LBQ Loose Network held an intergenerational dialogue on sisterhood and solidarity on Friday 7th February 2020 at Rella Women's Foundation.
The discourse that kicked off at 5:00pm focused on open, uncomfortable and unapologetic conversations amongst the attendees; these cut across different generations on the injustices they have faced through sharing experiences. This session created a safe space where the healing process began to take place as truths were shared without fear of criticism.
Through the discussion, participants agreed that sisterhood is a natural, selfless and deliberate bond or connection between or among women to support one another relentlessly despite their differences. Sisterhood further acknowledges that one’s struggles with oppression and exploitation that makes them feel inferior identifies with another woman even though the adverse impacts they suffer are not at the same gravity. They also conceded that the sisterhood principle doesn't always have to be materialistic and can be reciprocated in different ways.
Some shared that their sisterhood had been tested due to opportunism, sabotage exploitation, they were advised to be selfless and manage their expectations. "Sisterhood should be based on the feminist principles. Let's also realise that my feminist journey shouldn't depend on another as we each practice it differently," a participant advised.
"I defend women because from time immemorial, women have often misquoted, misunderstood and misrepresented and that's why we need these spaces to help us be positively violent. And that's how I practice activism that I do for women," another shared.
Citing examples of the 2018 women's march protest and #Pads4girls campaign, solidarity was perceived as a thoughtful affirmation and support through struggles of all women cutting across the different intersectionalities at a particular moment when the need arises.
There was also a candid conversation about the gap between the ‘pioneer’ and ‘upcoming’ LBQ women activists. Through the discussion, it became clear that the contexts and situations of LBQ women has changed overtime, a development that has built a bridge among the activists.
To bridge these gaps, the gathering beckoned one another to seek interest, support, appreciate and love one another as sisters. They were also compelled to reconcile their differences, acknowledge and respect one's individuality, join mentorship programs and heed to healing justice which draws a middle ground for both pioneer and upcoming activists to work together as they all identify as women and face the common enemy- patriarchy
"... every activist's story from whichever point they began the struggle for human rights is valid and can't be unwritten. As we all aim at the same goal, let's integrate and embrace both ideologies of the old and the new since we all have a lot to bring to the table in this movement," Jay Abang noted.
