Shilpi Somaya Gowda

Shilpi Somaya Gowda

I have about 15 days of freedom left before the summer semester starts. This past Thursday I whipped through that psychology exam and was the happiest person alive when the clock struck noon. I was free. 

I threw my arms up (for stretching AND because I was happy), did a little happy dance (secretly), handed one of the T.A.'s my exam and said TOODLES as a strolled down between rows of desks in the gym.

I was finally able to finish "Push" by Sapphire and was going to finish Alice Sebold's "Lovely Bones" but I remember that I picked up a book a few weeks ago, vowing to read it after exams.

I am very aware that between women of western society and women of undeveloped countries, the rights of women and the focus thereof differs. Not all women see reproductive rights in the same way. 

This is why "The Secret Daughter" by Shilpi Somaya Gowda caught my attention. As a read the first page, I shut the book and purchased it.

So far, I'm not disappointed. The reproductive issues of two women (one in America and one in India) are paralleled but alternated back and forth with one baby girl that actually links the two women together. 

My curiosity about the author forced me to put the book down for a moment as I googled her. Learning that she was born and raised in Toronto forced me to blog about it. 

A Canadian ... better yet, Torontonian author? Niiiiiice. (Insert big smiley face here).

Gowda was born and raised in Toronto and attended University of North Carolina and Stanford. "The Secret Daughter" was her first novel and it was inspired by the orphanage Gowda volunteered in one Summer. 

So far, the book is #1 in Canada and #23 in NY Best Sellers List among many other rankings. 

I'm not even half way done, but so far I've noted that this book touches on reproductive issues (as I said before), power relations between men and women in both developed and undeveloped countries, woman hood, motherhood and privileges. Interestingly, the character, "Somer" maintains the notion that motherhood and womanhood are synonymous as she struggles to bear a child of her own. "Kavita" struggles with female infanticide and the lack of access to resources as she desperately tries to save her daughter. Two women from two different worlds and cultures' stories are developed here.

Pick up the book today, you won't regret it ;)

Toronto Love: Slut Walk

Heather Jarvis and Sonya Barnett are both co-founders of Slut Walk that caught plenty media attention in Toronto and now, around the globe. Speaking out against the perpetuated and maintained notion of blaming the victim, many people including the co-founders have set out to let you know who is actually at fault in a sexual assault... (psst... hint hint.. it's the perpetrator)... just in case you missed the memo.

I took it upon myself to use my blog, twitter, facebook and word of mouth to get some ideas, opinions and feedback about SlutWalk in Toronto. I was able to reach Sonya Barnett a couple of weeks ago and she was happy to provide answers to these questions of mine.

"Once the slut comment came out, it was the straw that broke the camel's back. We had to say something."

Me: It was reported in several new articles that Toronto Police are apparently trained on this issue of displacing blame on women in regards to sexual violence. In one article, it was noted by the representative/spokes person of Toronto Police that, "This is not how we train our officiers". I question, how do they train their police officers exactly?... What do you suggest for specifically Toronto Police to do following the incident at York U in January?

SB: We have not been given, nor have been able to find, any specific info on how training takes place. The only thing we have been able to see in any kind of depth is Beverly Bain's and Nora Currie's Sexual Assault Steering Committee's 2006 review of the training program. This outlines obvious problems in the force that still need to be addressed. Our first suggestion is for the Force to follow through on the SASC's recommendations as a start, and then move forward with providing community outreach programs, like PSAs, to help spread word that victim-blaming is not just an institutional problem, but a public one.

Me: I understand that you and Heather Jarvis are co-founders of Slut Walk. Can you give us a little background on what events or causes you both may have been involved it and what initially got the ball rolling on "Slut Walk" in Toronto aside from the incident at York U? (Personal choices perhaps?)

SB: Stories like the Judge Dewar case in Manitoba, and the gang-rape of an 11 year old in Texas, plus news that the US was working on removing funding from Women's health programs and redefining the word "rape"… these were all happening right before the York U incident, and we were reeling from it all. Once the slut comment came out, it was the straw that broke the camel's back. We had to say something.

Me: I would personally like to address that this kind if issue impacts sex trade workers and the lack of attention on homicide cases on this specific population due to their line of work. I would assume that Slut Walk dedicates some of their mission to sex trade workers as well, given that they are exposed to risks and dangers as any other woman walking down the street. What is your take on this?

SB: We are inclusive all of people that are affected by sexual violence. Sex trade workers certainly see a high volume of violent incidents, and it needs to be said that this group deserves just as many rights as anyone else. Whether they are in the trade by choice or by circumstance, their voices matter just as much.  

Me: What criticisms have you faced with "Slut Walk" especially after April 3rd's event? Who (Public figures, other organizations, corporations etc) has supported you?

SB: We've been given our fair share of opposition. There are those that oppose our stance on reclamation of the word slut, saying that it should only ever be used as a pejorative; and there are those that still carry the archaic notion that a person invites violence by the way they dress. We have been very lucky that most of our opponents appear to be simply people who are sending hate messages from the comfort of anonymity through Facebook or email. Those who have been the most vocal are our supporters, and we are backed by university scholars around the world, by organizations like the White Ribbon Campaign, YWCA, many women's groups and shelters, LGBTQ groups, etc. 

Me: Where do you hope Slut Walk is in the next 5 years? 

SB: We've been very lucky to have people around the world pick up our cause, creating Satellite SlutWalks in their own cities; so we're creating a network of supporters that will help spread our message against victim-blaming. What happens in five years is a bit tough to consider, but with the strength of the building network, we hope to have formal programs in place in schools and public venues to teach against the stereotypes, and about use/abuse of language.

Me: Slut Walk has caught a lot of attention especially because it's called "SLUT walk". I read on your page on the origin of the word SLUT and its uses in pretty much everyday life. I agree that sexualized language infiltrates our daily lives. There are suggestions (The Daily Telegraph Article on "Teach Feminism in High School") that Feminism classes should be taught in high school. What is your take on this? Would this benefit our young teens as we teach them about body image, sexualized language, binary thinking etc.? Or do you think it's more than that?

SB: Considering that these ideas are learned/taught during adolescence, it's only fitting that feminism be taught at the same time. Feminism isn't only about teaching gender equalities, but it gives an understanding of where society is today, and how language, identity and sexuality play a large part in it all. Otherwise, feminism and any gender study get relegated to a choice in post-secondary education, when I do believe that a basis of its teachings should be mandatory in secondary school.

__________________________

Every Step Matters

Happy 20th Anniversary to MS Society of Canada!

Get your hoodies, trackpants, runners and hats (don't forget to stretch!)... and make your way down to Sunnybrook Park for the MS Walk! 

Tomorrow (Sunday, April 17th, 9:45am-12pm) be a part of the 70,000+ people that will take part in the walk for Multiple Sclerosis. 

If you've never been to Sunnybrook Park, it's BIG. It's surrounded by several different parks and there's a small stable for horses, areas to BBQ and a golf course too. 

A big thank you and a pat on the back for Bob Decker from Oakville, Ontario who has raised close to $60,000 so far! He is #1 in the list of Top 100 Individual Fundraiser on MSwalk.ca. The second in line for top 100 individual fundraiser is Darcie James from Duncan, Ontario . James (I think) is the same person who organizes the fundraising group. "Darcie's Gang" is #1 on the Top 100 Group Fundraisers raising just over $42,000. 

MS is typically diagnosed between the ages of 15-40 and in Canada, we have the highest rates of MS. Multiple Sclerosis was discovered in 1858 and although a cause and cure have not been found, your participation will help researchers and get them a stop closer each time. 

Contact info:

MS Society of Canada

Phone: (416) 967-7050

Site: http://www.mswalk.ca

Sunnybrook Park

1132 Leslie Street

Toronto, Ontario

(Leslie and Eglinton)

Orchestra Toronto: Americana

"If in the after life there is not music, we will have to import it."  - Doménico Cieri Estrada

For the love of music get your tickets! Orchestra Toronto presents "AMERICANA" on April 17th, 2011 from 3pm-5pm at the Toronto Centre for the Arts (George Weston Recital Hall)!

The two hour performance will feature work by:

• Samuel Barber - Adagio for Strings
• Jean Coulthard - Canada Mosaic, suite for orchestra
• Heitor Villa-Lobos - Concerto for guitar and small orchestra. Dieter Hennings, guitar
• Astor Piazzolla - Tangazo: Variations on Buenos Aires
• Howard Shore - Sy,phonic Suite from The Lord of the Rings

It will also feature Leonard Bernstein - Selections from West Side Story

Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990)

Bernstein was a composer, author, pianist, conductor and a music lecturer and was among the first conductors originating from the U.S. to receive worldwide acclaim.

"Play the music, not the instrument."  

- Author Unknown

I'm looking forward to the show (yes I got my tickets!)... I know I won't be able to take photos but I'll post the best pictures I can :)

For more information:

Toronto Centre for The Arts:

Phone: (416) 733-9388

Address: 5040 Yonge Street

               Toronto, Ontario

               Map

TTC:

Subway to North York City Center

One block south on Yonge Street to North York Blvd. 

Tickets range from $30-$39 (depending on age)

Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster

____________

UPDATE***

Here are some photos from Orchestra Toronto: Americana...
I managed to sneak some photos, unfortunately, not the greatest ones!

As previously posted, Dieter Hennings (guitar) was unavailable, so Jeffrey Miller joined the stage instead. He was amazing :)

Musical Director Danielle Lisboa received much love from the audience of course!

Matinee to End Cancer

The weather is gradually getting better and I pray that Summer is just around the corner... as in, like, tomorrow :)
Summer means lots of events that will naturally (due to the nice weather) grab a lot of attention and involvement.

The cause alone should be enough for events like this. On Saturday, May 7th from 11:30am-2:30pm, private event at the Fox Theatre is happening to raise money to end women's cancer. Tickets are $10 and everyone is encouraged to bring friends and family.

I will be present on this day to support. My mother is a survivor of breast cancer and fortunate enough to get involved in events like this... and at the same time, encourage me to get involved as well.

Mom and I [Mount Aso- Japan- Jan 2011]
We took a mother-daughter trip to Japan/Korea
to celebrate 5 years cancer free :)

This year in October, my mother and I will be participating in the CIBC walk for Breast Cancer (I need to hit the gym and prep ASAP!)

Event Info:

When: May 7th, 2011 (SAT), 11:30am-2:30pm
Where: Fox Theatre- 2236 Queen St. E, Toronto, Ontario
Why: To end women's cancer!

Tickets are available at the door, but to purchase advance tickets:

Contact:

Kalie Tarala: livelovelaugh03@hotmail.com

Get your tickets!!

With Love, Me.

I started this blog a under a month ago (March 15th) and as of right now, my blog has a tad over 900 views. I've been very careful to only preview the blog after I sign it so that my view doesn't count... and the response has been more than I expected.
I initially thought that most people wouldn't find these postings interesting because it's not about which celebs got a DUI, has nothing to do with Charlie Sheen and tiger blood, and it's solely maintained by me... Just a regular human being living life :)

Thanks for your support... but more importantly, thank you for reading up on issues and topics and of course the charity/fundraising events that I feel is important.

I found out tonight that my blog is google-able lol. In the beginning it wouldn't even show up but now it shows up in the first results page Hehehe... ... After hearing about it, I tried it out and it was true:

I urge you to keep reading and checking up on the blog. And please... try and attend an event or two this year and support the causes. 

Thank you again. 

With Love, 

Me.

Homophobic Attack

Phobia (ˈfəʊbɪə) - n: an irrational fear  of a given situation, organism,  or object.

York University has been getting a lot of attention when it comes to gender issues. 

I keep wanting to start out postings like this with, "It's 2011... And people still haven't learned there are different people in the world...?". Then I realize that a vicious cycle of hate crimes, racism, sexism, ableism and all the rest of the "isms" will always partake in society in whatever degree.

Valeria Bustros works at the restaurant on York University Campus and was attacked by three men outside of the bathroom. The men questioned her gender and when she identified herself as a "butch lesbian",  they attacked her. Yea.

Bustros says that she's supposes she is glad that it happened to her because she could handle it, however, she says if it were a "19 or 20 year old who just came out of the closet and had gender identity issues it might have driven them to suicide". I found this to be VERY important because of the string of suicides of LGBTQ teens last year. Bullying, taunting, harassing... all of that takes a large portion of a human being.

"We got into a scuffle on the floor 

and his friends started hitting me while he was kicking me in the face" - Bustros

The three men who attacked Bustros did nothing but commit a hate crime. They did not make change. They did not change Bustro's so-called "choice" of alternate lifestyle, change her appearance or attire and did not keep her from speaking out about the incident.
Their actions weren't based on Bustros' customer service at the restaurant or any insults she threw their way... anything other than the fact that Bustros is a lesbian.

Now what I just LOVE (I'm being sarcastic) is that before people start insulting, offending and just end up saying things that make me shake my head, they ALWAYS start with, "No offence... but...". 
If you click on the CP24 article, you will see below a comment made by "Aaron". So this brilliant "Aaron" questions where Bustro's bruises and cuts are from being attacked and hit in the face, and asks if it isn't possible that Bustro's story was over-exaggerated. Really? ... Please note how he starts his comment... ("Not to say that...")

Now, if I knew this "Aaron", I would definitely smack him upside the head really hard. If he yells "OUCH!!!" I would point out that HE has not prove I hit him because he has no cuts or bruises on his scalp to show that he was hit. And then I would question whether "Aaron" just over-exaggerating a little.

Questioning the validity of Bustros' side of the story IS IN FACT removing the attention AWAY from the homophobic act that took place, and setting the focus on whether Bustros is a fibber or not. It removes the attention away from the actual crime and perpetuates the very hate crime the focus SHOULD be on. Therefore, it removes the criminals from the spotlight and fixes the light on the victim. Get it "Aaron"?

Regardless of your religious beliefs or morals, values etc., it is always always always wrong to inflict pain, cause bodily harm and emotional distress on others. That is one thing I believe... that and I believe capital punishment is wrong. It is my belief that those who commit a crime shouldn't be killed, but should live in confinement for the remainder of their lifetime. Not killed. We have enough power to decide to BRING people into this world... you want to have power to take them out too?

Thing about humans is, we fear God or some sort of higher divine power, yet at times we believe we are that higher power. These three men obviously felt strong with their privileges as men, strength in numbers and with the convenient private environment of a bathroom area to attack one individual. 
Now this is not just a regular use of the word "fag" just because it's in a humorous context. This is not just avoiding socialization with people of the LGBTQ community. 
This is definitely not justifiable. 


This is a hate crime.

What were these three men thinking?... What did this prove that was to their advantage? What did they change? Were they trying to create a fear or a sense of threat on the LGBTQ community on and off campus?

And what is York U going to do about it?

_______

Interesting: This site lists and describes 10 most common phobias. Guess what? Homophobia is not listed. ... Oh wait sorry, they must be talking exclusively about the 10 most common phobias that cause dizziness, nausea and breathlessness. ... Not assault or murder. 

_______

UPDATE: April 10th, 2011


It's still too early for me to give the Toronto Police or York University any credit for any (no matter the quality or quantity) of development made in this investigation. CP24 reports that a photo was a suspect in the Bustros assault case as been released. 

Photo released of suspect in the York
University assault 2 days ago.

So this is him I guess? No descriptions have been released as of right now, but hopefully someone will recognize him and/or come forward. 

What kills me about the first CP24 article is that it says, "After pub security broke up the fight the three men fled"... Huh? No one... went after them? I need clarification on this. 

Dear CP24, if you want people to call Crime Stoppers, how about you add the phone number to your article? 

Ok great thanks.

Slut Walk

If you were able to catch my posting (a response to Toronto Police seminar at York U) and the word "SLUT", I'm sure you would have seen this happen.

Last night, it was brought to my attention that a news report on "Slut Walk" was on TV. Some women were showing skin and dressed as what some of you may call "SLUTTY". Let me repeat something to you that I have said a thousand times... No matter how I am dressed, it's never ever ever ever ever ever an invitation for sexual assault and degradation. No matter how I am dressed, it is never my fault that a sexual predator, rapist, whomever DOES NOT comply when I refuse. Understood? Ok.

"Whatever we wear, Wherever we go. Yes means yes and No means NO."

Tired of the oppression of women, displacing blame of sexual violence on the women rather than the perpetrators who commit them and tired of the use of the term "slut", women gathered downtown Toronto yesterday to let you know, they're TIRED.

As I noted in my posting on Toronto Police, the slogan "To protect and serve" doesn't go past the architects of the Toronto Police Stations when it comes to sexual violence and violence against women.
Sexual violence is underreported and displacing blame on victim, labelling them as a "slut" (before or after the assault) causes more harm than you think. It deters the victims from going to police station to report the assault. Why would they want to? They will just label them as sluts. They were victims of uninvited sexual assault, and now they are uninvited to report it.

How a woman dresses should not be confused as an invitation of sexual assault. As I asked you before, does this mean women that cover up DON'T get raped? I think not.

If you have ever read up on Radical Feminism (See Judith Lorber's Gender Inequality), you would note that this theory devotes most of their action against patriarchy by criticizing sexual violence and its existence in BOTH public and private spheres and for ALL women regardless of race, socio-economic status, age, ability, or... attire. Read up on that.

All of us have a female figure that we love, adore and would do anything for. Imagine one of them were sexually assaulted. Imagine they feel they cannot even go to report it to the police because they feel that the police, society and maybe even you would label them as a slut. They feel that you may blame them for the assault because of the way they were dressed.

So, who are you calling a slut?

Women of Action Luncheon

Many people who know me and have yet to check my blog probably believe it's about the love of my life... food. ... That is currently in the plans to be launched, so please be patient. But this posting has something to do with food and a lot more to do with Women of Action. 

On May 3rd, 2011, Israel Cancer Research Fund (ICRF) is holding their 10th Annual Women of Action Luncheon at the Sheraton Centre Grand Ballroom from 11:30am-2pm. Price begins at $100 and it is in recognition of five women:

Bonnie Brooks - President and CEO of The Bay

Wendy Eisen - Community Leader

Dr. Daniela Rotin - Senior Scientist @ Hospital For Sick Children

Dr. Marla Shapiro - Physician and Author

and Sharon London Liss who will be receiving the Life Time Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement award is present to those who have contributed a great deal of volunteering to raise the profile of the organization. Sharon London Liss is an art dealer who began with ICRF as a donor. 

To see the profiles on these extraordinary women, click here

For more information on this event, please use the contacts below:

Shoshana Allen - Special Events Coordinator

Phone: (416) 440-7781

Venue: Sheraton Center - Grand Ballroom

123 Queen Street West

Toronto Ontario

Thank you.

Special thanks to all that came out to Club 54 in Burlington yesterday for the Autism Canada Comedy Night fundraiser. Ben Guyatt was hilarious of course, and the crowd seemed to enjoy the show. I'm working on finding out how much was raised, but special thanks to my good friends who came out to support as well as the rest of the audience who donated their portion to Autism Canada.

In October, the Autism Canada conference will be happening in Kitchener. If you would like to register, please click here

Autistic individuals face a lifetime of challenges in academics, irregularities with sleeping, eating etc., motor skills, communication skills, socialization skills among many others. Please visit the Autism Canada site at http://www.autismcanada.org to learn more.

Thanks again :)

Yoga Day for Human Rights

Who loves yoga?? I do! I do! ... I'm still a rookie. I try to go a couple of times per week at Good Life Fitness (Body Flow classes which is Yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates together) and I walk out feel refreshed. However, the first two times I went, I thought I was going to pass out during the "meditation" session at the end of the class. Also, my apologies to the lady beside me who I had to hold on to when I thought I was going to fall over. Who knew balancing on one foot was so difficult?

Some people think yoga is super easy... Really? Have you tried some of the moves? I didn't even know human beings could bend that way... I always thought our rib cages take up WAY more room but apparently, it's possible to lie on your stomach and reach for the sky. 

Anyway, you know what else I love? Human rights. LOL. 

On April 9th, 2011, Amnesty International Canada ( follow them on Twitter! @AmnestyNow ) is holding a Yoga Day for Human Rights at their Toronto Office from 11am-12pm. The price ranges from $20-$29 and the person to raise the most money wins a gift basket from Amnesty International Canada. Every participant will also receive a free pass to Moksha Yoga on the Danforth.

I'm not sure how well aware you may be about human rights... but guess what, some people are exploited and are denied human rights ... I grew up not worrying about things like this, although I realize now that human rights or lack thereof impacts me whether I am denied them, or others are. The issues that stem from this is incredible and I hope that even if you don't go to this event, that you research on this topic. Ask yourself what human rights is... Who is denied it and who is protected by it. :)

For more information on this event, use the contacts below!

Sara: sageorlo@amnesty.ca

Amnesty International Canada (Toronto Office):

1992 Yonge Street 3rd Fl.

Toronto, Ontario

(Yonge Street & Belsize Ave.)

Click here for their official site

Phone: (416) 363-9933 ext. 330

For Moksha Yoga on the Danforth official site, click here

They are located at:

372A Danforth Avenue (Between Broadview & Chester) 

Toronto, Ontario

Phone: (416) 778-7744

Email: danforth@mokshayogadanforth.com