Feminism and Censorship

This instalment of the Feminist Duration Reading Group, led by Flora Dunster, looks to debates around censorship, past and present, to consider how, why, and to what effect, a feminist argument can be made for limiting free expression.

Focusing on the differing feminist perspectives around practices like pornography and S/M during the 1970s and 80s, the session will consider arguments made for and against censorship, the impact they had on organising and activism, and what we can draw from them in our present.

It includes an introductory talk by O’Sullivan and an out-loud reading in small online groups.

 Sue O’Sullivan

The meeting will be introduced by Sue O'Sullivan, a member of the London Women's Liberation Workshop; Feminists Against Censorship; Spare Rib collective; Feminist Review collective; Red Rag; and Sheba Press. 

 Reading

We will read together from O'Sullivan's co-authored article (with Susan Ardill) ‘Upsetting an Applecart: Difference, Desire, and Lesbian Sadomasochism’ (1986). 

Link to Reading: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xfe_1PJ5lMlXOMlZbQZTTRNdEyUA44bl/view?usp=sharing

No advance reading is required as we will read together, out loud, on the evening.

 Register

To participate in this online event email by 8th February 2021, to: feministduration.com

Feminist Duration 

This event is part of the Feminist Duration series which explores under-known texts, ideas, and movements associated with earlier periods of feminist activity in the UK. Originally designed as part of a year-long residency at the South London Gallery, and rescheduled online in the wake of Covid-19, the programme juxtaposes earlier moments of feminist with current urgencies and struggles. 

By restoring material texture to overlooked political and cultural movements, it seeks to resist versions of the past that reduce feminist struggle to one-dimensional stereotypes. Looking to the past to activate its nascent potential, the programme aims to identify tools that can inspire and enrich further collective action, promoting the intergenerational exchange of knowledge and experience. While honouring earlier feminisms, the series also highlights how collaboration, difference, and dissent have characterised previous feminist movements, and how feminists have both negotiated, and failed to significantly attend to, differences between themselves.

Feminist Duration is generously supported by the CHASE Doctoral Training Partnership.