Slut-shaming, Female Sexuality and the Free Woman

The third event in the Gossips series invites theorist Oxana Timofeeva, and is moderated by iLiana Fokianaki. The event consists of two parts: a reading of a written essay, and an online Reading Group that can be joined live.

Slut-shaming, Female Sexuality and the Free Woman

In the third chapter of the series, Russian theorist Oxana Timofeeva will discuss issues relating to female sexuality and slut-shaming as a phenomenon that can be traced back to the 16th century. Timofeeva will think through the writings of the Russian revolutionary and protofeminist Alexandra Kollontai. Whereas early communist ideology is known for a gender neutral ‘new man’, Kollontai anticipated the birth of a ‘new woman’ in the process of historical emancipation. What would this new woman be or look like? And if this woman is free, how does she navigate in a world that is not?

A sexually emancipated woman in a sexist, not-emancipated world is still a victim of blame, accusations and moral attacks. In her essay, Timofeeva will develop a philosophical critique of the phenomenon of slut-shaming, introducing the idea of a deep connection between polyandry and comradeship.

Gossips: Reading Group

On Thursday 9 July 19:30, we invite you to join an online Reading Group. During this session, theorist Oxana Timofeeva, curator iLiana Fokianaki and the audience, will collectively analyse the theoretical propositions introduced in Timofeeva’s essay. With responses by researcher and writer Natalie Dixon and community organizer Joana Cavaco (KONTRA Rotterdam).

In preparation of the reading group, we invite you to read Timofeeva's essay.

Sign up through Eventbrite to receive a zoom link to the event. Please note that the event will be recorded. The event will not be published afterwards.

Gossips

The aim of this lecture series is to bring women together and to revive and reanimate the idea of ‘the gossip’ and ‘gossiping’ – originally a free space where women could develop and share ideas and thoughts. The series also sets out to collectivise the feminist discourse and to offer a platform where new expressions can be conceived and developed, expressing opposition to the terms used to define and demote women.

The conversation is stimulated by citing examples from daily life and sharing non-linear forms of knowledge, with the aim of breaking through sexist rhetoric and patriarchal responses. This series applies a feminist perspective to topics such as work, reproduction, intersectionality and activism. The series is curated by iLiana Fokianaki.