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Women of Color In Politics
The P Files Newsletter
Lorena Banda
June 17, 2024
Hey Boo 💋
How are ya? This is a friendly reminder to put yourself first. Say “no” more often this week and get some rest. You don’t have to be 100% all the time.
Love you. 💜
On today’s Newsletter we will go over:
Happy Pride Month 🌈✨
Let’s Get Into It 👀
The P Files Spotlight 🌟
Political Pu**y 🗳😼
What I’m Currently Reading 📚
Let’s Get Into It…
Did ya’ll see how Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) draggedddd Marjorie Taylor Greene?! And as she should! If you haven’t seen the clip yet, Greene had made an unnecessary comment about Representative Crockett’s appearance. The Republican representative said that Rep. Crockett was unable to read in a House Oversight Committee hearing last month because of her eyelashes being too long. Crockett proceeded to call Greene a “Bleach Blonde, Bad built, butch body.”
During an interview with Teen Vogue Magazine in 2017, Former Illinois States Representative Litesa Wallace talks about the sexual harassment among Black Women in Government. She explains how calling out harassment leads to consequences. However, not speaking up doesn’t solve anything because it further validates that the system was created by and for white men. Not for black and brown women.
“It’s a kiss on the cheek that narrowly misses my lips instead of a handshake. It’s a lingering hand on my back, too low and for too long. It’s a comment about my appearance and an invasive question about my personal life. It’s everywhere and it’s all the time—especially for black women.”
What happened to State Representative Jasmine Crockett isn’t anything new. And it’s happening more often to women of color specifically. However, this affects black women in government at disproportional rates.
As a Latina who works in the electoral space I’ve been disrespected, overworked and under paid. I have been perceived a certain because of how I look and the way that I’m dressed, and how I do my make up. In an interview with Cosmopolitan, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez explains how women in politics face so much criticism for how they present themselves.
Just being a woman is quite politicised here in Washington…. There’s this really false idea that if you care about make-up or if you care, if your interests are in beauty and fashion, that that’s somehow frivolous. But I actually think these are some of the most substantive decisions that we make — and we make them every morning.”
For years black and brown women appearances have been labeled as “ghetto”. But the moment a white person wears big lashes, acrylic nails, gold chains, hoops, and or braids it’s seen as an “aesthetic”. Showing up authentically ourselves is not welcomed in any work space. And what happened to Representative Jasmine Crockett is a perfect example of that.
Growing up my mom would always say, “no te dejes.” No matter who it is. You stand up for yourself. I apply that in every part of my life. Especially when it comes to my career. Women of color in politics experience sexual harassment, bullying, social media violence and so much more at higher rates compared to others. No matter what the repercussions may be, stand up for yourself and show up 100% authentically YOU.
Con Amor,
Lorena
Annika Ojala (she/her) is an international human rights advocate, public speaker, and expert on gender equality, LGBTIQ+ rights, and sexual and reproductive rights.
Her unique story as an advocate for justice and equality has interested media and online audiences alike, positioning her as an inspiring voice in the global conversation around human rights, representation and wellbeing.
A seasoned advocate and strategist for change, Annika coordinates international partnership initiatives and human rights campaigns in the European Parliament.
Prior to working in EU politics, Annika co-created highly successful electoral campaigns in Finland, which led to historic advancements of women in leadership positions, notably in the Sanna Marin government.
Annika's dedication to inclusive leadership and human rights extends beyond her political work. She has collaborated with organizations such as the OSCE and Google, developing solutions for inclusive and safer communities online and offline.
Political Pu**y
Stay informed with all things pleasure, reproductive justice, women’s health and sexual health around the globe!
What I’m Currently Reading:
I fell in love with Romance Novels last year while I lived in DC. Typically I would read a bunch of self help books, but if I’m being honest I was burnt out. So I decided to start reading fiction and that’s when my love for the romance genre started. Alexis Daria’s ‘You Had Me At Hola” got me hooked! I was so drawn to her novels because her main characters are always successful Latinas who embrace their sexuality and are not afraid to be sexual. Which is everything the Latinx culture teaches you NOT to be.
I recently went to a pop up event by Steamy Lit Bookstore in Miami, which is a bookstore dedicated to romance novels. And I had to snag this book, ‘The Art of Scandal’. I’m not going to lie, the cover of the book got me. It’s sexy! If you’re interested in reading this book with me you can purchase it here: The Art Of Scandal by Regina Black.
Thank you for reading!
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