In a world rife with social inequalities, the fight for justice against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) requires a collective roar. IPPFSAR and Gaysi, two prominent organisations, have joined forces to create a powerful testament to this fight — the feminist zine, #GotToBreakFree. This vibrant publication isn't your average collection of articles. It's a platform that amplifies the narratives of nine extraordinary individuals, each a beacon of resilience in the face of SGBV.
The zine dismantles the notion that SGBV exists in isolation. It sheds light on the insidious ways it intertwines with transphobia, racism, and casteism, creating a web of oppression that can feel inescapable. Yet, #GotToBreakFree isn't a narrative of despair. It's a celebration of nine gender-diverse heroes who refuse to be silenced.
We meet activists like Amarjeet Singh Shergill, a transgender rights champion from Jharkhand, India. Shergill confronts the harsh reality of a young girl forced into sex work due to societal neglect. Their unwavering voice demands accountability from a system that fails its most vulnerable.
The zine transcends geographical boundaries. It introduces us to Soudeh Rad, a queer feminist and activist who has straddled continents. From their roots in Iran to their current home in France, Rad's fight for human rights, particularly the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in the MENA region, is a testament to the enduring spirit of activism.
Aanya Sarindhi Gallage, a Sri Lankan activist, showcases the unseen labour behind social change. Aanya's meticulous data collection for the National Transgender Bill exemplifies the groundwork that paves the way for legislative victories.
These are just a few glimpses into the powerful stories that fill #GotToBreakFree. Each narrative dismantles the myth of the singular hero. The activists featured in the zine represent a tapestry of struggles and triumphs, a testament to the collective power of resistance. The zine compels us, the readers, to move beyond passive allyship. It urges us to listen, to amplify these voices, and to become active participants in dismantling the cycles of oppression. #GotToBreakFree isn't just a feminist zine; it's a call to action, a reminder that true change requires a collective uprising against SGBV in all its forms.
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