Happy Holidays

However you celebrate this time of year, The Feminist Bookshop wishes you all a happy holiday season filled with inspiring reading. Thank you for your support.

Seen & Heard Film Festival

Promoting women's work in cinema

January 14th - 17th 2010
The Red Rattler
6 Faversham St
Marrickville

Thursday Jan 14th - Stranger than Fiction: exhibiting both fiction and documentary shorts
Friday Jan 15th - Scarlet, White and Blue: causing controversy over race relations in Australia
Saturday 16th - Festival Gala Night: featuring special guests and performances
Sunday 17th - She's So Unusual: experimental shorts

Seen & Heard is a free film festival showcasing films written, directed and produced by women, a film festival that battles the celluloid ceiling, celebrating the diverse and extraordinary work of women filmmakers and their not-to-be-underestimated diverse and extraordinary audiences.

http://www.seenandheardfilms.com/

2010 New Mardi Gras Short Story Competition

After a fantastic response in 2009, the New Mardi Gras Short Story Competition is back!


The theme for 2010 is ‘Making History'.

Writers can interpret this any way they wish, however the story must feature New Mardi Gras values.  Entrants need not identify as GLBTQ, but the story must be GLBTQ themed.  We have some truly amazing prizes this year so pick up your pen and get writing - we look forward to being entertained, amused, startled, inspired, gripped and seduced!

Word Limit: 750 words

Closing Date: Entries close at 5pm, 4 January 2010

For full details of prizes, conditions of entry and application form, download the application form from the Mardi Gras website

Feminist Bookshop now on Flickr!

See more of our photos on Flickr.

http://www.flickr.com/feministbookshop

Latest photos include our Feminist Trivia Night held 22 October 2009 at the Toxteth.

Enjoy.

New Fiction for Young Readers

Two of our favourite authors have released new books for teenagers and the young at heart.



The Battle of the Sun
by Jeanette Winterson
Same award-winning author of Tanglewreck, Battle of the Sun is Jeanette's second novel for young readers.



New and Collected Poems for Children
by Carol Ann Duffy
Carol is Britain's first woman Poet Laureate, and she has just released this gorgeous and funny book of poems.

Photos Trivia Night

For more photos Feminist Bookshop Trivia Night see Sydney Star Observer 28 October

Conferences...conferences...

It's that time of the year and we are taking books out of the shop...today and tomorrow Kat is in the city at a big Family Therapy Conference, tomorrow Gail heads out of town to the Women's Refuge Children's Services Conference up at The Entrance...nice...selling books overlooking the sea.

Hon Michael Kirby to launch new publication

Alzheimer's Australia in conjunction with the AIDS Council of NSW (ACON) and Aged and Community Services Assoc of NSW and ACT invite you to the launch by

Hon Michael Kirby

of the publication

"Dementia: Lesbian and Gay Men"

Speakers:
Dr Jo Harrison
School of Health Sciences,
University of South Australia
Mark Orr
President ACON


Thursday 19 November 2009
7-9pm
Rex Convention Centre
50-58 Macleay St
Potts Point NSW 2011

Speakers:
Dr Jo Harrison
School of Health Sciences,
University of South Australia

Mark Orr
President ACON

Bookings essential
RSVP Deb Garvan
DGavan@acon.org.au
Ph: 9206 2000
by 13 November

The Best Of The London Transgender Film Festival

...comes to Sydney

Host: ButchFemmeTrans Sydney
Date: Wednesday, October 21 & 28th, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 10:45pm
Location: The Red Rattler Theatre
Street: 6 Faversham Street
City/Town: Marrickville, Australia
Tickets: $10 full / $7 concession per night @ door
Email: bft_syd@hotmail.com

Description
Col Cruise visits our shores to present two nights of international feature and short films from the London Film Festival. Take this opportunity to join Col in discussions on film making and creating a trans film festival.

"The Best Of The London Transgender Film Festival has being programmed for an Australian audience to increase trans visibility and acknowledgement, question the gender binary, to dispel ignorance and demystify stereotypes, unite and support a diverse LGBT community and celebrate trans spaces and their friends. Its focus is to exhibit content of transgender, intersex, androgyny, gender variant, trans feminists, gender queer, and gender fluid persons of all natures, all races and cultures, ages and abilities.

This mini trans film fest is also about communication and growth and will show films of dynamic and important themes from all over the world. It is living proof that biological sex is a continuum and that any rigid notion of binary gender excludes us all.

I hope all these screenings in Australia encourage and liberate self expression in all independent trans filmmaking to come. Thanks to ButchFemmeTrans Sydney and Melbourne and SA University for enabling this event to happen."

Director/programmer
Col Cruise

***Film List to follow***
See ButchFemmeTrans Sydney Facebook page for more details****

LATEST RELEASE: The Bee Hut, Dorothy Porter

The bookshop was saddened and reflective to receive today the latest work of the late, great Dorothy Porter.

The Bee Hut, Doroty Porter's fifteenth book, brings together the poems she wrote in the last five years of her life. By turns expansive and intimate, effusive and contemplative, these poems roam widely: there are journeys into history and to sacred places both mythic and deeply personal.

With a touching foreword by her partner Andrea Goldsmith, we will spend today reflecting on how much Dorothy's work deeply touched and aroused us.

In store now.
$24.95

Wear Red On Sept 1st to support this campaign

Women in red see red - please join this campaign



It will take the average woman full time worker an extra 3 months to earn the same amount as the equivalent man earned in the last financial year. And
the gap is getting bigger! This year it took four days more women's paid work to close the gap. To 'celebrate' our wages deficit, we recognise September 1 as the equal pay day, and women's groups are asking women to wear something red to show we are sick of still earning less!



Women's Electoral Lobby suggests a red rose as a way of reminding us all that life is about both bread and roses, but fair rewards for both are important. Give one to your boss and send one to your local member to remind them that too many 'women's jobs' are undervalued and under paid. It is not
acceptable that women earn 82% of male ordinary time earnings and do not share equally in pay rises. Full-time adult ordinary time earnings rose by 6.5% for males and 5.2% for females in the twelve months to May 2009. (ABS).



We would like endorsements for the following Statement to be sent to the Federal Government:



Women's organisations call upon the Federal Government to take immediate action to redress growing inequality in wages between women and men. Equal
Pay Day on the 1st September women will be wearing red and Women's Electoral Lobby will deliver red roses to politicians and employers because women workers are in the red compared to men's earnings. A red rose is a way of reminding us all that life is about bread and roses, but fair rewards are important for both.



Women's Electoral Lobby are calling on the Federal Government to immediately appoint the new Fair Wage Panel and asked them to start the process to increase the Federal Minimum Wage. The now disbanded Fair Pay Commission failed to grant an increase in its final decision. This Decision went against increases granted in State tribunals. The Federal Minimum Wage is important for women as women rely upon it more than male workers and women are more likely to be low paid.



Women in the red in retirement - Women have about a third of superannuation that men have.



Women more likely to be low paid and rely on awards and the safety net.



Women over-represented in the lower levels of the public sector.



Women are more likely to be part-time and have insecure employment contracts.

Women's occupations still undervalued.



Only 1 in 12 of board directors of ASX 200 is a woman.

And ....we still do most of the housework and care tasks!!!



Contact NSW Women's Electoral Lobby representaative NSW Representative, Eva Cox: Eva.Cox@uts.edu.au, if you are participating, either individually or as a group.

By the way, artificial roses are available at discount shops for 50c to $1.50.

CELEBRATING 35 YEARS IN 2009

THE FEMINIST BOOKSHOP
In conjunction with
TALKING HEADS AT TOXTETH

invites you to

A Feminist Trivia Night
Level 1 Function Room
Toxteth Hotel
345 Glebe Point Road Glebe

THURSDAY 22 OCTOBER
6.30 FOR 7 PM

COST: $25.00 includes heaps of finger food

Dinner available for a “buy one get one free” meal deal

Drinks available at function room bar

Come along for a night of fun, prizes and to check out your feminist knowledge and memory.

Tables of 6 – 12. Book for a team or take your chances on congenial company and join any table.

Bring a friend or two - blokes welcome!!

Bookings:

Gail Hewison at The Feminist Bookshop
Tel: 9810.2666
feministbookshop@iprimus.com.au

Kate Barton
Tel: 9518.5560
katebarton3@optusnet.com.au

Lady Sings it Better

A little night music at the Red Rattler Theatre.

Six women take on some of the greatest male musicians of the 20th century and reinvent them as sassy old-school cabaret.

This is Midnight Oil, AC/DC, Leonard Cohen, Hilltop Hoods and the Rolling Stones as you’ve never heard them before...masculinity mixed up in sultry female vocals.

Book now at for a great night of live music at the inner west's hottest new venue.

Singers Tanya Hennessy, Chandra Franken, Sonia Allan, Siobhan Towner, Anna Martin and
Maeve Marsden will present a range of songs for all tastes.

Special Guest and Sydney music scene regular Kate Duffy will open the doors with her own host of sassy covers while audience grab a drink and find their seats.

August 12, 14, 15
Doors open 8pm

August 16.
Doors open 7pm.

Tickets available though MCA-TIX
Phone 1300 306 776 or book online,
www.mca-tix.com.au

Cost
Tickets cost $30 Adult and $20 students, unemployed and underpaid

That's right friends, we've got a show coming up and we'd love for you to come! Seats are limited so please do book online. You'll see that we've added 'underpaid' to the concession option so if you are a struggling minimum wage type, feel free to check that box. If you can afford the adult option, then of course please do support independent theatre!

Friday and Saturday nights we'll keep the party going with a DJ or two!

Send your grandparents to the matinee for a saturday arvo thrill!

Invite your friends! and your enemies!

Just come... x

The Red Rattler Theatre
6 Faversham St
Marrickville, Australia

Balmain Mental Health Carers Support Group

Meets 1st Tuesday of every month
7.15pm
Balmain Town Hall
(side meeting room)

This is a support group for mental health carers and support people. Guest speakers are invited to talk at each meeting.

Contact: Kerry Homes 9555 7164
email: balmain.mhcsupport@gmail.com

Supported by Schizophrenia Fellowship.

Cards & Gifts

A great new range of postcards has arrived at the shop. Check these out...

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...and there's more in store too....

GIVEAWAY! 2 more tickets to Judy Small and Annalisa Kerrigan

Be the first the call or email the shop to win a doubel pass to the concert on 1 August!!!

Info Below

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For One Night Only!
Two extraordinary talents performing on the same stage
To benefit theCorriLee Foundation and AFAP

Where: The Gaelic Theatre
64 Devonshire St Surry Hills
www.thegaelic.com
When: Saturday 1st August 2009 (For One Night Only)
Time: 6:30pm Doors Open. 7:00pm Concert Starts

Drinks for sale at the bar, complimentary snacks for patrons.
MC The Hon Dr Meredith Burgmann
Guest Appearance Debbie Spillane

Tickets Book through Moshtix Tickets $30 per person. Tickets available at door for $35 (cash only).
Moshtix here

Judy and Annalisa's CDs will be on sale. Both artists will be delighted to autograph them.
Raffle Fabulous prizes, tickets; 1 for $5, 3 for $10 & 10 for $20.


http://www.judysmall.com.au/
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http://www.annalisakerrigan.com/

TheCorriLeeFoundation
Is named after a person whose virtues our organisation aims to emulate and inspire in others. Virtues such as: perseverance,
determination, optimism, generosity, kindness and commitment. Corrie raised a family while her husband was at war, ran her own business in an era when women were not expected to do so and endured the loss of a limb without losing her zest for life and her generosity to those around her. Corrie Francis Lee, an ordinary Australian, my grandmother and my hero.
Tanya Lee Chairperson
Mobile: 0418 222 513
Email: tanya@corrileefoundation.org

AFAP is a secular, non political, non-profit organisation based in Sydney, Australia with development programs in the Pacific, Asia, and Africa. Over 40 years, we have supported effective and sustainable development projects in 25 countries in sectors such as water and sanitation, health, environment and conservation, food security, and emergency relief. We work by strengthening and empowering in-country partners, and operate with low overheads so as to maximise the development impact of donor contributions.
www.afap.org
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GIVEAWAY!! 2 double passes to Judy Small and Annalisa Kerrigan Concert 1 August

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We have two double passes to give away for Judy Small / Annalisa Kerrigan Charity Concert at Gaelic Club on Sat 1st August.

How do I win?

Be the first and second to phone or email The Feminist Bookshop with the answer to this simple question...

"What year did The Feminist Bookshop begin?" (clue: the answer can be found on our web page www.feministbookshop.com)

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For One Night Only!
Two extraordinary talents performing on the same stage
To benefit theCorriLee Foundation and AFAP

Where: The Gaelic Theatre
64 Devonshire St Surry Hills
www.thegaelic.com
When: Saturday 1st August 2009 (For One Night Only)
Time: 6:30pm Doors Open. 7:00pm Concert Starts

Drinks for sale at the bar, complimentary snacks for patrons.
MC The Hon Dr Meredith Burgmann
Guest Appearance Debbie Spillane

Tickets Book through Moshtix Tickets $30 per person. Tickets available at door for $35 (cash only).
Moshtix here

Judy and Annalisa's CDs will be on sale. Both artists will be delighted to autograph them.
Raffle Fabulous prizes, tickets; 1 for $5, 3 for $10 & 10 for $20.


http://www.judysmall.com.au/
--

http://www.annalisakerrigan.com/

TheCorriLeeFoundation
Is named after a person whose virtues our organisation aims to emulate and inspire in others. Virtues such as: perseverance,
determination, optimism, generosity, kindness and commitment. Corrie raised a family while her husband was at war, ran her own business in an era when women were not expected to do so and endured the loss of a limb without losing her zest for life and her generosity to those around her. Corrie Francis Lee, an ordinary Australian, my grandmother and my hero.
Tanya Lee Chairperson
Mobile: 0418 222 513
Email: tanya@corrileefoundation.org

AFAP is a secular, non political, non-profit organisation based in Sydney, Australia with development programs in the Pacific, Asia, and Africa. Over 40 years, we have supported effective and sustainable development projects in 25 countries in sectors such as water and sanitation, health, environment and conservation, food security, and emergency relief. We work by strengthening and empowering in-country partners, and operate with low overheads so as to maximise the development impact of donor contributions.
www.afap.org
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Postcards

The Feminist Bookshop stocks many fantastic postcards for all occasions. One of our most popular is "the first supper" by Susan Dorothea White. Published by The Museum of Women in the Arts and printed in Australia. For $2, why not pop it in your next book order? Also available in a poster ($30).

Judy Small & Annalisa Kerrigan Charity Concert

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For One Night Only!
Two extraordinary talents performing on the same stage
To benefit theCorriLee Foundation and AFAP

Where: The Gaelic Theatre
64 Devonshire St Surry Hills
www.thegaelic.com
When: Saturday 1st August 2009 (For One Night Only)
Time: 6:30pm Doors Open. 7:00pm Concert Starts

Drinks for sale at the bar, complimentary snacks for patrons.
MC The Hon Dr Meredith Burgmann
Guest Appearance Debbie Spillane

Tickets Book through Moshtix Tickets $30 per person. Tickets available at door for $35 (cash only).
Moshtix here

Judy and Annalisa's CDs will be on sale. Both artists will be delighted to autograph them.
Raffle Fabulous prizes, tickets; 1 for $5, 3 for $10 & 10 for $20.


http://www.judysmall.com.au/
--

http://www.annalisakerrigan.com/

TheCorriLeeFoundation
Is named after a person whose virtues our organisation aims to emulate and inspire in others. Virtues such as: perseverance,
determination, optimism, generosity, kindness and commitment. Corrie raised a family while her husband was at war, ran her own business in an era when women were not expected to do so and endured the loss of a limb without losing her zest for life and her generosity to those around her. Corrie Francis Lee, an ordinary Australian, my grandmother and my hero.
Tanya Lee Chairperson
Mobile: 0418 222 513
Email: tanya@corrileefoundation.org

AFAP is a secular, non political, non-profit organisation based in Sydney, Australia with development programs in the Pacific, Asia, and Africa. Over 40 years, we have supported effective and sustainable development projects in 25 countries in sectors such as water and sanitation, health, environment and conservation, food security, and emergency relief. We work by strengthening and empowering in-country partners, and operate with low overheads so as to maximise the development impact of donor contributions.
www.afap.org
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Meet the Authors Event Thank you

The bitter cold and torrential rain didn't keep people from coming to the Meet the Authors event at The Feminist Bookshop on June 20. We all enjoyed terrific conversation with Tracie O'Keefe and Katrina Fox, and we thank them for their humour and generous sharing of their lives and work. Thank you to everyone who came and a special thanks to photographer extraordinaire Josephine JOey Ki, whose pics of the day you can see on the samesame website http://www.samesame.com.au/gallery/13030/Meet-the-Authors.htm

Latest Release "The Lost Mother" by Anne Summers

After her mother’s death in 2005, Anne Summers inherits a portrait of her mother as a child. Mesmerised by this image, she finds herself drawn into the story of how the portrait was painted and eventually found its way into her family. She soon learns the artist painted another portrait of her mother; this time, as the Madonna.

In a gripping narrative that is part art history, part detective story and part meditation on the relations between mothers and daughters, Anne’s search for the Madonna painting and the mysterious Russian émigré who bought both paintings takes her down unexpected paths. Her search soon turns into a parallel quest to retrieve Constance Stokes, the artist, from obscurity, and to learn why the collector suddenly abandoned the paintings. Along the way Anne finds she must face the truth of the relationship she had with her mother. In turn hypnotic and moving, The Lost Mother is a powerful exploration of art, loss and love.

In store on Tuesday 30 June!

Anne Summers is a best selling Australian author, journalist and speaker on political and social, especially women's, issues. Anne led the Office of the Status of Women from 1983-86 and was advisor to Prime Ministers Paul Keating and Bob Hawke. She is a former editor of Good Weekend, and is a Sydney Morning Herald columnist.

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Pride Sydney Festival 2009 Event - Meet The Authors

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Come and meet Tracie O'Keefe and Katrina Fox at The Feminist Bookshop on Saturday 20 June at 4.00pm. Tracie and Katrina are the co-authors and editors of several books including Finding the Real Me: True Tales of Sex & Gender Diversity and the latest, Trans People in Love.

This will be an informal and welcoming get-together over drinks and nibbles.

Please RSVP by 18 June
Ph: 9810 2666
email: feministbookshop@iprimus.com.au

A free event for LGBTI people and friends at

The Feminist Bookshop
Shop 9, Orange Grove Plaza
Balmain Road, Lilyfield 2040
www.feministbookshop.com



Trans People in Love (ed by Tracie O'Keefe and Katrina Fox)
This is a collection of real-life stories by people who are transsexual, transgendered, intersex, androgyne, multi-gendered, non-gendered and their experiences of being in love and in a relationship.

This book is published internationally by Routlege, a division of Taylor & Francis.


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Finding the Real Me: True Tales of Sex & Gender Diversity (ed by Tracie O'Keefe and Katrina Fox)
This is a collection of real-life stories by people who are transsexual, transgendered, intersex, androgyne, multi-gendered and non-gendered.

This book is published internationally by US publisher Jossey Bass, a division of John Wiley & Co.


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Pride Sydney Festival 2009
18 June - 1 July 2009
www.sydneypride.org

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TALKING HEADS AT TOXTETH

Thursday 25 June, 2009 @ 6 for 6.30 pm

THAT! has brought “pub talks” back to Glebe and is raising funds for Tranby Aboriginal College (www.tranby.edu.au)

Sessions of THAT! take place on the 4th Thursday of each month or as advised

Circulation of flyers is via email so please ensure you fill in the mailing list (once only) or let us know if you wish to receive notification of future talks and events – see Inquiries below

Restaurant-style seating at tables of 10 (bookings not taken for sessions but see below re: dinner)
upstairs Bar open during sessions

TO CELEBRATE OUR FIRST ANNIVERSARY AND BY POPULAR DEMAND (seriously!!):

GRUMPY OLD SHEILAS

Audience participation with:

WENDY BACON - Communications is her strength
MEREDITH BURGMANN - Consultation on Council her agenda
ELIZABETH FARRELLY - Written communication & aesthetic prescripts
LIZ FELL - Communicating with gutsy aplomb and style
MARION MANTON - Communicates with devilment and wit
MORGAN SMITH - Constructive events at Gleebooks –in disguise!

NOTE:This session is rated CC for comedy and carping

The venue is the upstairs function room of the Toxteth Hotel, 345 Glebe Point Road, Glebe (cnr Ferry Road)
Senior & Pensioner discounts available at Bar but not for sessions – see Donation below for others
Join us for dinner after for a “buy one get one free” meal deal
DINNER RESERVATIONS ESSENTIAL - see Inquiries below

Donation: $10 and $5 for Benefits recipients, full-time students, unwaged

Convenors: Kate Barton, Helen Randerson, Annaliese Monaro

Inquiries: katebarton3@optusnet.com.au
Tel: 9518.5560

TRANBY Trivia Fundraising Night

Please join us on Wednesday, 17th June for a night of trivia upstairs at the Toxteth Hotel, 345 Glebe Point Road.

$10.00 covers entry, snacks and the opportunity to win some great prizes!

Please come along and support this worthy cause. Bookings can be made for individuals or groups of ten.

The fun starts at 6:30pm sharp and winds up around 8:00, and there is a buy one, get one free deal available from the Toxteth Restaurant afterwards.

RSVP for Trivia and dinner bookings to
Annaliesse Monaro on 9660 3444
a.monaro@tranby.edu.au

NEW! Tarot Readings at The Feminist Bookshop

Tarot readings available on Saturdays from 10.30am with Rita, an experienced, accurate clairvoyant with 15 years experience.

Rita's readings are for guidance and clarity and are based on a study of tarot, numerology and counselling.

1/2 hr reading $45
45 min reading $60
1hr reading $80

For more information call Rita 0419 485 055 or The Feminist Bookshop 9810 2666.

* Rita is donating a portion of her fee to our Eliot's recent vet bills. Thank you Rita!

Lightswitch Sydney Screening Event 6th June

Sydney screening event on sale NOW!

Lightswitch will be screened at the exclusive Everest Theatre in the acclaimed Seymour Centre on June 6th, 2009 from 7:00pm.

Everest Theatre (Seymour Centre)
University of Sydney
Corner of CIty Rd and Clevelend St
Chippendale

When: Saturday 6th June 7pm
Tickets: $22

The event will include a musical set by soundtrack composers, Pyréne as well as a Q&A discussion panel with the Director and cast. This event is a one-off which aims to bring together fans and filmmakers to help promote and support queer filmmaking in Australia. This is your chance to meet the stars and other film-goers in a setting that encourages community togetherness. Come and support Down Dere Films and your community!

Tickets are now available through the Seymour Centre booking system
http://www.seymour.usyd.edu.au/boxoffice

Limited seats available so order your tickets now.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Email for info: info@lightswitchthemovie.com
Movie website: http://www.lightswitchthemovie.com

6th Australian Women's Health Conference

The New National Agenda
18-21 May 2010, Hobart, Tasmania

Conference website
Australian Women's Health Network website

The major focus of the Conference, entitled Women’s Health: The New National Agenda, will be to continue the work of getting women’s health as a priority issue onto the public agenda. It will provide an opportunity for individuals, organisations and services involved and concerned with women’s health to contribute to international dialogue, share ideas, knowledge and practice. In particular, the Conference offers a platform for mobilising capacity for women’s health and wellbeing in Australia in the context of the Federal Government’s agreement last year to develop a new national women’s health policy. Delegates will examine the changing social, economic, cultural and political contexts affecting women’s health, as well as policy and practice that promote better health outcomes for women.

The 6th Australian Women’s Health Conference will also incorporate a stimulating and diverse arts and cultural program showcasing the work of contemporary and traditional practitioners, at the Conference and various other Hobart venues. These and other social events will provide plenty of opportunity to meet and get to know other delegates in relaxed environments. The conference also offers organisations an opportunity to host their own meetings in Hobart prior to the conference, taking advantage of members being located together in the same Hobart at the same time.

New Release!

Just in, Sarah Waters latest thriller The Little Stranger. Pick up your copy at The Feminist Bookshop.
www.feministbookshop.com
Ph: 02 9810 2666
feministbookshop@iprimus.com.au

The Personal and the Political - Women in Australian Politics

Open Forum Invitation

We extend a warm invitation for you to attend the 2009 Open forum ''The personal and the political - Women in Australian Politics". The night will provide an opportunity for the community to hear our guest speaker The Honourable Tanya Plibersek, Minister for the Status of Women talk about her own journey and personal experiences.

The forum will be held on the

23rd April
UWS Parramatta campus
arriving at 5.30pm for a 6.00pm start.

This forum is a continuation of the series which started in 2008 and will continue to deal with topical and contemporary social issues and aim to bring academia and the Greater Western Sydney Community together.

Download invitation with more info here.
Full details of the venue are attached.

Edna Ryan Awards 2009, 8 May

Each year the Women's Electoral Lobby celebrate the life and work of Edna Ryan through the presentation of the "Ednas". These awards are designed to support the interests that Edna championed, and to proclaim the fun and humour that she enjoyed.

The EDNAs are awards made to women who have made a feminist difference, i.e. whose activity advances the status of women:the troublemakers, the stirrers, the battlers, who show extraordinary commitment and determination

Friday 8 May 2009, 6 – 8.30 pm
6.00 pm snacks and mingle
drinks – make a donation
6.30 pm presentation of the Ednas

Snacks and drinks will be available throughout the evening.

Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts
1st floor, 280 Pitt Street, Sydney
(between Park and Bathurst Sts.)
NOTE: no parking available

$25 waged / $15 concession
includes snacks.

For more info and booking form, go to Women's Electoral Lobby: http://welnsw.org.au

Latest Release

Out and About: Sydney's Lesbian Social Scene 1960s - 1980s
$15.00

Uses oral histories and photos to describe women's memories of Sydney's lesbian social scene, from iconic venues such as the Sussex Hotel and Ruby Reds to the Clover social club, women's dances and house parties.

Lesbians in Sydney from the 1960s to the 1980s were as diverse a group as Sydney lesbians are today. Getting out and about meant different things to different women, but all of the lesbians who have so generously shared their memories and stories for this booklet had one thing in common: going out on the town with other gay people really mattered.

Out and About: Sydney's Lesbian Social Scene 1960s - 1980s

Steel Magnolias

"A remarkable play, a triumph...In Robert Harling we have the next Tennessee Williams" New York Times

Featuring Jacki Weaver, Geraldine Turner, Ana Maria Belo, Jennifer Hagan, Debra Lawrance and Marian Frizelle - some of Australia's favourite actors portray six funny and fabulous women in the American South.

This enduring comedy and heart-felt celebration of love, loyalty, and the bonds of sisterhood will begin a new stage life in Sydney from June 5 to 28 in the York Theatre at The Seymour Centre, followed by a 23-week Australian tour.

Book at Ticketek: 1300 795 012 or http://www.ticketek.com.au
Seymour Centre Box Office: (02) 9351 7940 or
http://www.seymourcentre.com.au

Written by Robert Harling (Soapdish, First Wives Club), Steel Magnolias went from off-Broadway play to worldwide smash hit movie in only three years. Harling's play was written as a cathartic tribute to his sister, whom he'd lost to Type 1 Diabetes, and the story is that of his own family.

Laugh and cry with this luminous cast, in a timeless story of family and friendship. Don't miss it!

Originally produced by the WPA Theatre, New York City, 1987 (Kyle Kenick, Artistic Director)

Latest Release

Sexual Fluidity : Understanding women's love and desire
by Lisa Diamond
$42.95

This unsettling and original book offers a radical new understanding of the context-dependent nature of female sexuality. The author argues that for some women love and desire are not rigidly heterosexual or homosexual but fluid, changing as women move through stages of life, various social groups,and most important, different love relationships.

Fascinating chapters such as:
Will the real lesbians please stand up...
gender differences in same-sex sexuality...
sexual fluidity in action...
change in sexual attractions...

...definitely one for women, queer and bft readers.

Call for Submissions - "banQuet"

Editorial team, Carson and Dettoriare are putting together an anthology of writings and art by emerging Queer Australian women writers/artists, 'banQuet'. It is an opportunity for these creatives to get their work out there as there are not many options in the Australian book-publishing world for lesbians and queer women.

They are after works that explore and push the boundaries of LGBTIQ lives by/about Queer women. Contemporary, edgy fiction/non-fiction/graphics with feisty queer protagonists with a predominantly Australian connection/flavour is what 'banQuet' is about. Carson and Dettoriare intend to launch the anthology at Midsumma and Mardi Gras 2010, then promote it at subsequent gay festivals in Australia with readings events.

'banQuet' is a feast of new writing and art by Australian Queer women. If your work explores and pushes the boundaries of LGBTIQ lives and if you are a women who identifies somewhere in the LGBTIQ spectrum, send us your stuff! We'd love to see contemporary, edgy material with feisty queer protagonists living their unique lives.

Email for Submission Guidelines: banquetpress@optusnet.com.au

Submission deadline: Monday, 1/June/2009

Latest Release - Homophobia

Homophobia
An Australian History
Shirleene Robinson (ed)
Published by The Federation Press
www.federationpress.com.au
ISBN 978 1 86287 703 0 • PB • 272pp
RRP $39.95
October 2008


The Book
Homophobia is a prejudice with effects that extend far beyond the gay and lesbian community. While its physical, emotional and social effects have been charted to some extent, the development of homophobia in Australia has yet to be fully explored. Homophobia: An Australian History is the fi rst book to consider homophobia in a distinctively Australian context. In this collection, thirteen well-known scholars examine the embedded homophobic attitudes that Australian gay and lesbian activists have fought to change. The book traces the evolution of homophobia, from its expression in Australia’s past as a colonial settler society, through to manifestations in present day society. The compilation of this text is timely, given the 2007 release of the Same Sex: Same Entitlements report of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission. The release of this report, which focused on institutionalised and legal homophobia, has raised public awareness of these issues and sparked broader debates about homosexual rights. The thirtieth anniversary of Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras earlier this year also offers an ideal opportunity to refl ect on the past gains and future goals of the gay and lesbian rights movement.

The collected chapters in this book argue that homophobia developed in conjunction with the growth of a modern homosexual identity in the second half of the nineteenth century. To various extents, the legal and medical professions and other social institutions have perpetuated homophobic attitudes. Homophobia: An Australian History raises awareness of the devastating impact these attitudes can have on individuals and on society.

Download flyer & order form here.

Available from The Feminist Bookshop.

Sydney Writers Festival 2009

Sydney Writers Festival
May 19-24
www.swf.org.au

Guides available at The Feminist Bookshop

New Feminist Collective at Sydney University

There is a new collective of young women at Sydney University who have been fighting sexism on campus. Recent discussions on their engagement with the feminist movement and the ongoing disconnect between second and third wave feminists has prompted them to action. They are organising a conference for late November this year to open up a genuine dialogue between all feminist. The conference will address some difficult issues that divide the feminist movement and look at the future of the movement. There will be dialogue on how feminists can find new ways to work together and get involved in campaigns.

To be involved, the first meeting is this Thursday 26 March, Amnesty International Australia's state office

Level 1
79 Myrtle Street
Chippendale, NSW 2008
Australia
(Ring the buzzer - one of us will answer)

The tentative agenda is:

Agenda (6 – 7.30 approx)

1. Acknowledgment of Country
2. Introductions
3. What people want from a conference on feminism
4. How we make it happen
a) Broad visions (your ultimate vision of a feminist conference)
b) The nitty-gritty (who what where when why?)
5. Meetings:
a) The organising space
b) Logistics: time/place/frequency
Close

Please feel free to add things to this, and come with ideas/changes.

The meeting will start at six.

Contact
Rosa rosa_coloured_glasses@yahoo.com or
Gabe gabekavanagh@yahoo.com.au

Bookgroup

What: Bookgroup for women. Discuss a fabulous book and network with other women. Everyone has the opportunity to pick books.

When: Second Saturday of each month, 4pm

Where: The Feminist Bookshop. Shop 9, Orange Grove Plaza, Balmain Road, Lilyfield

Next three dates and books are:

Saturday 13 June
Salvation Creek, Susan Duncan

Saturday 9 May
Girl Meets Boy, Ali Smith

Saturday 4 April
Boy Who Was Raised As A Dog, Bruce Perry

Books available from The Feminist Bookshop www.feministbookshop.com

An Intimate Evening with Ulrika Dahl

The Feminist Bookshop is proud to host Ulrika Dahl, co-author of "Femmes of Power", in an intimate setting. Ulrika, fresh from the launch of her book at The Red Rattler and Mardi Gras festivities, will read to us and lend herself to gorgeous, interesting discussion. This is our last chance before she heads back home to Sweden.

"Femmes of Power: Exploding Queer Femininities"
by Del LaGrace Volcano and Ulrika Dahl
Beautiful photography accompanied with queer theory, this book explores gender expression and what it is to be femme and queer and more.

Tuesday 17 March
5-7pm
FREE

Food and Refreshments available
The Feminist Bookshop
Shop 9, Orange Grove Plaza
Balmain Road
Lilyfield

JESSIE STREET NATIONAL WOMEN’S LIBRARY
LUNCH-HOUR TALKS SERIES

DR BEVERLEY KINGSTON
 
‘What shall we do with our girls?’
Recurring anxieties about the adolescent girl in Australia from 1800 to the present day.
 
Beverley Kingston is a social historian. She talks about the recurrent concerns about raising, educating and controlling adolescent girls in Australia. Beginning with the contemporary campaign against binge drinking, Beverley looks back through the guide books, manuals, books of advice and sociological studies on the subject that have appeared over the last 200 years. Some of the books and manuals she has used in her research will be on display.
 
WHEN

Thursday, 19 March 2009 from 12 till 1.30pm
 
WHERE

Seminar Room 1, Level 1, Ultimo Community Centre
Cnr William Henry & Harris Streets
Opposite the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre
(Enter Community Centre via Bulwara Road)
Bus 501 from Town Hall at 11:10 and 11:30 am
Bus 501 from Railway Square at 11:18 and 11:38
 
ENTRY
$20 non-members
$15 JSNWL members
Pay at the door

Sandwich lunch provided
PLEASE BOOK BY 12 noon 17 March
       
Phone the library on (02) 9571 5359
or email info@nationalwomenslibrary.org.au
 
Jessie Street National Women's Library
Ultimo Community Centre, Harris Street, Ultimo
GPO Box 2656, Sydney  NSW  2001
info@nationalwomenslibrary.org.au
www.nationalwomenslibrary.org.au

Parragirls Project Group

Special Evening Forum
 
On the evening of Thursday 12 March, Bonney Djuric and Christine Green will tell the remarkable story of the Parragirls Project Group which they set up in 2006. The Parramatta Girls Home is Australia's oldest and longest running welfare institution for girls and was once the site of an orphanage for children of the women from the adjacent Female Factory. The Parragirls Project provides a support network for former inmates like Bonney and Christine, and campaigns to lift the profile of this part of our city’s history.
 
All are very welcome to attend.

When: Thursday 12 March
Registration & refreshments: 6.30 - 7pm
Forum: 7 - 8.30 pm
Where: Cove Room, Lane Cove Council, Longueville Rd, Lane Cove
Cost: $10
RSVP at waig@waig.org.au or 9428 3317
 
For further information about the project see www.parragirls.org.au

Download flyer for this event here.

Sarah Water's Affinity

Sarah Waters is a favourite author of our staff. We support ACON's Lesbian Health Project.

Writing Workshops

Workshops held at the NSW Writers Centre
PO Box 1056
Rozelle NSW 2039
Phone:
02 9555 9757
Fax:
02 9818 1327
Email:
info@nswwriterscentre.org.au


WRITE YOUR VISIONwith Sally Swain (09WSWAI3)Sunday 22 February, 10am - 4pmMembers $99, Members' Concession $85, Non-Members $125Morning and afternoon tea provided. Bring lunch, some pens and a notebook.12 PARTICIPANTS MAXWhat do you want to create in your life?Gently reflect on your recent journey, contemplating the highlights, lowlights and stepping stones. Choose an area of your life you'd like to strengthen and grow. This may be your writing path, a business venture, a relationship, service to others or whatever calls loudly. Let yourself dare to dream.How would you truly like this area of your life to be? Allow your expansive, ideal vision to emerge. Identify obstacles, tap into sources of support and devise action steps towards fulfilling your vision.This course is a unique blend of creative expression and life coaching in a safe and stimulating atmosphere. Use simple writing, guided meditation and collage exercises to gain clarity and purpose. Have fun along the way. Free up and build confidence in your creative self into the bargain!Comments from previous participants: "Such a lovely calm space was created. The workshop was nourishing and practical."___

ART & SOUL OF WRITINGwith Sally Swain (09WSWAI1)5 x Friday mornings, 20 & 27 February; 6, 13 & 20 March 2009, 10am - 12.30pmMembers $225, Members' Concession $200, Non-Members $250Morning tea provided. Bring writing materials.12 PARTICIPANTS MAXDo you want to experience the joy and power of creative flow?In this course you'll engage with simple, guided exercises for getting started and keeping on going. Move through fear, stuckness and procrastination towards full, alive creative expression. Write to relax, release, revitalise. Write from your senses. Give yourself permission to play with the rhythms and textures of words. Write easily, fluidly from your past, present and even your future.Have fun with lists, letters, dialogues, free writing with guiding phrases, bringing objects to life, zooming in, expanding on, visualising and collage. Strengthen your relationship with your creative self, build confidence in your unique authentic voice and learn how to access inspiration at any time.By the end of the course you will have an abundance of tools, strategies and support for continuing with the joy of writing!Comments from previous participants:"The course was wonderful. It was everything it promised to deliver and more. Sally gave great confidence and reassurance and was good fun. Thank you, Sally."SALLY SWAIN (BA Hons (Psych), Dip Ed (Art)) Accredited Hart Life Coach, has been working and playing creatively for many years. At age five, Sally began an illustrated journal. At age 30, she released her first book, Great Housewives of Art, which became an international bestseller. Her fourth book, Once Upon a Picture, was shortlisted for a Children's Book Council Award for illustration and an award for Excellence in Educational Publishing. Since 1993, she has been running 'Art and Soul' group and individual coaching to help free up creativity. The course starts on Friday, 20 Feb, so don't miss out. Book today!

Where Do We Fit?

An event not to be missed! Staff from The feminist Bookshop will be in the audience, laughing, crying and having a rollicking good time.

Mslexia Poetry Competition 2009

Mslexia magazine is holding a Women's Poetry Competition. Poems may be in any style, of any length, on any subject. Open to women of any nationality from any country. Closing date is 24 April 2009.

Further details in Jan/Feb/Mar Issue 40 of Mslexia. Now available from The Feminist Bookshop.

Mslexia - For women who write

www.mslexia.co.uk

ACON presents... Exploring Intimacy

Are your engagement with friends and lovers satisfying?
Do you feel at ease with your sense of self?
Do you get lost in intimate relationships?
Can intimacy and mystery co-exist in a relationship?

ACON invites you to a safe and confidential 12 week therapeutic group that will explore how intimacy affects our sense of self, our relationships and our community.

The women's group runs from 6.15 - 8.15pm beginning Wednesday 25 February 2009. The group facilitators are Christine Wilkinson and Ann-Maree Rundle.

Commitment for the duration of the group is essential. Place are limited.

Please call Deb or Ann-Maree on 9206 2000 from 2 tp 6 February 2009, bewteen 11am - 1pm. Donations towards this serivce are accepted.

More information visit http://www.acon.org.au/

Apology Anniversary Breakfasts

Apology Anniversary Breakfasts

13 February 2009

Sharing stories, taking the next steps …

We can today resolve together that there be a new beginning for Australia. And it is to such a new beginning that I believe the nation is now calling us….    So let us seize the day. Let it not become a moment of mere sentimental reflection. Let us take it with both hands and allow this day, this day of national reconciliation, to become one of those rare moments in which we might just be able to transform the way in which the nation thinks about itself, whereby the injustice administered to these Stolen Generations in the name of these, our parliaments, causes all of us to reappraise, at the deepest level of our beliefs, the real possibility of reconciliation writ large.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, 13 February 2008
 
On 13 February 2008, Australians everywhere stopped to hear Prime Minister Kevin Rudd deliver the national apology to the Stolen Generations. The apology provided the foundation for us to heal together and provide justice to the Stolen Generations.  It is also helping to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and make reconciliation a reality for the benefit of us all. In workplaces, schools, public spaces and homes, we stood together and shared this memorable moment in our nation’s history.
 
On the first anniversary of the apology, Australians are invited to come together again to remember where they were and how they felt one year ago, to reflect on what’s changed and what hasn’t, and to talk about what comes next.
 
Organisations and community groups of all kinds are encouraged to hold Apology Anniversary Breakfasts.  And to help set the scene and make the breakfasts successful and meaningful, Reconciliation Australia has produced the following resources:
 

• Ideas on what you can do as an organisation or individual to build on the apology and help close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians
  
• A 30 minute documentary film about the apology
  
• A poster featuring the wording of the national apology by the Prime Minister
  
• A simple fact sheet answering common questions about the Stolen Generations and the apology
  
• A collection of quotes about the impact of the apology from members of the Stolen Generations and other Australians
  
• An online database for you to register your breakfast.
  

 
To register your Apology Anniversary Breakfast and request resources go to www.reconciliation.org.au.
 
Further resources are also available from the National Sorry Day Committee www.nsdc.org.au  and the Stolen Generations Alliance www.sgalliance.org.au

Reconciliation Australia
Ph: +61 2 6273 9200
Fx: +61 2 6273 9201
www.reconciliation.org.au

Reconciliation Australia acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land and community. We pay our respect to them and their cultures, and to the elders both past and present.

Creative Activism Against the Sexualisation of Children

Bankstown Women's Health Centre is running a free project regarding the premature sexualisation of children.

Creative Activism Against the Sexualisation of Children
Thursdays, 6 Weeks

Starts 12 February
1pm - 2:30pm

Moving at The Speed of Childhood
High heels for infants... g-strings for girls under 10... what's happening to the childhood of the next generation?

Do you think boys and girls nowadays are growing up too fast? Are marketing, consumer culture and commercialisation destroying the innocence of youth? This group aims to address the inappropriate sexualisation of children and teens in our society. Join us at the Centre to sharpen your critical thinking skills, engage in creative protest through art, and find ways to inform and inspire others to take action.

This group is for any women who care about the future of young girls and boys today. Because we are a Women's Health Centre this project is only open to female participants, however if you are a male and you too wish to advocate against the inappropriate sexualisation of children and teens in modern society, please contact us as we would love to find a way to keep you updated and involved. The group runs on Thursdays from 12th February to 19 March from 1pm to 2:30pm.

To register for this project please call Bankstown Women's Health Centre on 9790 1378.

Contact Name: Kristina or Themis
Contact Phone: (02) 9790 1378
Contact Email: kristina.brenner@sswahs.nsw.gov.au
Location: Bankstown Women's Health Centre, 74 Restwell St Bankstown

*Bankstown Women's Health Centre is a safe space for women*

Family, by Kat.

I have worked at The Feminist Bookshop for three years now. I have loved every moment of it, the ups and the downs. Some days I can not imagine doing anything else with the rest of my life. Today is one of those days.

There are some customers I will never forget. Two women came in today with their son. The little boy was just gorgeous and having a fabulous time looking through our books. He asked me with perfect manners to get a book down for him. While the son and one Mum happily browsed children’s books in the corner the other mother came and sat at the front desk to talk to me. Her partner has a terminal illness and she wanted some books for their son to explain the journey the family will soon be on. I could not give them exactly the right book (because it hasn’t been written) but I could give them a range of appropriate and useful books.

I am sitting here now with tears in my eyes. There are some customers I will never forget. These two women had a fierce strength about them, a dignity and absolute love for their son. In a world that doesn’t believe same sex couples should even have children two women put their son first and walked into the bookshop to find resources to help him understand and grieve. That takes a lot of courage, first to accept that you/your partner is dying and then to prepare your family for the heartache that is to come. I sit here with tears in my eyes for complete strangers. I can not imagine what this family will go through but I know that The Feminist Bookshop has just made their journey a tiny bit easier. Books have the power to start conversations that are too hard to start alone, the power to affirm experiences that are alien, the power to let you know that you aren’t alone and that the hardest stuff will pass.

Some days I can not imagine doing anything else with the rest of my life. Today is one of those days.

Book review

The Carhullan Army by Sarah Hall.

Well written feminist dyke drama about government control, women and violence. Set in England after a global warming disaster, a corrupt government rules using religion, martial law and the invasive, brutal control of women’s reproductive systems. Sister escapes the ghetto in search of a separatist farm called Carhullan. Like most of the women she finds companionship, resilience and intimate love in a community run by a strong butch lesbian. By juxtaposing the women’s community with mainstream society the book asks if women would do it differently if they held the societal positions of power.

I found myself slowly drawn into this book instead of my attention being forcefully grabbed and held. The story worked it’s way into my consciousness until I found I could not stop thinking about Sister and her companions. A deceptively good read.

Book Group Kicks Off for 2009

The first Book Group meeting for the year is fast approaching. Those of you interested in attending our fun and dynamic group should get reading your copy of "Infidel" by Ayaan Hirsi Ali.

Book group meets

Saturday 7 February, 4pm

The Friendly Cafe, next door to The Feminist Bookshop

About the Book Group:

What: Book group for women, discuss a fabulous book and meet new people. We meet and discuss one book a month. Everyone has a chance to pick the book.

When: We meet second Saturday of each month, 4pm

Where: The Friendly Cafe, next door to The Feminist Bookshop

Contact: Kat at the Bookshop (9810 2666)

Silent Vigil for Peace in Gaza

Silent Vigil for Peace in Gaza

Every Thrusday

5.30pm to 6.30pm

Sydney Town Hall

We invite all women to join a silent vigil of mourning.
We condemn the ongoing military attacks on Gaza.
We stadn with thousands in Israel and around the world who seek peave with justice for the people of Palestine.

The vigil is initiated by representitives of Women in Black-Sydney
www.wibsydney.org

Amelia loves The Feminist Bookshop

Amelia Age 6

Happy New Year

Happy New Year from The Feminist Bookshop!

Great news re: Justice Virginia Bell's appointment to the High Court Australia.