Gender Roles Feminism W it hout Borders
Students Advocating Gender Equality
Volume 2, Issue 3
Feminism Without Borders
Edited and Designed by Kai Niezgoda
Kat Korner Fuck It by Perdawgggg
Nail Polish
My father has no idea how to deal with my gender, and especially my presentation. The further along I travel on my transition, the deeper my voice goes, the more I paint my nails. The more I pass, the tighter my pants get. He is confused for the same reasons I am. Like, what the fuck happens when little black girls become black men?
Mothers and Wives by Emma S.
A nonchalant story from my grandma comes to mind when thinking about gender’s impact on everyday life. I don’t remember the context of the story, and I don’t think my grandma meant to be impactful - but she was. We were talking about her career. She worked in the registrar’s office at a university. Before this job, she was always introduced as “so-and-so’s mother,” or “so-and-so’s wife.” Then she went to a social event for her job, and her husband was introduced as “Marge’s husband.” The roles were reversed. When describing the situation, my grandma told me, “I couldn’t believe it! I was recognized as being my own person, not someone else’s wife or mother.” That statement sticks with me when I think about the role of women in society. Our roles exist relative to other people, rather than being autonomous. Even when discussing violence against women, people are taught to be concerned because survivors might be “their mothers, sisters, aunts and friends.” All people matter because they are people, human - not because they belong to someone.
Who are we? Students Advocating Gender Equality is an RSO devoted to supporting gender equality on CMU’s campus and beyond.
What’s next? December/January’s theme is Progressive Thinking. Send all art and writing submissions to CMUSage@gmail.com by December 3rd. The zine will be printed after winter break!
Fight patriarchy with us. Find us... At our weekly meetings: Tuesdays 7:00 pm University Center On Facebook: facebook.com/CMUSage By email: CMUSage@gmail.com