Sister Speak: A Feminist Literary Journal

In the past, Sister Speak has been a publication dedicated to embracing literary and visual arts that speak to feminist ideals. However, recent and current editors realize that many readers may be confused about or unaware of what feminism encompasses. Rather than being an exclusive and/or limiting belief system, feminism is an inclusive movement embracing equality between genders, races/ethnic groups, sexualities, and economic classes. Feminism is not just for women. In order for women and all people to share an equal voice in our society, we must unite to share our ideas and dreams. We must create discussion and resolve the confusion and negativity that surround feminism. We must come together through all forms of expression to educate one another. The goal of Sister Speak is to be amalgam of information that educates about issues related to feminism. To this end, this publication includes works that focus on women and/or gender and that question or challenge oppressive gender roles. Furthermore, we believe that gender oppression is interconnected with other forms of oppression, including sexual, ethnic/racial, environmental, and economic. These interconnections similarly need exploration and explanation. Turn the page and see for yourself.

Sister Speak has a new e-mail address. Send submissions to sisterspeak@gmail.com.

2014-2015 Executive Staff
Executive Editor:
Managing Editor:
Submissions Director:
Art Director:

2014-2015 Advisor
Dr. Mary Thompson (English) thompsmx@jmu.edu

ShoutOut! JMU Blog

The mission of ShoutOut! JMU is to provide the JMU community with accurate and constructive information concerning events, legislation, cultural criticism, and resources for women’s rights and personal health on and off campus; to foster a safe space for members of JMU’s community for interactive, informed and constructive dialogue; as a collective, to advance the cause of women and other marginalized groups by means of these conversations; the goal of this blog is not to convert readers to feminism, but instead to raise con-sciousness of the diversity of perspectives toward understanding everyday inequities. Contact Dr. Alison Bodkin for more information.

JMU Feminist Collective

The JMU Feminist Collective aims to open dialogue regarding the promotion of feminist issues within the Harrisonburg and JMU communities. We serve as the hub for feminist-related activism. We are multi-issue, multi-faceted and intersectional. The collective meets on Thursday at 7pm in Miller 2104! Please contact Dr. Kristin Wylie, faculty advisor, for more information. 

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Events, Film Series and Speakers

Each semester Women’s and Gender Studies offers programming designed to raise awareness of gender issues. Past events have included Women’s History Month keynotes; the “Women and Work” film series; faculty presentations; lectures by Michael Kimmel, Shelby Knox, and Jessica Valenti; and the Stop Street Harassment workshop. Visit our website for upcoming events.

Women's Studies Conference
Women's and Gender Studies students and Mary Thompson, WMST Professor, pictured with Patricia Hill Collins, feminist theorist, at the Emancipatory Knowledges Conference at the University of Richmond.

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