Sarah Avrin, Senior Publicist at Girlie Action Media

1. How do you define “Feminism”?

Feminism is such a complex and tangible thing. But ultimately to me, feminism means equality.

2. What is your earliest memory related to "feminism" or realizing the absence of/need for it, before you knew the word existed? 

I remember being in my early teens, driving with my dad on an errand when all of a sudden I realized that every song we had heard on the radio during that trip were sung by men. At the time I was learning about rock and pop music from z100, K Rock and a short lived New Jersey station called The G Spot that tended to play more underground music. Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” came on and the epiphany hit me.

After that, I started to seek out women musicians. I asked my parents for a subscription to BUST, Venuszine and SPIN. I discovered Bikini Kill, Joan Jett, PJ Harvey, Liz Phair, Tori Amos, That Dog, Veruca Salt, L7, Sleater Kinney and many others this way. And it changed my life forever.

I continued to love the male-fronted radio bands I grew up with (Green Day, Neutral Milk Hotel, Nirvana, Blink 182, Smashing Pumpkins, Bright Eyes, Jimmy Eat World) but the music I found that was sung and created by women would hit and different, deeper chord inside me.  I had no idea that this drive had a name but looking back, I think that's the first experience I had.

3. Describe the first time you experienced feminism after you learned about the women’s rights/civil rights movement.

I had a class in college called Philosophy In Feminism where I was introduced to literature that exhilaratingly challenged my perspective on things. It was taught by a man. I was weary of a man teaching a class on feminism at first, but eventually that concern dropped away as he proved time and again how passionate he was about inclusivity and equality. The main thing that stuck with me was the idea that language is active and can harm someone as thoroughly as a fist in the gut. I’ve always been really aware of the language around me since then. And I think it’s a testament to what I see as the goals of feminism.

4. Whether it is in your job, art, or relationships, has this active word and those memories affected your day-to-day culture/life? If so, how?

I am extremely lucky to work for a company that was founded and run by two women. In more recent years, a brilliant male 3rd partner has joined. So, I have not had my immediate work life challenged in an anti-feministic way. But through being so effected by the idea of the cutting strength of language, I find I’m constantly trying to find the balance between a “sweet, likeable team player” and a “professional, confident collaborator” I think this is an ongoing struggle that both men and women deal with and while it can definitely be disheartening sometimes, it’s been amazing to watch how open discussion about feminism and equality has changed things in the industry, politics, laws and more. Even just in my own lifetime. I’m excited to see what’s to come.

5. Is there a meaningful artist or piece of art, be it musical, visual, architectural, physical (yoga, sports, etc.) or other that inspires you to be an active feminist - whether this means being outspoken or introspective?

Music has always been my escape and my way of relating with other people. I’ve always had diverse taste from folk to Broadway musicals to pop to punk. But it is the ethos of punk that has always inspired me. I’m much more shy than people realize, so even starting this zine is something that made me nervous at first. I’m not usually the outspoken one or like to be the center of attention. I’m more comfortable being the behind-the-scenes person that helps the outspoken one get their word out.

When I learned about the brilliant way Kathleen Hanna not only created her art to engage in the civil rights dialogue, but also inspired communities to found their own voices to do the same, I knew I had to be part of the dialogue. I’m so honored to be Kathleen’s publicist today and be in a community of brilliant feminist activists from my family, bosses, clients, journalists, artist friends and non-artist friends. I’m going to do everything I can to keep my eye on the prize and support the community dialogue.