This morning, TY were delighted to welcome writer and editor Claire Hennessy in to talk to the year group on feminism and gender stereotypes in popular culture. The visit was organised by YSI group "Equal People" – made up of students Molly Gervin, Ben Newman, Rhiannon Kelly, Jack Pitman, Fiachra Healy, Patrick O'Connor, Sarah Lawlor, Katherine Ward, Chloe Scott and Lauren Mannion. Equal People focus on LGBT equality, gender equality and rape culture awareness. Claire marks the second speaker Equal People have organised, having welcomed androgynous model and queer rights activist Ivan Fahy before Christmas. Claire Hennessy is a YA writer, editor and self-proclaimed "ranty feminist". However, she made it clear that she wasn't there to lecture us: "I don't want to be here talking down to you. I want to have a proper discussion". The result of which ended up being a very informative and eye-opening hour long discussion, which really got the whole year involved. Claire debunked many rumours of feminism – that all feminists are "men haters", that men can't be feminists, that gender inequality only affects women. The discussion was very comfortable and at times, entertaining. Claire believes humour is one of the best tools you can use to highlight issues and get points across . The discussion was also very inclusive – Claire welcomed all opinions and made the topic very comfortable for those who mightn't have understood what feminism really is all about very well. I think we all learned valuable lessons from Claire's talk, and it's very refreshing that we can have such mature discussions in TY. Equal People are certainly having a successful campaign. They are opening the minds of their fellow peers and changing a few things for the better. It is also very impressive that a group of fifteen and sixteen-year-olds can organise so well the visit of two high profile rights activists. A massive congratulations is due to all involved. Best of luck with the rest of your campaign. Claire is pictured with students from the YSI group as well as some others from the year group. (Written by Cathal McMahon, Photography by Ms. Groome) Comments are closed.
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