4TheRcrd Mag.

I’m taking my baby to Ladyfest Vancouver this Sunday, @ the Blim Arts Society (197 E. 17th Ave, @ Main St.). Yaya, I know, a boy who cares about feminist issues, ya right? Yes, and I’m proud of it, cuz I’ve actually read the theory and, well, as a Law graduate and a former Women’s Studies alumni, with an unquenched interest in Philosophy I think Feminist Theory is right up there in its progressive thoughts about the world and its chaos. So ya, I’m proud of it, cuz I’m informed. So, given my slick credentials and interest, what am I going to do there? Well, besides groping my cutie pie, I think there will be plenty to think about, and plenty of slick film to watch.

What is Ladyfest you ask? It’s a small collective of people promoting “urban feminism,” inspired by DIY Riot Grrrl culture, all the way from Olympia WA. But I could care less where this concept is from! The main goal of these little shindigs of “Ladyfest” here in Vancouver is to promote feminist issues in our very own city (and unique issues in different cities) and raise awareness of and consideration for women’s rights both young and old alike. What I like in particular is their mandate to dispel the commonly held myths (likely by those who’ve never read any feminist theory) that feminism is taboo and gender-specific.

Ladyfest Vancouver offers something for everyone, particularly US Vancouverites, whether you are an identified feminist or curious about the ideas of it: and let’s face it with about 100 different feminisms to study out there, how can this set of concepts NOT be inclusive. Apparently this little shindig now occurs internationally, with each festival being organized, in the spirit of the original event, by small groups of independent parties.

I think I intuitively identify with the DIY (do it yourself) concept. The people behind an aggressively independent Do-It-Yourself subculture have been organizing and supporting female-centric bands, festivals and shows, group meetings, networking, collectives, and support groups, free workshopping, self-defense courses (like Home Alive), activism (often with benefit concerts), and underground fanzine culture. They have been behind so much survivor culture around the world, how can you not love them!

I’m stoked that girl-positive independent music festivals such as Ladyfest continue to thrive, around the world and not just in Vancouver, and many DIY elements promoted by the early riot grrrl tradition endure in other contemporary independent female bands, of which Vancouver has it’s own share. Of these, the Music Waste festival of a few weeks back, the Folk Fest this summer, and the Jazz Fest, are more than indicative.

PHOTO CREDIT: Villa Vellicula