FEMINIST X DIEM SALON: Marriage and Feminism
FEMINIST partnered with Diem to host a Salon (during what we’d like to think is our own kind of Enlightenment Era) to explore the question: Can we still be feminists and want marriage? in New York City
Photos by Poupay 📸 featuring a group of women in New York City discussing the institution of marriage from an intersectional feminist lens. Guests included: Artist, founder and activist Chama Mechtaly, Ky Polanco of FEMINIST, Emma Bates of Diem, Aisha Becker-Burrowes of FEMINIST, Rina Kim, Isa Medina of Sounds Like a Cult Podcast, writer and educator Varuna Srinivasan, Amy Shack Eagon of Modern Rebels Co., Lauren Cooper of X Projects, innovation and financial consultant Alexa Hall.
We teamed up with Diem, the first-of-its-kind women-centered social search engine, to discuss the nuances and intricacies of what it means to be a feminist and want to partake in the institution of marriage. How has the meaning of marriage changed and/or stayed the same since its inception millenia ago? What worth do we derive from the union depending on our personal cultural and religious backgrounds? What role does individuality play when legally entering into an establishment with millions, if not billions, of members?
We had the privilege of hearing different perspectives and interpretations from each other and the Diem community. A resounding concurrence? That an integral part of the framework of feminist work is supporting a woman’s and an individual’s right to choose what works for them in the lives that they lead. And what a joy it is to question and debate alongside each other, knowing that our dedication to each others’ right to autonomy is holding us together.
We’re curious to hear your thoughts on the manner, you can join us in talking discussing all things related to marriage, love, traditions, societal expectations and feminism in Diem.
Emma Bates (center), Co-founder & CEO of Diem in community and conversation during the salon. Photo by Poupay
“It felt so free-ing to discuss this topic with women who hold so many different perspectives. Wanting a wedding/marriage is something I’ve long grappled with and to hear so many other stories from married (and unmarried) women who had similar misgivings made me feel more normal! I definitely believe you can be a feminist and have a wedding/marriage today in countries like the US, if you choose that path for yourself—however the element of ‘choice’ and freedom is still missing from many women’s lives around the world when it comes to marriage.”
About Diem
Diem is a dedicated place for women and non-binary people to search, collect, discover and share information with each other. Think of it like the best and biggest group chat you’ve ever been a part of, where all the important, silly, quick, private, and frenetic knowledge you share is organized and stored for everyone to benefit from.
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