I Want To Go: RadFem Rise-Up! in Toronto

Another Radical Feminist conference and more threats of violence. I'd love to be in Toronto for the RadFem Rise-Up this weekend as I do believe in the importance of women-only organising to discuss issues which uniquely effect womyn-born. I believe all oppressed groups have the right to self-organisation. There are many issues, particularly male violence, which harm us all, however the right of groups to self-organise remains fundamental. We can support one another in campaigns whilst simultaneously acknowledging the right of others to organise and campaign without us.

The level of threats levelled at radical feminists who choose to self-organise is both distressing and a clear indication of how afraid the patriarchy is of us. RadFem 2012 and 2013 in London had to change venues because of threats of physical violence and harassment by men. Yet, somehow, a group of womyn-born is so frightening that other feminists actually supported the men who threatened us.  I genuinely cannot get my head around the idea of women supporting MRAs in trying to silence other women. Surely if there is one common enemy all oppressed groups have, it is violent men.?

This is a statement from conference organisers:

Despite hundreds of threats of death and violence directed at women and at the venue staff, the RadFem Riseup conference IS GOING FORWARD. We are having a great time with some wonderful women, gearing up for a day of presentations and strategy tomorrow. For every threat of violence we receive, another woman wakes up to the reality of the situation. Every death threat strengthens our resolve. We will not be prevented from meeting. We will not be prevented from organizing. We will not be prevented from rising up.

We need to stand up and support our sisters who are being threatened with violence by men. We need to support our sisters voices, even if we don't agree with them. Feminism can achieve nothing as a movement unless we start focussing on male violence and the silencing tactics by MRAs. Collusion with men who silence women only supports the Patriarchy.

I can't be in Toronto but I wish all the participants a wonderful and supportive conference.