East London Feminists

[ElephantsAndMiasmas]

Have been looking for feminist groups in East London, but not come up with anything, so was thinking of (possibly) starting one instead.

Does anyone know of a group? Or would anyone like to come to one? Would probably be quite relaxed, chatty (think MN in real life) and aiming to be a source of inspiration, moral support and wine ideas for activism etc.

:)

Me! I want to join!

I think we should have feminist film nights. Or we could watch anti-feminist films and boo at them.

I went to a LFN meeting (London Feminist Network) but it seemed rather, er, corporate. I can see why that is, but I'd love to have something more relaxed IYSWIM.

Yes would love to join something like this. I have also looked at the LFN group but seemed a bit intimidating although not really sure why.

Yep, felt the same way about LFN. The meeting I went to wasn't one of their usual ones; they were meeting to try and discuss a code of conduct so their normal meetings could be a bit different. At any rate, there were about 20 people there, all sitting around a big conference table, and it was a bit like attending any old committee meeting/workshop (except more interesting than most meetings I've been to!)

It would be nice to have something cosier and more informal to go to as well as the big stuff, I think.

I think LFN probably is under a lot of pressure to be formal/sorted/organising etc, they were kind of the root of the newer feminist groups as far as I know, so they have to be very upstanding and a good example etc. Just guessing here.

Whereas I was picturing more sitting round in a house/comfy room/cafe drinking hot chocolate/wine and talking about stuff. :o

Maybe I just have low aims.

I have no idea either

Was sort of hoping that either a) someone would come on here and go "oi, come to this existing group you dunce!" or b) all the lovely London MNers would want to come and we could sit around wearing Patriarchy YABVU badges and spitting through our bears.

I think the groups are all quite fluid - I imagine lots of people are members of both LFN and smaller groups. You do seem to see the same faces over and over again!

Yes, I think the root of the problem with the LFN meeting was probably the lack of wine

haha - BEARDS

I think spitting through bears would be more fun. We could take the bears on marches to frighten the patriarchy with.

yes they could accompany the cavalry.

Anyone else in London interested?

I'm in East London and in theory would be interested - though I'm a bit shy about going along to groups where I don't know anyone

we could lay a trail of chocolate drops so you'd be too busy following them to be nervous?

That does sound good, but I'm not a member and no money to join atm :(

Any other takers? I'd love to start organising a meet up in the next few weeks - maybe middle of Mayish - if people are interested?

I go to my local Fawcett group and it's very relaxed. I know some groups are more active and formal than others, but don't know about East London. There are at least 2 women who come to ours who aren't members and no one minds. Why would they? The more the merrier. Have really got a lot out of going; just being in a room with other women who KNOW and CARE about the same things is wonderful and uplifting.

I'll come!

Wouldn't mind checking out the Central & East London Fawcett group either - the more the merrier, I reckon

I'd come :). I've been looking for something like this. I'm not strictly East London but I'd have to get to Farringdon gor the Fawcett anyway so not sure it'd be that much more. Unless you're in E17?

Nope, E1! Nice and easy...

This isn't a plot by you two to lure vulnerable feminists to your house is it?