By Sabine Ebanks, Y11
How does the vocabulary we use for women differ from that for men? What is internalized misogyny? What pressures do boys face to be more masculine? These are just some of the questions that have featured in recent weeks at the We for S/He club at LGB, a discussion-based CAS club that addresses gender issues through the lens of students.
Each week, the group meets to talk about a topic, but the discussion is very much student-led and so usually focuses on what people are most interested in. All members are encouraged to come up with topics for future weeks, which can be inspired by things they’ve noticed around the school or world news that they think relates to gender. The club has a noticeably informal atmosphere, with everyone welcome to share their perspective or just sit back and listen. But the students who attend are all interested in the issue which leads to lively discussion.
As the name We for S/He suggests, the club isn’t just focused on female students. In fact, it’s often the case that more than half the people attending are boys. The club’s aim is to promote gender equality, and that includes considering issues that affect men and people of other genders as well. The club also discusses intersectionality, the theory that social categories regarding race, gender, and class lead to interconnected systems of discrimination or distinction. As a result, anyone who attends should feel included and valued as part of the conversation.
The club is looking for new members in all years, so if you’re interested, feel free to stop by GB 306 (Ms. Oberai’s classroom) on Fridays during break time and bring a few friends. There’s no commitment, but the club is welcoming to any and all who want to join. It also counts for CAS.
For more about each week’s topic, follow @wefors.he on Instagram.
