Slut-shaming, Female Sexuality and the Free WomanSlut-shaming, Female Sexuality and the Free Woman

The series Gossips aims to bring women together, to re-generate and re-perform the original concept of 'the gossip' as a support structure for women's ideas, thinking processes and exchanges. The third event in the series invites theorist Oxana Timofeeva, and is moderated by iLiana Fokianaki. The event consists of two parts: the reading of a written essay, and an online Reading Group that can be joined live.

In the third chapter of the series, Russian theorist Oxana Timofeeva will discuss issues relating to female sexuality and slut-shaming as a phenomenon that can be traced back to the 16th century. Timofeeva will think through the writings of the Russian revolutionary and protofeminist Alexandra Kollontai. Whereas early communist ideology is known for a gender neutral 'new man', Kollontai anticipated the birth of a 'new woman' in the process of historical emancipation. What would this new woman be or look like? And if this woman is free, how does she navigate in a world that is not?

A sexually emancipated woman in a sexist, not-emancipated world is still a victim of blame, accusations and moral attacks. In her essay, Timofeeva will develop a philosophical critique of the phenomenon of slut-shaming, introducing the idea of a deep connection between polyandry and comradeship.

On Thursday 9 July 19:30, we invite you to join an online Reading Group. During this session, theorist Oxana Timofeeva, curator iLiana Fokianaki and the audience, will collectively analyse the theoretical propositions introduced in Timofeeva's essay. With responses by researcher and writer Natalie Dixon and community organizer Joana Cavaco (KONTRA Rotterdam). Please register via Eventbrite to receive the link.

In preparation of the reading group, we invite you to read Timofeeva's essay.

Oxana Timofeeva is a professor in the department of sociology and philosophy at the European University, St. Petersburg, a member of the artistic collective Chto Delat? ('What is to be done?'), a deputy editor of the journal Stasis, and the author of the books History of Animals and Introduction to the Erotic Philosophy of Georges Bataille.

The Gossips lecture series aims to bring women together, to re-generate and re-perform the original concept of 'the gossip', which originally meant a female companion, as a support structure for women's ideas, thinking processes and exchanges. The series also seeks to collectivise feminist discourse and create a platform through where new expressions can be conceived and developed, counteracting all the words used to define and degrade women (Federici). Offering an open dialogue with its audiences, the conversations engage with real-life case studies and sharing non-linear knowledges, with the aim of breaking through sexist rhetoric and patriarchal responses. The series is curated by iLiana Fokianaki.