Independent Activists Working Against Sexism and Male Privilege

Abstract

This chapter considers a variety of ways that independent activists might work against sexism and male privilege without needing the support or cooperation of organizational leadership. Suggestions include organizing and creating woman-only spaces, cross-pollination with feminists, openly and boldly standing with survivors, overtly rejecting heroization, challenging anyone who blames or disparages women who have come forward, tending away from internal heterosexual relationships, rejecting the assignment of gender-specific roles, calling others in rather than calling them out, and employing verbal activism to call attention to problems at hand (and encourage change). Before closing, this chapter addresses the role and importance of allies.