Crisis Pregnancy Centers, Thou Shalt Not Lie

These anti-abortion activists lure clients in by posing as medical facilities—but local ordinances can force them to tell the truth or close

As important is the sense of despair many liberals and progressives feel when we throw our collective weight behind gambits and activism that are unlikely to yield tangible success. But here’s another idea. What if we all looked at how we could support reproductive rights in our own communities—and not ...
Read More
Crisis Pregnancy Centers, Thou Shalt Not Lie

James Joyce’s Ulysses at 100

An exhibition at the Morgan Library

One hundred years ago, James Joyce’s Ulysses was first published in Paris. This year, the Morgan Library in New York is celebrating with a remarkable exhibition, “One Hundred Years of James Joyce’s Ulysses,” on display until October 2.  ...

Read More
James Joyce’s Ulysses at 100

A New Deal for Colombia

The country’s first left wing government and its hopes for reconciliation

"On August 7th, 2022, Gustavo Petro and Francia Márquez, the first Black woman to serve in high office, will lead the country’s first left-wing government. Their rise to power mirrors the resurgence of various left-wing politicians in other parts of Latin America, which is undergoing a striking ideological shift."...

Read More
A New Deal for Colombia

Making Sense of the War

As the shock of war gives way to reflection, Ukrainian public discourse has turned to questions of the past, present and future

In Ukraine, the initial shock, anger, and sorrow have slowly given way to the sober realization that the war is not going to end soon. The first month passed like one day, but meanwhile, the feeling of time has returned. People and institutions are adjusting and even trying to make ...
Read More
Making Sense of the War

When We Tell Stories, We Know What Happened

Anthropologist Ruth Behar discusses writing across genres, making ideas accessible, and a new children’s book

Behar spoke with Public Seminar about writing for young readers, how people and their stories are intertwined in both fiction and anthropology, and the importance of telling stories with ethnographic accuracy....

Read More
When We Tell Stories, We Know What Happened

Abortion Alone Is Not Justice

Successful reproductive politics must tackle all the challenges that those who want children face

We need a feminist movement that will stand up for conditions that facilitate life and well-being for all of us, because the situation of women, queer, and trans people—especially those of color—is a crisis that makes abortion necessary....

Read More
Abortion Alone Is Not Justice

The Revolution Will Not Be Feminized

For all its socialist talk, Venezuela hasn’t done much to advance women’s rights

She was just thirteen. Nearly malnourished, she had dropped out of school. Her brain still developing, her self-esteem at its most vulnerable, she was raped, repeatedly, by a neighbor. She didn’t consent, she couldn’t have. She was just thirteen, and now she was pregnant. Her mother refused to let it be. ...
Read More
The Revolution Will Not Be Feminized

Fighting for Bodily Autonomy Is a Texas Tradition

As the state shuts down services for abortion and transgender kids, grassroots activists call on their history to fight back

All historical moments may be unique, but our current struggle is not new, and Texans are not unprepared. Recognizing the enduring nature of these battles, and acknowledging that activists fighting for our rights in Texas today are part of an ongoing struggle, has provided me with some strength and comfort ...
Read More
Fighting for Bodily Autonomy Is a Texas Tradition

Gimme My Poppers Or Else

Gay sex in New Zealand and the backsliding of an apparently permissive society

It’s no secret gay sex and drugs go together like vodka and soda, or vodka and cranberry, or vodka and my mouth. Pop the words “chem sex” into a Google search and you’ll get no end of salacious fear-mongering reportage barely concealing cultural assumptions of self-harm while peddling journalistic neutrality. ...
Read More
Gimme My Poppers Or Else