Key Terms
A non-intersectional approach to feminism that centers the experiences of white women.
What is White Feminism?
This teenage all-girl punk band went viral in 2021 with their library performance of 'Racist, Sexist Boy'.
Who are The Linda Lindas?
The Spice Girls were accused of watering down Riot Grrrl's political message by turning this phrase into a commercial slogan.
What is Girl Power?
The term for a self-published, non-commercial booklet or magazine usually created by hand, photocopied, and produced in small batches
What is a Zine?
This word was an intentional reclamation of femininity used as a form of self-expression against patriarchal expectations
What is Femme?
Fronted by Kathleen Hanna, this Olympia, Washington band pioneered the riot grrrl movement with their iconic anthem "Rebel Girl"
What is Bikini Kill?
Opponents of Riot Grrrl's gender-exclusionary concert rules noted that enforcing a binary male/female divide marginalized this specific community within the scene.
What is the transgender/non-binary community?
Coined by figures like Jen Smith and Tobi Vail, this term reclaimed the infantilizing word "girl" and infused it with a fierce, protective growl.
What is Grrrl?
Initially written by Bikini Kill, it was meant to serve as a paradox between societal views of women and the strength of the movement
What is Girl Power?
Though this British pop group popularized the slogan "Girl Power" in 1996, the phrase originated five years earlier on the cover of a Bikini Kill zine.
Who are the Spice Girls?
This activity required spending unpaid time touring and self-publishing zines, which relied on middle-class participants.
What is DIY?
At punk shows, bands like Bikini Kill enforced a restructuring of the mosh pit by yelling this phrase, which created a safe space for women
What is "Girls/Femmes to the Front?"