The Conversationalist
@conversationalist.org
We are a nonprofit feminist media outlet focused on solutions oriented journalism and global perspectives, from the personal to the political. https://conversationalist.org/
"Sometimes, it’s just your reflection waiting to be recognized, waiting to be freed." Growing up, Allison Baker was afraid to look in the mirror. But with the help of friends, she finally saw the woman looking back. Next up in Friendship Week is how one writer learned to embrace her trans identity.
Befriending My Reflection
Growing up, I was afraid to look at myself in the mirror. Then my friends helped me recognize the woman looking back at me.
conversationalist.org
Welcome to Friendship Week! Every day this week, we’ll be sharing new stories about community. Kicking it off with this story by Ruxandra Guidi on how a teacher-student friendship can be one of the best and most enduring kinds there is.
Friendship as a Second Language
Beyond the classroom and in real life, a teacher-student friendship can be one of the best and most enduring kinds there is.
conversationalist.org
“How much of the breastfeeding debate is really about the health of the child, and how much is about the control of women’s bodies and, moreover, about the performance of successful womanhood?" This National Breastfeeding Month, we look back on @lacywarner.bsky.social's personal story.
A Personal History of Breastfeeding
After my daughter was born, I struggled to produce milk. Why did I feel like I had to keep trying?
conversationalist.org
Book of the Month 📚: “How to Close a Camp” by @jwashing.bsky.social “A strangely hopeful book that looks at the longer arc of history to find lessons for abolition today.”
Book of the Month: “How to Close a Camp” by John Washington
“How to Close a Camp” is a strangely hopeful book that looks at the longer arc of history to find lessons for abolition today.
conversationalist.org
"You don't have to tolerate bad behavior in order to be loved." Founder of RAFT Indrani Goradia joins @alindguzik.bsky.social for a conversation about healing from generational trauma and breaking the cycle of abuse in our latest podcast. Listen here 🎙️: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
Miscarriages are common, ending 1 in 4 pregnancies. But despite happening so often, they're rarely discussed. One writer shares her experience to help break the stigma.
We Need to Talk About Our Miscarriages
One would hope that something that happens so frequently would be discussed. But overwhelmingly, it’s not—until, as I learned, you join the miscarriage club yourself.
conversationalist.org
Across the United States, activists and organizers are 3D printing whistles, one of the most surprisingly effective weapons against ICE. So far, they’ve distributed over 1.5 million of them. Story by @sesmith.lol.
Welcome to the Whistle Rebellion
Across the United States, activists and organizers are 3D printing one of the most surprisingly effective weapons against ICE.
conversationalist.org
Staff Reads from Newsletter Editor @mrsslrss.bsky.social: "Though I’m too much of a wimp for most horror movies or horror novels, I loved this poignant reflection on the way trans identity has been treated in the genre, including an empathetic reconsideration of ‘The Silence of the Lambs.’"
Revisiting "Silence of the Lambs" in the Age of Trans Backlash - Electric Literature
Thomas Harris’s 1988 novel tried to paint an irredeemable villain. Instead, it captured something real about trans experience
electricliterature.com
Yes yes yes!
The Conversationalist@conversationalist.org · 2w ago"What are the conditions that make democracy possible? This is the question that animates the work of Györgyi Gálik, the Hungarian co-founder of Governing Together at Dark Matter Labs..." The latest in @loreleikelly.bsky.social's series on Global Women Peacebuilders.
Nine books books to add to your TBR pile, whether you’re on vacation or just trying to avoid the heat. 📚
What We’re Reading This Summer
A few books to add to your TBR pile, whether you’re on vacation or just trying to avoid the heat.
conversationalist.org
Convo Reads by @msmagazine.com: You—or someone you love—has benefited from contraception, sex education, maternal care, assisted reproduction, miscarriage care or abortion. Share your story: msmagazine.com/thelifeibuilt
What’s the most feminist thing you did this week?
Japan has a misogyny problem. In a society built upon patriarchy, these beliefs have far-reaching ripple effects that seep into the fabric of everyday life—including food. One writer explores why men are discouraged from eating sweets in Japan (and women with ramen), and why that should change.
Let Men Eat Cake (and Women Eat Ramen)
It’s been four years now since I moved to Japan. My bafflement over the country’s food sexism has only grown over time.
conversationalist.org
“The news cycle has moved on. We have not.” In their own words, how people in Minneapolis, New Orleans, and Los Angeles are still showing up for their neighbors in the fight against ICE. #MsReads via @conversationalist.org
Helpers On the Ground
In their own words, how people in Minneapolis, New Orleans, and Los Angeles are still showing up for their neighbors in the fight against ICE.
conversationalist.org
"What are the conditions that make democracy possible? This is the question that animates the work of Györgyi Gálik, the Hungarian co-founder of Governing Together at Dark Matter Labs..." The latest in @loreleikelly.bsky.social's series on Global Women Peacebuilders.
The Soil Beneath Democracy
Györgyi Gálik on trust, agency, and the invisible work of peacebuilding.
conversationalist.org
“It is my sincere hope that intersex advocacy…adopts a much more decolonial framework and approach which embodies and centers the entire experiences of intersex people, such as their everyday lives." Why intersex activists are fighting for constitutional protections in Ghana.
“I Was Not Seen as Human Growing Up”
Why intersex activists are fighting for constitutional protections in Ghana.
conversationalist.org
Staff Reads from our Social Media Manager: "This @vulture.com article breaks down how what we see online isn't always what it seems. From companies flooding platforms with over 50,000 fake videos to the 'clipping' phenomenon, this reminded why everything on the internet is fake."
The Feed Is Fake
That “viral” song, movie, influencer, and celebrity drama you scrolled by recently was likely the result of a stealth marketing campaign.
vulture.com
Honored to be part of this documentary project
The Conversationalist@conversationalist.org · last mo."The growing anti-trans narrative wasn’t just a culture war skirmish, it was a symptom of something deeper and more dangerous: a coordinated effort to undermine democratic norms by turning vulnerable groups into political targets."
"Whether you’re sweating it out during a heat wave, firmly planted in front of your air conditioner, sprawled out on a beach, or cowering inside during an unexpected thunderstorm, we think most summer experiences are enhanced by a good book." Read more in our newsletter: mailchi.mp/conversation...
Welcome back to our artist series where we highlight talented artists across the globe (many of whom we’ve worked with!). Meet Tim Enthoven, whose art builds a world between order and chaos.
In the wake of the recent murders committed by ICE, looking to the people on the ground showing up for their neighbors has never been more crucial. In their own words, here’s how people in Minneapolis, New Orleans, and Los Angeles are still showing up in the fight against ICE.
Helpers On the Ground
In their own words, how people in Minneapolis, New Orleans, and Los Angeles are still showing up for their neighbors in the fight against ICE.
conversationalist.org
Staff Reads from our Executive Director: "Gardening can teach us so much about our lives. Like how we must do a creative dance with the environmental forces we can’t control, and how the surface doesn’t always tell us what’s happening deep down. Thank you Parker J. Palmer for this reflection. 🍅"
Weave Real Connections
Lessons from the garden about living our lives...
parkerjpalmer.substack.com
Your vacation is booked, but what about your summer read? Nine books recommended by our staff, whether you’re going on a trip or just trying to avoid the heat. 📚
What We’re Reading This Summer
A few books to add to your TBR pile, whether you’re on vacation or just trying to avoid the heat.
conversationalist.org
I really enjoyed working on this piece about the Whistle Crew for @conversationalist.org! So many good people out there doing the work in these troubled times.
Welcome to the Whistle Rebellion
Across the United States, activists and organizers are 3D printing one of the most surprisingly effective weapons against ICE.
conversationalist.org
“The news cycle has moved on. We have not.” In their own words, how people in Minneapolis, New Orleans, and Los Angeles are still showing up for their neighbors in the fight against ICE.
Helpers On the Ground
In their own words, how people in Minneapolis, New Orleans, and Los Angeles are still showing up for their neighbors in the fight against ICE.
conversationalist.org
Convo Reads @propublica.org: "Inside a women’s prison, a domestic violence victim began collecting others’ stories of abuse. 156 women answered her call. Together, they became 'survivor sisters' — and helped shape a new law offering them a path toward freedom. But would it work?"
Convicted of Killing Their Abusers, These Women Got Another Chance at Freedom
A new law gave people sentenced for the murders of their abusive partners a rare pathway to freedom. That wasn’t the end of the story.
propublica.org
