On Friday, January 4, 2013, jonny b wrote:

Way to go Ovarian Psychos! It's great to hear the good news and I look
forward to hearing more about it.

... And I'm totally amazed/blown away that we're still having
conversations about the necessity of things like Ladies, Trans and
Sissies night. Our lil' shop (in redneck Calgary, Alberta) has seen
huge community benefits from similar safe spaces. A few people (white
dudes) have complained/not joined/etc over it and fuck'em - feminism's
a founding and explicit principle of our initiative and outshines any
dude's need to prove some shitty point. There's plenty of resources
for doubtful dudes to read through - people have already put the
effort into creating them, so it's easy to just have a few zines on
hand or invite people to look it up themselves!

Love from Jonny

PS. Can't wait to see Plan B!

On Fri, Jan 4, 2013 at 12:00 AM, Wendy Monroe <wendy.monroe@usermail.com> wrote:
> I agree, to me also, it makes more sense to identify as a human being and
> cyclist first.
>
> In my opinion, identity politics makes non useful distinctions between
> people… encourages divisiveness.
> We have a lot more in common with each other as human beings who ride bikes,
> than the superficial distinctions that may differentiate us such as skin
> color, whom we partner with, what gender clothes we might prefer to wear…
>
> Just a thought as a bike repairer in a multiethnic neighborhood in
> Amsterdam.
>
> Wendy Monroe
>
>
>
> On 04 Jan 2013, at 01:24, mfen651@aol.com wrote:
>
> Victor and all,
>
> I can not help but respond to this. Some of you will see my response as
> negative, others as offensive, and a very few, as honest, authentic, and
> right on.
>
> I'd like to try to soften all and any reactions for what is worth by sharing
> that I have spent fourteen years in offices, assemblies, workshops, courts,
> and other places, as a mediator listening (in many venues) to people
> "explain" themselves and their reason for their behaviors.
>
> I for one am tired of the labels minority, protected class, gender oppressed
> and a host of others that I am not going to waste yours, mine or anyone
> else's time listing.
>
> In today's world, where more is spent on defense than on homelessness, and
> even more is spent on political campaigns than on those who don't have food
> to eat, one doesn't have to look far to see the worlds priorities are
> somewhat misaligned.
>
> That said, I would no more supports an advocacy group that would call itself
> "The Ovarian Psychos" or "Plan B Ladies, Trans and Sissies". Those very
> names are offensive to me, let alone millions (I'd bet) that are
> theoretically described by those names or labels as they would be properly
> called.
>
> Perhaps the one label I wear proudly is that of cyclist. I ride with many,
> of all genders, races, cultures, and sexual preferences, as well as life
> style choices. Really, I could give a rats ass in you know where what
> anyone's choices are with regards to those labels. I care only that they
> like me, enjoy a ride, and off we go. This attitude has brought me new
> experiences, new friends, and best of all, new knowledge. Knowledge that
> reinforces my stance here.
>
> If we are to label one another in terms of gender preference, sexual
> preference or racial character, then we acknowledge that we have a bias...to
> that label or we would not accept it. If we do that, then we fan the fires
> of bias and conversely indicate our prejudice. If you are one, than you are
> the other, and then you become part of the problem, not part of the
> solution.
>
> I do not thing this matter belongs as a subset of cycling. Perhaps blended
> populations should be. Perhaps world peace should be. Perhaps feeding the
> world population should be. Perhaps exposing one or another group that seem
> underrepresented in cycling should be, but it should not be the other way
> around as you are advocating for.
>
> Cycling is for just about everyone, and at some point in time, if we can
> create the accessibility that we need to be focused on, if we can create the
> motivational messages that we should be focused on, if we can create the
> understanding that we should be focused on, then one day is might be
> everyone, rather than just about everyone.
>
> I can support or ask anyone to advocate or support what you are suggesting
> here, nor do I thing the subject line is fitting. This is not supportive of
> women, its supportive of a very unique and niche group of women, whom do not
> and should not enjoy the support of the majority of women. By adopting the
> label, name if you will they have, they demean the larger population of
> females in the world.
>
> Again, this is my thoughts based on a life time of promoting understanding
> and communication between all people of the planet and just hopefully,
> beyond.
>
> Happy New Year Everyone.
>
> Sincerely,
--
John Barrett
The Good Life Community Bicycle Shop / Two Wheel View / The Organic
Saskatoon & Iron Orchard
jonny@goodlifebikes.ca
403.619.2648
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