A group of Asheville residents are calling on women around town to attend a community discussion on misogyny and rape culture in the wake of the Waking Life Coffee scandal. The forum, which will be held Sept. 27 at 3 p.m. at Va Va Voom Lingerie and Apparel‘s Goddess Underground in downtown Asheville, seeks to create an open dialogue on what local women can do to address issues of misogyny and how to frame future discussion and action.
A panel of speakers will offer context and perspective on the topics during the meeting. As of now, the panel will include Byron Ballard, Jacquie Hammond, Maggie Marie, Cinnamon Collins, Emily Trimnal and others from around the city and area. Following the discussion, Va Va Voom will hold its regularly scheduled Femme films night at Goddess Underground.
While the event is open to the community, seating is limited. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP on the event Facebook page at facebook.com/events/405378506338991/ or by calling 828-254-6329.
“The forum {will be held} at Va Va Voom Lingerie”
Oh hahahah yeah that gives real credibility to women’s equality. Why not hold it at the leather whip shop next door?
Hi HuhHuh,
Thanks for commenting. While I understand the point you’re making, I have to disagree with your argument. I see no reason why a woman can’t enjoy lingerie and still be concerned with issues of women’s equality. Nothing wrong with feeling confident in one’s body. It doesn’t give men the right to treat women like objects.
Tell me, how do women want to be perceived by the community? If you want women to be perceived as equals in the workplace and not as sex objects, maybe you shouldn’t be doing things like holding your forum on rape culture in your ‘lingerie shop’ that sells dildos and vibrators? I mean, come on people…
Thank you for continuing this conversation, HuhHuh. I think it’s important to talk about these things. I wouldn’t presume to speak for how women want to be perceived by the community, as I am a man. However, I still don’t see why holding a forum on rape culture at a lingerie shop (even if it sells sex devices) is a contradiction. Are you saying women who explore their own sexuality can’t expect to be treated with respect? that sounds an awful lot like passing the buck on shitty male behavior…..The whole argument of “well, she dresses a certain way, so I shouldn’t respect her” just doesn’t hold weight, in my opinion.
Men have been using that argument to justify demeaning women for a long time. I personally think that’s an excuse for our own inability to separate one’s sexual choices from their right to not be shamed for personal decisions. Would you make the argument that if a person of color dresses like a “thug” and listens to rap music, they automatically should be profiled as a suspicious person? Just asking.
Thank you for your wise words Max! You hit the nail on the head! It Starts at the Heart!
Our mission at VaVaVooom is to encourage women and those they love to live fully and imaginatively within the paradox of love & desire. In a fast-paced world, we promote lingering touch and caring communication. We hope to encourage women and couples to reclaim a space of intimate delight. What could be better!?? That’s why the community has voted us #1 for 4 years in a row. Xoxo
So glad that women are focused on the important issues of the day.