Most media only portrays a heteronormative world–often erasing gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, genderqueer and pansexual characters and relationships. In honor of Pride Month, Bitch Flicks , a feminist film and media site, is hosting a week-long series on LGBTQI characters and themes in film and TV. Feministing’s Maya was kind enough to give a shout-out [...]

Originally published at The Opinioness of the World . Last Thursday, I watched Kathy, Kathy Griffin’s new weekly late night talk show on Bravo. The outspoken comedian, who supports abortion and LGBTQ rights, talked about how she attended the Feminist Majority Foundation and Ms. Anniversary Gala in which she honored her icon Gloria Steinem. While Griffin spoke, the print at [...]

Originally published at The Opinioness of the World . Abortion is healthcare — a routine, normal and legal medical procedure. 1 in 3 women will get an abortion in her lifetime . Yet we rarely witness film and TV characters obtaining an abortion or even talking about abortion. It’s “ Reproduction and Abortion Week ” at Bitch Flicks (my virtual home away from [...]

Originally published at The Opinioness of the World . I have to admit, I’m pretty much addicted to Bravo. I especially adore the adorbs Andy Cohen and his nightly talk show Watch What Happens Live . While the show provides silly comic relief, I was disturbed by something that happened last week. Last Tuesday, host Cohen asked guest Loretta Devine [...]

Originally published at The Opinioness of the World . Even if you don’t watch trashy reality TV, you probably know socialite Taylor Armstrong, from Bravo’s Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (RHOBH), survived domestic violence. Within the past couple weeks, RHOBH aired episodes involving an intervention with Taylor about her abusive marriage. I cringe at the thought of people knowing [...]

Originally published at The Opinioness of the World . Media affects how we view gender roles and identity. Children learn gender performance through movies, books, and TV. So all this week, and last week too, my fave feminist film blog Bitch Flicks is featuring posts analyzing gender and female characters in animated children’s films . Inspired by her niece’s birthday party, Bitch [...]

Originally published at The Opinioness of the World . During my childhood, my mother and grandmother constantly dieted. Both women continuously struggled to either lose or maintain their “ideal” weight. Having a thin build, I never thought much about my own weight. I biked around my neighborhood every day and ate lots of fruits and vegetables. I was [...]

Originally published at The Opinioness of the World . As crystallized in the coverage of the North African revolutions , journalists, media pundits and the public often forget women’s participation in conflict and security. When people discuss war, they often don’t take women or gender into account. Women become the forgotten collateral. Yet they consistently play a pivotal role. Women [...]

Originally posted at The Opinioness of the World . Some assert women fare better on television than in films; more complex roles , feminist issues explored. With some feminist series receiving nominations – Parks & Rec , Mad Men , The Killing , Friday Night Lights , The Good Wife – I hoped the Emmys awards show might reflect its nominees. Well, it did…and didn’t. The night was a veritable [...]

Originally posted at The Opinioness of the World . Earlier this week, I found out from Feministe that PETA will launch a porn site . Wait, don’t they do that already what with their marketing campaigns chock full of nude women and scantily clad celebs?? Nope, folks…this time they’re pushing past titillation and doing it for reals. The controversial animal rights [...]

Originally posted at The Opinioness of the World . Yesterday, I discovered something horrifying. In October, a children’s book will be released called Maggie Goes on a Diet . Yep, a diet book. For kids. Lovely. We need that like I need a hole in my head. With media swarming around us telling women and girls to be thinner, prettier [...]

Originally posted at The Opinioness of the World . Do feminism and dance go together? Film, literature, sculpture, paintings and music can all be feminist or reveal a feminist message. Can artists convey feminism through the power of dance? I’ve been mulling over these thoughts when I watch So You Think You Can Dance . Initially, I didn’t think so. But [...]

Originally posted at The Opinioness of the World . Part of the “We’ve Got You Covered” Birth Control Blog Carnival . Birth control free of co-pays!  In a landmark decision on Wednesday, the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommended insurance plans offer contraceptives and other preventive services , free of charge under the new health care law that went into [...]

Originally posted at The Opinioness of the World . I feel like I’ve stepped into a time warp, to a time when women had to struggle to get abortions. When women couldn’t afford to have them. When women don’t have complete control over their bodies. Sadly, I’m talking about 2011.  Sadly, I’m not talking about the past; I’m [...]

Originally posted at The Opinioness of the World . Imagine you needed medical treatment.  Let’s say you needed insulin or heart surgery.  But no one in your state offered either medical service.  You’d be horrified, right?  Well now let’s imagine that same scenario only it’s for an abortion, or birth control or cervical cancer screenings.  Still horrified?  You [...]

Originally published at The Opinioness of the World . So there’s been a lot of Weinergate talk.  A LOT.  On the heels of Schwarzenegger’s infidelity, Congressman Anthony Weiner shocked many with his oh so charming penis bulge photos…especially since he’s married to the fab Huma Abedin (and no, douchebag Chris Matthews , it is NOT her fault)…who’s now pregnant.  The controversy raises [...]

Originally published at The Opinioness of the World . Oh yay…another sexism watch alert.  As you’ve probably heard, Nobel Laureate for Literature winner and royal asshat VS Naipaul said in an interview last week at the Royal Geographic Society that he didn’t consider any female writer his literary equal . Wow.  In particular, he criticized Jane Austen (what did she ever do to him?!), saying [...]

Originally published at The Opinioness of the World . When I was a young girl, I scoffed at dresses, proudly donning T-shirts and corduroy pants and my Wonder Woman costume.  I played with My Little Ponys as well as Matchbox cars.  When I was 3 years old, I changed my first name to “Girl” and wouldn’t respond to [...]