Sunday 18 June, 5:30 pm

Stonewall celebration and documentary screening – Southwest of Salem: The story of the San Antonio Four

In 1994, four working class Latina lesbians, not long out of high school, were tried and convicted on false charges of gang raping two young girls. Liz Ramirez, Cassie Rivera, Kristie Mayhugh and Anna Vasquez became the San Antonio Four — victims of homophobic hysteria that was rampant in the U.S. in the 1980s and ‘90s.

This is a story of victims refusing to give in. The women fought back against a nationwide, paranoic belief that queers prey on children, which influenced law enforcement, from police to judges, and infected institutions, from pediatrics to childcare. Together, Ramirez, Rivera, Mayhugh and Vasquez insisted on their innocence against intense legal pressure. They finally won their exoneration in 2016.

Southwest of Salem exposes a dark past, and it’s a warning for the present. Latinas are second to Black women in being over-represented in U.S. prisons. Trump’s presidency is drawing from systemic racism, sexism and homophobia to pit working people against each other. Imagine what a movement, with the tenacity, courage and unity of these four women, could do!

Doors open at 5.30 pm, and the program starts at 6.00 pm

A midwinter dinner follows the film, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free dishes

This event is jointly hosted by Freedom Socialist Party and Radical Women and will be held at Solidarity Salon (address and travel information is above). Proceeds go toward the international Freedom Socialist Fund Drive

Movie and dinner donation: $25 solidarity, $15 waged and $10 unwaged

For more information, contact freedom.socialist.party@ozemail.com.au, radicalwomen@optusnet.com.au or call 03 9388 0062

Sunday 25 June, 10:30 am

No Pride in Hate! Counter protest the far right

Once again the Right-wing bigots of the True Blue Crew have called on all their fellow racists, homophobes, and assorted fascists to attend a hate-filled rally in the centre of Melbourne.

Spurred on by the victory of Trump, the rise of the global Right and the local media’s racist law and order campaign the thugs of the TBC will be hitting our streets to target people of colour, LGBTI people, community activists and the very concept of diversity, which they consider equivalent to ‘White Genocide’.

Our strength is in our diversity and numbers.

The Campaign Against Racism and Fascism has called a counter protest at the Melbourne Exhibition Building in mass opposition to these bigots and show them that Melbourne says No Pride in Hate!

The Freedom Socialist Party is part of this united front campaign. Get in touch to attend our pre-rally briefing and then participate with the joint FSP and Radical Women contingent.

For more information, contact freedom.socialist.party@ozemail.com.au or call 03 9388 0062

Wednesday 28 June, 6:30 pm

Media skills for activists

Does your mouth go dry at the thought of talking to the press? Get brain-freeze when you stand in front of a journo’s microphone? Do you struggle to make your media release attention-grabbing?

Conquer the anxiety and sharpen your skills at a supportive, participatory workshop led by veteran reproductive justice and anti-fascist campaigner, Debbie Brennan. Debbie is media coordinator for Campaign Against Racism and Fascism and longtime spokesperson for Radical Women.

Workshop donation is $10 or $20 solidarity. Dinner served at 6.30 pm for a $7.00 donation. The workshop starts at 7.00 pm.

Places are limited, so booking is essential. For more information or to book, email freedom.socialist.party@ozemail.com.au

Location: Solidarity Salon (address and travel information is above).

All proceeds go toward the international Freedom Socialist Fund Drive to keep this uniquely socialist feminist media affordable for everyone.

Wednesday 6 June and then every second Wednesday ending 19 July, 6:30 pm

Study circle: An introduction to permanent revolution — yesterday and today

The theory of Permanent Revolution is a brilliant contribution by Russian revolutionary leader, Leon Trotsky. The 1917 October Revolution confirmed Trotsky’s belief that although Russia’s revolution initially focused on bourgeois demands — the overthrow of czarism and feudal property relations — it could not stop there. In the lead-up to the revolution’s centenary, this study will introduce the concept and explore the importance of these ideas in the 21st century.

June 7: An introduction to Leon Trotsky and the theory of Permanent Revolution June 21: The Russian Revolution: Permanent Revolution in action July 5: Permanent Revolution and women’s emancipation July 19: Permanent Revolution in the 21st century

Dinner, catering for vegetarians and vegans, served at 6:30 pm for an $10 donation. The discussion kicks off at 7 pm.

This 4 session series is hosted by Freedom Socialist Party. Sessions will be held at Solidarity Salon (address and travel information is above).

For more information or discussion questions email freedom.socialist.party@ozemail.com.au or call 03 9388 0062