# data[].attributes.body
Hi all, I'm Allison and I'm located in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador! I am in my third year of teaching. I've taught grades 6 & 7, hoping to move into high school next year, though. I am an avid curler, curling competitively twice a week (how Canadian of me, I know!) I'm also heavily involved in my community's 2SLGBTQIA+ organization, Safe Alliance.

1. What is your background in, or knowledge of, experience with, Feminist/Women's/Gender Studies and/or practice?

I have taken a gender Studies course in my first undergrad, but haven't had the opportunity to do more. I am a queer, white, cis woman in Labrador, despite the intersectional identity, my privileged position is not news to me. My great grandmother spent her life as a homemaker, raising 11 children and never travelling outside of her 20km radius in rural outport Newfoundland. My grandmother, divorced with 3 girls under 10 started trade school at the age of 30. My mother, the oldest of the 3 was the first to move outside of the province. Within two generations the women in my family did things that many other women could not. Just as Jessica Dunne mentioned, we are a privileged group of women, but we are still plagued by the patriarchal expectations, standards, and barriers.

2. Do you consider yourself a feminist? Why/why not? If so, when/why did you decide to be a feminist?

I consider myself a feminist because all women are deserving of the same praise (and criticism) that men get. I hear women joke about not liking feminism because now they have to work instead of staying home, but that's not the point. Feminism aimed to give us a choice in what we do in our lives, for men, women, and other folks. Being able to be a stay-at-home parent or work a 9-5 or shift work.

I also believe feminism is still necessary because female-dominated professions are not respected or compensated the same as the male-dominated professions. In NL, nursing and education students are not paid for their work placements or internships. This is a huge issue as it continues to portray the idea that women are responsible for the care, health, and development of others while putting themselves to the side. Men and gender-diverse folks also occupy these spaces and are subject to the same barriers.

# data[].attributes.body
Hello! I’m Daphnée and I’m from Gatineau, Québec. I usually study in French, but here I am! I’m in my last semester to complete my master’s degree in feminist and gender studies. I read a lot, mostly romance and fantasy (big fan of Emily Henry and Ali Hazelwood, iykyk)! I try to move everyday so I do a lot of running, walking, hiking and pickle ball with my family.

1.     What is your background in, or knowledge of, experience with, Feminist/Women's/Gender Studies and/or practice?

While completing my undergrad in communication, I took a lot of social sciences and feminist courses, my two favorites were Queer Theory and Ecofeminism. That’s what made me do my master in the Feminist and Gender Studies program. My knowledge in this field mostly comes from university classes, I don’t have a lot of exprience with advocacy, but it’s definitely something that I’m interested in!

2.     What do you think about bell hooks' assertion that feminism is for everyone?

I agree with her. I think that the idea that feminism isn’t for everyone comes from the belief that feminism only helps the situation of women, which is completely false. The social norms and the patriarchy are also deeply harmful to men, but just in other ways. For example, a very big social norm for men is that they can’t show emotions unless it is anger. Deconstructing these norms is feminist work, and it would enable men to not keep everything bottled up inside.

3.     Is there a particular theorist, theory, or type of feminism you are most interested in, or that you would like to learn more about?

I’m really interested in ecofeminism, I did a whole course only on this subject. We mostly explored it through the eyes of South American and African women. I would like to know more about ecofeminism but in the context of Canada with the First Nations and indigenous women.

One of my courses last semester was FEM6500 Genre, race et politique mémorielle where we read a couple of texts from Rosalind Hampton. I really like how she writes and her work is quite interesting. She talks about the school system in Canada and how universities, more specifically McGill, are colonial institutions that reproduce racist and white ideas.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi everyone! I’m Emenay, but you can call me Em. I’m an emergency supply teacher based in the Peel District School Board, and I have an academic background in Women’s & Gender Studies, Writing & Rhetoric, and Books & Media Studies. I’m passionate about how education, media, and literature shape identity—especially for young people navigating complex intersections of race, gender, and culture.

I absolutely consider myself a feminist. For me, feminism is about equity, community care, and amplifying voices that have long been silenced. I was drawn into feminism through my own lived experiences as a biracial woman navigating white institutions, and my politics deepened through the works of thinkers like bell hooks, Audre Lorde, and Angela Davis.

In this week’s reading, hooks’ “Feminist Education for Critical Consciousness” really hit home. Her call for accessible, community-based feminist education reminded me why I teach. Hooks challenges the elitism that sometimes surrounds feminist theory and emphasizes how vital it is to bring these conversations into spaces where they can truly change lives—including schools, youth programs, and media. As someone working closely with young learners, I see firsthand how early gender norms and biases are internalized—and how powerful feminist education can be in shaping more just and inclusive futures.

I joined this course to continue learning, unlearning, and expanding my own feminist praxis. I’m especially excited to explore the intersections between gender, race, and education—and how we can move from theory to transformative action.

Looking forward to learning in community with all of you!

# data[].attributes.body
Hi everyone, my name is Aynsley and I'm originally from Toronto - however moved to Ottawa last year to complete my M.Ed. As seen, I am rarely without a cup of tea or matcha - mostly to keep up with full time studies and two jobs! I work frontline in social work and mental health, and am currently working at both a shelter and a safe injection site in downtown Ottawa. I'm an advocate for cultural competency and trauma-informed care, and believe the root cause of change is found in better education. This is exactly why I one day want to work in coordination or clinical education within this field. Intersectionality is a huge pillar of my practice, first introduced by Kimberlé Crenshaw, who honestly shaped how I work and interact with my clients. bell hooks is also one of my favourite authors and a feminist; I own almost all of her published works! I love them all as they explore the intersections of race, class, and feminism which are very important to me!

I thoroughly believe we need feminism, but a lot of people misunderstand what it really means and act as if it's only a buzzword. But we absolutely need it - just not a watered down version that prioritizes white, cisgendered, and middle-class perspectives. It's for everyone, and therefore should include everyone. In my work with marginalized communities, especially those navigating substance use, homelessness, and mental health challenges, I see every day how gendered violence and systemic inequities are rooted in our systems. Feminism, when integrated critically and intersectionally, can give us the tools needed to challenge those systems.

I'm looking forward to learning and working with you all!

# data[].attributes.body
Hi!

My name is Camille Mainville-Gendreau. I live in Aylmer, Quebec, where I grew up and where I still reside.

1. What is your background in, or knowledge of, experience with, Feminist/Women's/Gender Studies and/or practice?

I have a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology from the University of Ottawa, and during my studies, I became more and more interested in feminist topics. I’m now finishing a Master’s degree in Feminist and Gender Studies in French. During my time at university, I took many classes that helped me understand inequality, power, and how knowledge is created and shared. I’m especially interested in how globalization affects women and in finding better, more inclusive ways to create and share knowledge that can help bring about real change.

2. Do you consider yourself a feminist? Why/why not? If so, when/why did you decide to be a feminist?

Yes, I consider myself a feminist. It started with my first feminist studies class at the beginning of my undergraduate degree. That class was a turning point for me because it helped me put words to things I had felt for a long time but didn’t know how to explain. I realized that the problems women and marginalized people face are not just isolated events, they are part of bigger systems.

Since then, feminism has become much more than just something I study. It’s a way of thinking, living, getting involved, and questioning the world around me. For me, being a feminist means trying to understand injustice and also working against it. It means thinking about our own privileges, listening to others, and always trying to act with respect and solidarity.

3. Is there a particular theorist, theory, or type of feminism you are most interested in, or that you would like to learn more about?

I’m especially interested in intersectional feminism, developed by Kimberlé Crenshaw. This way of thinking helps us understand how different forms of discrimination, like racism, sexism, classism, and homophobia, overlap and make people’s lives more difficult in different ways. I think it’s important not to reduce feminism to just one type of experience or one voice.

I’m also really interested in how feminist ideas, especially those that come from activism, are passed on and kept alive. I often ask myself how we can stop these ideas from being changed or watered down when they are brought into academic spaces. For example, people sometimes talk about the “whitening” of intersectionality, when this concept, created by and for women of color, is used in schools or universities without talking about its political background. When that happens, the term can lose its power and meaning, and the voices of the people who created it can be forgotten. That’s why I care about keeping the activist spirit of feminist knowledge alive.

Finally, I find it very eye-opening to learn about ideas like femonationalism, a term used by Sara Farris. It describes how some governments or groups use feminism to justify racist, Islamophobic, or anti-immigrant policies. Learning about this helps me stay aware of how feminism can be misused, and to support a version of feminism that is inclusive.

Camille 😊

# data[].attributes.body
Hello everyone! My name is Tam Wong, and I’m excited to be part of this class with all of you wonderful people. I currently work as an alternate education teacher in the beautiful city of Kelowna, BC.

I don’t usually have many photos of just myself, so as you can see from the photo, I usually have my son in them with me :) That said, I absolutely love the outdoors and feel so fortunate to live in a place surrounded by natural beauty. One of my favourite things to do is explore the many scenic trails nearby -- there’s always something new to discover!

1. What is your background in, or knowledge of, experience with, Feminist/Women's/Gender Studies and/or practice?

My background is primarily in alternative education, with a focus on tailoring personalized learning experiences for a diverse group of students in grades 9 to 12 here in BC. Aside from my own lived experience as a woman, I have had little to no formal exposure to Feminist, Women’s, or Gender Studies. However, working in such a unique and non-traditional educational setting has given me the privilege of building meaningful relationships with students who identify across a broad spectrum of gender identities and expressions. Through these interactions, I’ve gained valuable insight and have learned so much from their lived experiences – just as they learn from mine. While I don’t believe any of us ever have ourselves fully figured out, especially during the teenage years, I see great value in staying open-minded, humble, and willing to learn and grow together.

2. Do you consider yourself a feminist? Why/why not? If so, when/why did you decide to be a feminist?

I wouldn’t explicitly identify myself as a feminist, and I think part of the reason is that I haven’t personally experienced something that made me feel compelled to fight for my rights in that specific way. I’m also naturally more introverted, so I tend to stay in the background rather than leading public demonstrations or protests – even if I strongly believe in a cause. That said, I do support the principles of equality and fairness, and I would stand up if the situation called for it. I suppose I just don’t see myself as someone who would initiate those actions or be the best model for that particular kind of advocacy.

3. Do you think we still need feminism? Why/why not? What do you think about bell hooks' assertion that feminism is for everyone?

Yes, I do believe feminism is still necessary. It’s important that we continue to learn about, understand, and respect each other’s perspectives. In my role as an educator in a very diverse environment, I am a strong advocate for inclusion and equity. Even though I may not personally feel that feminism is a problem I face day-to-day, I recognize that it is still a relevant and pressing issue in both historical and present-day contexts. As bell hooks emphasizes, feminism is not just for a specific group – it’s for everyone. I agree with her. You don’t have to outwardly identify as a feminist to value the importance of equality and justice. Keeping an open mind, learning from the past, and reflecting on how we can shape a more inclusive future are all part of that process. hooks’ message reminds us that oppressive systems exist, and we all deserve access to the knowledge and tools to challenge them. It’s through this understanding and shared learning that we can move toward a more collective and equitable society.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi! My name is Natalie Marulanda and I am from Ottawa (born and raised by my Latin American parents). I have been working as a registered nurse since 2017, mainly in oncology (cancer care) at The Ottawa Hospital (TOH), where I care for patients from diverse cultural, religious, and social backgrounds. TOH also serves many patients from Nunavut, which—to me—highlights the disparities in healthcare across Canada and the importance of understanding how intersectionality impacts access to adequate care. I also teach third-year nursing students during their mental health rotations, as mental health is another area of nursing that I am deeply passionate about.

While I don’t have formal academic experience in feminist, women’s, or gender studies, I’ve considered myself a feminist since high school, when I began learning about gender equality and the systemic challenges women face. I believe feminism is essential in our current world, and I aspire to continue learning, questioning, and growing. I am currently completing my MEd in Health Professions Education and have taken related courses such as Education of Marginalized Youth and Racism & Anti-racism in Education, which have deepened my understanding of social justice and equity.

I decided to take this feminism course to broaden my understanding of feminist theory and how it intersects with my work as a healthcare professional and educator. I hope to learn how to apply feminist principles to challenge inequities in healthcare and education. I believe we absolutely still need feminism. Despite progress, systemic inequalities, gender-based violence, and disparities in access to healthcare and education persist—especially for marginalized women and gender-diverse individuals. I strongly agree with bell hooks' assertion that feminism is for everyone because gender inequality affects people of all identities, and a just society benefits all individuals, not just women. Very excited to learn alongside everyone this semester!

# data[].attributes.body
Hi! I'm Mary Sturch, I just moved to Nova Scotia from Ontario a few weeks ago. I'm in the Masters of Education (teaching and learning studies) program. I finished my undergrad BFA in painting & drawing, with a major in art history and a minor in english creative writing, last summer and went straight into my masters, which I'm hoping to finish this spring/summer term. I love to travel, to read & make art and crafts (anything creative), I currently have a summer project I'm working on- creating a colouring book inspired by my Field Study at the Biennale in Venice last summer.

1. What do you think about bell hooks' assertion that feminism is for everyone?

bell hooks inclusive, justice-focused vision invites unity and avoids repeating the very inequalities feminism seeks to challenge. She redefines it as a movement against all forms of oppression, inclusive of all genders, races, and classes. Personally, I think this framing is not only inclusive but essential. A feminism that isn’t for everyone risks replicating the same power structures it seeks to dismantle. hooks' vision offers a pathway for solidarity across differences and focuses on the kind of deep societal transformation that benefits everyone.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi everyone!

My name is Jennifer Beaulieu-Bélanger. I live in Sudbury, ON, but born and raised in good old Timmins, ON. I am currently a provincial coordinator helping English and French school boards in Ontario manage their experiential learning programs. I love change! I’ve been switching jobs roughly every 2-5 years. I’ve taught literally every course at the high school level (including IB, which I integrated a component on gender equality), been a guidance counselor, worked for the Ministry of Education, overlooked all high school portfolios at the board level and now working with many different school boards. I love learning from others! I find that school boards tend to work in silos, however, we can learn so much from each other. I’ve been married for 15 years and have a 7-year-old daughter, who is my best friend 😊. I live a very active lifestyle. I have a half marathon coming up in two weeks. I love to challenge myself (mentally and physically). I’ve completed my principal’s AQ course (part 1) (which was my 14th AQ course) and now roughly mid-way through my master’s program. My life motto: Be happy for others. There is plenty of room for all of us to be successful! (Anonymous, 2025). I look forward to learning and collaboration with everyone.

I now consider myself a feminist. I only realized this when I was attending university. I think it took so long because I did not properly understand the real definition of feminism. There are many misconceptions regarding feminism. Like the campaign from 2021 (Duke University), many think feminism represents women who hate men. I think we have a lot of learn from every woman and that they can all bring a unique perspective to our current kaleidoscope. I had seen a post the other day on Facebook and loved it. It goes as follows: « Sit me next to the WOMAN that’s doing BETTER THAN ME so I can LEARN! Some of y’all are so insecure and y’all only feel better around people that you feel are beneath you. No sis, learn to be INSPIRED not INTIMIDATED » (Lovethispic, 2025). It seems that we are living in one big conundrum created by all the norms established by our society. If all women, and the society in general, can learn to uplift each other, I think segregation and oppression could be significantly reduced. I strongly believe that we still need feminism today. It’s one of the few ways to bridge the gaps (e.g., workplace discrimination, salary inequalities, etc.) that remain present today. I resonate with one citation from this week’s reading. « Literature that helps inform masses of people, that helps individuals understand feminist thinking and feminist politics, needs to be written in a range of styles and formats. We need work that is especially geared towards youth culture. No one produces this work in academic settings. » (hooks, 2014, p.22-23). The use of the right language often remains at the root of many misconceptions.

References:

Anonymous (2025). Inspirational quotes. Pinestest.

hooks, b. (2014). Feminist education for critical

consciousness, Chapter 4. In b. hooks, Feminism

is for everybody: Passionate politics, 2nd edition. New York: Routledge.

Lovethispic (2025). Sit me next to the woman that’s doing

better than me so I can learn!

https://www.lovethispic.com/image/414167/sit-me-

next-to-the-woman-that%27s-doing-better-than-me-

so-i-can-learn!

# data[].attributes.body
Hey everyone, my name is Adriana Dylewski and I am currently living in Bristol, England! I moved here at the beginning of the year to teach and travel, and am currently completing the part-time Masters of Education program with a concentration of Teaching and Learning.

Although I do not have much background in gender studies, I do consider myself a feminist because I believe everyone deserves equal rights, opportunities, and respect regardless of one’s gender, race, or culture. I grew up with older sisters and parents who always told us we could be whatever we wanted to be. There were no limits and no roles we needed to stick to. That kind of support had a big impact on how I viewed the world and why I advocate for equity and freedom of choice.

bell hooks highlights how feminism is about changing sexists thinking to create a just society, and I agree with this thinking. I believe feminism is something we must continue to explore and integrate into the classroom as it is important to discuss and challenge oppressive systems, in order to move towards a more equitable society.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi everyone! My name is Lauren, and I am a high school substitute teacher in Hamilton Ontario, with history and social science teachables! I am in my final semester of my M.Ed with a concentration in teaching and learning, and also doing some AQs while subbing! I love nature and being outside, whether it's kayaking, hiking, swimming, or just sitting in the sunshine, and am also an avid reader and animal lover!

1. What is your background in, or knowledge of, experience with, Feminist/Women’s/Gender Studies and/or practice?

My background is quite limited, as my only prior knowledge/experience is from a women in leadership course I took in my first year of my undergraduate degree. While I have always had the desire to take more feminist/women’s/gender studies courses, I have not had the opportunity to do so until now, so I really look forward to this course!

2. Do you consider yourself a feminist? Why/why not? If so, when/why did you decide to be a feminist?

I have always considered myself a feminist, and never felt I really “decided” I was one, but rather always aligned myself with very feminist beliefs. Growing up, I was surrounded by strong feminist women who inspired me, one very prominent one being someone who I viewed as a grandmother, who protested and fought for women’s rights in having individual bank accounts, credit cards, and reproductive rights. Knowing someone I loved and cared so deeply for had to fight for such basic human rights has altered my values and was one of the reasons I believe I have always seen myself as a feminist.

3. Why did you decide to take this course? What do you hope to learn?

I took this course to learn more about feminist theories, history, intersectionality, and activism, and build on my limited knowledge. As a female educator, I feel I have a lot to learn in this course that I can take with me into my role as a teacher, and am always looking for opportunities to learn more about subjects that are important to me. I look forward to learning and working with all of you!

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Guess who is me and who is my twin sister, Natalie :p

# data[].attributes.body
My name is Jessica Marulanda, and I was born, raised, and currently reside in Ottawa, Ontario. I am a Registered Nurse working at CHEO, with a career primarily focused on mental health care—specifically in acute adult psychiatry and adolescent eating disorders. I also work as a clinical instructor for third-year nursing students during their mental health placements. I am deeply passionate about advocating for mental health awareness and supporting marginalized communities, and I strive to pass this passion on to my students. I am currently in the final semester of my Master of Education, with a focus on Health Professions Education.

Although I do not have a formal background in Feminist, Women’s, or Gender Studies, I have always had a personal interest in these areas. Throughout my MEd, I have taken courses such as Education of Marginalised Youth, Racism and Anti-Racism in Education, and Integrating Patient Voices into Health Professions Education. These courses have reinforced the importance of valuing, advocating for, and listening to marginalized groups, both in education and health care.

I do consider myself a feminist. I began identifying as one in high school, when my friends and I started learning more about social justice and the systemic barriers faced by women and other marginalized groups. Over time, my understanding of feminism has evolved to include intersectionality and a broader awareness of structural inequity. I strongly agree with bell hooks’ assertion that “feminism is for everybody,” as her inclusive, justice-driven perspective aligns closely with my values in both nursing and education.

I chose to take this course because I want to deepen my theoretical understanding of feminism and explore how feminist perspectives can enrich my practice as both a nurse and an educator. I hope to learn new approaches that will help me better support students and patients—particularly those whose experiences are shaped by gender, race, socioeconomic status, and other intersecting identities. Feminist theory and practice are highly relevant in my professional life. In nursing and education, applying a feminist lens encourages inclusive, patient-centred care, critical self-reflection, and a deeper commitment to equity. It also reminds me of the importance of listening to lived experiences, questioning dominant narratives, and empowering both patients and students in meaningful, respectful ways.

I believe feminism is still very much needed. While we have made meaningful progress, systemic inequities remain prevalent across society, including in health care, education, and media. Feminism offers a critical lens through which to examine power structures, challenge discrimination, and advocate for more equitable systems. Looking forward to learning more with you all!

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
This photo was taken at a wildlife sanctuary in Melbourne Australia. 

# data[].attributes.body
Hello everyone,

My name is Laura Allan-Boran and my current hometown is Gatineau, QC. I'm completing my MEd in Teaching and Learning on a part-time while working as a Training Development Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces where I design and develop military training programs. I look forward to learning together throughout this course!

1.       Do you consider yourself a feminist? Why/why not? If so, when/why did you decide to be a feminist?

I do consider myself to be a feminist; however, I cannot say the exact moment when I accepted this identity. My feminist perspective likely comes from my 20 plus years of experiences as a female member of the military working a male dominated environment. Over time, I slowly began to advocate for greater equality and inclusion for women and other intersectional groups within the organization. I recently learned that my great-grandmother was a Canadian suffragette advocating for women’s right to vote, which really resonated with me as I continue to work towards greater equity and inclusion within my own workplace.

2.       Why did you decide to take this course? What do you hope to learn?

Despite my long standing feminist beliefs, I’ve never formally studied the topic. I’m interested to learn more about feminist theories so that I can better describe my own thoughts and hopefully expand my professional work designing / developing military training programs on topics related to equity, diversity and inclusion.

3.       What do you think about bell hooks' assertion that feminism is for everyone?

I completely agree that feminism is for everyone; however, some people may not feel that they can participate in the feminist conversation. As noted by bell hooks, if we fail to teach all people about feminism and its underlying principles, the only access to this learning will come from biased or negative portrayals in mainstream media. In order to advance feminist ideals of equity and the end to oppressive systems, we must educate people from all backgrounds within the social hierarchy and invite them to be part of the conversation.

4.       What did you find interesting, surprising, relevant, new, provocative, absent... in relation to content this week?

Jessica Dunne’s powerful statement that “feminism can only have done it’s job when no woman is discrimination against for any reason” is a strong reminder that feminism should be inclusive of diverse and intersectional backgrounds. Women who face discrimination based on their gender identity, race, religion, class, disability or any other factor still need feminism and the collective support of other women. While Jessica Dunne’s video was produced in 2020, the experiences she describes of discrimination and exclusion of transwomen from the feminist movement continue today and have likely worsened due to changes in the political climate.

# data[].attributes.body
My name is Rory O’Neill. I am currently located in Ottawa, working at the University of Ottawa in the biology department. My educational background is in microbiology (BSc.) and pharmacology (MSc.), but I have been involved in the education system in some way (both in instructional and support roles) for the last decade. I live in the downtown core with my 5-year-old Rex rabbit, occupying most of my time with distance running, baking, board games, and writing.

I have no formal background in any form of gender studies and very limited knowledge in any field of study adjacent to it, but I am excited to learn. I am hoping I won’t get bogged down with all of the new terminology I am sure to encounter along the way. I mention this as a caveat to my upcoming takes on the questions/readings, as I am sure many of them won’t be as robust as those of you who have grappled with these ideas for years. I look forward to learning from everyone, and hopefully I can help someone learn along the way as well!

I consider advocating for equality and equity a fairly obvious conclusion, so I would always consider myself a feminist if asked, though it is not a term I use often when speaking about myself. I will always support movements that aim to break down gender-discriminatory barriers, though you may not necessarily find me on the frontlines. I think we all have causes we stand for a bit more passionately than others—those that hit close to home. My limited time and resources are funneled more towards those causes, but I still support all of the other movements aiming for equality, just in a more passive way.

As a cisgendered male, I have never felt excluded by the feminist movement and feel many of the core goals also greatly benefit the overall well-being of men. I say that in response to the CanLit article on postfeminism detailing how dissenters of feminist ideology argue that the movement comes at the denigration of men and masculinity. I have never felt that way and was sad to be reminded that others do. I have heard the saying ‘When you're accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression,’ and I think that may be where this perspective is coming from. Either way, this feeling that feminism detracts from men’s experiences is being perpetuated in the red-pill circle of influence, a community that has infiltrated the minds of a lot of young men. It worries me that some young boys are gravitating to those figures and these ideas, and I’d like to learn how to make a feminist perspective more appealing to these groups.

I believe feminism is still important in today’s societies, another thing I am surprised is contested. Just look at what is happening in the United States with the overturning of Roe v. Wade and how the trans community was continually weaponized during the most recent political race for simply existing. These are obvious situations where feminism is still needed, but it is also needed to help us continue to untangle gender biases that persist, including those that are largely subconscious. In hiring in my discipline, it is common to hear a male candidate being selected over a female simply because ‘she may have babies.’ It’s ideas like this that need to continue to be contested in society.

I look forward to learning, collaborating, and interacting with all of you this semester!

# data[].attributes.body
Hey! I’m Alex and my home is Vancouver, BC, although currently I am in Australia as part of a year long trip with my partner around Aus, NZ and Asia. I am a nurse enrolled in the Masters of Education with a Concentration in Health Professions so that I can become a better clinical instructor for undergraduate nursing students. My picture sums up a few of my favourite things – eating, being outdoors, camping and hiking 😊

I have no formal education in Feminist/Women's/Gender Studies so I am excited to take this course and learn about feminist theory and how I can apply it to my nursing practice and to my teaching. I am a feminist because I believe that feminism can bring more equality to our world and will help everyone, not just women. I have been informally learning about the inequities women and gender-diverse people face through social media and my own reading at the intersections of gender, race, class, ability, etc.  I think this started for me in the past five years or so, but I also think it is something I grew up with as my parents advocate strongly for equality for all people. I agree with bell hooks that feminism is for everyone and I really appreciate her discussion about making it accessible for all so that everyone can participate and benefit from it. I have found that while studying, if I am faced with an article that is tough to understand due to the academic language it uses, I am much less interested in learning from that article. I think the chapter from bell hooks’ book is easy to understand and motivates me to learn more about feminist theory and so re-enforces the need for accessible feminist theory. I think this is important because there is still a need for feminism in our world. As a white, cis, heterosexual, middle class, able bodied, university educated woman, I have reaped the benefits of feminism throughout my life. The same cannot be said for those with marginalized identities who still face discrimination in many facets of their lives. If we can involve more people in the feminist movement with an intersectional lens as described by Jessica Dune, we can start to resolve some of this discrimination.

# data[].attributes.headline
Week 1 Introduction: Jordan Bates-Wright

# data[].attributes.subject
Week 1 Introduction: Jordan Bates-Wright

# data[].attributes.body
Hi everyone! My name is Jordan, I'm a Masters student in International Development and Globalization with a specialization in Feminist and Gender Studies at the University of Ottawa and I currently work at the Native Women's Association of Canada. I was born and raised in Sudbury, ON and I'm native on my mom's side from M'Chigeeng First Nation. I love travelling and hiking.

I've considered myself a feminist since I was about 14 mostly learning from a lot of feminist accounts online and listening to a lot of amazing spoken word poets who always seemed to have a way of putting words to experiences I had never been able to articulate. I grew up with two sisters and my parents made us join taekwondo and wouldn't let us quit until we became black belts because the world is a dangerous place for women and girls. By the time I learned about feminism I'd say that that a cumulation of experiences like that made it obvious that I was reading about something that I already believed to my core. Coming from a mixed white and Indigenous family, inequality was unavoidable to me, and I am very grateful to all of the organizers, educators, artists, and theorists who gave me the language to understand my experiences and the world around me.

I took this course because I am planning to do my thesis on land-based education in my First Nation and I'm interested in learning more about intersections between feminist and Indigenous theory and pedagogies on education.

bell hooks' argument about how feminism has become too entrenched in academia and writing for academics is something that I've thought a lot about. I think that so much of postfeminist criticisms of feminism come from the fact that most people don't get to engage with feminism in a way that's accessible to them, they see feminism as it's represented by sexist media and anti-feminist voices.

# data[].attributes.body
Hello! My name is Hayley Kell, and I am in London, Ontario.

To answer the question: Do you consider yourself a feminist? Why/why not? If so, when/ why did you decide to be a feminist? I do consider myself a feminist. I cannot remember when I decided specifically that I was a feminist, but it seems like it was always something I aligned with even before I had the language for it. I think a lot of this can be attributed to being raised by my parents. My parents championed women's rights and shaped a lot of my outlook and character through their feminist views. It was normal to discuss women's rights and to uplift all the women in my life from a very early age. I believe I took on the label of a feminist as I grew and became more aware of the injustices women around the world are facing. It became more than just my set of values I was raised with but a call to help the greater community and world. As an elementary school educator, I believe it is important to be a feminist in this space. It is very disheartening that I have students at very young ages expressing misogynistic and sexist views from what they are being taught at home. As a feminist educator it is important to lead by example and demonstrate to my students a constant strive for change and growth. I am looking forward to growing and learning more throughout this course!

# data[].attributes.body
Hi everyone, my name is Erin and I am living in the Ottawa area. I am a French teacher and although I am only in my second year of teaching I have taught grades 1 through 8. Some things I love are: my job, my dog (as pictured here), reading, and spending time with my family.

My experience with gender studies is limited. During my undergrad I did have some courses speak to intersectionality but I have not really explored gender studies (upon reflection, this is a large privilege I have in my life). This is why I chose to enrol in this course. I think if you had asked me if I considered myself a feminist a week ago I would say no. As Jessica Dune mentions in her Ted talk, I grew up not having to face many barriers thanks to the many great women before me and the strong women in my life. However, after this week's content, I realize that the work of feminists is not over. There is much left to be done for ALL women and I want to be apart of that change. Similarly, I think bell hooks' illustrates how relevant feminist theory is in everyone's life, especially when it comes to the media. During my undergrad many professors highlighted intersectionality and how we as teachers should be including diverse perspectives in our classroom libraries and lessons. And while I strive to do that, I think also taking a closer look at the authors, and the messages behind these texts that we include to make sure they align with hooks' and Dunne's feminist ideals are really important. I am so excited to continue peeling back layers in feminist theory and understanding my own life experiences in this course. I love to learn and am very passionate about making the world a better place for everyone! Looking forward to learning from you all this term.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
I'm the one in the red scrub cap on the far right!

# data[].attributes.body
Hello! I'm Ruxandra and I'm located in Sherbrooke, Quebec.

I'm currently a 3rd year (and will become a 4th year during our class!!) resident in obstetrics and gynecology at the Université de Sherbrooke. I included a picture of a few of the residents in my program during a (7am) brunch we did this year to celebrate a birthday! With our 80h work weeks, it's safe to say that they are my family :)

I'm currently in the last semester of my part time Master of Education in Health Professions Education.

1. What is your background in, or knowledge of, experience with, Feminist/Women's/Gender Studies and/or practice?

I don't have a lot of official experience in Feminist Studies. I have briefly touched on the subject during multiple social studies classes that I have had in the future, but the medical curriculum doesn't truly address feminist studies.

However, in my role as an obstetrician and gynecologist, women's rights are at the forefront of my everyday life. Access to abortion is extremely important to me, and I have had to walk through anti-choice manifestations to go to work. The lack of research in women's health and the lack of funding for women's healthcare is also consistent frustration that I face.

2. Do you consider yourself a feminist? Why/why not? If so, when/why did you decide to be a feminist?

I do consider myself a feminist. I can't think of a time when I didn't consider myself one.

I vividly remember being in 4th grade and going to the school library with the class to pick out books to read. I asked my (male) teacher for recommendations of books with "strong women" in them or else I wasn't interested in reading anything. To his credit, he recommended plenty of books that fit my criteria, and that is also when my love for reading started!

I've always been privileged as a cis white woman. I've experienced little discrimination myself and have been given life opportunities, such as becoming a surgeon, that I am grateful for. However, I've always been particularly sensitive to discrimination taking place around me and in media, and I've been very vocal about injustices in the past. It also helps, sadly, that my father is extremely sexist. Being exposed to sexist rhetoric since a young age, I've developed a sensitivity to it.

3. Why did you decide to take this course? What do you hope to learn?

As I said in my answer to question 1, I witness the consequences of our patriarchal society on women's mental and physical health every day through my work. However, I have very little understanding about the theoretical underpinnings of the system or on how to enact change. I hope to understand how we got here and to learn how to be a force for change in the medical community.

4. What did you find interesting, surprising, relevant, new, provocative, absent... in relation to content this week?

I think bell hooks predicted the influence of far-left "manosphere" Internet communities before their rise to influence. She warns in her work that by not mass-educating our youth about feminism, we allow "mainstream patriarchal mass media to remain the primary place where folks learn about feminism, and most of what they learn is negative." (hooks, 2014, p. 22)

Though the form of this mass media has changed in the last decade, you'd be hard pressed to scroll through YouTube or TikTok without coming across at least a dozen sexist podcasts blaming women for the "male loneliness epidemic" and calling women "sluts". This is the content that our youth is currently consuming on a daily basis, leading to a real epidemic of feminicides. I hope to further explore the current need for feminism further through this class, because it is very obvious to me that it is still needed.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
If you've never done puppy yoga..........You really should

# data[].attributes.body
Hi everyone!

My name is Gabrielle and I'm from Ottawa. I am in my first year of teaching and have a background in teaching French as a Second Language! Currently, I am working in a French Immersion program, teaching Arts, Health, and Phys Ed to grades 2 and 3. I love anything crafty; I’ve been really into paint by numbers recently because they’re a great way to disconnect and focus on one thing! I also enjoy reading and spending time outside. I am in my final semester of my Master of Education in Teaching and Learning. :)

I took some feminism and gender studies courses during my undergrad, and although it’s been a few years, they continue to shape how I view the world. These topics are important to me because they offer critical insight into power, identity, and equity. I recognize the field is always evolving, so I see it as an area of ongoing learning, essential for both personal growth and fostering inclusive, socially aware spaces. I hope to learn more about how to be a better advocate for myself and my students. :)

I have considered myself a feminist for as long as I can remember because I believe in equality for all. I also believe we still need feminism because many people see it as exclusive instead of inclusive.

I am very interested in the intersection between feminism and education, especially as an educator to young students. Like bell hooks wrote, “Public education for children has to be a place where feminist activists continue to do the work of creating an unbiased curriculum.”

I'm looking forward to working and learning with you all :)

# data[].attributes.body
Hi everyone! My name is Nikki Grande and I am a Registered Nurse from Toronto, Ontario. I included a photo of my rescue dog from Texas named Sophie Elizabeth 🙂

2. Do you consider yourself a feminist? Why/why not? If so, when/why did you decide to be a feminist?

I definitely consider myself a feminist because I believe in equality among people regardless of gender for example, access to the same opportunities (in the workplace and in education), equality in pay, etc. I also believe in empowering women to confidently make their own choices that are not based on the opinions of others.

3. Why did you decide to take this course? What do you hope to learn?

I hope to gain a new perspective of feminism from the lens of education. I never had the opportunity to take a course that focused on Feminism / Women’s/ Gender Studies in my past programs and I am really excited to expand my knowledge! I hope to learn the influences that feminism has on education and what the future may look like.

I am excited to interact with everyone during this course :)

# data[].attributes.body
Hi everyone! I’m Leah, and I teach high school English and literature in Montreal, Quebec. Outside of the classroom, I’m into endurance sports (currently training for an Ironman 70.3!) and love spending time outdoors - especially in the mountains.

1. What do you think about bell hooks' assertion that feminism is for everyone?
I love it. hooks makes feminism feel open, human, and deeply relevant. It’s not about exclusion—it’s about rethinking how we treat each other and how our systems work (or don’t work) for different people.

2. How might feminist theory or practice be relevant in your life?
As an educator, feminist thinking helps me consider whose voices are centered in the classroom and how I structure learning. It’s also a helpful lens for navigating media and daily life more critically.

3. What stood out to you from this week’s content?
hooks’ critique of feminism becoming too academic really stood out. It reminded me how important it is to keep these conversations accessible, grounded, and connected to real life.

Looking forward to learning alongside you all!

# data[].attributes.body
Hi everyone, I'm Bolu. I'm from China, and I am currently studying in the MED program. Back in China, I worked in international engineering project management.

I don't have a background in feminist studies. In the first two semesters of my MED program, feminist perspectives were frequently discussed in different courses. Feminism is also mentioned in media and everyday conversations, but the perspectives are conflicting and sometimes even negative. This made me curious about what feminist theory actually is, and I want to understand it from an academic standpoint. This is why I chose this course.

4. Do you think we still need feminism? Why/why not?
I think we do. Based on the glimpses I've gotten from previous courses, along with this week's reading, my understanding of feminism is that it fights for gender equality, amplifies the voices of marginalized groups, and strives for a fairer society.

5. How does Jessica Dunne expand understandings of feminism today?
She emphasizes the importance of intersectionality, pointing out that gender is intertwined with race, class, nationality, and other social categories, which collectively create structural inequalities. She also challenges the idea that gender equality has already been achieved, arguing that it is largely an illusion. Many marginalized groups still face discrimination, showing that feminism remains relevant and necessary today.

6. What do you think about bell hooks' assertion that feminism is for everyone?
bell hooks believes that "Everything we do in life is rooted in theory." Feminism, by advocating for gender equality, encourages people to examine the underlying logic and power structures of society. This critical perspective can guide action towards social justice, ultimately benefiting everyone, not just women.

7. How might feminist theory and/or practice be relevant in some aspect of your life (e.g., work, school, private life, entertainment, media, etc.)?
It can help me gain a clearer understanding of how social rules are constructed and the assumptions behind them. It can also make me more aware of inequalities in society and inspire me to promote and advocate for fairness within my sphere of influence.

Bolu

# data[].attributes.body
Hi everyone!

My name is Destinee Joly, and I’m based in Sudbury, Ontario.

I proudly identify as a feminist. Growing up alongside two strong sisters who paved the way for me, I was inspired early on by the power of female support. I began high school at an all-girls Catholic school, where I experienced firsthand the strength and joy that comes from women uplifting one another.

Later, I transferred to a co-ed school, and it was there that my passion for feminism and gender equity truly took root. I was very involved in sports, but I quickly noticed a frustrating pattern: only the boys' teams received coverage and recognition. This unequal treatment ignited my advocacy for women in sports and strengthened my commitment to feminist perspectives.

I also want to share my thoughts on bell hooks’ powerful assertion that feminism is for everyone. When she writes, “Sexism is woven into our daily lives, so it is harder for us to resist,” it deeply resonated with me. As a woman, I often find it challenging to shift the perspectives of those around me, especially when sexist jokes and attitudes have become so normalized in everyday conversation. This is exactly why I believe feminism must include everyone, because dismantling these ingrained beliefs requires collective effort. It will truly take a village to reshape societal mindsets and achieve genuine equality for women.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi everyone! I’m currently a Grade 3/4 teacher in Vancouver, British Columbia and a Master of Education student at the University of Ottawa. My background is in English literature and elementary education, and I’m passionate about outdoor learning, social-emotional development, and inclusive teaching practices.

I’ve always considered myself a feminist, especially after working in female-dominated professions where leadership is still often male-led. I have no formal education in Gender Studies or Feminist Studies to date, so I’m really excited to take this course and begin learning more intentionally. I hope to deepen my understanding of feminist theory and how it intersects with education, especially in creating inclusive spaces for students and addressing systemic inequities.

One quote that stood out to me this week was: "Once we ceased being critically vigilant, the sexism began to reappear. Children’s literature is one of the most crucial sites for feminist education..." (Hooks, 23)

As a classroom teacher, this resonated with me. I see firsthand how children's literature and curriculum shape young students’ understandings of gender and fairness. Even on the playground, narrow ideas about gender roles still show up. This reminded me how important it is to be intentional and critical about the resources I use and to create space for conversations about identity, fairness, and inclusion in my classroom. I am also eager to learn more about the academic history and language surrounding feminism. I have noticed quite a stigma around it, especially with men whom I know. It is disheartening that it is so triggering/upsetting to people. I truly hope to learn more myself, so that I can better educate my students and people around me.

Looking forward to learning alongside all of you!

# data[].attributes.body
1. What is your background in, or knowledge of, experience with, Feminist/Women's/Gender Studies and/or practice?

I grew up in a family where gender inequality was the norm, patriarchy was sadly upheld not just by men but also the women of the family. Witnessing this from a very young age, made me question many things in my family. One thing I vividly remember is feeling that it was not normal and absolutely unacceptable.

2. Do you consider yourself a feminist? Why/why not? If so, when/why did you decide to be a feminist?

Yes! I have always been one. I do not remember a time when I was not one.

3. Why did you decide to take this course? What do you hope to learn?

I intend to be more conscious and woke about sexism in an educational setting.

4. Do you think we still need feminism? Why/why not?

Absolutely yes! There is so much in the world that still needs fixing. We need feminism, not just for uplifting and empowering women but for the betterment of the society in general.

5. How does Jessica Dunne expand understandings of feminisms today?

Jessica Dunne talks about how one views 'Feminism' from the comforts of their 'own community/race/identity'. This creates a myopic view and does not allow one to have an empathetic view of the intersectionality of the society. She challenges the viewer to identify someone who could be a polar opposite of how the viewer identifies themself and asks us in searching for how they inspired us.

6. What do you think about bell hooks' assertion that feminism is for everyone?

I found it natural - like breathing. Feminism IS for everybody. Sexism has become such an integral part of our lived experiences that sometimes it is so difficult to identify the rogue sexism has become.

I am so excited to take this course :)

# data[].attributes.body
Hi everyone!

My name is Ethan. I currently live in Ottawa, but grew up in a small town outside of Kingston. I am a nurse and an instructor for nursing students. Education is important in both of my jobs and thus my passion for education began! I enjoy hanging out with friends or getting out to do something active in my spare time to reduce stress with full-time studies and two jobs.

I have limited formal background in Feminist studies. The only experience I have is when given a choice of topics for assignments, etc. I definitely use a feminist lens in my day-to-day life and would say I was if ever asked, however I am not sure if I would say I ever “decided” to be a Feminist. In practice, in nursing, instructing and everyday life I try to stay up to date on Women’s/Gender issues and lead with that lens. As a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and having friends and family in minority groups, social justice issues have been an interest of mine for a long time. This guided my interest into actually taking a course in Feminist studies to take my interests into a more academic setting. I am hoping to deepen and broaden my existing knowledge of feminism and movements that have followed. I am hoping this course dives into race and class issues as well as those concerning gender and sexuality and most of all intersectionality.

Society as a whole absolutely needs feminism. With many laws changing around the globe, leading to the revoking of rights and freedoms, I believe feminism is required to take a stand to protect the rights of everyone in a position of disadvantage, not just women. Jessica Dunne expanded the understanding of feminism today as she acknowledges that the priorities of feminism have shifted from where it began. She included ableism, homophobia and pushed the theory of intersectionality. Intersectionality is important as it examines the intersection of many factors that affect an individual's experience in the world. Intersectionality is the reason why I fully agree with Bell Hooks’ assertion that feminism is for everyone as feminism to me is to protect the rights and equitable treatment of everyone.

Feminist theory/practice is relevant in all aspects of my life as everyday I have the potential to meet people of different backgrounds and life experiences. Feminism allows me to be mindful of the experience of others to avoid ignorance and push for acceptance. Feminism can be used at work when other nurses or members of a healthcare team are ignorant to certain factors that affect an individuals health, or general experience in this particular setting as we live in a heteronormative, patriarchal world. As media and entertainment are slowly beginning to have more representation, there is much work to do.

I found the content this week interesting as, again, I have much to learn of the history of feminism. I found it surprising that much of the content surrounded women. As I am aware that Feminism stemmed from women’s movements, I feel as though Feminism encompasses more social justice issues than just those of women, but anyone in a position of societal oppression.

As mentioned, I would love to learn more history of movements, and look into queer and critical race theory and other social justice lens/theories.

# data[].attributes.body
Hello everyone! My name is Cassandra, but I usually go by Cass. I'm Lebanese, born and raised in Ottawa. I have a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Ottawa and I'm currently pursuing a course-based M.A. in Feminist and Gender Studies. I like to describe myself as an enthusiast for learning but not a fan of studying. 😜

I also love taking photographs of city and natural landscapes, exploring new foods, watching K-drama/anime/BL, and suntanning at the pool in the summer months.

As I'm still learning about feminism, I can't say that I've completely embraced that label yet. However, if the term "feminist" is supposed to mean "an imperfect person who advocates for intersectional rights in non-exclusionary fashion", then yes, I am a feminist.

What initially drew me to this movement was its commitment to creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people. As a racialized lesbian woman, such spaces become a luxury, a privilege, that allow me to be seen and heard. What I now most love about feminism, is its pursuit of deconstructing normative concepts and knowledge, discovering lost histories and voices, creating counter-narratives, and valuing alternative thinking.

As such, I completely agree with bell hooks' (2014) assertion that feminism is for everyone and is still very much needed. As long as heteronormativity, colonialism, systemic racism, manospheres and misogyny still exist globally, I don't believe that we can call this a postfeminist world. As long as our educational systems still perceive Human Sexualities as taboo subjects and continue to teach a singular narrative about our History, we cannot rid ourselves from feminism.

I also especially think that this movement should aim to address more directly and explicitly people who associate with dominant identities, i.e., White, heterosexual, cisgender, able-bodied, upper class, etc. One way to do that is through intelligent use of the media (hooks, 2014). For example, instead of using the media to portray stereotypes and perpetuate normative social conditioning, I think that the Netflix series, "Adolescents", did a great job at exploring social and individual consequences of misogyny and the exploding trend of "redpill" content.

Thanks for reading and I look forward to learning from all of you! 😊

# data[].attributes.body
My name is Cassandra, and I’m located in Gatineau where I live with my 2 children (7 and 9yr old). I recently medically retired from the military and decided to pursue my master’s in education to gain more tools to educate my own children and for my future employment in alternative education; nature school or online second language teacher.

I consider myself a feminist and it’s a subject that always interested me. I always loved reading about strong women, even as a child, and did many literature classes during my bachelor’s degree focusing on women in literature and in history in general. I even wrote my final paper on feminine victimization in epistolary novels in the 18th Century.

I also served in the Canadian Armed Forces, in the Army, for 14 years and women found themselves involved into a lot of discussions and initiatives to better the situation. It’s important for me to contribute to making things better for future generations so they can avoid some of the struggles my generation went through.

I think feminism is still important now a day because society is always changing and new challenges arise. I chose this class because it’s a subject that interests me and my “style of education” is feminist. I’m very involved in my local and the Worldschooling community so the themes of this class are interesting on the professional and personal sphere of my life.