politics
There’s no justification for granting rape suspects anonymity
The Home Affairs Select Committee have proposed that people suspected of sexual offences should be granted anonymity in order to protect their reputations. D H Kelly argues that this would get in the way of bringing sexual offenders to justice
Still, we’re weightless
Neneh Cherry's fourth studio release Blank Project continues to have resonance in today's political climate. David Wilkinson listens again
Happy in their colourful skin
From seedy parlours to political tattooing, we have come a long way. Alison Barton-Simmons speaks to women about their motivations for getting inked
Politics and personal autonomy
Political parties know that not enough women are standing in political positions. Mag the Blag wants them to ask: why not?
All at sea
Sophie Mayer is swept away by Drift, Caroline Bergvall's latest poetry collection
Weekly round-up and open thread
Hello and welcome to the weekly round-up and open thread! Below are some recent news stories that caught the attention of The F Word Collective this week (linking does not necessarily imply endorsement or agreement by members of the collective or the author of this post). Please note that these links range from "ooh yay!" to "very interesting" to *headdesk to very sad or rage-enducing, and some articles may be triggering. Want to discuss these topics or add your own? Please comment below!
An invasion of five
Most of the media seems to think that women have taken over the cabinet in the recent reshuffle. Megan Stodel demands a recount
Weekly round-up and open thread
Hello and welcome to the weekly round-up and open thread! Below are some recent news stories that caught the attention of The F Word Collective this week (linking does not imply endorsement or agreement). Please note that these links range from "ooh yay!" to "very interesting" to *headdesk, to rage-enducing, and some articles may be triggering. Want to discuss these topics or add your own? Please comment below!
Maggie and the monarch
New play Handbagged, about the two of the most prominent British women of the 1980s, was written and directed by women and boasts a majority woman cast. Lissy Lovett finds it to be a breath of fresh air
In praise of Leslie Knope: feminism and small-town politics
While certainly not perfect in its treatment of minority groups, US sitcom Parks and Recreation also gets a lot right, argues Iona Sharma
Mariam the Believer Q&A (part two)
Mariam Wallentin discusses musical influences, political causes and creative freedom in the face of the patriarchal-capitalist music industry. This is the second and final installment of Holly's two-part Q&A with Mariam the Believer. You can read the earlier part here
Women on panels: where are we?
"Action needs to be taken to come to a point of critical mass where there are enough women in a particular sphere, whether in industry, media or in entertainment, so that others can envisage themselves in similar roles"
Guest post: The power of protest
With a memorial planned for the 200th anniversary in August 2019, The Peterloo Massacre is an atrocity that should never be forgotten. This guest post from J. T. Rattray reflects on an edition of The Culture Show about Maxine Peake's performance of Shelley's landmark poem on Peterloo at Manchester's International Festival last month
Kate Fox: live and in print
Sam Parker finds a strong role model on the spoken word scene in the captivating, funny and warm Kate Fox
A review from an alien: Kate Smurthwaite supported by Elf Lyons
Camila Troncoso didn't have much experience with stand-up comedy. Actually, the only time she had been to a stand-up comedy show, the routines were full of sexist, classist and racist jokes. But Kate Smurthwaite not only makes her laugh, she also makes her think