Monthly Archive for May, 2009

Sotomayor: The Answer Rhymes With “Fender”


Why is the media talking about Sonia Sotomayor’s tongue or temperament?

In a recent New York Times article, “Sotomayor’s Blunt Style Raises Issue of Temperament,” journalists Jo Becker and Adam Liptak write that President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee “has a blunt and even testy side.”

You can read about these gendered issues at Huffington Post with my latest piece,

Sonia Sotomayor: The Answer Rhymes With “Fender.”

Cross-posted at Girl With Pen.

Boston Author Event: Men and Feminism

Join Shira Tarrant as she discusses her new book, Men and Feminism

Tuesday, May 26 @ 7:00PM

Lir Irish Pub, 903 Boylston St., Boston

(617) 778-0089

There’s no denying that men’s involvement and interest in feminism is key to its continuing relevance and importance. Shira Tarrant, an expert in gender politics, feminism, pop culture, and masculinity, in her new work Men and Feminism, addresses the question of why men should care about feminism in the first place.

Men and Feminism lays the foundation for a larger discussion about feminism as a human issue, not simply a women’s issue. Men are crucial to the movement — as fathers, brothers, husbands, boyfriends, and friends. From “why” to “how” to “what can men do”, Men and Feminism answers all the questions men have about how and why they should get behind feminism.

Sponsored by the Center for New Words and co-sponsored by the Boston Chapter of NOMAS

Cross-posted at Girl With Pen.

Why Hustler?

Shira Tarrant, Jessica Pauline, Michele Matheson, host Stan Kent, Jillian Lauren

Shira Tarrant, Jessica Pauline, Michele Matheson, host Stan Kent, Jillian Lauren

On May 13, Hustler Cafe in Hollywood hosted its monthly In the Flesh Reading Series: L.A.. Topic of the Month? Feminist Sex.

The awesome Jillian Lauren read from her forthcoming memoir, Some Girls and regaled listeners with stories about her experience in a Brunei harem. The amazing Michele Matheson read from her upcoming novel, The Failed Suicide of Cooper Tin. (Michele is a recovering child actor from such TV faves as Mr. Belvedere.) The wickedly funny Jessica Pauline read about working a pole (or a lap) at night and working Planned Parenthood by day, an excerpt from her book-in-progress. The groundbreaking Michelle Tea phoned it in from Florida with provocative portions from her queer, postpunk novel, Valencia.

I read from my new book Men and Feminism (Seal Press) along with my recent Huffington Post piece, Hip to Strip? Or Is it Time for Men to Stop Watching?

Question: Why Hustler?
Answer: Why not?

The event was a great opportunity to talk about women’s freedom to do sex work and to also ask questions about why men pay for it — and I stand behind both topics. Jillian Lauren described the subject of men and feminism as the only taboo left in that particular setting. So all the more reason to speak up. The Hustler event on May 13 left out the subject of what gets women hot. You know … things like sexual agency, pleasure, feminist ethical sluttiness … but that’s a question for another radical day.

Thanks to all who came out for this record-breaking event. Word has it this was the largest turn-out yet for the In the Flesh Reading Series: L.A. That’s really saying something! And much appreciation to Stan Kent for spinning some righteous tunes and for being an all-around gracious and organized host. See you next time.

Reading from Men and Feminism

Reading from Men and Feminism

Crossposted at Girl With Pen

Hip to Strip?

Is it Hip to Strip? Or Is it Time for Men to Stop Watching?

Alternet recently published a piece on sex and relationships titled “Should You Try Stripping?” … But the real question is not a supply-side issue. It’s about the demand …

What do you think? Weigh in on the conversation at Huffington Post.

Men and Feminism - Available Now!

Upcoming Events

  • May 13, 2009 in West Hollywood, CA

In The Flesh Los Angeles Author Series

Hustler Hollywood Cafe

@8pm

8920 W Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 860-9009

Join us for an evening of Feminist Sex featuring authors:
Shira Tarrant
Michelle Tea
Michele Matheson
Jillian Lauren
Jessica Pauline
Elan

  • May 26, 2009 in Boston, MA

Sponsored by Center for New Words and the Boston Chapter of NOMAS
7pm @ Lir Pub

903 Boylston St., Boston, MA 617-778-0089

  • October 19, 2009 in Washington, DC

Busboys and Poets appearing with Byron Hurt
2021 14th St
NW DC 20009
(202) 387 - POET (7638)

co-sponsored by Ms. Magazine

  • October 23, 2009 in Los Angeles

Speaking at Masculinities Week, Occidental College

Click over to here for more info.