I heart Feminist Men

As Byron Hurt writes, it is still the "F" word for most men.  Feminism.

Hurt's explanation of how he found his feminist identity explains a tale more and more men are identifying with.  Our culture doesn't promote feminism among men as a whole, but more and more spaces are encouraging healthy change.

Hurt recognizes the ties between feminism and anti-racist work and learns about how prevalent violence against women has become.  It's exciting to see that of course, when given the chance, many a man will identify as feminist... they just need the proper definition first.

Learn more:
The ManKind Project
NOMAS: National Organization for Men Against Sexism
The South Valley Male Involvement Project: In Albuquerque, helping men take responsibility for healthy choices

Rape is About Consent.

Update!  Some progress has been made and the bill is apparently less offensive (though still problematic) after much outrage on the language.  Read more here.

Tell Congress rape has to do with consent, not bruises and broken bones.

A far-reaching anti-choice bill, introduced by Republican Chris Smith and supported by 173 members of the House, includes a provision that could redefine rape in the realm of federal funding for reproductive health care.

Right now, federal dollars can't be used for abortion except in cases of rape, incest, or when the woman's life is in danger. But the Smith bill would narrow that use to "cases of 'forcible' rape but not statutory or coerced rape."

As far too many women know, bruises and broken bones do not define rape - a lack of consent does. Please sign the petition today.

Self Serve is all having pleasurable, healthy sex because you're excited about it.  Read more about consent here.

Feminist Debate on Julian Assange's Sexual Assault Allegations

Watch feminist writers and activists Jaclyn Friedman and Naomi Wolf debate the sexual assault allegations on Julian Assange on a recent Democracy Now.   Their unfinished discussion highlights the confusion and lack of clarity on how to define consent for many.  Friedman rightfully suggests affirmative, continual consent is required for consensual sexual activity.    Check out her book Yes Means Yes! for a sex positive approach to a world without rape.

The political, reactionary context of Assange's situation must make any fair case even more challenging for the two women who've accused him.

Read more from Jaclyn Friedman about the realities of rape and why allegations should never be swept under the rug.