Heated subjects such as gender, feminism, and sexism continue to permeate pop culture. For example, Björk declaring music journalism to be a boys club, and Bethany Cosentino accusing that very industry of sexism. Now, festival lineups are not immune to scrutiny.
As pointed out last month, Austin City Limits, for example, had only one female-fronted act within the first 20 artists listed on its lineup. Glastonbury is hoping to curb such inequality, though, with its latest offering: a women-only venue. The first of its kind, this is to set the festival further apart from the pack.
The “revolutionary clubhouse” is being called The Sisterhood, and will offer an “intersectional, queer, trans and disability-inclusive space” that will welcome all festivalgoers who identify as female. The space will also solely feature performers and staff members, such as security guards and others, who identify as women.
“The producers of The Sisterhood believe that women only spaces are necessary in a world that is still run by and designed to benefit mainly men,” organizers have said. “Oppression against women continues in various manifestations around the world today, in different cultural contexts”.
The Sisterhood will be tucked away within the Shangri La zone of the festival. In addition to a variety of live music, guests will have the option to attend workshops on topics such as intersectionality, diversity and inclusion, in addition to a DIY power tools workshop with carpenter, Rhi Jean.
A forum for black women, The Love, will also be available on Sunday of the festival. There will also be daily dance classes and a handful of VIP guests have been promised, too.
#Peace.Love.Glastonbury
