just don't the loan. Of course," Conn adds, acknowledge the principle of col­ "we'll require a business plan from Women's community-based lective decision-making. They also the group which demonstrates the businesses are finally going to get don't understand a business that project's feasibility." the credit they deserve. would focus on creating jobs with good working conditions as its The heart of WomenFutures is The Community Economic Op­ a pool of returnable contributions tions group of WomenSkills has es­ first priority, rather than increas­ ing profits. and donations available for use as tablished a loan guarantee fund to guarantees for women's economic help groups of women start en­ "As we visited enterprises that projects. Although fund organiz­ terprises. Called WomenFutures, grew out of women's centres, tran­ ers do not anticipate that guar­ the fund is being launched Oc­ sition houses and kitchen table antees will be called in to cover tober 24 at a community din­ conversations, we found women ner event at Isadora's Restau­ were trying to create jobs for rant on Granville Island. themselves and a way of working According to fund organizer that made sense to them," said Lucy Alderson, WomenFutures Alderson. has arrived not a moment too These groups turned to creative soon. This year Alderson and her ways to raise money because they colleagues talked with groups of found banks, conventional loaning women starting community enter­ agencies and so-called "last resort prises to find out their needs. They funders" such as the Federal Busi­ found financing to be a major bar­ ness Development Bank unrespon­ rier to developing new enterprises, sive. But they were often unsuc­ particularly those which operate cessful in their attempts. as a collective. WomenFutures' Melanie Conn Joy Thompson of the clinic coalition "Our work with community- explains the purpose of the Wom­ based business has shown us how enFutures fund is to make it eas­ httle infrastructure there is to en­ ier for groups to access credit so courage this kind of development, they can get their projects up and loans, only a portion of the money Everywoman's Health especially when compared to the running. "Groups will find it much in the fund will be used for guaran­ encouragement of individually- easier to get a loan from a finan­ tees. The WomenFutures account owned enterprises," Alderson said. cial institution because WomenFu­ will be housed at CCEC Credit Centre opens soon tures will guarantee a portion of Union, which has a commitment to support community-based busi­ by Lea Dawson the chnic," but anticipates picket­ ness projects. ing and protests. Call 430-0450 for informa­ At a news conference September The chnic building was selected tion, and see Bulletin Board re: 10, the B.C. Coalition of Abortion with security in mind, and has Lend the clinic a hand... the launch. Clinics announced they had used been described as "not unlike a a $50,000 privately raised fund wartime bunker." A security ser­ If you want to ensure the chnic is a success, contact the B.C. Coali­ to purchase a medical building in vice will be hired and volunteers tion for Abortion Clinics at 873-5455. Leave your name, phone number Vancouver to house a clinic. trained to escort women and to and indicate what work you are interested in undertaking. Refuse from page 3 protect the site. CaUed "Everywoman's Health • Be an escort (training will be provided) "Some people thought, maybe According to Thompson, the Centre," the clinic is close to ma­ naively, that maybe we can give chnic location will be disclosed • Defend the chnic site (training will be provided) jor hospitals, is wheelchair and them [R.E.A.L. Women] some ed­ at a public opening in October. • Work to obtain full funding for the clinic under MSP. For example: ambulance accessible, and can be ucation," said Soong. "I'm the Women's organizations and the write letters, lobby, make phone calls. secured against violent attacks. perpetual optimist—maybe some medical community will also be in­ • Provide translation for women using the service. For example: Can­ people will learn something." formed of the location to ensure a tonese, Punjabi, Spanish, Greek, French VSW's Janet Shaw arrived at The organizers of the centre comprehensive referral system. have a feminist basis of unity and • Raise funds by all available means the event and was immediately After the announcement of the alarmed by R.E.A.L. Women and a vision of a community-based, • Gather and/or produce educational materials for use in the clinic community-run facility that pro­ clinic's purchase, the B.C. Min­ the anti-abortion groups' "visi­ • Help recruit members and supporters vides a variety of health services, istry of Health said they would not ble presence—they had tables, including abortion. While the cen­ cover the costs of the abortion pro­ posters, literature." VSW had pre­ tre board is presently made up cedure in the clinic under the Med­ away from the chnic because she Since the Supreme Court de­ viously been told there would be of the BCCAC steering commit­ ical Services Plan. (Estimated at cannot afford an abortion. cision this winter, the focus of no tables for displays. $200 per abortion, these costs are tee and clinic staff, their goal is to Hilda Thomas of the BCCAC the BCCAC has been to raise Dismay at the presence of right- covered in hospitals). Should the integrate volunteers from as many has called on the provincial gov­ funds for a free-standing chnic, wing groups wasn't the day's clinic charge women for procedural different backgrounds as possible. ernment "to provide full coverage and this work continues. More only disappointment. Said Darsnin costs, the Ministry would consider under MSP for the Everywoman's money is needed to cover insur­ Mann of the India Mahila As­ it "extra-billing" and has threat­ The exact location of the clinic Health Centre," and the Coali­ ance, salaries, security services, sociation, "There was nothing of ened to refuse to pay doctors' fees and opening date remain confiden­ tion has approached both the B.C. etc. The clinic also needs volun­ use there for immigrant women. (estimated at $106 for a pregnancy tial at present to protect women Civil Liberties Association and the teers (see Box), and encourages The whole thing was very orga­ under 14 weeks). who will use the service. Joy Legal Education and Action Fund women to contribute their energy nized, very pre-planned. I felt it Thompson of the BCCAC hopes The clinic organizers reassure (LEAF) to take on their case for and their skills. was hopeless from a feminist point "the anti-choice lobby will respect women that no one will be turned full funding. of view." KINESIS ACROSS B.C. Workers get Triple-O's at White Spot by Terrie Hamazaki when the company dropped their final offer on the table and ... left. Bill 19, B.C.'s Industrial Re­ Our position had never even been lations Reform Act is under­ discussed." mining collective bargaining and "The company would always contributing to union-busting at schedule the junior person ahead White Spot, say striking restau­ of the senior, give them more rant workers. hours, call them in for any over­ Strike action commenced Au­ time," said LiUian Baron, waitress gust 27 when the Canadian As­ at White Spot since 1971. sociation of Industrial, Mechanical Contracting out is a major and Allied Workers Local 112 re­ problem. "There are three jani­ jected the company's final contract tors with 25 years seniority among offer by 87 percent. them, and they're given two days After two weeks on the picket notice that they're being demoted hne, workers were compelled un­ to dishwasher because of non­ der the terms of BUI 19 to vote union outfitting coming in," said again after the company applied CaUaghan. "Also, managers would to the Industrial Relations Coun- frequently hostess at the front cU (IRC) for a final offer vote. door for three hours, when the hostess' hours are being cut back." The second vote, taken by a smaUer membership, resulted in 67 "BiU 19 got us here," said Mor­ percent in favour of rejection. ris. "Everyone [employers] tries to e. keep the union out. We set the -I "Votes are taken by how many standard for other restaurants. If gi come out to the meetings. The sec­ we get nothing, then the others get T?| ond final offer vote was very sig­ nothing." nificant because 658 of 970 people voted 'no,' even after the company According to Baron, a union did a campaign on people saying is definitely needed. "Especially 'this is as far as we're going, this is with different changes in manage­ fair'," said Denise CaUaghan, Na­ ment and owners," she said. The Walking the line at White Spot, September 1988 tional Union Staff Representative White Spot chain (19 unionized of CAIMAW. and 11 non-unionized restaurants) is owned by Peter Toigo, a close "The IRC did not do anything associate of premier Vander Zalm. to assist in proper negotiations," said Maggie Morris of CAIMAW. For Local 112, whose members The union has applied to the Om­ are primarUy women, the dispute budsman (sic) for an internal in­ has only strengthened their resolve vestigation after a sworn affidavit to defend their union rights. Their Sensational assault trial by one of the members cites Ken concern is not only for themselves. Albertini, IRC Acting Commis­ "The company compares us aU sioner, as trying to influence final the time with unorganized restau­ offer voting. rants," said CaUaghan. "The hos­ leads to lenient sentence "Scheduhng by seniority, pro­ pitality industry is one of the tection against contracting out, largest industries in the province. by Marrianne van Loon For Sidorova, it could be argued licized. But it can and does hap­ and management doing excessive People within should be organized the worst was yet to come. pen that women feel hke they are bargaining-unit work have been and it's our goal to see that even- It was an event the media "The legal system protects the on trial. The damage is done in union demands. Monetary issues tuaUy they are." wouldn't have missed for the defendant to a much greater ex­ cases hke this before the verdict had never been discussed in bar­ "We are prepared to bargain," world. tent than the woman who is the ever comes down. It is not only gaining," said CaUaghan. said CaUaghan. As Kinesis goes As the trial drew to a close, victim," says Paula Klein of the a horrendous experience in court, to press, the company staUs and Barbra Schhfer Chnic, provider of but somehow it validates the abuse "Wages only became an issue T.V., radio and newspaper re­ the strike continues. porters crammed into the Toronto legal services for assaulted women. a woman receives in the first place courtroom, spiUing out into the During the trial, Sidorova was vi­ to experience how society accepts lobby and the shopping maU and ciously interrogated by Inwood's and condones the victimization of underground parking lot below. lawyer Edward Greenspan who did women in court." everything possible to try and de­ The reporters were jockeying More happUy, the media's zeal­ stroy her credibility. Family Maintenance for position to cover the conclu­ ous coverage did make more peo­ Enforcement Program sion of the trial of Kirby Inwood, Klein says this is typical of ple aware of the issue, Don says. former advertising executive, now such cases. And although Judge "Not aU coverage was positive, but \ * *JL'/ J "Ms?""* convicted wife and chUd assaulter. Hachborn aUowed Greenspan to it got public attention and made After a lengthy trial, provincial •~~«H / j —- Howtorcjjtitcr. court Judge Gordon Hachborn had been convinced Inwood was guilty Where to of assault causing bodUy harm to his wife Tatyana Sidorova, and of More happily, the media's zealous */ \ \ \ > (•8G0-64S-9666 a lesser charge of common assault families are the strength of cur future. coverage did make more people get help to their infant son Misha. Hachborn then sentenced In­ aware of the issue wood to a mere 30 days in jaU for the assault on Misha—Inwood Last month Kinesis reported ing groups: could be out in as few as 10—and on new Ministry of Social Ser­ • legal Services Society 191 required him to undergo psychi­ vices and Housing regulations that Alexander St., Van. Tel: 687- atric treatment. more people aware that wife as­ compel people on welfare to pur­ question Sidorova's character and 1831 for info, about times. sault is a criminal offence." sue support payments from their As far as the media was con­ past Ufe, he would not aUow the ex-husbands (including common- • First United Church Advo­ cerned, it couldn't have been a testimony of five women who had Klein hopes that this increased law), regardless of whether or not cacy Centre 320 E. Hastings better story. Inwood met and "feU also been brutaUy assaulted by In­ awareness wUl cause people to they wish to do so. People can get St., Van. 9am-l 1:30am, Mon — in love" with Sidorova whUe trav- wood untU the sentencing hearing. change the legal system. Most cut off social assistance for refus­ Fri. eUing to the Soviet Union several Trudy Don of the Ontario Asso­ women don't even want a heavy ing to cooperate in this program. • B.C. Coalition of the Dis­ years ago and they married. Upon ciation of Interval and Transition verdict, she says, they just want abled 211-456 W. Broadway, his return, alone, to Canada, he Houses said, "We were absolutely the abuse to stop. U you are on welfare and your Van. Teh 875-0188 mounted a publicity campaign to horrified with the way Greenspan And now what of Sidorova? A worker has told you to 'partici­ have her released from the USSR • Legal Information Counsel­ prosecuted the victim. Because of strong woman, she has survived pate' in the program or face being the way she was treated, women cut off, you may appeal this de­ lor 1060 Roosevelt Cresc., N. In September of 1987 she ar­ and returned to school so she can Van. Tel: 985-7138 rived with their baby. Ten days may be frightened from going get a good job and raise her son. cision. For information about ap­ through with court proceedings." peals, or to find out whether or not later, Inwood was arrested for as­ But she is stiU afraid of Inwood • Outside Vancouver; Contact and wants the laws to change. this program may affect you and your local Legal or Community sault after attacking Sidorova and Klein concurs. "In reality most "Somebody must protect women," your chUdren, contact the fohow- Services Society among other things, twice drop­ trials don't last for weeks and ping Misha on his head. months and aren't so highly pub- said Sidorova, KINESIS ACROSS CANADA WHAT' S NEWS?

by Gwen Bird dition of her recruitment was Ule- responsibilities. The Assembly of Clark wanted to quit her job this acknowledgement of the im­ gal. Her lawyer says "the govern­ First Nations submitted amend­ due to the resulting stress, so she portance of lesbian and gay rights ment is ignoring its own legisla­ ments to include Native govern­ set out to establish sexual harass­ by a respected group of legal and tion," and adds that many work­ ments. ment as a health and safety issue human rights experts is a signifi­ cant advance in itself. Deported woman ers recruited from abroad are told As Kinesis goes to press, the for employees. they must be single. Tories are trying to push the act Clark filed complaints with the blames unfair through the Commons, whUe the Ontario Human Rights Commis­ Senate warns it may take up to a sion and the Ontario Labor Re­ Privacy recruitment month to consider the bUl. lations Board. She received help from Toronto lawyer Mary Cor­ A Filipina woman who came to Child Care Act nish, and a group of supporters Canada in 1980 after being re­ measure upheld who raised over $25,000 to defray cruited as a seamstress by a Win­ roundly panned legal costs. nipeg company was deported in Steel-working The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that a law prohibiting late August. Told by recruiters The federal Conservatives' pro­ The terms of the settlement are woman receives the publication of names of sexual that only single women were eligi­ posed chUd-care legislation has confidential. Although no OLRB assault victims is constitutional. ble for the positions, Sally Espineli met with criticism from a wide settlement ruling was made on the health and Ued about her marital status, got safety matter, Cornish stated that The decision came after a hear­ range of groups Who state the bUl ing in which freedom of the press, the job and came to Canada. would impede the quality of chUd An out-of-court settlement has the case, its proceedings and pub­ licity aU constituted good progress open justice and the victim's right Although marital status is a care. been reached in the case of a on the issue. In Quebec, the work­ to privacy were the main issues. prohibited ground of discrimi­ HamUton, Ontario woman who The Canada ChUd Care Act filed suit against the Steel Com­ ers compensation board recognizes The court's ruling acknowl­ nation in the Immigration Act, outhnes federal-provincial agree­ pany of Canada (Stelco) citing sex­ sexual harassment as a health and edged that sexual assault is one ments to provide chUd care, in­ ual harassment as a health and safety hazard. of the most unreported crimes and cluding a complex formula for safety hazard on the job. that fear of publicity and embar­ cost-sharing. rassment are two of the main rea­ A parliamentary committee sons women give for not reporting heard from a variety of groups Legal abuses this offence. % whose most widespread criticism Section 442.3 of the Criminal was the lack of any national tackled by Code, which women's groups had to standards in the bill. Groups fought long and hard for, requires such as the Canadian Teachers lesbians, gays a judge to prohibit publication of Federation, The Canadian La­ a complainant's name—or clues to bor Congress, the Canadian Jew­ An Ottawa-based lobby group her identity—when requested to ish Congress, Anti-Poverty groups, has been awarded $25,000 to fight and the Canadian Union of Pub- do so during a trial. cases of discrimination against les­ m he Employees aU oppose the legis­ The Ontario Supreme Court or­ bian and gay Canadians. lation. dered such a ban in a 1983 case Equahty for Gays and Les­ in Thunder Bay, and a newspa­ when immigration officials discov­ The National Action Commit­ bians Everywhere (EGALE) has per successfuUy appealed the deci­ ered Espineli was married they or­ tee on the Status of Women told begun work in five areas of fed­ sion to the Ontario Court of Ap­ dered her deported to ManUa for the committee the bUl was so entering Canada fraudulently. eral law "that may discriminate peal. The federal Justice Depart­ flawed it was unamendable. Bonita Clark, employed as a The Canadian Human Rights on the ground of sexual orienta­ ment then appealed that ruhng to Native groups were also very pump tender since 1979, had the Commission asked that Espineli be tion." EGALE received five $5,000 the Supreme Court of Canada. critical of the proposal, charging support of the Ontario Worker's aUowed to remain in Canada un- case development grants from the the government is missing a chance Health Centre in her action tU the commission has heard her federal Secretary of State-funded to show it is sincere about In­ against Stelco. As a woman in a case, but the request was denied. Court Challenges Program. dian self-government. Native gov­ traditionally male occupation, she Espineli hopes the deportation ernment is not included as a type was harassed repeatedly and mo­ Reproductive order wUl be reversed on appeal of government to be considered in lested several times by a male su­ if the commission rules the con- the task of dividing up chUd care pervisor. technology Houslng from page 4 - report ceived conditional aUocation from board members pointed to the sin­ attitude to social housing. When A government-sponsored report the province for 46 units of social gle working mother as a source people think of social housing, on new reproductive technologies housing in Newton. Although the of these problems and questioned they think of the massive struc­ criticizes surrogate-mother con­ project was finally passed Sept. 19 whether they wanted more of these tures put up in the 50's and 60's tracts for focusing on property by Surrey Municipal CouncU, it women (and their chUdren) in the without proper management ... rights and paternity instead of had been denied three weeks ear­ community. Under the new program projects "women's health, women's rela­ lier. Pat McClain, executive-director are designed to blend in with the tionship to chUdren or women's re­ Objections to the scheme cen­ of Red Door, calls this attitude community." productive choice." tered around existing "social prob­ "blatant stereotyping ... discrim­ Red Door is the only one of five Women and Reproductive lems" in the school closest to inating against the lower income social housing applicants in Surrey Technologies was produced for the designated site. Some school famines." McClain is "sick of this to have been successful. Two oth­ the federal ministry responsible for ers were turned down, a third has the status of women. Although it are active. Survey from page 3 gone to Langley, and the fifth has was intended to stimulate public We also asked some questions been tabled. debate, the study has been kept analytical and summary informa­ for our ad department. One of under wraps. tion on historic and current events. these was about leisure time ac­ "It's hard to change public thinking," said McClain. "Peo­ The Criminal Code of Canada Written by Somer Brodrib of The three most important po­ tivities. Restaurants are very pop­ wUl be the subject of two cases, ular with this group. Movies are ple need to be pressuring govern­ the Ontario Institute for Studies htical issues for those who an­ ments, both provincial and federal one dealing with the faUure of in Education, the report looks at swered the survey are abortion, another favourite pastime. Sports "hate laws" to protect lesbians and events are the least popular activ­ to buUd more social housing. If surrogacy, gender selection, artifi­ "free" trade and peace, in that or­ people would come forward when gays, and the other to examine cial insemination and in vitro fer­ der. Over 199 different concerns ity. They buy lots of books and the defence of provocation (in this magazines and, on average, get issues hke this come up it would tilization and at how these changes were raised, with many overlap­ help a lot." case, sexual advances by a lesbian in technology are affecting women. ping. The issues ranged from acid their hair cut or coloured at least or gay) in charges of murder. every two months. Anyone interested in sup­ It states that most of the work in rain to fish farms and from techno- The Canada Health Act wUl be this area has been to assert men's facism to violence against chUdren. porting the DEWC's plan for a women's non-criteria emer­ examined for ways in which it may ownership and paternity rights These Kinesis readers are not Apparently the hardest ques­ aUow discrimination, "particulary and that chUdren are commodified tion was the one thrown in for gency shelter, contact Pam or only concerned but they're out Kate at 681-8480. The centre in fight of the many abuses AIDS by the process. there doing something about it. fun. Readers were asked to write has brought to light." The Cana­ a punch hne caption for a car­ is located at 44 •&• Cordova and The report also notes that the Half said they have been inspired is open Monday-Friday, 10-5. dian Human Rights Act wUl be channelling of funds into high- tech by Kinesis to attend a rally or po­ toon contributed by Etta. (Thanks challenged for its faUure to pro­ Etta') Although at least 34 per­ Visitors are welcome. procedures on behalf of the eco­ htical event. hibit discrimination based on sex­ nomically advantaged infertUe is a cent of the respondents said they For information regarding ual orientation, and the Immigra­ Another 73 percent said they would hke to see more humour the B.C. Women's Housing dangerous trend. It asks "wUl the were involved in some commu­ tion Act wUl be contested in a poor and less privUeged be unable in Kinesis, only 23 percent were Coalition, contact Joan LeClair number of areas. nity group or organization. When able to come up with a punch hne. at 738-9247. Their next meet­ to choose to bear their own chU­ asked to be more specific, they Obviously, writing humour is no ing will be Tuesday, Oct. 4> 7 The group states that although dren?" if funds for day care and came up with 108 different groups lark. Hats off to Judith Quinlan for pm, at 133 Powell St. All wel- the federal funding wUl not cover other parental support services are or kinds of groups in which they writing the winning caption! nearly the full cost of the project, not made a priority. KINESIS ACROSS CANADA Still not enough Big bucks and plenty of pamphlets by Noreen Shanahan providing information, training and educa­ tion—says this campaign is doing battered Wife Assault—two words liberally women more harm than good. sprinkled around Toronto these days. Pam­ phlets containing them can be found in She's In A Jam ... liquor and grocery stores as weU as medical "It's huge. They're putting millions of dol­ offices, with translations in Chinese, Por­ lars into this media blitz, and you see these tuguese, Italian, Greek and Spanish. brochures everywhere, but at the same time they're not putting more money into ser­ Eleven provincial ministries, forming the vices." Interministerial Committee on Services Re­ lated to Wife Assault, have targeted part of For instance, the Assaulted Women's Cri­ their 1988 budgets for this education pack­ sis hne phone number is weU-puDlicized, she age, produced by the Ontario Women's Di­ said, but there aren't enough people or ser­ rectorate. vices to deal with the increased number of women calling. (Despite repeated efforts The package includes wider pamphlet Kinesis was unable to reach anyone at this distribution (of "Wife Assault: It is a Une.) Crime" and "Let's Break the SUence"), Wendy Barrett, an instructor at Tor­ T.V. ads in French and English, posters onto's George Brown CoUege and battered aimed at men who batter, and outreach to women's activist, is also critical of the On­ various ethnic communities. tario government. She says they're taking November wUl be "FamUy Violence Pre­ money out of battered women's shelters and vention Month" in Ontario, with grants advising the women to use mental health provided for local public education. "Most centres instead, for counselling. projects involve a steering committee rep- "It's another example of professionaliza- tion [of assaulted women's services]; the money is going to social workers instead of shelter workers." The result of this shift, she says, is fewer safe places to refer women. According to Barrett, the government is also considering limiting a woman's stay in &es*ence a shelter to six weeks, which would create in effect a "bed-and-breakfast" situation for battered women. This restriction would hit Toronto women, who are already experienc­ WIFE ASSAULT: ing a severe housing shortage, particularly hard. Faced with the Toronto housing crisis, ft is a ciime. some shelters are forming alliances with co-operative housing developments where a percentage of crisis units are specificaUy al- loted battered women and their chUdren. There are five shelters in Metro Toronto accommodating approximately one hundred women and chUdren. For every woman pro­ band would either calm down, faU asleep or vided for, nine others are turned away, things happened to Roselynn Aina: she be­ leave for work. according to EWA's Clark. "Not a lot came pregnant with her first chUd and her "One night I come back at midnight, and of women go through the shelters," she husband began to beat her. resenting several women's organizations said. "People focus on shelters, but millions he just talk, talk, talk, talk, talk ... I said knowledgeable about the issue and for the haven't [gone to them]. In many cases, if a Alone and unfamiliar with the city, Aina stop it!" said Aina. "He wouldn't stop, so culture and language," said Betty Notar, woman has no accommodation with friends was nine months pregnant before neigh­ he beat me. I took my clothes, ran out, he poUcy analyst for the Directorate. or family, she's in a jam." bours called the pohce and she was brought come after me and beat me." While many women might appreci­ to Shirley Samaroo House, the only immi­ Before arriving at the shelter, another ate their realities being addressed, Kate Alone and Unfamiliar grant women's shelter in Canada. woman, Ahn Iran, took her baby and Clark of Toronto's Education Wife As­ Almost immediately after leaving Nigeria in Escaping the violence at home, she'd ride sault (EWA)—a non-profit feminist group 1987 to join her husband in Toronto, two the subway back and forth untU her hus­ Please see Pamphlets pg.10 the VOICE troupe (Violence Overcome In Creative Ensemble) the play explores and ex­ poses domestic violence—from which these women escaped—and the insidious societal vi­ "As though looking in a mirror" olence each continues to face. "The group wanted to deal with what happens to a woman after she leaves the vio­ It was the first time this reporter embraced strangers she was interviewing—but we lent (home) situation," said director/producer Katherine MarieUe. "They often face more three held tight, promising to meet again backstage in some Vancouver venue. The women abuse from the legal system. Lawyers, judges, psychiatrists and others subject women to are Linda Danniels and Ana Maria Santinoli, actors in Fires of Transformation, a play character defamation. The women are put on trial though they are the victims of crime." written and performed by survivors of wife assault, for survivors of wife assault (and also One poignant role, created and performed by Santolini, is of a transient 'bag lady' who to give the general audiences a chance to hear their stories and watch their strengths). appears as a guiding Ught throughout both acts. "I was fascinated by bag ladies," said San­ Fires is a two act, ten actor play, born in the livingrooms of Toronto transition houses, tolini. "Very strong women who want absolute freedom. They rebel against the system— where the women first used improvisation to script their experiences. Calling themselves but there is also something frightening about it. You have to give up everything." She says this character was a middle class woman who lost everything as a result of abuse, was institutionalized and ended up alone in the street. "This character gave us a chance to exercise our own feehngs about her: why do we identify with or reject her? I had felt I could be her," said Santolini. Fires began performing last May primarUy in Toronto transition houses where the women responded "as though looking in a mirror," said MarieUe. An overwhelming mes­ sage to the troupe was "take it to the government!" It later premiered for general audi­ ences in Toronto's New Theatre Centre. Future VOICE plans tentatively include producing an educational kit for transition houses, encouraging other women to bring their experiences to hfe; the kit would include a video on the making of Fires. Other plans involve re-staging Fires in Toronto this faU, forming a new troupe and mounting a national caravan tour (including chUdren) to both rural and urban audiences. „ MarieUe says during upcoming performances added emphasis wUl be put on audience 3 participation in the form of pohtical action. "It's wonderful opening people's eyes by hav- « ing them hear women speak for themselves, but we'll also encourage people to act on this •g new awareness in the form of petitions, letters ..." £ The VOICES troupe decorates theatre lobbies with weU-publicized newspaper articles | exposing the injustices of wife assault. Kirby Inwood (see story page 5jwUl be hung open- E ing night, they assure me. KINESIS INTERNATIONAL

South Africa A long history of "picking up the spears 95 by Sadie Kuehn It is important to give a brief back­ ground to what led South Africans of aU A packed house of 250 gathered at the races to march on Pretoria. The 1950's Vancouver YWCA on Sunday, August 7 to saw a new era in the struggle against join with women around the world in cele­ apartheid—against colonialism in general— brating South African Women's Day. where the different racial groups organized themselves, together with the African ma­ The date of South African Women's Day jority. The Indian People's Congress (IPC) was chosen to celebrate the 1956 march was formed, the Coloured People's Congress on Pretoria by 20,000 women of aU races (CPC), and the Congress of Democrats to protest the South African government's (CD)—that was a white organization—and pass laws. the African National Congress (ANC) came The keynote speaker for the Vancouver together. celebration was Susan Mnumzana, an Afri­ This is the period of the defiance cam­ can National Congress (ANC) representa­ paign in 1952 that lasted up to 1956, with tive to the United Nations. the clampdown on the leadership. In 1956, Sadie: Could you give us an overview 156 leaders of the Congress alliance were of the events of 1956 and the impact it arrested. It was during this period that has had on the situation in general in women in the ANC Women's League and South Africa. the people in the CPC, IPC and CD came Susan: 1956 was the cUmax of a very together and decided on a march to Pre­ involved, protracted struggle. When South toria, protesting not only against the pass Africa was a British colony—and it stiU was laws—although those laws were the ma­ in 1956—the British introduced the pass jor issue of the time—but really it was a system as early as 1913. They wanted aU protest against apartheid and the oppres­ Black South Africans in particular Africans, sion of Black people in general. to carry passes. Women resisted, in Bloom- It was very significant because for the i fontein, as early as 1913. first time, South Africa was united as South Susan Mnumzana in Vancouver This law was relaxed to a certain extent Africa with aU its people protesting against It thus became a lesson—the slogan or it, every demonstration, every riot was at­ untU after the [Second World] War when the an unjust system. Thus, you found 20,000 the maxim—that "united we stand, divided tacked violently and there were casualties. Nationalist party in 1948 took over power. women of aU races marching on Pretoria to we fall" was proved. The regime actually I am not talking about people just being Strijdom, who was then Prime Minister, register their protest against the extension felt the effect of these operations. Hence, wounded or arrested; people were shot dead. wanted to extend the pass laws to women. of the pass laws. they were looking for excuses to outlaw the The climax came with the Soweto uprising Women—having seen the devastation movement. They tried it with the treason when school chUdren took to the streets, Campaign of Defiance trial, which dragged on for four years, af­ demonstrating against apartheid, against and misery that goes together with the ar­ This had a tremendous impact on South rest of husbands, fathers, brothers and serv- ter which aU charges against aU defendants the imposition of Afrikaans as a language of Africans of all walks of hfe. They realized were dropped. Then the SharpeviUe mas­ instruction. Their protest ended in a blood­ for the first time that not only have women sacre came, and they found reason to out­ bath. got the power, but the majority of the peo­ law the ANC. ple of South Africa could flex their muscle The struggle has not stopped since then. The Federation of Women was not and they could bring down the government. People have learned new tactics and with banned as such. The same applies to the heightening pohtical consciousness, our The result of this campaign and this the other Congresses. They weren't really people began to realize that it is not the m march was that for the next two or banned, but because the leadership was ar­ white skin that is a problem—it's the sys­ three years the extension of the passes rested and forced into exile, these move­ tem. stopped. When they eventuaUy did extend ments became defunct to a considerable de­ the passes, it generated protests that ch- gree. For some time you could say there was You found an increasing number of white maxed with the 1960 SharpeviUe massacre, a pohtical lull, if not a pohtical vacuum, be­ the outlawing of the ANC and the Congress people also joining the struggle. And those cause it was very difficult to organize under­ activists who became inactive as a result alliance, and the movement going under­ ground at the time. ground. of the repression foUowing the SharpeviUe Sadie: Has that changed at present? massacre also came back to continue with The Federation of South African Women, the struggle. (the organizers of the march), was an Susan: The people themselves in South Africa have forced a change through strug­ Today we find legal, multiracial organi­ ing long jaU sentences and their famines umbreUa group that embraced the ANC gles. 1967-68 saw the birth of what is now zations hke the United Democratic Front not even being told where these people are Women's League, the Coloured people, the held—felt this was going to have a really Indians and the whites. That's why you devastating effect on the family, the fabric see that the leaders of this demonstration of chUd-rearing. were Lihian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Shanthie Naidoo, Deborah Mabale. The unity among Black people has cost the As you can weU imagine, if both mother and father are arrested and, in the extended All of these women have a history behind government a lot... it is expensive to maintain family, aunts and uncles are arrested for them. Helen Joseph, for example, was the pass law offences, then the chUdren are left first woman in South Africa to be held un­ the repressive machinery on their own. This prompted women—of aU der house arrest in 1952. That is when the races—in South Africa to protest against defiance campaign against the pass laws was these passes. beginning. called the Black Consciousness Movement. (UDF) and the Congress of South African This was a very necessary development. Trade Unions (COSATU) and this is an COMMU NITY The aim of the Black Consciousness Move­ achievement considering the efforts of the ment was to reactivate the fighting spirit government through legislation hke the in the Black masses. Not only that, but to Group Areas Act and others to really po­ HALLOWEEN teach Black people again that they were larize the different racial groups in South worth being human beings and that what Africa This unity among Black people, dance the South African government was doing— among the democratic forces in the country, dehumanizing them—was not right. has cost the government a lot in terms of So the Black Consciousness Movement pohtical disorganization, in terms of money, was very positive. It did not even see it­ because it is expensive to maintain the re­ Roots Roundup" & self as a hberation movement. I was a part pressive machinery. There is also the war of the Black Consciousness Movement, and they are waging against Angola, against we didn't realize and accept that people hke Mozambique, and other front Une States. '"Hard Rock Miners" Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu and Bram Fischer were our leaders. And so you find complete chaos in the South African ruhng circles. Of course, this Britannia Community What we were doing was picking up their spears and continuing the fight. We may makes them even more aggressive, as you Centre Gym have used different methods—because al­ have seen on television screens, especiaUy ready the ANC had decided to embark on during 1984-85. And the people are fight­ Saturday, October 29 armed struggle—but as a legal organization ing back, and because they are fighting back and there are casualties on both sides, the inside South Africa it was risky to start ad­ government decides to impose the state of vocating armed struggle. , tO lam emergency, restrictions on the press, and so Complete Chaos on. On Site Facepainting, Childcare But because the regime is always frightened So the world does not know what is ac- when it sees people being organized against tuaUy happening in South Africa KINESIS ///////////////A INTERNATIONAL

In Chile Whether or not to play Pinochet's game by Carmen Rodriguez The women, belonging to the organiza­ By now, thousands of protesters ] The massive demonstrations of Septem tion "Women for Life," were clear in their joined the students and the women, includ­ ber would seem to say it is not possible. But In late August, General Augusto message: the "disappeared," the executed, ing the CUT (Unified Labour Federation) the regime could resort to fraud, given that Pinochet was nominated by the Chilean the pohtical prisoners and the exUes were and other organizations. That evening, the it owns the rules of the game and has total armed forces and police as their can­ walking through downtown Santiago again, protesters not only clashed with the pohce control over the process. didate for another eight-year term as even if it was just symbolically. but also with some 8,000 Pinochet support­ president. Pinochet is the sole runner ers who had also made it to the streets. And, if the "no" actuaUy wins: what in the "yes-no" plebiscite which, even It did not take long for the carabineros As twilight approached, the barrios got changes wUl that bring about? Hasn't the if he loses, will allow him another year (mUitary poUce) to show up and fiUth e air ready. When 8:00 struck, people with pots dictatorship already set the itinerary to fol­ of power. His military dictatorship com­ with tear gas. The water cannon tank made and pans made their way onto the streets low if this is the case? Doesn't that itinerary menced September 11, 1973 when a its way through the march and kept on at­ and out of doors and windows, and the state that the armed forces wUl stiU play a U.S.-backed coup ousted the elected so­ tacking the black sUhouettes, now leaning banging began. The young and the old gath­ key role in the years to come? cialist government. against the trees, as if they were also a "dan­ ered old chairs, pieces of wood, tires, baskets ger to society." and the bonfires were fit. The atmosphere What wUl happen with the people's de­ Pinochet and his foUowers probably had was one of a feast, of a noisy feast. The fight mands of justice in the case of the assas­ the picture of a peaceful ChUe in mind when At one point, Carmen Gloria Quintana of the barricades in aU of the Santiago bar­ sinated and the missing? Won't the eco­ mounting their farcical plebiscite. They attempted to march again holding up the rios fit the sky and the marches continued. nomic model remain the same, favouring in probably thought the event itself and its surrounding activities would confuse peo­ ple enough to keep them at home; or that this beginning of the "democratic process" would make everybody happy. They were probably right when thinking of confusion, but they were certainly mis­ taken to think people would happUy stay home. The announcement of the plebiscite and, more specifically, the announcement of the "candidate" has brought the people of ChUe to a state of pohtical effervescence not seen for years. August 29 to September 4 saw massive protests in downtown Santiago and other cities, whUe smaUer demonstrations have been happening almost everyday, every­ where in the country. At the same time, the Manuel Rodriguez Patriotic Front and other armed groups have increased their opera­ tions during this period. Right wing groups reacted to the plebi­ scite with a certain degree of rehef. Finally, they thought, civUians could become active participants in the government. However, when it became clear that Pinochet would be the only candidate, some groups decided to vote, "no" on October 5. The Christian Democratic Party and the social-democratic forces were clear about a "no" vote from the very beginning and prompted their foUowers to put their names in the official registry. If the "no" wins, they wUl be weU equipped to negotiate with both Santiago, August 29. The silhouettes ask, Did you forget me? the U.S. administration and the ChUean military whUe playing a prominent role in a silhouette of Rodrigo Rojas Denegri. (Car­ For many, this was their first protest in 15 ternational corporations, big land-owners subsequent "opening" of the pohtical scene. men Gloria and Rodrigo were burnt alive by years; there were so many people the cara­ bankers, etc.? And ... will the dictator ac­ bineros and all their fancy equipment could tuaUy leave? The powerful movement created by these the military during a street demonstration not stop them. two pohtical forces convinced an impor­ in Santiago two years ago. Carmen Gloria In the last few weeks the people of ChUe tant sector of the left to join their cam­ survived but Rodrigo died.) She was able to That August 30, three people were kUled have taken to the streets to say "no" to the paign for the "no" at a fairly early stage in go on for only a few meters before the del­ by the pohce, 121 were wounded and 847 dictatorship. In a couple of weeks they wU the process. In the meantime, the Commu­ uge of water reached her. detained. However, the end result of this say "no" again, by voting in a plebiscite nist Party, an important organization of the extraordinary day was the birth of a new weU-staged by that very same dictatorship ChUean working class, continued to deliber­ spirit. "People are not scared any more," They wUl say "no" on October 5 and wU ate. Finally, in early September, the CP de­ said one of the young shanty-town dweUers. continue to say "no" in the many ways they cided to join the "no" forces. As twilight approaches, His statement was to be confirmed over and have invented in the last 15 years. But then over again in the next few days. However, a smaU but important part of the barrios got ready ... what? the left, including a sector of the Move­ ment of the Revolutionary Left (MIR), has September 4, 1970 was the day that decided to boycott the plebiscite and de­ Salvador AUende was elected President of At this point, it was not only women ChUe. September 4, 1988 hundreds of thou­ nounce it as another one of Pinochet's who were attempting to march again. Men games." Since Pinochet holds aU the cards, sands fiUed the streets to commemorate the had joined in and everybody was shout­ anniversary and demand the dictator leave. they claim, they are not playing. ing "asesinos, asesinos" (murderers, mur­ derers). The protest lasted for more than an hour and 26 people were arrested. October 5: And Then What? In spite of the visible opposition and resis­ They were mistaken tance to the dictatorship, it is evident the Birth Of A New Spirit Pinochet regime is stiU very strong. In addi­ to think people would Tuesday, August 30: the candidate was tion to its repressive strength, its economic to be announced. Everybody knew it would model has found support not only in the up­ happily stay home be Pinochet, but stiU ... Since early morn­ per classes but also in some middle sectors ing the carabineros patroUed the city centre. who, enjoying some economic stabUity, fear They knew the atmosphere of expectancy a pohtical upheaval. could turn into one of protest at any mo­ ment. At the same time, the regime has de­ Women Take The Lead veloped an intelligent ideological machinery Monday August 29: more than one thou­ Shortly after 11 am students left their that has been brain-washing the ChUean sand women took over CaUe Ahumada, schools and began to gather. The organi­ population for 15 years. Pinochet has not Santiago's busiest boulevard. They carried zation "Agrupacion de FamUiares de De- only played with the "fear factor" but has black human sUhouettes with the names of tenidos Desaparecidos" (Relatives of Disap- also utUized the most effective mass media victims of the dictatorship. People on the peared-Pohtical Prisoners) left the Vicariate communicator: television. It is not surpris­ street were initiaUy puzzled by these women of Solidarity office and started leafletting. ing, then, that Pinochet would want to gov­ and their companions, but as soon as they Shortly after 12 the first confrontations be­ ern by consensus instead of by imposition. understood the meaning of the sUent march, tween the carabineros and the protesters be- But, is this feasible? Could the "yes" possi­ they started to applaud. gan. bly win? KINESIS LIFE STORIESXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXNXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX ^

from 35 to 25, and she couldn't afford to hve on that. EspeciaUy since White Spot was offering her no-zero-zip increase in the first year, 10 cents/hr in the second and 10 cents/hr in the third for a grand total of a 20 cent increase over three years. This from a guy who was wilUng to pay $500 million for the Expo lands. Here's this woman out on this Une, she's worried, she's nervous and she's working her buns off. The management team, they don't bother working hke that. They just walked into negotiations, put their one-and-only of­ fer on the table, said it was their final offer Coupon-clipping your way and walked out. Then leaflets started appearing in the restaurants from the company's negotiat­ to heaven (and prosperity) ing committee saying the "union wUl have by Nora D. Randall caUed a strike without wages and benefits lations. It's a simple thing, most industries next year—I imagine a Socred grower or even being discussed ... "We don't know have it. It just means there is government maybe a bunch of them phoned up their So­ for sure that all the guys on this negotiating You never know when you're going to regulation of safety conditions in the work cred MLA's and said, "Hey, we don't want committee are Socreds, but we know Toigo have a revelation. place. this to happen." is. And I bet they are, 'cause things are easy It could happen any time, under the most It seems hke a totally reasonable thing And I bet the MLA's said, "No problem, for them. It's easy to be a Socred and it's bizarre or the most mundane circumstances. to want in a work place where poisonous we'll take care of it." Then they just an­ hard to be anything else. Take, for example, my latest revelation. I chemicals are routinely used on the food we nounced the regulations wouldn't be cover­ Maybe some of you are stiU wondering got a coupon book through my maU slot the eat. The union has written briefs, gone to ing agriculture after aU—and they don't to what the heU Premier Vander Zalm offered other day and, looking through it, I realized meetings, demonstrated, talked to the me- this day. Now, isn't that easy? why the Socreds continue to have so many me in the coupon book that lead to all this. supporters. The answer is a 25 cent coupon on any va­ SAVE A WONDERFUL 25 CENTS ^ riety of Wonder Bread. It was there. You might say it was written There were other coupons as weU, but in invisible ink under the receipt for stir-fry this is the one that captured my heart and cucumber. It leapt out at me, it embraced ON WONDER* BREAD mind. He promised me that by using this me, we danced around the room. Oh boy, coupon I could "contribute to an even more I thought, this is it, no more isolation, no vital, prosperous economy in our province" more feehngs of being ineffective. and "have the satisfaction of knowing you Right there in the front of the coupon are providing jobs for those in our province book was a letter from the premier of the (any variety) who work on farms, in manufacturing and province offering me a chance to contribute processing plants, and in the packaging in­ to the future prosperity of the economy in 25* dustry." British Columbia. The truth is, I am dy­ Who could resist such a deal? ing to contribute. And what the Socreds do dia, worked and worked on this issue. Farm­ Look at the White Spot strikers. I was on that's so successful, so simple, so brilliant, workers have died and the coroner's juries their picket Une the other day and they were is they make it easy for you to contribute. have recommended there be regulation. working hard. People were on the picket hne wearing signs, singing songs, talking to peo­ UPRISING Frankly, the problem with the left, ah Lots of people have worked on this and ple. There was even a man who'd made a of it—the women's movement, the unions, what have they managed? Nothing. This is big puppet of Peter Toigo (White Spot's BREADS even the NDP—is that it's just too hard. too hard, too discouraging. owner). He gathered aU the workers around They've aU got things that need to be done and told them what a big man he was, a that are nearly impossible to do. My guess is the Socreds have made it friend of the premier's, even. BAKERY For example, the farmworkers. The Cana­ much easier for their people. In fact, I dian Farmworkers Union has been working imagine what happened in 1983—when the No-Zero-Zip for eight years to get agriculture covered Worker's Compensation Board announced I talked to one of the waitresses. She said NOW by Occupational Health and Safety Regu­ it was going to cover agriculture starting White Spot wanted to cut her hours back OPEN LONGER Mon. - Fri. 8:30 - 6:00 Sat. 9:00 - 5:30 1697 Venables Street Vancouver 254-5635 A part of CRS Workers' Co-op

, KINESIS /////////////////////^^^^^ ///////////////////////^^^^^ COMMENTARY

In education, sports Going "co-ed" spells trouble for the women by Anne Innis Dagg hotel and food administration, the famUy they do, that faculty members make sex­ be seen as leadership material. Men move and Pat Davis and the consumer. These entities conjure ist comments, and that women are omitted in and up in the new amalgamation, whUe up visions of management, sociology and from academic course content. UNCG may women too often stay put or move out. Everyone knows that "Separate But economics rather than of women's matters, claim that women and men are now equal on These examples are a warning to women. Equal" is a bad thing. This was a slogan which is perhaps what was intended because its "up-graded" campus, but women were Amalgamation of two entities in theory may trumpeted 30 years ago in the southern soon more and more men were being hired much better off when UNCG was for women seem an ideal way to gain their common United States to ensure that integration be­ and promoted whUe some women lost their only. ends with an increase in power. But if ei­ tween Blacks and whites would not occur jobs. ther entity has its own additional agenda and that equahty between the races would At present, the dean of what was once Drastic Effect (such as keeping women in partial control) not take place. Macdonald Institute is a man, the heads of Sports groups have also been mesmerized that is also important, and if one entity has Two women have recently chaUenged this the three departments are men, and nearly by the concepts of efficiency and progress. more clout in the larger society (the men's "Separate But Equal" phUosophy on behalf half the teachers are men too. The student In an effort to streamline their organiza­ or mixed group), then women should be­ of women. Margaret Tomen, an elementary body remains almost entirely women. tions, women interuniversity athletic groups ware of the future of the combined group. school principal, has chaUenged in court the It won't be separate, but for women it al­ bylaw which forces male and female elemen­ most certainly won't be equal. tary school teachers in Ontario to belong to different unions. She feels such separation is not needed today, the way it may have been Examples show that in the past. If aU elementary school teachers belonged to a single union, it would presum­ women's groups function Pamphlets from page 7 ably have more power when dealing with the hid at a friends' home for three months. province's school boards. It was only when her lawyer contacted In a paraUel case, a young teenage hockey well on their own, her husband—inadvertently revealing her player, Justine Blainey, has successfuUy pe­ address—that the violence began again. She titioned the Ontario Human Rights Com­ envisioning their own and her daughter have Uved at Shirley mission for the right to play ice hockey Samaroo House since July. on a boys' team, since no girls' team of­ future and working According to shelter worker Isabel Saez, fers her the same high level of competi­ there is a forty woman waiting hst at this tion. Girls in Ontario have their own hockey toward that ideal. year-old house. "We only let women jump leagues entirely separate from those of the ahead of this hst in extreme emergencies.'' boys, but compared to the boys' teams, the Myths concerning battered women are few girls' teams have httle encouragement, plentiful, says Clark. A common one is the much less funding, and worse practice and Whereas 20 years ago, women ran the in­ in Canada have been joining with those 'why-do-they-stay?' myth. "First of ah— game times. stitute the way they felt it should be run of men. In 1969, four of the five regional and had academic power that was rare for conferences had separate organizations for why shouldn't they be aUowed to stay? In Can one blame Blainey for wanting the women, now men are in the positions of women and men, and 40 universities Usted any event, one third of aU women already equahty that can apparently only come power which makes this college no different a woman as the Women's Athletic Director. leave when the abuse begins," she said. from some amalgamation of the two groups? from any other. "And if not, they are actively struggling As things are now, there is httle to chal­ By 1978, four of the five conferences—aU to leave one way or another, by accessing lenge her on the girls' teams, whereas she This same debasement of women's au­ but Ontario—had become coeducational in money or a place to hve." tonomy and concerns also occurs when their administrative structure with a drastic could become a far better hockey player if She knew of one woman "who had money she could train and play with the boys. Sep­ women's colleges become coeducational, as effect on the female organizers: the number but not access to it, so she would buy extra arate is certainly not equal. many have done recently in the United of female Women's Athletic Directors had States. In 1931, when the North Carolina dropped from 40 to 19. cans of coffee and then return them, thereby So far it would seem- that two separate CoUege for Women became a fuU-fledged accumulating the refund money. but paraUel groups, in the examples above, Only in Ontario, where the men's and university of the state system, it catered women's structures remained separate, has George Brown CoUege opened its doors would benefit members if they joined to to women students, with the administration early September to a pUot course, the form one entity. We don't yet know if these the women's interuniversity sport organiza­ and teachers almost aU women. In 1963, be­ tion retained a broad base program. And only one of its kind in Canada: As­ groups themselves would also benefit, but cause of external pressure, it became coedu­ saulted Women's and ChUdren's Coun- we can consider what has happened in the only in Ontario, where the separate but par­ cational as the University of North Carolina aUel administrations remain, do the women seUor/Advocate Program. "This program past to groups which have joined together at Greensboro (UNCG). is grounded in feminist phUosophy which for a better future. assume association responsibilities and au­ In the Mowing years, many men teach­ thority on a par with men. analyzes those social, cultural, pohtical One such example is the amalgamation in and economic conditions which predispose 1969 of the Macdonald Institute in Guelph, ers were hired and promoted, often in the Few people apparently noticed the loss of guise of "upgrading" the university, and women and chUdren to become victims of Ontario with the University of Guelph. In women's authority during this ten-year pe­ violence," the course description reads. 1948, when this Institute became a col­ high administrative positions were created riod, because in 1978 the Canadian women's of which 90 percent went to men. The lege, it catered to women's concerns, with Interuniversity Athletic Union joined with According to instructor Sandra Fishleigh, student body is now two-thirds female, departments- of Foods and Nutrition; Tex- the men's national body to become the a course objective is to counter the profes­ but UNCG is run almost entirely by men, tUes, Clothing and Design; and Home Man­ Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union sionalism of women's services. "We think as are aU other coeducational universities. agement. The principal was a woman, the (CIAU). Again, the pattern of women of­ professionalism and government control are The student leaders are mostly men, whUe ten losing out because of amalgamation was happening anyway so we want to do what faculty were women and the students were women, compared to men, receive fewer repeated. Progressively fewer women at­ we can to fight it, by preparing women grants than loans (which must be repaid), tended annual meetings of the CIAU to vote with a feminist background and content lower loans, lower earnings for their work, Run By Men there are concrete skiUs developed over 15 and less institutional employment. on women's issues, untU in 1985 special leg­ After amalgamation, the thrust of the in­ islation had to be passed to help correct the years [in the women's movement]. Now it's stitute changed somewhat with the three Women students complain that the men imbalance between men and women voting time to pass them on." new departmental components focusing on receive more attention from teachers than delegates. AU instructors have done front hne work Far fewer women compared to men are with assault survivors. Course content in­ Desktop Publishing now coaching women's university teams, cludes: the nature, causes, and effects of sex­ whUe almost no women coach men's teams. ual abuse; feminist counselling; racism and Design, iactoutandcoordination This is so even though more women than ethnicity; legislation and social policy anal­ A men study physical education at Canadian ysis; social action; prevention, advocacy and universities. public education. o/('your arapkic needs\ li/e "Seventy percent of the students are [as­ Is "Separate But Equal" reaUy a bad sault] survivors weU along in their own heal­ kefy uou produce ad slogan as we have been taught to beheve? ing who want to work with other women," The examples from academic institutions said Fishleigh. "The other 30 percent have and university athletic groups would seem background volunteering in shelters and a insertions, irockuree, to indicate not. They show that women's growing awareness of women's issues." groups function weU on their own, envision­ farms andaiimanner ing their own future and working toward Fishleigh doubted the course would cre­ that ideal. When such groups give up their ate a hierarchy between newly certified female-identification, however, women soon counseUors and the women they counsel— lose their authority if these examples are thereby adding to the professionalism. "H typical, as they seem to be. we achieve the feminist goals then that won't happen." Graduates expect to find Anecdotal evidence indicates why women jobs in transition houses and sexual assault lose out—if there is only one head or one centres, incest counselling, women's shel­ representative for a group, it seems to many ters, legal clinics, health and housing ser- more "natural" this should be man; if a woman takes leave from a job to have a baby, she is often considered not dedicated Says Fishleigh, "Any place where there to her work; if she changes jobs because of are women and chUdren ... she'U bring her her husband's relocation, she is unlikely to feminist consciousness." KINESIS artistic activity that's pohticaUy conscious, that must be addressed. I don't think this " THE WOMEN'S one is always trying to balance artistry and film could have been made the way it was the poUtical understanding that feeds into anywhere but at NFB Studio D. the ways in which you approach content. You know, among the first things you do u STUDIO OF when you start with a documentary film is Moving the censor: We have a struggle to balance aU of those you get people to sign consent forms giving THE NATIONAL things to get the women involved in those is­ you permission—in advance—to use their sues to speak on their own behalf, and bring presence. WeU, with this film we didn't, and " FILM BOARD to them the most subtle, sophisticated, ar­ I don't think this film could have been made ticulate film language we can so we can on any other basis. We said to Shirley, "At - OF CANADA the balancing act of women's film speak to as many women as possible and as any stage you can say, 'I don't hke this,' or eloquently as possible. To balance the need 'I can't five with this' and we'U say okay and of generating strong content with the need destroy the originals." It was a real collab­ and feminist analysis. Now it is up to Rina I was continuing with my arts work, How do you value form without excluding had they produced? How many women had Rina: I looked to theatre schools where of generating strong film makers. FraticeUi to continue the chaUenge. teaching theatre at Concordia and the Uni­ people who are separate from that formal directed them, and how many of the artis­ I found women were applying in equal or orative effort. versity of Montreal, and had started a language? How are we establishing what's tic directors were women? Fraticelli is unintentionaUy very late: our greater numbers. Women's educational suc­ Duane: Can you give me an exam­ Duane: What is your hope for Studio women's performance group to work out good? From Aristotle down is gender-based. meeting is preempted by a last minute NFB I discovered a rule that worked across the cess rates are just as high or higher, but ple? D? meeting and another interview. While I wait of Powerhouse GaUery. Working artistically How do we step outside of it so we are mov­ country: women were present in inverse pro­ they can't get that first job. That was re- Rina: To bridge the isolation and share gave me the chance to remove myself from ing this male censor which we have taken I think back to my last night shift at the portion to the money and status involved in aUy interesting for me because, for years Rina: The Studio D film To A Safer power with women. one-on-one casework—but in the arts I into ourselves? battered women's shelter. the work. when people found out I was a feminist, they Place (a film on incest) for me reflects very was also frustrated that the context wasn't I think now that Kathleen Shannon's Through Fireweed I started to under­ would teU me that no discrimination existed weU how you need to balance real film­ There, five women from aU walks of hfe there. The other thing that amazed me and unmatchable legacy—Studio D—is in good were gathered in the shelter's hving room stand a httle bit about systemic discrimina­ proved to be a very good lobbying force in their particular artistic field. making skUls and decisions, with the issue hands. watching a video. The woman on the screen Duane: Where did that frustration tion. I was aware of the fact that I simply later was the realization that, where women "I'd love to have a woman working here," describes her isolation and years of brutal lead you? wasn't seeing very many plays by women. So were artistic directors, significantly more says the male artistic director. But in fact victimization at the hands of her husband. Rina: I moved to Toronto knowing that I organized a national women's playwright- women's plays were selected and women di­ there was no money where the rhetoric was. The watching women respond with laugh­ I wanted to be involved in feminist activ­ ing competition with Fireweed. rectors hired than in the national average— The boards of directors were aU male and ter, and commentary—bitter laughter, in­ ity and knowing that I wanted to work with It started me thinking—if women are po- and more Canadian content done. hired aU male artistic directors. We knew timate and witty commentary. I think to women in the arts. tentiaUy 52 percent of the creative pool, but what we had to do was to get women on myself "this is a good one; we need more I also had a Uttle time, and so I ap­ we're only seeing 10 percent of them with Canada CouncU juries. You've got to go to such films and videos." I know it's good be­ proached the women in the Fireweed col­ submissions—then where is the block? the source of the power. cause these women (five of the best critics lective to be one of their volunteers (it was Duane: What was the other activity Now we're sophisticated enough to know you'U find anywhere) had connected with aU volunteers). It was among the most im­ that solidified for you how systemic dis­ Whose version that we're not just talking about an issue of each other's pain and isolation watching this portant experiences in my hfe. crimination works? women, but an issue of other. video and had stayed up very late talking What single small minority group hogs with each other. Duane: What was so special about Rina: This was at the time of the of reality the power? Who's making the decisions? this small feminist literary publication? Applebaum Hebert Commission which re­ Suddenly, I realize why Rina FraticeUi is Rina: As the Fireweed collective we re- evaluated the Canadian Commission on is being Who decides what reality is, what legiti­ important to me. I begin to understand why aUy grappled with how to balance the needs Culture. Status of Women in Canada com­ macy is, what quality is? Who has the au­ I want to interview her and what I want to of a feminist pubhcation with the various missioned a number of reports from women thority? know. I want to know her politics and what kinds of material we were getting. in the various artistic fields—and they com­ propagated? The authority question became very cen­ kind of experience she has had in working missioned a theatre study from me on the tral to me when I started to work with writ­ with women? What criteria wUl she be us­ How to get material of very good qual­ ity and yet how not to privUege those who status of women. It was a very important ers as a dramaturge because the amount of PMS ing to determine exceUence and what films experience. I looked at every theatre across were already privUeged? How to say, "Come internal censorship women have is tremen­ wUl get made? How wUl she use this posi­ Canada which got any funding from the in, we are looking to hear your work," and dous. Their internalized male voice of au­ tion's power? And finaUy, can I simply ask Canada CouncU, and I looked at the num­ to suspend our patriarchal-defined values of thority is always judging them to be inade­ by Duane Burton these questions up front? bers of women. So I was able to turn around and say— quate. There's a tremendous amount of psy­ Women-talking-to-women artistic qualities so that we could hear the aU right, we're paying the boys to do foreign You bet I can. FraticeUi is not only open work? My grid at the time was whose version of chological undoing and redoing that has to work, to hire male directors to do plays by be done. In the spring of 1987 Rina Frati- and direct—she is also very generous with Duane: Would you call this 'analyz­ reality is being propagated in the culture? men; and in plays by men there are 70 per­ celh became Studio D's second executive Duane: What did you do with this strength of this film her time and talk. ing oppression'? It was the issue I had been dealing with cent roles for men and in plays by women producer—almost midway through its sec­ Duane: What were the feminist mark­ in Fireweed. Whose version of reality was there are 50 percent roles for women. new understanding? ond decade. Rina: Yes. You see the first few steps are ers in your life? big and easy, and Uberating. And then you being put on the stage? Duane: Were you able to look at the Rina: The theatre commission was great by Suzanne Fournier If You Love This Planet, Not A Love edges the board's recent series of film on Rina: For me, hke a lot of women, The have to deal with: how does discrimination Of about 130 theatres, for a three year numbers of women trying to get into for me. I felt much less vulnerable. It didn't women's health (and other) issues has been Story: A Film About Pornography, Be­ Feminine Mystique was a real marker in work when it's hot blatantly "no women period of time, how many plays by women theatre ? give me aU the answers as to "how" systemic achieved in remarkably consistent fashion yond The Veil, Abortion: Stories from In a packed movie theatre in downtown discrimination works, but I certainly knew "by and for women." North and South, I'll Find A Way and "why" I could look at a situation where Vancouver, women discuss with intensity a on and on—some 80 plus films within 14 there were no overt signs and see how dis­ set of medical symptoms fully 80 percent Torrance points out the film wasn't a short years. Nowhere else in the world wUl crimination can he very clearly in so-caUed of women experience on a regular basis. It creature of the Montreal-based NFB Stu­ you find a studio hke the National Film equal circles. What is equal about a situa­ is the premiere of a film on premenstrual dio D. It was produced out of the NFB's Board of Canada's Studio D: the women's Women were present in inverse tion where a room is fiUed with men, and a changes and it draws women from every Vancouver office, Pacific Centre, and that's unit. The quality and number of films Stu­ few women in subordinate positions? walk of hfe, some with their male partners. as it should be, says Torrance. "Every NFB dio D's produced is incredible; their focus proportion to the money and Yet the event, and the good, honest doc­ outlet across the country, in each province, and perspectives moving, disturbing, com­ Art has no gender, but juries have gen­ umentary film that has sparked the discus­ should be producing films that address pelling. der, artistic directors have gender, boards sion are largely ignored by the mainstream women's issues." status involved in the work of directors have gender, and you can cer­ media. Even though PMS has come out of Paul acknowledges she had to handle That Studio D consistently speaks to tainly insure that the people making the de­ the closet and is being sold in magazines carefully the double-edged sword that is people with a voice that comes from out­ cisions represent the community you teU me and medical journals as a hot new medi­ premenstrual syndrome. Her goal was to side the dominant culture is a measure of a they are representing. cal condition, it's stiU an issue that mainly vaUdate the set of physiological and psy­ particular kind of professional integrity: my hfe. When I read it, the penny dropped. need apply here?" How do you get at the Twenty years ago we had to fight a women are deeply concerned about. And chological changes most women experience I had just graduated from coUege and was We do not set ourselves apart from roots of that sort of thing? battle—an artistic battle—to argue that this film's approach to coping with the con­ just before the onset of menstruation—and running a halfway house for teenagers in our audience as an elite of 'professional Two activities reaUy solidified for me how Canadians were the people who should dition chiefly through self-help and intel- to discuss the experience of the approxi­ Montreal. film makers.' We are in continual com­ systemic discrimination works. One was determine Canadian culture. The Canada Ugent research Ukely doesn't sit weU with mately 40 percent of women with accentu­ munication with other women. Our pri­ At the same time, one particular group of working on Fireweed where at every col­ CouncU would never be expected or per­ those who want to exploit the more sensa­ ated symptoms such as breast tenderness, mary identity is that we are women, liv­ very strong women started Montreal's first lective meeting aU of us read all of the sub­ mitted to fund any film, theatre or hterary tional aspects of PMS as an excuse for mur­ mood swings, bloating and a craving for ing in Canada at this time in history. consciousness raising group. It was hke the missions, and we debated and soul-searched project produced entirely by foreigners. You der, or a disabling condition that should sugar. We put our professional skills to work mother of them aU, and I was the benefi­ late into the night. know that it's got to be a majority, at the be treated with profitable mood-altering Paul also wanted to touch on the experi­ towards the goals we share with other ciary of a lot of their very crucial organiza­ You have a submission here from a very least, of Canadians. drugs. ence of women whose symptoms are so ex­ women. This is our interpretation of tions. renowned woman artist who is going to What People Are Calling PMS is treme their abUity to cope is severely tested. I'm saying Canadians are not aU male professionalism. One in particular was a httle store called bring credibility to the newspaper, who is the name of the 28-minute documentary In the film, Fraser raises with the support and so if we're going to be putting in our Kathleen Shannon, founder of Studio D. The Flaming Apron. It took anything a going to validate the struggles of the women film by Vancouver film maker Haida Paul, group her concern that PMS wUl become tax dollars, it has got to reflect the reality It is sobering to realize that Shannon, woman made and sold it for her, and I ended who are reading the magazine. On the other the latest in a series of exceUent films an official medical diagnosis such as those of women as weU. That's exactly the strug­ Studio D's founder and executive producer up volunteering there. Then they started a hand you have something rough, somebody on women's health issues produced by the adopted by the American Medical Associ­ gle that feminism is going through now in for 13 years, made such quality films with gaUery called Powerhouse GaUery which is writing for the first time—and that's Ub­ National Film Board. Its Vancouver pre­ ation. Fraser points out that the "psychia- terms of our 'racial' inequality. so few resources. Consider for a moment now one of the leading feminist organiza­ erating. How do you work with both those miere on Sept. 8 was co-sponsored by the trization" of PMS could affect the ability of that Studio D has won a third of the NFB's tions in Montreal. things? How do you frame each of them so We have to be responsible for the fact Vancouver Women's Health CoUective. The this film" but once they were introduced, Academy Awards and its films are used Health CoUective also played a central role the discussion about PMS "flowed sponta­ Powerhouse GaUery spun off into a it's clear they both came out of very dis­ that aU women are not white and not aU three to five times more often than any sim- neously." women's performance space. At that point tinct, very real, very important contexts? Is women are from western European origin. in facilitating the discussion by a women's Uar group of English language films. Yet the I was finishing up my Master's degree (in there a difference between communication We simply have to grapple with our limited self-help group that forms the centerpiece of Paul, whose most recent film was Is It studio has never received more than three Enghsh) and involved in running a commu­ and artistic creation?. Is content everything? resources. How are we going to become ac­ the film. Hot In Here? A Film About Menopause percent of the film board's resources (at the nity clinic called Head and Hands. We were With any artistic activity that's politi­ countable? CoUective member Anne Fraser leads the is a seasoned film maker with 20 years' expe­ best of times). a staff of about six or seven—aU women, cally conscious, you're always trying to bal­ group's discussion in the film in a skUlful, Duane: Is that something you can ad­ rience with the NFB and in television pro­ When Shannon stepped aside in 1987, it just so happened. It was a real model of ance artistry (by which I mean how adept warm and understated way. Paul acknowl­ dress using film, and as the executive duction with the CBC. She received a Ge­ she left a legacy to be reckoned with, of , women's community organizing. That was a you are at using the language of your edges the group of women in the film "had producer of Studio D? nie Award in 1986 for her editing of My women speaking out through a powerful me­ tremendous politicising experience. We had medium to speak as articulately as possi­ never met and were brought together for dia against violent, sexist and racist dom­ the theory and we were trying to figure ble), and the content about which you are Rina: The position I have the privUege American Cousin. The NFB's Jennifer ination; of breaking new ground in ways out how you apply that to buUding struc­ speaking, and the poUtical analysis that of representing at the moment is one that is Torrance, producer of the film, acknowl­ Please see PMS page 14 women work with each other; of a commit­ tures that really work. There were a lot of feeds into the ways in which you approach very important and very vulnerable. We're ment to the ongoing development of women meetings—coUective meetings. that content. so desperately under-financed. With any AINESIS KINESIS KINESIS KINESIS xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx^ HEALTH

domen or back. Hot Sitz baths are comfort­ to stay away from junk food, to get plenty ing and relaxing. of rest and exercise and to support the im­ Hot foot baths may assist the body in mune system through nutrition, botanical fighting infection. Here's how: wrap the medicine and hydrotherapy. Eliminate the woman in blankets to keep her body warm. intake of coffee, black tea, sweets, alcohol iCjausesi Have a container of ice water and washcloth and tobacco. Visuahzation and stress reduc­ 1 for cool applications to keep her head cool. tion techniques can decrease the frequency After she puts her feet in the water, keep and severity of recurrence. U LU UU ' the water as hot as can be tolerated for 20- In chronic PH), naturopathic physicians 30 minutes. At the completion of the treat­ use the vaginal depletion pack. These are ment, lift her feet out of the hot water and herbal drawing packs that help establish pour over them the cold water used for the drainage from the infected area. Treating P.I.D. head compresses. Dry her feet thoroughly. Reinfection is a common complication of by Heather Herington N.D. Infection usuaUy begins in the vagina, Rest in bed untU sweating stops. PH), thus making the identification and then spreads upward to the uterus and the Another method is using a hot foot bath treatment of possibly infected sexual part­ ners mandatory for effective treatment. Ab­ Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an faUopian tubes. Most often both tubes are whUe placing ice packs to the lower ab­ affected although symptoms may predomi­ domen every four hours for 30 minutes fol­ stinence is recommended untU treatment infection of the faUopian tubes, although it is complete. It is possible, especiaUy in can be used as an umbreUa term for a num­ nate on one side. The tubal infection with its pus-like secretions may lead to obstruc­ chlamydia infection, for there to be no ber of pelvic infections. tion of the tubes and create an abscess symptoms, and recurrence after therapy is Symptoms include low abdominal pain in the tubes and/or ovaries, although the common. Careful lab monitoring is impor­ which can spread into the thighs, anus and whole pelvic cavity can be affected. tant to ensure eradication of the infection. lower back; low grade or high fever with Another angle on PH) is that pelvic con­ flu-like symptoms, abdominal bloating and The danger of a ruptured tube and the gestion is the holding of emotional pain. sensitivity to touch, increased menstrual subsequent spread of infection can lead to The book Healing into Life and Death pain, vaginal discharge with unpleasant the possibUity of sterUity because of the for­ by Stephen and Ondrea Levine has an ex­ odour, pain on intercourse, irregular bleed­ mation of adhesions and extensive scar tis­ cellent visualization on "Healing the Heart ing, painful urination and painful bowel sue. of the Womb." movements. The pelvic exam can be quite PID is a good example of a disease where As in any disease, it's important to look painful, especiaUy if the cervix is touched. naturopathic medicine and conventional at the cause from many angles. With acute treatment work weU together. The goal of PH), chlamydia or gonorrhea—if present- PID is a serious disease and is considered naturopathic medicine is to support the im­ need to be treated with antibiotics, as the to be the most frequent cause of infertUity mune system and promote drainage in the complications are too serious to use slower in women. About 15 percent of women have pelvic area whUe conventional medicine of­ treatments. H you have any of the symp­ decreased fertility after a single episode of fers antibiotics if the offending bacteria is toms hsted above make sure to: 1. Get a PH). gonorrhea or chlamydia—both difficult to lab test and take appropriate antibiotics, 2. treat naturaUy. Also, to determine the ex­ lowed by 30 minutes of bed rest. This can Support your immune system, and, 3. Be PH) occurs predominantly in women un­ tent of infection, a laparoscopy can be per­ increase the rate of healing, often dramati­ aware of the emotional connection to your der 25 years. It rarely occurs before the first formed which will aUow a look at the pelvic cally. physical body. menses, after menopause or during preg­ cavity. PID can become chronic if initial ther­ nancy. It is most often the result of infection apy was inadequate or begun too late. Some The Canadian PID Society is holding from sexuaUy transmitted diseases such as Chiropractic or naturopathic manipula­ women with chronic PID have constant PID: A One-Day Discussion on Sat. chlamydia or gonorrhea, but it can also be tion and acupuncture wUl help reheve con­ pain whUe others have a periodic recur­ Nov. 5 at the Thunderbird Community caused by birth complications, septic abor­ gestion and pain in the pelvic area. Castor rence of their symptoms, usuaUy when run Centre. For full details about the day's tion or IUD use. oU packs with heat can be put over the ab­ down. For this reason, it's very important events, see Bulletin Board this issue.

PMS from page 13 period of stressful separation and divorce is Sensitive To Criticisms who feel they are incapacitated, Paul hopes a nice touch, and both women are engaging Paul has had to answer criticism the film the film wUl give them tools to take with those diagnosed with PMS to hold a job, get speakers. The two doctors, however, stand ignored women whose coping mechanisms, them when they seek medical help. hfe insurance and control their own treat­ out as a "talking heads" format that inter­ however enlightened, are seriously chal­ But in the final analysis, it's perhaps left ment by the medical profession. rupts the easy flow of the film. Their use as lenged by severe PMS. Said one audience again to the real women speaking about This serious consequence of the "selling" authority figures is curious in a film based member at the premiere: "If I just had to themselves to educate us about PMS. The of PMS is just tantalizingly touched on; on a self-help women's support group. cope with a httle bloating or craving choco­ support group in the film is a nice cross- those who have PMS and have done basic That returns us to the real strength of late, I'd be grateful. That's not PMS to section of women of varying age, race and research may find it frustrating not to hear the film: It's women talking to women, giv­ more discussion. But Paul stresses her film ing each other—and us—immense support wUl be reaching communities where women and comfort as they do so. Listen to what can barely get their doctors or families to they say: recognize that PMS exists, let alone treat it itively with recommended diet changes, "I would go through anxiety attacks ... vitamins and counselling, instead of mood- I went to my doctor and at first he tried giv­ altering drugs and progesterone. ing me Valium. It just made me feel worse The use of physicians JerUynn Prior and and I ended up going back into his office Diane Rothon to give a lot of information nearly hysterical. He said 'I think you need itraight from the shoulder is a handy tool, to go to the hospital and have a couple of but it's also intrusive. Both seem to have days rest.' I went to the hospital and got been garbed by Central Casting in neat checked in and the next thing I knew I was blouses with bow ties at the front that sug­ on the psychiatric ward! I'm not crazy!" gest sympathetic authority. Dr. Prior's ad­ "I'm tired of [people] using my PMS as mission that her own experience of PMS was a crutch when I want to talk about what's made more difficult to cope with during a reaUy bugging me."

TIRED OF BEING TIRED? Yeast overgrowth may be the culprit. And Candida Albicans is its name. Director Haida Paul Would women watching the empowering CANDIDA may be the precursor to allergies, chemical sensitivity and general support group in the film know how to set health deterioration. Once you understand the effects of environmental Another woman suggested to Paul that up their own? Or how to get in touch with pollutants, prescription drugs, X-rays, and the vast use of food preservatives in attempting to appeal to a mainstream the Vancouver Women's Health CoUective and additives, you can begin to make responsible decisions to ensure a audience with an "upbeat" message about or its resources? Paul concedes they might more healthwise future. PMS, the film had sacrificed or trivialized not. But whether it's copying down the col­ • DIETARY EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS the truly disabling effects of PMS. lective's phone number or putting up a no­ • SPECIALIZED CANDIDA and ALLERGY-FREE MENU PLANNING tice on a community buUetin board that • NUTRITIONAL & HERBAL REMEDIES. Paul is sensitive to those criticisms. "I helps a woman break out of her own isola­ wasn't saying to women if they just shape tion and seek support, this film makes clear Founder, Lea Parkhurst, invites up and eat their greens they'll be aU right," that's a step that has to be taken. you to hear her speak, FRIDAY, said Paul. "On the other hand, I don't want What People Are Calling PMS: A Film NOVEMBER 18 at 9:00 p.m. at the to see PMS used as a term for any woman About Premenstrual Changes is available World of Women Show at the who makes some kind of emotional gesture in 16 mm, | inch VHS or Beta from Vancouver Trade and Convention in the world, to have her dismissed as un- the NFB at 1045 Howe St., Vancouver, Centre. reUable." Paul also notes that perhaps film 666-0716. Also from the Vancouver can't address the fuU range of symptoms Women's Health Collective, #302-1720 P.O. Box 1105 - 439 Metrotown, 4800 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC. V5H 4J8 individual women experience and for those Grant St., Vancouver, 255-8285. .KINESIS xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

ARTS ^SSxxxxx^xxxxSxxxxSSxxx^^

As for the omissions, here's just one ex­ Ontario centered ample: the B.C. Federation of Women is not mentioned. BCFW was one of the longer lasting coahtions of women's groups in the Valuable analysis, historically weak country, but its history is not weU known. This absence, and that of other B.C. groups, by Frances Wasserlein of the flavour of writing from the women's the Saskatoon Women's Liberation Group, points out how Uttle of our history is writ­ movement in the last two decades. The and none from the Maritimes, Alberta or ten and how much needs to be done. "Selective Chronology, 1867-1988" wUl be Manitoba. And, as the authors themselves FEMINIST ORGANIZING FOR The most successful sections of this book CHANGE: very useful to the reader unfamUiar with point out, this book is about the anglo­ the progress of the women's movement in phone Canadian women's movement. The are those which deal with the pohtics and The Contemporary Women's Move­ practices of making change, or not. Us­ ment in Canada Canada, from the demand for suffrage to authors are present in this history, labeUed as Voice 1, 2, and 3. Although Voice 1 had ing "disengagement and mainstreaming: the by Nancy Adamson, Linda Briskin, the removal of abortion from the Criminal hved in Montreal, and was involved with the two pohtics of feminist practice" as a frame­ and Margaret McPhaU Code. women's movement there, only this chapter work, the authors examine the practice of Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1988 After denning their terms (with the no­ mentions Quebec. the three currents of feminism—hberal (or $19.95 table exception of "class") the authors set institutionalized), radical and socialist— out to answer the central question of the and evaluate the potential of each for mak­ Sometime last year I heard this book was book, "How do feminists work to change ing change. coming out. It would be a history of the the society we hve in?" They begin with contemporary women's movement written the context, an account of the history of Disengagement is "that part of femi­ by socialist feminists in Toronto. I thought nist practice that speaks our critique of then, ah, another book which wUl pretend the existing society, whatever the nature Ontario is Canada and socialist feminism is of that critique may be." Mainstreaming is "correct" feminism. "the ... attempts to engage with women After reading the book, it turns out my There are [no] around concrete issues arising directly out first assumption was largely borne out, and of their personal experience." It is the vary­ my second was—sorry to say—also weU- examples from the ing weight given to these two pohtics which founded. Maritimes... make differences among currents of femi­ At $19.95, this book is less expensive nism visible. than many books of its kind, but stiU costly. A focus on disengagement can lead Libraries wUl get copies. The extensive bib­ the Canadian women's movement, describ­ liography and footnotes wUl be a boon to to marginalization (invisibUity), and on ing both its institutionalized and grass­ mainstreaming to institutionalization (co- those seeking more, and this book has an roots bases. index, enabhng the reader who Ukes to read THE CONTEMPORARY optation). The authors contend "in the con­ around in a book to do so and easing the Here's where my first assumption was WOMEN'S MOVEMENT text of our model for making change, only IN CANADA task of the researcher. proved: with a heavy reliance on the socialist feminism calls for combining the CWMA in Toronto, this history is Umited to NANCY ADAMSON LINDA BRISKIN elements of mainstreaming and disengage­ Fifteen documents from the Canadian examples form Ontario and other organiza­ MARGARET McPHAIL ment. In fact, the success of its vision de­ Women's Movement Archives (CWMA) tions whose papers are in the CWMA. As a pends on successfuUy finking the two." have been included, providing further ex­ consequence, there are only a few examples "The personal is pohtical" and "sister­ amples of the poUtical points raised and cri­ from outside Ontario, e.g., Women Against hood is powerful" are the ideas at the cen­ tiqued in the text, as weU as offering some the Budget, Bread and Roses (from B.C.), tre of the "ideology of the women's move­ ment." This ideology is examined through the lens of the pohtics of disengagement and triarchy. Patriarchy wUl cease to exist when mainstreaming, and their inherent dangers, women stop coUaborating. In order to stop marginalization and institutionalization. collaborating women should 1) stop being Good true-life adventure, afraid and 2) feel, moment-by-moment, how Because the "personal" has become the it (they, we) would feel post-patriarchy. individual, and "sisterhood" masks differ­ Not aU women need to do this, just ences of class, race and sexual orientation but politically oblivious enough. When an unspecified number of among women, and poses an autonomous women are feeling post-patriarchy in-the- women's movement too narrow in its fo­ by Nym Hughes moment, a critical mass wUl be reached and cus, socialist feminists do not subscribe to Critical Mass = Planetary Change planetary change wUl occur. the analysis or "strategic orientation" aris­ Johnson holds a very traditional radical ing from this ideology. While it operated as GOING OUT OF OUR MINDS: Organizing for the passage of the ERA a powerful force to begin and sustain the The Metaphysics of Liberation feminist position: the oppression of women seems to have been Johnson's introduction is the primary oppression and aU other op­ women's hberation movement and its ac­ by Sonia Johnson to and main experience with feminist ac­ tivists, the ideology of the women's move­ Freedom, CA: Crossing Press, 1987 pressions are sub-sets of gender oppression: tivism and I guess she was pretty disap­ "One of the basic tenets of radical femi­ ment is found lacking, specificaUy because $10.95 pointed when the ERA didn't pass. She it does not offer "an adequate analysis of nism is that any woman in the world has now beUeves, "What you resist, persists" Both Sonia Johnson and her book Go­ more in common with any other woman— power relations under patriarchal capital- ing Out Of Our Minds are enjoying great and any working within the system, includ­ regardless of class, race, age, ethnic group, ing mainstream electoral pohtics, demon­ popularity. The book is seUing fast and nationality—than any woman has with any strations, civU disobedience and even orga­ The organizational structures used in the Johnson is in demand to lecture to large man." audiences at coUeges and universities across nizing rape crisis centres is strengthening women's liberation movement and the is­ North America. I read the book to try and These are not new ideas. What John­ patriarchy. sues which arise from them—"leadership, find out why. son contributes that I, at least, hadn't read membership, voting procedures, committee before is that the purpose of the women's Johnson is a white, middle-class, ex- structure and education of new members"— Mormon, American radical feminist. Go­ are the topic of the second-last chapter. ing Out Of Our Minds is a combina­ I like her insistence on This section could be required reading for tion of autobiography and theoretical con­ any group. It might be used at the begin­ clusions about feminism, the oppression of self-healing ning of organizing, or at the point of ques­ (all) women and the right way to bring tioning already existing structure and prac­ about a feminist future. tice. It is a useful summary of what we have learned over the last two decades about how However, she thinks the women's health we can, and cannot, work together to make movement is a good thing and we should aU change. She describes fasting, learn to do abortions. Contradictions hke The authors contend that, though the this abound. theory of feminist organizational structures running for president, The strength of the book lies in Johnson's was based on disengagement from tradi­ giving speeches * descriptions of tools and techniques she has tional forms, the practice often resulted used to work with her internalized oppres­ in feminist organizations being marginal­ sion as a woman. I like her insistence on ized or made invisible and hence, ineffec­ As a true-Ufe adventure story, the book self-healing, the importance of women see­ tive at making change. Coalition and al­ is fascinating. Johnson describes fighting for ing ourselves as courageous and powerful. liance buUding are proposed as organiza­ the passage of the Equal Rights Amend­ She is thorough and befievable in her de­ tional forms with more potential, because ment (ERA) in the U.S., including her dis­ scriptions of herself as oppressed. Her fatal they are less isolating. agreements with the leadership of the Na­ flaw is her complete unawareness of herself This is a book that should be read, by tional Organization for Women (NOW) over as oppressor. anyone who is interested in the Canadian the legitimacy of civU disobedience as a She writes from a place of unexamined women's hberation movement. I have one strategy. white middle-class American dominance. reservation though. Anyone who has ever She also describes doing civU disobedi­ She is consistently and, I think, unawarely been talked at by a socialist, of any descrip­ ence, fasting, running for president of the movement is to save the planet from de­ racist. For example, she uses the word slav­ tion, may recognize a particular tone in this United States in the '84 election, organizing struction. ery on virtuaUy every second page, not as writing. What is implied, but not expressed, women's gatherings and giving speeches. What wUl save the planet is the end of the a metaphor, but as a literal description is indeed that socialist feminists who agree It's the content of the speeches—the the­ patriarchy. The reason patriarchy continues of "all" women's fives. She identifies Black with Adamson, Briskin and McPhaU are the oretical insights—that are the problem. to exist is that women collaborate with pa­ only members of the feminist branch of the Please see Oblivious page 18 Correct Line Holding Company. KINESIS .xxx*KSS*5xxxx^SSSx^^ ARTS

Gallerie Uncluttered by the ' 1 complex language of Art by Pam Galloway bridge's jail series, as weU as insights into the complexities inherent in developing an- A paper-cast woman stands pressed awareness of self. In Anne Bolivar's dynamic against a waU, her thoughts about hfe in jaU sculpture "Confrontation," female and an­ scratched on the surface beside her. drogynous forms move around and interact with a waU representing the emotional con­ Tall, pagoda-Uke architectural structures flict in confronting sexuality as a lesbian. echoing natural and fabricated forms loom almost to the gallery ceiling. Symbolic representations of injustice are found in, for example, Sue Coe's narrative Persimmon Blackbridge's "Solitary" and Ulustrations of the life of a pig, bred for Lylian Klimek's "Atvan" are just two im­ food. Though the images remain focused ages from the rich display of women's art on the animals, there is always a haunt­ presented in the Gallerie Annual, pub­ ing resemblance to the human condition. lished this summer. An inviting, soft-bound Lylian Klimek's huge sculptures in wood re­ book, Gallerie presents the work of 45 late more to the physical world and have, in women artists in hundreds of photographs, her words, "multiple meanings and associa­ along with a description of their work or tions." phUosophy—or both—written by the artists themselves. Turning the pages, absorbing image af­ ter image, we are inevitably drawn into the The book explores the visual images artists' written accompaniments. It is en­ which are immensely varied and represent lightening and enjoyable to be brought close almost aU art forms: drawing, painting, to these women, to understand what moti­ sculpture, photography, film, installation, U- vates them to create art and to get glimpses lustration, etching and so on. of their personal hves. There is the explana­ There are direct expressions of the op­ tion and elaboration of the art work which pression of women, as in Persimmon Black- Please see Gallerie page 18 Moving through the desert's immense space

by Betsy Nuse tlement, protests relating to weapons test­ ing and uranium mining are aU offered to DOUBLE NEGATIVE the reader like changing views through the by Daphne Marlatt windows of a train. Memorable smaU in­ and Betsy Warland cidents which personalize the experience also abound: "when we get out and walk/ Charlottetown: gynergy books, 1988 Tanya Morand's "Learning How To Be A Warrior" I encourage adventurous readers to sam­ ground rises to meet our feet/ in unexpected ple Double Negative, the wonderful re­ ways." They are asked when they arrive in cent coUaboration between Vancouver writ­ the diner "Are you ladies alone?" In the centre section of the book—a dis­ ... she wants to migrate she wants ers Daphne Marlatt and Betsy Warland. cussion about the trip after their return to to mutate she wants to have no natural The book came out of a trip the two women But it is the immense space, unfamiliar Canada—Warland connects their fascina­ predators be nothing looking at nothing took to Australia in 1986. plants and animals and tenuous human set­ tion with the desert to Jane Rule's Desert thrive in her own absence be out of focus tlements of the NuUarbor desert which im­ of the Heart and Nicole Brossard's Le out of range of The Gaze hide out from "We were invited to do f •*:« 12 lectures pinge most on the women's desert mauve: "... i began to have a sense The Law under assumed names. and readings throughout the country," ex­ that there is some kind of a North American plained Warland. "We needed to go from Describing the end of their journey, Mar­ lesbian tradition of exploring the feminine latt and Warland write: Sydney to Perth and were anxious to see i look out the window in relation to the desert ... I find it quite the land. We had heard about how wonder­ and now deja vu: exciting that there's this female movement ful the desert was and love trains. So we de­ into the desert saying, 'this is mine too and you unzip unfold hang up cide to travel across Australia by train." nothing looking at nothing i relate to it in a different way'." in a room three times as large Countless vivid impressions from the two women outback and suddenly we feel cramped 3961 km journey are the heart of Double down under The book was a completely coUabora- in someone else's house. Negative. Descriptions of scenery, evoca­ add it up - two negatives make a positive tive effort. "We bought a special journal for Which brings me to this book's most tions of Aboriginal history and white set­ the trip," Warland explained. "One person wonderful quality: its eroticism. By this I would write and then hand it over, the other mean not only sexiness (there's that, to would read what the first had written and be sure!), but the "erotic" Audre Lorde then write her own material in response. has written about: sensory, sensuous feel­ The whole first section of the book—the po­ ings ... the connectedness of hving things etry section—was written that way on the with the power of hfe in each of us. Dou­ train. We edited the poems on our return ble Negative evokes this erotic power: each to Canada and decided to write the third— prose—section." The prose pieces, whose ti­ woman attuning to the other, both absorb­ tles are taken from the poems, reconsider ing impressions of the landscape and people and interpret the images and experiences of they encounter. Their journey is romantic the journey further. and self-absorbed but also—in the tradition of fine travel writing—neither "exotic" nor Double Negative includes great word play: exploitative but respectful and appreciative of new experiences. Peterborough, Jamestown, Gladstone, Port Pirie Daphne Marlatt and Betsy Warland anglo overlays in the name of will read from Double Negative at its "I see-viU(ain)-I-say-tion Vancouver launch: Thursday, October 3 stiff upper lip a thin line noosing the 20 at Octopus Books, 1146 Commer­ cial Drive. The launching party will be 1 coast of from 7:30 pm to 10; the reading will "£ (ab)original country be from 8:30 to 9. The book, illustrated 1 with striking negative collages by Cheryl Sourkes, looks great: don't miss it in £ and streams of associative language to swim print or in person! Daphne Marlatt and Betsy Warland along in: J

Miriam Makeba A woman of hope, determination and song by Maura Volante Africa As weU, she has been an eloquent spokeswoman for her people in many poUt­ Thirty years ago, Miriam Makeba ical contexts, including the United Nations, brought the sound of South Africa to North when she served as delegate from Guinea in American audiences, singing her infectious 75 and '76. Xhosa and Zulu songs with a wonderfully elastic and expressive voice. Now, at 52, In her personal Ufe she has had turbu­ "Mama Africa" as she has been called by lent years, too. She has survived five mar­ fans—is back in North America, with a riages, aU of them now over. "You go into a voice as wide-ranging and powerful as ever, marriage thinking this is it, but if it doesn't carrying with it an extra measure of author­ work, I don't think I should make anybody's ity and wisdom. chUd miserable, and vice versa, I don't think anybody else's chUd should make me miser­ Her show with Hugh Masakela (com­ able. Hit doesn't work, we get together and poser, flugelhorn/cornetist and ex-husband) talk about it, we resolve it and we remain at Vancouver's Orpheum in September was friends." a nonstop buUdup of energy, musically and emotionally. It contained far more overtly She has also survived a bout of cancer, pohtical work than she did in the early days now also in the past. But perhaps her worst with Belafonte, reflecting the escalation of misfortune was the death in 1985 of her only the struggle in South Africa, homeland to daughter, during the birth of a stiUbom both these exiles. chUd. She now looks after her two teenaged While the eight-piece international band grandchUdren, who are both in school in was onstage virtually the whole two-and- Washington, D.C. a-half hours, Makeba and her backup Makeba's recent breakthrough into the vocalists—Felicia Marion, Thoko Mdlozi American scene again came as a result of and SteUa Zulu, aU from South Africa— her participation in Paul Simon's Graceland came and left three times, wearing three tour, though as Hugh Masakela pointed strikingly different sets of clothing which out, "It is Miriam that gave credibility dovetaUed with the music they were doing. to him, not the other way around." This In the first set, Makeba did a medley of her tour also connected her with Warner Broth­ old hits such as "Malaika," "Click Song" ers recording company. Hence, Sangoma (an American term for the title of a Xhosa which was released this year to critical ac­ song which is unpronounceable in EngUsh) claim, though you would be advised to pick and her 1967 hit, "Phata Phata." These are it up quickly, as the company has already aU bouncy and swinging, good examples of dropped the album and the option to pro­ the Afro-Pop that has been undergoing a duce another with Makeba massive revival in North America. The next With the success of the current tour, song, "Meet Me At the River," was a lyri­ however, I can't imagine she'U be with­ cal love song in Enghsh, showing off her out a North American contract for long. soprano-to-tenor range. She's been selling out aU along the tour, With "La Lutta Continua," a celebra­ reacquainting herself with her old fans and tion of Mozambican independence written her re-entry when she wanted to return from the reason is that she has been elsewhere. establishing a new audience among those by her daughter Bongi, Makeba introduced the United States to her mother's funeral. Not, as some have assumed, that she has whose parents remember her. the more pohtical material in the show. Exiled from her homeland, she settled in retired from public fife. And whUe many of her fans have only Her next set was aU traditional songs the States and continued a thriving singing "I have been working!" she said in a re­ been aware of the situation in South Africa from her recent album Sangoma, the first career, untU she married Black Panther cent Seattle interview. "Americans tend to for a few years, Miriam Makeba is contin­ released in North America in a long time. Stokely Carmichael in 1968. At this point think America is the whole world, but it's uing a campaign of political education she In her introduction to this section, she said, she experienced the subtle but equaUy ef­ just one Uttle part of the world. I mean, I've began over 30 years ago. "A sangoma is a traditional healer, or what fective American-style repression. Concerts been singing all these years since I left, but "I know my songs wUl never free my has been called a witch doctor. But I faU to were canceUed, recording contracts disap­ because people didn't see me on their tele­ country and change apartheid." she said. see how the words witch and doctor can be peared and, though no official action was vision, they figure my career is over." "But what they do is raise the conscious­ used in the same sentence." taken, it became impossible for her to work ness of those who want their consciousness Though some of us would put more faith in the U.S. In fact, she has been working the African, raised to the problems of my country. I do in a witch as a healer than a doctor, most So, if you were wondering why you hadn't European and Asian concert circuit, trav- have hope, determination and song. If I ever people using the term 'witch' see it as a heard about Miriam Makeba since the 60's, eUing from her home in Guinea, West lost hope, I think I'd die." derogatory word. In bringing to western au­ diences these songs from the African heal­ ing tradition, she is adding to the power of that tradition, for no one could hear these haunting melodies, sung in rich harmony with sparse rhythmic accompaniment, with­ Quebecoise singer inspiring out feehng their magic. She is also paying tribute to her mother, who was a sangoma (she died in 1960), us­ by Sheila E. Morrison Half the album is en francais, the other leased as a single on the Demies-Soeurs la­ ing herbs and trance work to heal her com­ half in English. Tremblay is at ease singing bel, is a love song which speaks of sharing munity of physical and mental ailments. LUCIE BLUE TREMBLAY in both languages, but naturaUy she shines and commitment in relationships; sentimen­ This part of the show was impressive, vi- Olivia Records, 1986 brightest in French. "Laissez-moi sortir," tal but empowering. suaUy as weU as musicaUy. The four women about women in prison, is given its pensive Lucie Blue Tremblay possesses a voice So lovely wore colourful print wrapped dresses and quality as much by Pierre Niquette's guitar which caresses her hsteners with warmth, headscarves, dancing barefoot to the com­ playing as by Tremblay's lyrics. She beckons And I can teU just by your smUe like the fingers of a lover massaging away plex rhythms which showed the roots of the us to realize that "it's hard being inside and And in your eyes your pain and worries. so hard coming out... may our prison con­ jazzy modern compositions. That keep my heart so warm, OriginaUy from Quebec, Tremblay has ditions change wherever we are." For "St. The final part of the evening was the traveUed to venues in Canada and the Jean Port Jolie," Tremblay plays the tin Like you do hke you do most hard-hitting, politicaUy. Songs of the United States, performing either as an whistle and the audience, Cris WUliamson, conscript labour trains, the Mandelas and I'm rising in love with you. opening act for a "big name" in women's Diedre McCaUa, Teresa TruU et al, join in the chUdren of Soweto were presented in music, or as the main attraction. For her singing. Tremblay's greatest strength as an artist lush, fuU arrangements, at times a httle debut, a band of Quebecois musicians and is her songwriting. A lyric sheet is included; syrupy but full of energy and emotionaUy some notable feminist vocal chords lend Included is a French version of Ferron's for every French song EngUsh lyrics are very powerful. The words spoke of a des­ their talents. On one face of the album, "Ain't Life A Brook," and "MademoiseUe," given. Tremblay utilizes her bUinguahsm to perate situation, but the tone was one of recorded five in San Francisco, Tremblay about romance at a women's music festival. move freely in and out of the constraints of hope and determination, something Makeba graciously thanks the audience for their "re­ a sole language. chngs to despite a hfe fuU of setbacks to her­ Walking on the land with my red ceptivity to (her) culture." The response is self and her people in South Africa. a sweU of women's whoops and whistles. arm-band Tremblay exudes a wise sensuality—a Smiling till my cheeks got so sore precious match; she is an inspiration to In Exiles At times Tremblay tends to be too "at women. Miriam ZenzUe Makeba spent most of the peace with herself." One can almost taste I was alone till you held my hand first six months of her Ufe in jaU with the tofu and feel the Birkenstocks flopping Don't wanna go home no more. Lucie Blue Tremblay and Faith Nolan her mother who was imprisoned for making on your feet when she addresses her audi­ will appear in concert at the Vancouver homebrew. So she got an early taste of the ence in a nasal "spirituaUy-empowered-like- "Voix d'enfant" uncovers the hotbed East Cultural Centre, Nov. IS. Tickets repressive regime which was later to deny you-know" voice. topic of incest. "So Lucky," previously re­ $10.

KINESIS Oct. 88 17 .xxx**SS*Sxxx*xxx*Sxxx*S^^ ARTS

Vancouver's Music Festival Dreaming of a women's culture by The Festival Coordinators performer hne-up would ah be lost. Many Sunday was phenomenal. A team of women, fundraiser to meet our responsibiUties. A women were already en route. It was not a most of whom had never met before, deficit of $3600 exists. We are working on a 7:45 pm Tuesday, August 23, four days long or detaUed discussion, but it was heart­ bonded, to hve out their dream. new group structure for next year's women's before the First Vancouver Women's Music felt and energized and led to the decision to 6 am Saturday: the site crew is waiting. music festival. This year's event was not Festival. This is the last volunteer's meet­ continue. The stage was buUt overnight by an emer- the best, but we joined together and suc­ ing before the event. Twenty-five women are ceeded. Some of us came up with skiUs we present. First on the agenda: Are we in a thought we had lost; others discovered skiU position to go ahead with the festival? previously unknown. All of us grew in ways that were important and empowering to us We are clearly behind schedule and this aU. The dream of a women's culture was festival runs the risk of sloppy production. renewed when a dynamic group of sisters Ad hoc coordinator Carol Street strongly came together and shared the reality of the suggests this event be postponed, then re- First Vancouver Women's Music Festival. announced when it has been better orga­ nized. Nadine Davenport and Vicky Gib­ Thank you to aU volunteer, crew, coor­ son have hned up performers and publicized dinators and women who extended them­ the event. However, the main organizational selves beyond and into one of the miracles work now was to get together funds and vol­ of 1988. Let's give a great idea a fighting unteers. A $2000 start-up demand loan was chance. Please share your feedback and/or arranged. StiU not enough to carry us into your energy. A questionnaire wUl soon cir­ the event. Where were the women needed culate and we invite you to contact us. to puU this off? VWMF, #1, 1325 Barclay St., Van­ Nadine proceeded to outUne the tasks couver, B.C. V6E 1H6 Tel: (604) 681- ahead. StiU to secure were: 1) two sound 8617 systems, 2) stage instruments, 3) fencing, 4) transportation, and 5) stages. We needed Gallerie from page 16 at least five coordinators, plus volunteers to get the equipment on site. By this time, can be found in aU art magazines but, by many of us were on overload. How were we asking the women to speak for themselves, going to secure the site? Did we have the Gallerie presents more directly meaningful crew to put a fence up? If we did stop now information uncluttered with the complex, and postpone, what would it mean in terms Many women dream of a women's cul­ gency crew and is now set up, but no fence! unclear language of "Art." of credibihty? What was each woman here ture, a place in this world where women's No sound equipment! Now the reality is hit­ Women tell stories of how they became able to contribute? voices are clear, loud and powerful. This ting home and we refuse to panic. At 11 am, artists; some realised it early in life, oth­ Did we, as a group, have enough energy dream of a women's music festival had by sheer determination and wUl power, we ers discovered their potential and their skiUs and commitment to carry on? A deficit of many obstacles. The commitment and drive had sound. much later. They tell about their families, $2100 already existed. The publicity and shown on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and The performers made their way to the present and past, the importance of femi­ stage and we had a Women's Music Festi­ nism as an influence in their work and of val. There's also the bear that came to visit, broader influences. but we're going to jump to the bottom line. Gallerie has an introduction by editor Where do we go from here? NEW FROM Caffyn KeUey who explains her own moti­ £t\ VLOfrK We are committed to pay aU perform­ vation in creating space for each woman "to ers and bUls. Our intent is to organize a present her art, her story, her own sense of | A PARTICULAR CLASS OF WOMEN Oblivious from page 15 significance." KeUey's commitment to the B9F|P|I Janet Feindel recognition of women's art is underlined in women as Black, but never identifies women an amusing, yet eloquent, presentation by L^f^^^H When a stripper was raped in an Ontario town in 1985, the as white. She makes sweeping generaliza­ the Guerilla Girls. This group of women I judge advised the jury that it should keep in mind that the tions about the universality of women's ex­ who disguise their identities by wearing go­ I '^^H woman belonged to "a particular class of women who were periences which deny the hves and analyses rilla costumes, pubUcise sexism and racism

^^ t JH paid to incite lust." The author, an actress and writer who also of women of colour. in the established art world through statis­ V/^^H worked as a stripper in Toronto for eight years, has written a Messianic Fervour tics which document discrimination against women and artists of colour. ^-^^H play which is an oral history about strippers. The author calls it I was amazed reading this book, published in 1987, to find absolutely no mention of The Gallerie Annual also has essays by I "a love poem to women in the business." the writings of American feminists who are "There is not a single gratuitous reference in the piece, simply an accurate Judy Grahn and Bettina Aptheker which women of colour, who are Jewish, who are describe the empowering quality and move­ rendering of the kind of raw sexuality that exists in that part of our society disabled. There is no mention of the debates ment in women's art in the last two where sex is honestly for sale in one form or another." -- The Edmonton Sun about sexuahty and sexual representation. decades. Aptheker speaks of some artists Reading Going Out Of Our Minds you in particular—Judy Chicago, Mayumi Oda LAZARA PUBLICATIONS would not know any of these major writings and Betye Saar—but her words apply to Box 2269, VMPO existed. many of Gallerie's artists. "Each moves to Vancouver, BC Johnson is either completely unaware of reclaim a core female imagery, a core female 0-920999-10-7 V6B 3W2 them, which makes one wonder, or she is identity rooted in her ancestral ground," completely ignoring them which also makes says Aptheker. "Each, standing on her own one wonder. In fact, this whole book made ground, provides aU of us together, with new me wonder. ways of visioning ourselves as women." So why is Going Out Of Our Minds Gallerie Annual marks the launching of so popular? Johnson speaks from a rather a quarterly publication which wUl document Messianic place and she speaks with a the art of women across North America to­ rather Messianic fervour. Her voice is lyri­ day. cal, passionate and very seductive. She Gallerie magazine wUl include the work paints aUuring word pictures of a world free of nine artists in a similar format to the from oppression, free from fear, free from annual and wUl be published in Septem­ patriarchy. And aU we have to do to get ber, December and March. (The Septem­ GAIIS* there is believe. ber issue is now avaUable.) KeUey hopes to Dinner/Theatre/Dance There's no need to think, or read, or attract guest editors to add new perspec­ work, or organize. There's no need to tives and perhaps to focus on different ar­ compromise and mess with complexities. eas or media in art. She believes the maga­ There's no need to struggle against racism, zine "wUl be of value to keep the discourse NIGHT UT or try to equahze economic and educational going," and stresses she stiU needs artists to *Gala Appreciation for Lesbians privUege or confront anti-Semitism. John­ submit their work. son's feminism is nice and simple. None of Gallerie is distributed across Canada SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15,1988 that matters. We're aU women together and and the U.S. In Vancouver, it is avail­ CRYSTAL GARDEN BALLROOM aU we have to do is believe and we—and able through book stores or directly from the planet—shall be saved. 713 Douglas St. Victoria | Gallerie Publications. A $20 subscrip­ Johnson has no experience of oppression tion now will cover the current issue of 6 pm -1 am (Dance starts at 9:30) & other than gender. Radical feminism and GaUerie magazine and two more maga­ Tickets on sale in Victoria at: &W.A.G., 381-1012 I personal hberation no doubt make sense to zines plus the 1989 GaUerie Annual. The in Vancouver at: Ariel Books, 733-3511 ( her. For the rest of us, however, her femi­ 1988 GaUerie Annual is still available for nism is just another version of white middle- $12. Write 2901 Panorama Dr., North Vancouver Women's I class America reigning supreme. Vancouver, B.C. V7G 2A4. .KINESIS ARTS ////////////////////////^^^^^

The Fourth Fringe Risks, humour and (lots of) laundry

Potatoheads Among Us Coordinated by Yvonne Van Ruskenveld > laundry, especially ironing seems to be a The one type of production that seems by Kimelly Anne Warren. This was the best universal symbol of domestic bondage. I hardest to produce and maintain quality in, of the revue-type shows I saw. Not afraid saw more ironing in one week than I do is the one-person show. It must be very dif­ The Fourth Annual Fringe Festival was to deal seriously with hard subjects (wife a feast of women's theatre. You could in a whole year. ficult to be the author, performer and di­ rector and not fall into the trap of believing abuse and incest), but also showing a deft have spent the entire 10 days seeing only touch with comedy, Warren was a treat to plays written, performed and/or directed by watch. Her anti-war, anti-nuclear message women. As it was, I started late, but some­ came across strongly and clearly. how managed to fit 18 performances into Stay Fresh Special Rags to Rituals Co­ six days, spread over eight of the 11 venues. So much to choose op. I almost missed this one because the These 18 did not by any means cover aU the description in the festival program was so productions by or about women. I tried to from: comedies, vague; somebody must have been too afraid focus on those that might have something of the M word to print it. It would be special to say about women's hves. revues, musicals... hard to imagine from the dreary depths There was so much to choose from: come­ of PMS that menstruation could be funny, dies, dramas, revues, one-woman shows, *+++/+++/+++++* but this show was hUarious. It combined story-telling, musicals ... There were sto­ sharp digs at the companies who market so- ries about outstanding women who strove to aU the songs and skits are good and abso­ called feminine hygiene products ("if [the succeed in areas closed to women (How She lutely essential. Revue-type shows need im­ product] were dangerous it would be at the Played the Game), about women whose partial editing. Despite the obvious talent, Stay Fresh Third World testing site") with talent and success couldn't save them from these shows were the ones that most often broad jokes on that wonderful time of the self-destruction (Letters Home, Spend the disappointed. month we aU love. Allison KeUy and Deb­ Night), about women just getting through Here are some highlights of the produc­ orah WUliams caught the mood and at­ ordinary hves the best way they could (Por­ tions by and about women at the Fringe. mosphere of a self-help/product promoting trait of a Lady, Female Parts). They appear in the order I saw them. seminar perfectly. There was also a Fringe Forum on "As­ Letters Home Directed by Tessa sessing the Future: Women in the Arts," Mendel. Sylvia Plath wrote 696 letters to with panelists Nicola Cavendish, Judith her family during her short Ufetime. The au­ Marcuse, Shari Ulrich and Barbara Janes, gj thor, Rose Leiman Goldemberg, has fash­ This forum was sponsored by VIEW, the g ioned from these letters an affecting story performing arts association for women. £ of a mother/daughter relationship. Joadie Overall the quality of the productions ° Newcomb as Sylvia and Nicki St. John as throughout the festival was high. With such f Aurelia, her mother, were both good, al­ a large number to choose from, some to- J though at times Sylvia's hysteria was at tally unknown and written specifically for odds with the seemingly happy tone of some the occasion, one might expect to see as Talking With of her letters. Occasionally Aureha's soft many misses as hits. Perhaps my choices • our great sense of humour: we can use it voice was overpowered by traffic noise. The grunt gallery where this performance took were lucky, but most of the productions I to skewer the institutions that try to vic­ place was not sound proof, which was a saw were good and in some cases exceUent. timize us and to make hfe seem a little problem for aU the productions there. However, none of my favourites made it to brighter during, for instance, the dreary The Pick of the Fringe at the Vancouver days of PMS. Female Parts Directed by Michael Bur- East Cultural Centre. • we are risk takers: in art and in hfe— reU. Anna Barry, an accomplished actor, A few lingering images of women's fives desperate situations call for desperate brought this play from London, England, have stayed with me from the festival: measures. to the Edmonton, Vancouver and Victoria j Fringe Festivals. The production consists of * two completely separate parts related only <* by their subject being women. The complete * play has more than the two parts shown ] here and is to be presented in full at the a Vancouver Little Theatre this season. Stay Fresh Special The first act, "Woman Alone," has a Laundry and Bourbon Directed by Sue woman locked in her apartment every day Lister. Theatre Terrific is a company of dis­ by her husband as he goes off to work, in abled actors creating opportunities for ac­ punishment for her love affair with a much tors to appear in roles not normally cast younger man. In the apartment, though, she for the disabled. The director chose James is surrounded by males—her infant son, her McLure's play because it was "a one-act lecherous brother-in-law, the peeping torn in comedy with roles for three strong women the buUding across the street, the obscene that combines wit with reality." The actors telephone caller. Although she is a sympa­ physical disabihties were totally irrelevant thetic character (with aU that ironing to to the success of the play; only their acting do), I found this act too frantic and too long. abilities mattered. The acting was good and the play was funny. The second act, "Mama Fricchetona," How She Played the Game Directed was much better. A woman hiding from by Garry Davey. Another one of my picks the pohce in a church goes to confession of the Fringe. Marilyn Norry portrayed six for the first time in 20 years and tells the exceptional women athletes in a series of story of "how love has betrayed [her]." It's weU written profiles by Cynthia L. Cooper. amusing and touching, ending with her be­ These women were amazing—so much de­ ing arrested for "abandonment of the con­ termination and commitment in their strug­ jugal bed." The play portrays marriage as gles against the prejudices of what women complete subjugation for women, forcing a should and could be. Shdes were used ef­ woman to desperate measures for escape. fectively between characters to set the time period and show us the women themselves. Gertrude BeU: the Desert and the But it was MarUyn Norry who made the Sown Directed by Belinda Earle. This was show. She really became different people, great theatre, one of my "picks of the making us see how each woman dealt with Fringe." Pam Howard-Jones portrayed the her own successes and set backs. intrepid Gertrude Bell who traveUed alone Silver Screen Goes Sapphic through Arabia in the early part of this cen­ Talking With Directed by MicheUe tury. She was a woman I would hke to have Allen. The best production I saw; de­ Vancouver's first Lesbian Film Festival will soon grace the screen with an array met. The production used dance, shdes and servedly sold out. This was superb theatre. of short and feature-length works by women from Canada, Great Britain, the Gertrude Bell herself reading from her di­ Eight vignettes were presented by eight dif­ U.S., Argentina and W. Germany. Highlights of the festival include Sheila aries and letters to convey the feehng of ferent women. Each vignette was totaUy un­ McLaughlin's She Must Be Seeing Things (pictured here), Kamikaze Hearts those times and places. We experienced the related to the others and none of the charac­ ("a raw docu-drama") and two documentaries profiling jazz women of the thrilling sensations of a woman unafraid, ters portrayed was repeated. Some were hi­ 40's: International Sweethearts of Rhythm and Tiny and Ruby: Hell Divin' seeking out distant lands and cultures alien larious, others dramatic and moving. Some Women. to her. I found myself holding my breath, were bizarre—it's not often we see a hve hanging on her words. At only 30 minutes, snake on stage. But they aU expressed feel­ Running from Oct. 24—27 at the Vancouver East Cinema, the festival is a the show was too short a visit to such an ings so clearly and cleanly that the audience fitting prelude to International Lesbian Week in early November. See Bulletin exotic hfe. could empathize with every character. Board for details. KINESIS Oct. 88 19 v\e* Kassandra's version, & the mystery of masks

by Melanie Conn In "Fears," genetic engineering has cre­ had aU the real power—sometimes they'd But the book was saved, at least for this ated a world mainly of men. The few women dole a httle of it out to the girls ... Now determined fan, by the steady stream of THE BEST OF PAMELA SARGENT are breeders and public mother figures, un­ we don't have to anymore." conversation between women about their Ed. by Martin Greenberg able to move freely in public without being The theme of freedom vs. confinement hves. Every interaction Kassandra has with Chicago: Academy of Chicago, 1987 hunted down. The story focuses on a few permeates Sargent's writing. Sometimes, as women provides more detaU about the hard­ $8.95 chUhng hours in the fife of Joe, a woman in "Fears," there's only a ghmpse of hope ships of women's hves, about the choices who has ventured out from the refuge she that external conditions wUl change because they make and about their capacity for self- Pamela Sargent burst into my aware­ shares with another woman. fulfillment. It's Bradley's special talent to ness about 10 years ago when she edited of proud and fighting women whose spirits are stUl strong. make her women speak so intimately that Women of Wonder, an anthology of SF Disguised as a man, Joe had almost com­ we are wUhng to Mow them on their ad­ stories by women. In addition to introduc­ pleted her errands when she was run off the In other stories, the picture is brighter. ventures. ing some new writers, the book explicitly road by a couple of joy-riders. The task of "The Mountain Cage" is an unusual per­ acknowledged the existence of a stream of spective on fascism through the eyes of a The Firebrand wUl disappoint readers, getting her car repaired is fraught with ten­ though, who expect to be swept away as SF that focused on women's experience as sion as she is forced to spend the afternoon cat. Hrurr (the cat) observes the mysterious perceived by women. comings and goings on a mountainside cave, they were by the magic of The Mists of in the company of men. Avalon. There must have been many women as soon revealed as Adolph Hitler's bunker. thriUed as I was with the anthology because Exquisitely conscious of every gesture, As Hrurr attempts to make contact with it was soon foUowed by More Women of she is fearful of giving herself away with the Fuhrer's pet dog, hoping to lure her Wonder and The New Women of Won­ the wrong cues: when the mechanic names back to freedom, he learns how seductive der. a price that seems excessive, she wants to the promise of security can be. Sargent herself is a prolific short story object, but "worried that argument might In the very admiring introduction to this writer and noveUst whose most recent book only provoke him, then worried stiU more book, Michael Bishop speculates that one is The Shore of Women, reviewed in this that I would look odd if I didn't dicker with reason Sargent has been unacknowledged by him, I settled for frowning ..." FIREBRAND' column last March. EquaUy at home in both the various SF annual awards is her repu­ fantasy and science fiction, Sargent is at her Despite the extreme nature of the almost- tation as a feminist. These stories reinforce best when she locates her stories in the not- aU-male world, Joe's behaviour is painfuUy that reputation, and may supply some of too-distant future. In The Best of Pamela familiar as she carefully manipulates her the credibility she deserves. fflioNaiS Sargent, "Fears" is a perfect example of her way through the hours. As one elderly man The Best of Pamela Sargent is the abihty to present a bleak account of a fore­ explains, things aren't really so different third in a series featuring work by outstand­ seeable future. from the old days because "men always ... ing women SF writers, both weU-known and "unfairly neglected." The first two vol­ ...the legendary women's basketball team of the 1920's and '30's. umes were The Best of Marian Zimmer Bradley and The Best of Margaret St. Clair.

THE FIREBRAND by Marian Zimmer Bradley New York: Simon and Shuster, 1987 A few years back, many of us enjoyed Bradley's Mists of Avalon, a wonderful re-imagining of the King Arthur legend from the perspective of Morgan La Fay. A11THQRQPTHEMI5TS0FAVAL0N The Firebrand is the story of the Trojan War, but retold by Kassandra, the future- STARS seeing sister of Paris whose affair with He­ len started the whole conflict. On one level, The Firebrand foUows the traditional Greek legend about Troy, com­ A MASK FOR THE GENERAL plete with the human heroes and immortal by Lisa Goldstein interventions remembered from high school New York: Bantam Books, 1987 ***** texts. But despite the vivid descriptions of Compared to Bradley and Sargent, Lisa place and the exceUent dialogue, Bradley's Goldstein is a newcomer to SF with only attempt to bring the story to Ufe seems two previously published novels. A Mask The Amazing Story somewhat wooden. Maybe the plot is just For The General portrays hfe in Berkeley too predictable, even though a few new in the grim world after The CoUapse. of the twists are supphed. Edmonton Grads! The year is 2021 and the United States is under mUitary rule; curfews, rations and identification passes are the controlling fac­ tors of everyday life; rehab centres suppress rebeUious citizens. The story focuses on a group of stu­ The National Film Board dents who have created their own culture and of resistance through tribal rituals. Unity is Basketball B.C. maintained through drumming and dancing whUe individuality is symbohzed by wearing invite you to one's animal spirit mask. When The Gen­ a special screening eral outlaws masks, a crisis ensues within the community. As debates about strategy (direct action 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 19 versus "foUowing a different path") rage through the Berkeley campus, the power of mask-making is also explored. As one beau­ Robson Square Media Centre tiful mask makes its inexorable way through 800 Robson St. enemy fines, it becomes clear that if artis­ tic expression is not controlled, "then peo­ ple can do and say anything they want." - Meet former Edmonton Grads Goldstein is very skUled at moving from -Door Prizes mundane details such as figuring out how to - Reception to follow make a cake with rationed ingredients to the mysterious practice of mask-making. The Free admission Info: 666-3838 result is a book that feels down-to-earth and at the same time has considerable depth. .KINESIS ////////////////^^^^^^ ///////////////////^^^^ BULLETIN BOARD

EVENT SIE VENT SIE VENTS Read this FAMILY SERVICES VLC LEGAL ADVICE CLINIC HUMAN RIGHTS LECTURE AU listings must be received no later than Family Services, New Westminster, is of­ Ruth Lea Taylor holds a free clinic at the Oct. 17 The United Nations Assoc, in the 18th of the month preceding pubUca- fering new programs during month of VLC, 876 Commercial Drive, on the last Canada and the BC Human Rights Coali­ tion. Listings are limited to 75 words and October. Topics include: Dealing With Saturday of each month. October's clinic tion present a lecture entitled Interna­ should include a contact name and tele­ Anger, Oct. 13; Exploring New Attitudes is Oct. 29, 9 am till 12 noon. All women tional Human Rights: Indigenous Peo­ phone number for any clarification that may Towards Healing, Oct. 17; Confidence welcome. ple's Perspective featuring Chief George be required. Listings should be typed or Building for Women, Oct. 19. Subsi­ Manuel, Herb George and Marie Small- neatly handwritten, double-spaced on 8 ± dies available. For detailed info on these face Marule. Robson Square Media Cen­ by 11 paper. Listings wUl not be accepted and other courses and to pre-register, call tre at 7:30 pm. Cost is $5. Call 736-8965 over the telephone. Groups, organizations 525-9144. YARD SALE!! or 736-8963 for info. and individuals eligible for free space in the Women of Colour group fundraiser for BuUetin Board must be, or have, non-profit WAXING MOON HEALING Unlearning Racism Workshops. Drop off objectives. Other free notices wiU be items VILLAGE your junk at 1003 East 11th Ave on Sun­ WOMENFUTURES of general pubhc interest and wiU appear at First AGM of the Waxing Moon Heal­ days from 10 am-12 noon before Nov. 6 WomenSkills Development Society is the discretion of Kinesis. ing Village Society will be Saturday Oct. or arrange a time with Sharon or Mar­ holding a benefit dinner on Oct. 24, 7 Classified are $6 for the first 75 words or 15 at noon at Sitka Co-op, 1550 Wood­ garet at 876-7152. Yard Sale is Nov. 6, pm at Isadora's Cooperative Restaurant., portion thereof, $2 for each additional 25 land. Potluck lunch. All members and 10-4 pm, 1003 East 11th Ave. 1540 Old Bridge on Granville Island. Co- words or portion thereof. Deadline for clas­ members-to-be welcome. For info call sponsored by CCEC Credit Union. Tix are sifieds is the 18th of the month preceding Brenda or Jan 732-8927. $35-$15. Proceeds will be used to estab­ pubhcation. Kinesis wUl not accept classi­ INTERNATIONAL LESBIAN WEEK lish WomenFutures, a non-profit society fieds over the telephone. AU classifieds must to help women get financing for coop­ ATTN: SINGLE MOTHERS VLC celebrates International Lesbian be prepaid. erative and non-profit enterprises. Send 10th Annual Single Mothers Conference Week on Nov. 6, 7 pm. This special cof­ cheque to 4340 Carson St., Vancouver, For BuUetin Board submissions send will be held Oct 15- 16 at YWCA, 580 feehouse will feature live local entertain­ copy to Kinesis Attn: Bulletin Board, 301- V5J 2X9 or call 430-0453 for other tix lo­ Burrard St. Workshops, resource tables, ers. Please note November Coffeehouse cations. 1720 Grant Street, Vancouver, B.C. V5L lunch and childcare provided. Costs $35. is not on the 2nd Sunday night but on 2Y6. For more information caU 255-5499. Subsidy info available for women on low the 1st this month only. Call 254-8458 for income. Call 683-2531. info. CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

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program. It is our understanding that pres­ tation covers sUent films to current films. sure from your office prevented their exclu­ Not only does Vito prompt us to see the rep­ sion. resentation (which is usually misrepresenta­ "Nothing made us feel The mandate of the Secretary of State tion) of gays in film, he also provokes us to Women's Program is to fund groups work­ examine our own political/ethical attitudes which work to collude with our repression. ing to advance the equality of women. less like celebrating..." R.E.A.L. Women is not a group which ad­ I found that I walked out of that movie The presence of R.E.A.L. Women was an vances the cause of women's rights, and it theatre with a feehng I never have quite felt before. It was the feehng that aU of me An open letter to the organizers of insult to every group that has ever strug­ should not have been present at an event had been engaged and addressed. When we "Women in Celebration": gled for women's rights on any issue. which purports to be a networking event for women's rights groups in this province. do see the rare film about lesbians' lives, Press Gang Printers is a feminist organi­ We feel we were misled about the nature Yours truly, it seems we often leave the theatre with zation which has provided printing services of the event by not being informed of their participation. We left because we could not Jane MacDermot, mixed feehngs: pleased to have been present and information about printing production on the screen but frustrated that those les­ pretend sisterhood or common cause with Press Gang Printers to women's and progressive groups in Van­ bian characters' fives are so unhke our own. couver since 1972. Our interest as feminists such an organization, nor could we ignore the significance of their presence. There's seldom a context for their hves is to produce printed materials that reflect (other than breaking up with men and be­ positive change for women and other op­ We are incensed that you added this ing isolated), no herstory, no feminist com­ pressed groups. In keeping with this goal, it group's information page to the Directory munity (no meetings!)—at best there might is our poficy not to print any material which which bears our logo. "Printed by Press Check this out be a fake lesbian bar. opposes the advancement of women. Gang" has, for 16 years, been a symbol of Kinesis: The amazing thing for me about Vito's We were pleased to print the "Directory our pride and support for the work we pro­ duce. Clear your calendars this October for the commentary is that he has incorporated an of Women's Groups" for your organization. Lesbian Film Festival and for Celebration authentic feminist analysis. He pointed out We would not have agreed to print in­ We were also looking forward to participat­ 1990's fundraiser "A Trip Through the Cel­ that when a woman appears in drag in a ing in the "Women in Celebration" network­ formation about this group under any cir­ luloid Closet with Vito Russo." Since I am movie she is stiU seen as provocative and ing day you organized September 10, for cumstances. Since it now appears as if we part of bringing Vito from New York to desirable, but when a man appears in drag, which the directories were produced. had done so, and we feel that this reflects Vancouver I want to inform Kinesis read­ he is seen as a fop and undesirable. Why? on our reputation, we ask that you remove ers about The Celluloid Closet which has Because the woman enhances herself with Nothing made us feel less hke celebrating, them from the Directory, or replace the a male persona whUe a man weakens him­ however, than to discover when we arrived been reissued and updated. page which bears our logo. self with a female persona: he's a joke. Few that anti-choice groups were participating OriginaUy published in 1981, Vito toured Yours truly, men would ever really want to be a woman. in the event, including R.E.A.L. Women, with his book then as he is now, and his The Press Gang CoUective This unveUed sexism caused some of the gay a prominent anti-feminist organization! We book continues to be the landmark study of men in the audience to shift in their seats were further appaUed to discover that you how lesbians and gay men are depicted in but Vito is determined to "wake people up had added pages to the directories after film. Being a lesbian feminist, I find Vito's to the images on the screen ... I want us Kinesis: they were dehvered to you, one of them for analysis particularly fascinating. to see what's being done to us." R.E.A.L. Women. To the Women's Program, Dept. of the I happened to see his presentation in Tor­ Get your tickets early as it's bound to seU Secretary of State, Vancouver: onto this June and the experience of be­ This event was advertised as a chance for out. women's groups to 'network.' Networking We are writing to voice our strong oppo­ ing in a packed movie theatre on Bloor means groups and individuals with common sition to the presence of R.E.A.L. Women Street with hundreds and hundreds of les­ Betsy Warland interests get together to talk and find ways and other anti-choice groups at the "Women bians and gay men was exhUarating. Alter­ Vancouver, B.C. to work together. This is not possible with a in Celebration" day held in Vancouver nating screenings of "the world's best se­ Note: See Bulletin Board and ads this group whose purpose is to severely restrict on September 10, a networking event for lection of lesbian and gay film clips" with issue for details about The Celluloid the rights and freedoms of women. women's groups, which was funded by your thought-provoking commentary, the presen- Closet and the Lesbian Film Festival.

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KINESIS Oct. 88 21 BULLETIN BOARD

FROM PREVIOUS PAGE EVENT SIE VENT SIE VENTS TELLING IT: WOMEN AND LAN­ WOMEN'S BASKETBALL A VISION FOR WOMEN GUAGE ACROSS CULTURES Beginning Saturday, Sept. 24, 10:30- The 5th annual Alcoholics Anonymous EVENTS A conference sponsored by the Ruth 12:30 noon. Gym B at Britannia Com­ Women's Conference is being held Friday Wynn Woodward Endowed Chair in munity Centre. Great fun, great exercise. evening, Oct. 7 and all day Saturday, VLC HALLOWEEN DANCE Women's Studies at Simon Fraser Uni­ Call 254-9963 for more info. Oct. 8 at Simon Fraser University, Mul­ VLC is holding annual Halloween Dance versity will be held Nov. 25th and 26th tipurpose Complex. Al-Anon is invited. on Oct. 28, 8 pm, at Capri Hall, 3925 at the Downtown Centre, 549 Howe St. SACRED TIES THAT BIND Cost is $8. For tix and info call 879-5727 Fraser St. Dress up or come as you are! Featuring Native, Asian Canadian, and or 734-7427. is the title of Margo Farr's newest art Tix are sliding scale $4-$6. Wheelchair lesbian women writers and story tellers, works in handmade paper, on display accessible and childcare is available. For this conference offers a unique opportu­ DOUBLE NEGATIVE LAUNCHED Oct. 2-16 at Fettucini's Cafe, 1179 Com­ info call 254-8458. nity to hear women speaking from a va­ mercial Dr. Artist will be in attendance on Daphne Marlatt and Betsy Warland's new riety of cultures and experiences. Read­ Oct. 2, 8-10 pm. Regular menu served. poetry/prose work will be launched Oct. ings, panel discussions and workshops will EAST END All welcome. More info at 254-3042. 20, 7:30-10 pm (reading at 8:30) at Oc­ HALLOWEEN DANCE examine the following issues: PANELS: topus Books, 1146 Commercial Dr. With Roots Round-up. Saturday, Oct. "Across the Cultural Gap" (Friday); 'The Writer's Role in the Community" (Sat­ MILITARISM IN CANADA 29, 8 pm-1, Britannia Community Centre An education series on effects of mili­ SWEET NECTAR WATERCOLOURS Gym. $6 employed/$3 underemployed. urday); WORKSHOPS: "Getting Pub­ lished: Mainstream vs. Alternative Views tarism and underdevelopment in Canada, Brie Flanagan announces the opening of On site childcare, face-painting. Silent her show Oct. 1, 7:30-9:30 pm at VLC, of the Market," "Interfacing the Oral and Africa and Latin America. Every Tues­ auction. Dress-up or come as you are. 876 Commercial Dr. Refreshments will be Writing," "Living a Great Novel vs. Writ­ day, 7:30 pm. Oct. 4, 11, 18 and Nov. served. Show runs till Oct 29. For info ing One," and "What Do They Mean by 1. $3/$2 per session. At St. Stephen's United Church, 7025 Granville St. Spon­ call Jo-Ann 251-4841. CANADIAN PID SOCIETY 'Too Political'?" (Saturday). sored by OXFAM, Project Ploughshares, One-day discussion on pelvic inflamma­ Conference participants are: Jeanette and the United Church Division of Global tory disease (PID) on Saturday Nov. Armstrong, Barbara Herringer, Surjeet Concerns. Info: 736-7678. 5 at Thunderbird Community Ctr., 2311 Kalsey, Joy Kogawa, Louise Profeit WORKSHOPS Cassiar St., including presentation on LeBlanc, Sky Lee, Lee Maracle and Betsy chlamydia. Also, the AGM of the Cana­ Warland. The Friday evening reading will FEMALE PARTS VIDEO WORKSHOPS dian PID Society. From 10:30 am also feature a performance piece by Van­ A play by Dario Fo and Franca Rame Women in Focus presents 3 skill de­ (register)-4 pm. Free, including lunch. couver Sath. Registration fees: $3 un­ about what women have always faced and velopment video workshops at #204- Call in advance if couches, transport, employed, $5 employed. Travel subsidies what we face today. Runs Oct 5-8 with a 456 W. Broadway. SOUND: Oct. 8- signing, etc. required. 684-5704. special preview on Oct. 4, 8 pm, at Van­ may be possible. For further information 10, $40/$65; DIRECTING: Oct. 14- couver Little Theatre, 3102 Main St. For and how to register, please contact the 16, $40/$65; LIGHTING: Nov. 4-6, info call Lynda 876-4165. GALS NIGHT OUT Women's Studies Program at SFU, 291- $50/$75. Workshops are limited to 12 SWAG and the Hot Flashes Coffee House 3593. participants. For info and registration call are co-sponsoring a dinner-entertainment- WOMEN'S STUDIES Poyin 872-2250. dance extravaganza on Saturday Oct. WRITERS FESTIVAL UBC Centre for Continuing Ed. Oct. 15 at the Crystal Garden Ballroom in In Vancouver, Oct. 26-30. Featuring 19: "Images of Women, Power and Pow­ WOMEN WHO LOVE TOO MUCH readings and performances by Ursula K. erful Women," 7:30-9:30 pm, Rm 205. Victoria. Limited admission, advance tix Vancouver YWCA is offering a session Anthropology and Sociology Bldg., 6303 only. For tix info contact Ariel Books or LeGuin, Judith Merril, Anne Cameron, based on Robin Norwood's book "Women NW Marine, UBC. $10. Info: 222-5261. Vancouver Women's Books. Victoria res­ Angela Carter, Ruby Slipperjack, Mar­ Who Love Too Much." Wednesdays, 7-9 Starting Oct. 26 (5 Wednesdays): "Up idents can call 381-1012. All women wel- garet Atwood and others. Granville Is­ pm, Oct. 5-26. For info call 683-2531, and Down from the Pedestal—The Sta­ cpme. land. For tix info call 280-3311. ext. 305. tus of Women Through the Ages in Eu­ rope and North America," 7:30-9 pm, Rm 50, School of Family and Nutritional Sci­ ences, 2205 East Mall, UBC. $50, seniors Ml S C . $25. Info: 222-5273. EDITOR WANTED SEX AND POLITICS IN ARTS Vancouver-based (f)lip, a newsletter of The Women's Studies Program, Langara feminist innovative writing, is looking for Campus, is holding a series of panel dis­ a Managing Editor to join editorial group. cussions featuring local artists on the rela­ Marketing and magazine experience pre­ tionships among feminism, creativity, so­ ferred. Call Betsy Warland at 731-0744 cial change and sexuality. Oct. 6: Women for more details. in Theatre; Oct. 13: Women in Film; Oct. 20: Women in Visual Arts; Oct. 27: ATTN: IMMIGRANT WOMEN Women Writers. 7:30 pm in Rm A136. Do you want to work? Register your skill For details call 324-5379. and hourly rate with a computerized Job Skills Directory. Phone the Vancouver So­ INFANT FEEDING ACTION ciety on Immigrant Women, 731-9108 af­ Betty Sterken, national coordinator of IN­ ter 4 pm. FACT Canada, will give a talk on promot­ ing and protecting breast-feeding at St. NEEDS DRIVING LESSONS Giles United Church, 305 West 41st Ave., Anyone willing to trade driving lessons on World Food Day, Oct 16 at 7:30 pm. for Shiatsu therapy? Call Astarte at 251- Call 263-4684 for info. 5409.

^ •eO*^ X&* MID LIFE **<* %% WOMENS TIME HAS COME *%* ^ * GROUP MEETINGS for women 45 and better to celebrate ourselves and talk about our concerns * THURSDAY EVENINGS 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm, October 20th to December 8th * FREE «**$& call VSW to preregister. We welcome suggestions for topics to discuss. a9eisrn

VANCOUVER STATUS OF WOMEN: 255 - 5511 AINESIS ////////////////////^^^^^^ ////////////////////////^^^^^ BULLETIN BOARD

FILMS ^CLASSIFIED SHOOTING STARS CHEAP FLIGHT TO TORONTO An NFB docudrama about Edmonton's One way ticket to Toronto. Flight departs world-famous women's basketball team of Vancouver at 4:25 pm on Oct. 28. $150. the 1920's and 30's, will be screened on Call Noreen at 254-1876 or 255-5499. Wed. Oct. 19, 7:30 pm at the Robson Square Media Centre, (see ad elsewhere ALCHERINGA in this issue) Come to Salt Spring Island and stay in a very special guest cabin for women where LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL privacy and accessibility blend with rus­ Vancouver's first! Oct. 24-27 at Van. tic charm and convenience to create an East Cinema, 2290 Commercial Dr. Dra­ atmosphere of Old Mexico. Walk to the mas and documentaries from around the beach and popular Vesuvius pub, sun­ world. Tix $3-$6 night of the film, or se­ bathe nude in the private patio, and take ries passes in advance from VLC, VGLC a sauna and shower under the stars. There or the Van. East Cinema $24-$50. Call is electric heat, TV and tapedeck, dou­ 874-2151 or 253-4198. ble bed and single futon, the neatest out­ house on the island, and the furnishings THE CELLULOID CLOSET combine antiques and collectibles with Ikea and funk. Treat yourself! Summer Film documentary by Vito Russo about rates (til Nov. 1) are $50 double, $40 4he way lesbians and gay men have been single, with the seventh night free. Phyl­ portrayed in mainstream American films. lis Tatum, PO 1332, Ganges, B.C. VOS Sun. Oct. 16 at Ridge Theatre, 9:30 pm. 1E0; 537-4315. Cost is $10. Advance tix at Ridge, VGLC, Little Sisters and Ariel Books. Sponsored by Celebration 90/Gay Games and Cul­ MAYNE ISLAND CABIN CO-OP ] tural Festival. We are looking for women to buy into & a cooperatively owned time-sharing cabin | on Mayne Island. Fully equipped. Right is GROUPS near bay. Please call 251-6429 or 253- § 0239 for more info. J SINGLE MOTHER'S SERVICES "3 Frankie Armstrong is coming to town and she's coming to sing. A native of England, Armstrong is known for her passionate a cappella renditions of both Weekly support groups in 14 locations, DOWNTOWN OFFICE TO SHARE f childcare available. Bi-annual newsletter traditional and contemporary songs ... and she's political. Frankie Armstrong Office in funky old building on West Pen- 8 written by and for single mothers (contri­ will appear at the Vancouver East Cultural Centre, October 23 at 8 pm. Tix der. Great location, close to everything. I butions welcome), annual conference— £ $10. Call 254-9578 for reservations. organized by single mothers, seasonal Approx. 200 sq. ft. You get half. Must events throughout the year. For more in­ be able to tolerate smoke (will be kept formation call Single Mother's Services to a minimum). $135. Call Jackie at 684- 683-2531 ext. 316. 9901. CLASS IFIEDICLASSIFIED WOMEN'S COUNSELLING PAINTER NEEDED FINDING SELF My specializations include depression, I'd like to find a woman painter with a RAISING SPIRIT SUBMISSIONS sexuality, sexual and emotional abuse, few years experience for part time or full How many times have you wished you BISEXUAL FEMINISTS adult women survivors of childhood sex­ time position usually 8-4:30 pm. Mostly could change your life? How often have ual abuse, identity issues, self-awareness, I do interiors; some wallpprg. experience you thought-l wish I knew what this feel­ Writings by bisexual feminists are being relationship issues, decision-making and helpful but not necessary. Wages $8- ing is about?-or-Why am I doing this collected for anthology to reflect growing career explorations. I work using ver­ $15/hr depending on experience. Arlene again and again? You want to know but visibility of bisexual community. Essays, bal and expressive therapies, gestalt and 327-3244. the circumstances seem too overwhelm­ articles, prose, interviews and poetry wel­ guided imagery. Sliding fee scale. Janet ing. Fear, anger and depression keep you come. Write Lani Kaahumanu, 20 Cum­ Lichty. B.A., M.Ed. Counselling Psychol­ GALLERIE: WOMEN'S ART distant from your understanding. There berland, San Francisco, CA 94110 and ogy. 874-2593. are simple, direct and grounded ways to Loraine Hutchins, 1113 Fairmont NW, Quarterly needs a local representative to contact artists, subscribers, bookstores help yourself. You can develop new skills. Washington, D.C. 2009 for info. Deadline Using a few new tools, your ability to Oct 15, 1988 (extension possible) CO-OP HOUSEMATE WANTED and advertisers. Payment is a percent­ age of sales. Gallerie also needs volun­ take charge will be in your own hands. We are looking for a woman, feminist, teers who can help in any way! Please There is no miracle. It is a step by step process that starts now. I am offering a non-smoker without pets to share a warm reply in writing to Gallerie Publications, home. We are 3 working adults (leftish), 10 week workshop in Finding Self-Raising CLASSIFIED 2901 Panorama Drive, North Vancouver, a considerate 13 year old and a baby. Spirit. Designed for the participants, we B.C. V7G 2A4. We share meals, chores and good hu­ will focus on goal-setting, body-mind in­ GOLDEN THREADS mour. The house is near Commercial and tegration, creative visualization and much A contact publication for lesbians over William, a freshly renovated older house HOUSE WANTED more. I am a feminist working for so­ 50 and women who love older women. with fireplace, sunny backyard and laun­ Quiet, non-smoking woman seeks roomy, cial change by supporting the individual Canada and U.S. Confidential, warm, reli­ dry. Available room is in the basement. self-contained apartment or house on woman to find her inner light. I also work able. For free info send self-addressed en­ $225 plus | utilities. 255-4988. Salt Spring Island; winter sublet or on a wide range of political issues as a cul­ velope (U.S. residents please stamp it). longer. Must be very reasonable rent. For tural/community worker, and I am a cer­ Sample copy mailed discreetly. $5 (U.S.) November, (flexible). Please call Andrea, tified Hypnotist and Polarity Therapist. Golden Threads, PO Box 3177, Burling­ 253-1678 (Vancouver); or leave message For more info call Brenda R. Bryan 732- ton VT, 05401. at 537-9355 (SSI). 8927.

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KINESIS Oct. 88 23 ... what's more, he doesn't have a Kinesis subscription.

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