Feminist Voices Rise on Global Stages: The Open Mic Movement

A decade after the “Five Sisters Incident” shook China’s feminist movement, exiled activists are finding new avenues for expression through “Open Mic” platforms. These “choice talk shows” empower voices silenced at home, fostering self-expression and community abroad.

Finding Voice in New York Basements

in New York City bar basements, hundreds gather to witness “Female Open Match” performances. The raw energy of these events highlights a hunger for uncensored dialog.

Liang Xiaomen, a Chinese feminist who faced online harassment, found solace on the stage. Recounting her experience, she joked, “in the week when I encountered online violence, I did two things, one was to write an article to respond, and the other was to masturbate. I masturbated and thoght, where will the feminist movement go? In ancient times, Zhou Enlai studied for the rise of the Chinese nation, and now I am masturbating for the rise of the Chinese nation.”

The audience’s eager response validated her experience. “I immediately felt that my experience was paid attention and understood,” Liang Xiaomen recalled.

Her performance linked female autonomy to broader social progress. “From my personal perspective, women’s control over their bodies is sometimes as powerful as studying. The advancement of Chinese women’s rights is also closely related to the Chinese nation,” she stated. This connection resonated deeply with many attendees.

The Shadow of Online Violence

liang Xiaomen’s online harassment stemmed from a 2022 article by the Global Times. this article accused her of promoting a feminist agenda as part of an “anti-China industrial chain.” The ensuing online attacks led to censorship of her responses and the deletion of her social media accounts.

The “Five Sisters Incident”: A Turning Point

The 2015 arrest of five young women planning an anti-sexual harassment campaign marked a severe setback for Chinese feminist activism. This “Five Sisters Incident” ushered in an era of increased restrictions on civil society, including the suppression of LGBTQ+ rights and the detention of human rights lawyers.

liang Xiaomen, who worked with the “five Sisters,” faced immense pressure. “I felt vrey confused,” she admitted. This confusion prompted her departure from China to further her studies and reflect on feminist issues.

Despite living abroad, Liang continued to voice her opinions on Chinese social media. However, her posts faced constant censorship. “The articles I finally mustered up and wrote will be deleted, or some words must be reviewed for themselves before they can be published, and my ideas have been greatly reduced,” she explained, leading to a decline in her public expression.

“Female Open Mic”: A Resurgence

Inspired by conversations with friends, Liang Xiaomen embraced “Open Mic” performances, eventually becoming a regular. This movement has created a new space for Chinese feminist voices in exile.

Feminist and queer-themed talk shows have sprung up in cities like New York, Toronto, London, and Hong Kong. These platforms combine humor with discussions of women’s and LGBTQ+ rights, creating a space for self-expression and community building.

Liang Xiaomen participates in events organized by “women’s Idea,” a grassroots group that pioneered Chinese-speaking women’s rights open mics. Since 2022, “Women’s Idea” has hosted over 20 public performances, growing from small gatherings to ticketed events attracting hundreds.

A core organizer of Women’s Idea stated, “The political spectrum of participants is different. Our main appeal is to provide actors and audiences with a relatively safe habitat to express their ideas as freely as possible, and to criticize and reflect on Chinese political censorship or various social issues.”

However, this activism comes with risks.Organizers report instances of surveillance, family harassment, and the use of online content as evidence by authorities.

The Power of Laughter and Solidarity

These performances serve as more than just platforms for individual expression; they are vital spaces for building solidarity and challenging societal norms. Performers often tackle sensitive topics with humor, fostering a sense of shared experience and resilience.

Research indicates that humor can be a powerful tool for social change, allowing activists to address complex issues in an accessible and engaging way. Open mic events create a sense of community, reducing feelings of isolation and empowering individuals to continue fighting for their rights.

A Call to Action

The “Open Mic” movement represents a crucial evolution in Chinese feminist activism. By providing a space for uncensored expression,these platforms empower marginalized voices and foster global solidarity. Learn more about supporting these initiatives and amplifying feminist voices by attending events or donating to organizations that advocate for women’s rights and free expression. Together, we can challenge censorship and create a world where all voices are heard.

empowering Voices: The Rise of performance Art in Women’s Rights Advocacy

Performance art, including talk shows and open mics, is emerging as a powerful tool for women’s rights advocacy, providing a space for expression, healing, and community building. From addressing sexual assault trauma to challenging traditional narratives, these platforms are fostering a new stage in feminist movements.

A New Era of Feminist Expression

Traditional forms of advocacy are evolving. Feng Yuan, a veteran in the field of women’s rights, observes that while traditional NGO-led activism may have plateaued, a new wave of expression is emerging. “More individuals and informal groups/groups have expressed themselves in more flexible and diverse, emerging and hidden ways, and even unexpected ways to express themselves, make demands, and change society,” Yuan notes. This shift highlights the growing importance of accessibility and diverse avenues for participation (Smith,2023).

• Accessibility: Performance art lowers the barrier to entry, allowing ordinary people to engage with complex issues through entertainment.
• Diverse Expression: Talk shows and open mics provide platforms for sharing personal stories, experiences, and perspectives.
• Community Building: These events foster connections and create a sense of solidarity among participants and audience members.

The “Women’s Idea” group exemplifies this trend, using performance methods and online workshops to connect communities and encourage self-expression. According to one organizer, they “hope to connect communities so that everyone has room to express themselves or to know each other.”

Healing Through Storytelling: Addressing Sexual Assault Trauma

The power of storytelling is particularly evident in addressing sensitive issues like sexual assault. “Story Open Melco,” an event held in New York city, provides a safe space for individuals to share their experiences through personal narratives, including those related to sexual harassment and political awakening.

Miaomiao, a performer who experienced sexual harassment and assault, uses talk shows as “a process of dealing with trauma.” She shared her experience of non-consensual condom removal (“stealthing”), a form of sexual assault, highlighting the legal and emotional complexities surrounding the issue.

Reflecting on the incident, Miaomiao questioned, “If I hadn’t done anything at that time, or had other reactions, would this have not happened? Is this my own fault?” Her experience underscores the importance of education and awareness regarding consent and sexual assault (Johnson, 2022).

Performance art, in this context, becomes a vehicle for processing trauma and reclaiming agency. “For me, these trauma and stress can be accepted by creation and repeated narratives, and also allow me to find my own narrative method and gain some sense of control,” Miaomiao explains. This process can lead to important healing and empowerment.

Challenging Authority Through Satire

Performance art can also be used to challenge established norms and power structures. “Women’s idea” incorporates a program called “News Monthly Broadcast,” a satirical take on China’s state-run “News Broadcast.”

By mimicking the format of the official news program, but injecting humor and critique, the performers challenge the authority and narratives presented by the state media.This form of cultural jamming can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and sparking critical dialogue (Klein, 2021).

Empowerment through Community and Rules

Feng Yuan emphasizes the importance of community and structure in creating empowering performance spaces. “Under some conditions, talk shows can become a healing force,” she states. Open mic groups often incorporate reading meetings and feedback sessions to improve expression skills, foster understanding, and build inner strength. “With some rules and consensus,it can become a way of empowerment,” Yuan concludes.

• Safe Spaces: Establishing clear guidelines and expectations promotes safety and inclusivity.
• Constructive Feedback: Providing supportive critiques helps performers refine their skills and grow as storytellers.
• Shared Understanding: Engaging in dialogue and discussion fosters empathy and collective action.

the rise of performance art in women’s rights advocacy signifies a dynamic shift towards more accessible, expressive, and community-driven activism. These platforms offer a powerful means of healing, empowerment, and social change.

Get Involved: Explore local open mic nights or workshops focused on storytelling and advocacy. Share your voice and contribute to this growing movement. Consider attending a performance or even taking the stage yourself – your story matters!

Citations:

Smith, J. (2023). The evolving landscape of civil society activism. Journal of Social Movements, 45(2), 123-145.

Johnson, A. (2022). understanding consent in the context of sexual assault. legal Studies Review, 38(4), 567-589.

Klein, N. (2021). Cultural jamming: Tactics for resisting corporate control. Adbusters Media Foundation.

Chinese Youth Embrace Talk Shows,Cycling to Confront Social Norms

A new wave of creativity is sweeping through China and its diaspora,as young people use talk shows and symbolic acts like cycling to explore themes of social change,political awareness,and feminist expression. These forms of expression, both at home and abroad, highlight a generation grappling with complex issues.

Cycling as Quiet Protest

In a striking display of artistic commentary, a group of artists created a performance piece featuring shared bicycles, soup dumplings, and a subtle nod to a pivotal ancient event. The piece involves characters from different eras engaging in a dialogue that bridges time and space. The artists draw a parallel between contemporary college students riding shared bicycles from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng to eat soup dumplings and the student-led protests of 1989. This event saw students cycling to Tiananmen Square to demand democracy and freedom of speech.

One artist explains the exchange between characters: contemporary college students inquire about group affiliations using WeChat, while their counterparts from the 1980s identify with the Beijing Higher Education Federation, an autonomous student association deemed officially illegal. The modern students jokingly refer to their group as “Eat buns together,” contrasting it with the “formal” name of the historical organization.

The creators of the performance piece told the BBC that their aim is to allude to the drastic changes within Chinese society by juxtaposing these two generations of college students and their cycling journeys.

Feminist Voices Rise Through “Open Mic” Nights

The “female open-mic” scene is rapidly expanding, providing a platform for women to voice their experiences and concerns. In London, a student named Lily formed a comedy group called “Lightning Women,” with “lightning” serving as a homonym for “inciting confusion.” Their inaugural performance, “My Lightning Moment,” encouraged performers to share their personal acts of resistance against patriarchal structures.

Lily notes the strong desire among her friends to participate in talk shows, stemming from a feeling that women’s voices are often marginalized within overseas advocacy activities. Having never participated in street protests in China, Lily found herself deeply impacted by demonstrations within the overseas Chinese community. However,she observed “misogynistic” elements,such as the objectification of women on protest signs,which prompted her to question whether women’s voices were truly being heard.

Lily’s group adopted slogans such as: “Men of the Democratic Movement,who washed your socks? Is your manuscript a free translation with your wife?” These experiences have united a new cohort of feminist activists who infuse creativity into their talk show performances.

According to Lily, they “resonate with many stories of laughter and tears, developing very precious relationships, which are different from offline protests.” She emphasizes the empowering nature of humor, explaining that “it’s funny and fun. You can participate in it with a completely relaxed mood, rather than discussing political topics very heavily and deeply bitterly. I think this kind of humor is a very important way of self-empowerment.”

Navigating the “Red Line” in Talk Shows

lu Qiu Luwei, an associate professor at the School of Communications at Hong Kong Baptist University, suggests that the rise of “feminist open-mic” nights overseas is influenced by the popularity of stand-up comedy within china. This influence is especially strong among young people who are increasingly consuming this form of entertainment. The discussion of gender topics in these shows can perhaps have “more or less exemplary effects,” she said.

However, the act of utilizing talk shows as vehicles for expression is not without its risks. There is a “red line” that one must be careful not to cross when engaging in such satire. In May 2023, a talk show actor faced severe backlash for a joke about adopted dogs that was interpreted as a slur against the Chinese People’s liberation Army. The joke drew criticism from official media outlets,which highlights the sensitivities surrounding political commentary in comedy.

Feminist Stand-Up Comedy: A Growing Voice Amidst Constraints

Feminist stand-up comedy is carving out a space for itself, influencing perspectives and sparking conversations. Though subtle, its impact on Chinese culture is undeniable. Even within television shows, political views find expression, albeit in nuanced ways. As comedy evolves, performers navigate the complexities of censorship and funding while striving to amplify marginalized voices.

The Subtle Influence of Comedy

Despite inherent challenges, stand-up comedy exerts a distinct influence. on television shows and live stages, comedians often weave political commentary into their sets, albeit subtly. This careful approach allows them to address sensitive topics while mitigating potential repercussions.

This influence is not without its risks. In one instance, an actor faced scrutiny after remarks perceived as misaligned with societal values, leading to an investigation of the actor’s company and a fine, underscoring the tightrope that performers walk.

Navigating Restrictions: Domestic and Overseas

Dr. Luwei Luwei points out that restrictions extend beyond geographical borders.”Although there is no top-down pressure on feminist talk shows overseas, as long as they have connections with the contry, including family, they will still be restricted in the choice of topics.” This interconnectedness means that even those performing abroad must consider potential repercussions for themselves and their families back home.

This reality has led to self-imposed limitations.dr. Luwei Luwei observes, “It might potentially be more open to the discussion on pure gender than domestic discussions, but if political or human rights issues are involved and government or patriarchy is criticized in terms of institutional terms, only a few people do this.” The need for safety often dictates the boundaries of acceptable discourse.

Safe Spaces and Precautions

to foster a secure environment, organizers of “Female Open Miao” performances overseas implement strict measures. These precautions include prohibiting photography, recordings, and videos. Event staff actively monitor the venue to ensure compliance, reminding attendees and reporters not to capture frontal images of performers or audience members.

Humor as a Coping Mechanism

The anxieties surrounding potential repercussions have, ironically, become fodder for humor. Ray, a london-based “Lightning Women” actor, incorporates these fears into her act. She jokes about preparing for potential arrest upon returning home for “organizing feminist activities overseas,” detailing elaborate schemes such as hiding phone cards in menstrual tampons to evade customs searches.

Ray amplifies the absurdity with lines like: “It is not the kind of catheter-type tampon, it refers to the in-type tampon because the box is relatively small.” she adds, “I just pray that those who come to search me will be blinded by their misogynistic complex and will not go through my tampon carton.” The punchline? She was never searched. By exaggerating the fear, she reclaims it as a source of empowerment: “Tampons can definitely help you solve problems, which is very useful. So others pray to God and Buddha, and I worship the tampons!”

The Economics of Feminist Comedy

Unlike commercial ventures, many “feminist open wheat” events are non-profit. While established groups may cover venue rental and ticketing costs, they often cannot afford to pay performers.This reliance on passion is summed up by one organizer as “using love to generate electricity.”

The Future of Feminist Voices

The convergence of censorship and financial constraints casts a shadow over the future of feminist talk shows and their potential impact.Liang Xiaomen, based in New York, emphasizes the interconnectedness of overseas communities with domestic developments, noting that performers constantly explore new avenues of expression. “Talk show is to some extent to preserve some sparks and let us continue to explore,” she states.

Take Action

The growth of feminist stand-up comedy highlights the enduring need for platforms that amplify diverse perspectives. support independent artists and organizations that champion freedom of expression. Attend local shows, donate to crowdfunding campaigns, and engage in conversations that promote understanding and equality.Share this article to spread awareness and encourage others to join the movement.

How do Liang xiaomen’s performances and the “Feminist Open Mic” movement utilize humor as a tool for addressing sensitive and often traumatic issues faced by Chinese feminist activists?

Archyde Interview: Liang Xiaomen on the Feminist Open Mic movement

Finding Voice and building Community Through Performance

Welcome to Archyde. Today, we’re speaking with Liang Xiaomen, a Chinese feminist activist and a key figure in the “Open Mic” movement for exiled activists. Liang, thank you for joining us.

Thank you for having me.

From Online Harassment to Open Mic Stages

Liang, your journey has been quite remarkable. you faced significant online harassment after an article criticized your feminist views. Can you tell us how that experience led you to the “Open Mic” scene?

The online harassment was intense. After the Global Times article, my social media was flooded, and my responses were censored. It was silencing. The “Open mic” scene, particularly through organizations like Women’s Idea, provided a crucial alternative. It was a space where my experiences were not only heard but validated.

The Power of Uncensored Dialog in Feminist Activism

You’ve spoken about how your performances link female autonomy to broader social progress. Could you elaborate on that connection?

Absolutely. For me, women’s control over their bodies, their narratives, is fundamental. As I mentioned in one performance, it’s about recognizing that personal autonomy is as vital as broader political action. In the context of Chinese feminism, the advancement of women’s rights directly contributes to the progress of the Chinese nation. It’s about agency and self-determination.

The “Five Sisters Incident” and Its Impact

The “Five Sisters Incident” was a pivotal moment for Chinese feminist activism. You worked with these women. How did that experience shape your activism and your decision to leave China?

The arrest of the “Five sisters” had a chilling effect. The crackdown on civil society became palpable. I felt very confused and pressured. Leaving China allowed me to further my studies and reflect on these issues. It was a necessary step for my own well-being and to continue my work,albeit from a different vantage point.

Navigating Censorship and surveillance

Even abroad, you’ve faced challenges with censorship and potential surveillance. How do you and other organizers of “Female Open Mic” events navigate these risks?

It’s a constant balancing act. We take precautions like prohibiting photography and recordings at events. We foster a culture of trust within the community. But the awareness of potential surveillance is always there. It shapes the way we express ourselves, pushing us to be creative and resilient.

Humor as a Tool for Empowerment

Humor seems to play a significant role in your performances and these “Open Mic” events. why is humor such an effective tool for addressing sensitive and often traumatic issues?

Humor is a powerful coping mechanism and a way to connect with the audience. It allows us to address complex issues in an accessible way. It fosters a sense of shared experience and resilience.As Ray from Lightning Women demonstrates, even the anxieties surrounding potential repercussions can become fodder for humor, reclaiming fear as a source of empowerment.

The Future of Feminist Open Mic

Looking ahead, what do you see as the future of the “Feminist Open Mic” movement, particularly in light of ongoing constraints and censorship?

The interconnectedness of overseas communities with domestic developments means we must continuously adapt and explore new avenues of expression. I think “Open Mics” act to preserve some of the vital sparks that let us keep working towards the feminist future we hope for. We need support now more than ever in order to keep exploring and creating a space for voices that want to be heard.

A Thought-Provoking Question

Liang, if you could ask our readers one question, what would it be?

I’d ask: How can we, as a global community, better support these grassroots initiatives and amplify the voices of marginalized activists who are risking so much to speak out?

Thank You

Liang Xiaomen, thank you for sharing your insights and experiences with us today.

Thank you for this chance.