Re-Feminist History (aka Bitchstory)

  Follow us on Instagram: @bitchstory.pod Email us at “heybitches@bitchstory.net” The latest episode is here:  The Edinburgh Seven Sophia Jex-Blake was a pioneering figure in the history of medicine and women's education. Born on January 21, 1840, in Hastings, Sussex, she came from a prestigious family and was well-educated for her time. Her career trajectory and personal life are marked by both her dedication to advancing women's rights and her contributions to medical education. Sophia Jex-Blake initially pursued a career in teaching but later became inspired to enter the medical field after a stint in the United States. There, she witnessed co-educational institutions, which profoundly influenced her perception of women's potential in medicine  In 1869, Sophia published her influential essay, "Medicine as a Profession for Women," advocating for women's participation in the medical field  This same year, she applied to study medicine at the University of Ed...

Follow us on Instagram: @bitchstory.pod Email us at “heybitches@bitchstory.net” The latest episode is here: The Edinburgh Seven On November 18, 1870, a group of young women in Edinburgh, Scotland were pelted with garbage, mud, insults, and threats as they tried to enter a University building to take a test.  Their crimes? They were women, attempting to attend medical school.  They were called, among other things, whores.  Because why else would women want to become doctors than to fulfill some "base desires"? Did anyone question the men in this regard? Of course not. A man becoming a doctor is a high calling.  And why would anyone, let alone vulnerable women, want to see a doctor that was anything other than a big, strong man?  Absurd, isn't it? And yet, that's exactly what happened.  This group of women became known as "The Edinburgh Seven".  There were more than 7, those were just the ones who were the most vocal and "brazen".  Some of the 7 gra...

  Follow us on Instagram: @bitchstory.pod Email us at “heybitches@bitchstory.net” The latest episode is here: The Real Housewives of the Revolution   Last week’s blog was half of the make-believe cast of our make-believe show “ The Real Housewives of the Revolution“ which Lisa and I talked about on our most recent podcast episode. The premise behind this episode is that when all of the men with the great names that we all grew up, learning went off to fight the revolutionary war they left behind their wives and most of their children to fend for themselves take care of the Homestead, etc., but many of these women did things above and beyond the ordinary roles of housewives, and we weren’t taught about any of their accomplishments… They’re just known as so-and-so‘s wife. And I don’t know about you, but I’m really tired of women being defined by their fathers, husbands, or brothers. I mean, I loved my dad. I love my husband and I love my brother, but you would be hard-pressed to...

While most of us are familiar with the men of the American Revolution, as the saying goes… behind every great man…is a woman who didn’t make it into the history books.   Since “trad wives” are making a comeback, I figured we could use some inspiration so that if the US continues on this current path that looks like both a Revolution and a Civil War, we women know that we can make a difference.   Of course women in the days of the Revolution only had domestic roles to choose from and at least for now women have many other options, it’s important to understand that even in the most dire circumstances, we can be influential.   So this weeks episode of Bitchstory is called “The Real Housewives of the Revolution”.  I had a Mercury Retrograde issue with the recording so the podcast is delayed in going out but it’ll be out Tuesday or Wednesday.   Here’s half the cast of RHotR Martha Washington:  The First Lady of the Revolution Before she became the first F...

Follow us on Instagram: @bitchstory.pod The latest episode is here:  Ancient & Modern Badasses   Listen, the word "politician" used to feel so dirty.  Politicians are gross, right? Yeah, many are. But you know what? Most of the overtly gross and polluted and corrupt ones are men. And in this new age of young progressives, apart from Kamala Harris, there might not be another female politician that I stan more than Jasmine Crockett.   She is an accomplished, sassy AF attorney (and a pastor's kid) and she takes zero shit from morons like Marjorie Taylor Greene. So here's a compilation of some of Ms. Crockett's best quotes: Such a wordsmith:  It’s been a long day… but in short, bullies ain’t shit! I don’t care what title you hold! This isn’t some long gone reality tv show or failed casino….this is war! How dare a draft dodging dumb dupe humiliate an ally and berate an actual brave man who has actually been on a battlefield for his people?! Let me say this to the...

Follow us on Instagram: @bitchstory.pod The latest episode is here:  Ancient & Modern Badasses   This week’s blog brings you a story from ancient history wherein a Queen defeated the famously powerful Roman army!  Queen Amanirenas, a notable figure in ancient Nubian history, ruled the Kingdom of Kush during the first century BCE. Renowned for her courage and military prowess, she emerged as a prominent leader during a time when her kingdom faced significant threats from the Roman Empire. Amanirenas was likely born in the region that is now modern-day Sudan. She belonged to the Meroitic dynasty, which played a pivotal role in the rich history of Nubia. Little is known about her early life, but she ascended to the throne after the death of her husband, King Teriteqas, taking on the responsibilities of leadership during a tumultuous period marked by Roman expansionism. Amanirenas is best known for her fierce resistance against Roman incursions. In 24 BCE, following the ...

Follow us on Instagram: @bitchstory.pod The latest episode is here:  Black History   Continuing our Black History Month theme, the other badass lady in the current episode of Bitchstory is a South African AIDS activist from the peak of the epidemic in the 90's.  AIDS is a cause near to my heart.  I volunteered for an AIDS organization as soon as I graduated from college, and it changed my life! With the Trump Administration running amok and trampling rights and knowledge left and right, I fear that we will have some set backs in this area as well.  In fact, HIV statistics are already muddy.  Some sources say rates are down, others that rates are up. People just aren't talking about it like they used to.  But we can't become complacent because, if you weren't around or aware in the 90's..it was very scary! Prudence Nobantu Mabele: A Pioneer in HIV Activism and Women’s Rights Prudence Nobantu Mabele was a South African activist and trailblazer in th...