Hey there,
AQSAzine has moved onto prettier pastures, come visit us at http://www.aqsazine.com/
Peace, Love and Hugs
AQSAzine Team
Monday, January 10, 2011
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Submit and spread the word about AQSAzine Issue #4 Ancestors and Descendants
Call for Submissions AQSAzine Issue #4 Ancestors and Descendants
Confidentiality: Submissions will not be reprinted without the author's permission. You can use your first and/or last name, a pen name, or even remain completely anonymous. We want you to feel safe in making a contribution.
Send us your submissions with short bio along with questions, resources, information to aqsazine at gmail.com
AQSAzine is a grassroots zine open to 16-35 year old women and trans people who self-identify as Muslim. It is a creative avenue for us to express ourselves, share our experiences, and connect with others. We strive to work from a feminist, anti-oppressive, pro-choice, queer and trans positive framework.
Peace, love and hugs
AQSAzine Team
Dear family, sisters, brothers, allies and revolutionaries
Submit and spread the word about AQSAzine Issue #4 Ancestors and Descendants "Where'd you come from/Where are you going?"
Why Submit?
Because you cannot but know what your roots are, where you came from and how you came to be. Because you cannot be present here without knowing about "back there". Because you have yet to learn who your ancestors are and what were their journeys. Because you want to carry forward the stories of your great grandparents. Because you want to share your origins with your children. Because sometimes its too painful to know and other times its all that you know.
Because your history has been submerged, erased, disjointed or cut off you. Because you want to understand how your present came to be. Because underneath all the silence is a rich history of lessons learnt that would be helpful in guiding you. Because you are proud of your lineage. Because the question of where you are from is complicated and a simple answer boxes you in. Because your history is multidimensional just like your identity. Because you fear that you are losing your connection to home through language, memories, stories. Because your descendants might have all your struggles in common.
Types of Submissions:
- Stories (fiction or non fiction);
- Poetry;
- Artwork;
- Graphic arts;
- Photography;
- Visuals;
- Media reviews;
- Interviews
- Any other form of personal art or writing under 1,500 words
Confidentiality: Submissions will not be reprinted without the author's permission. You can use your first and/or last name, a pen name, or even remain completely anonymous. We want you to feel safe in making a contribution.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
URGENT APPEAL: All Women Should Have Access to Justice!
URGENT APPEAL: All Women Should Have Access to Justice!
Dear AQSAziners,
Thank you for all your hard work on the No Bill 94 Campaign.
We are now facing a related rights issue in Ontario and urgently need your help. This week the Ontario Court of Appeal will be hearing the case R. v. N.S. The case involves a Muslim woman who alleges that she was sexually abused by two family members when she was a child. The two accused men object to the victim’s wearing of the niqab while she gives evidence in Court. The Ontario Court of Appeal is deciding whether she can wear the niqab when she testifies. We are asking No Bill 94 Coalition members to write to your local, provincial and national media outlets to express your support of women’s right to access justice regardless of her religious beliefs and choice of dress. Also please contact your local Member of Provincial Parliament to express your concern about the impact that this case will have on women’s access to justice. You can find their contact information here: http://www.ontla.on.ca/web
Key Points to Include:
• Condemn any action that re-victimizes women who have been sexually assaulted. The effect of ordering N.S. to remove her niqab in order to testify at a sexual assault trial in which she is the victim is literally to strip off her clothing in open court, while she describes the intimate details of her sexual abuse.
• The denial of her right to wear the niqab to access justice is unacceptable considering that N.S.’s choice of clothing is deeply personal and religious in nature.
• All sexual assault complainants, regardless of how they express their religious beliefs, should have access to justice without having to relive being forcibly uncovered.
• The wider debate over the wearing of the niqab should have no bearing on the right to equal access to justice for sexual assault complainants who hold a religious belief that wearing a niqab is a requirement of their faith.
• Any decision that forces a sexual assault victim to remove the niqab creates a barrier to justice and a real risk that an already marginalized group of women will be shut out of the Canadian justice system and left without its protection.
• The implication of this case for women who wear the niqab is significant. This case provides a vital opportunity for the Court to be vigilant in the protection of victim’s rights and to ensure that discriminatory barriers to the reporting and prosecution of sexual assault are not created or reinforced for women who wear the niqab.
For more information see:
http://www.leaf.ca/feature
Dear AQSAziners,
Thank you for all your hard work on the No Bill 94 Campaign.
We are now facing a related rights issue in Ontario and urgently need your help. This week the Ontario Court of Appeal will be hearing the case R. v. N.S. The case involves a Muslim woman who alleges that she was sexually abused by two family members when she was a child. The two accused men object to the victim’s wearing of the niqab while she gives evidence in Court. The Ontario Court of Appeal is deciding whether she can wear the niqab when she testifies. We are asking No Bill 94 Coalition members to write to your local, provincial and national media outlets to express your support of women’s right to access justice regardless of her religious beliefs and choice of dress. Also please contact your local Member of Provincial Parliament to express your concern about the impact that this case will have on women’s access to justice. You can find their contact information here: http://www.ontla.on.ca/web
Key Points to Include:
• Condemn any action that re-victimizes women who have been sexually assaulted. The effect of ordering N.S. to remove her niqab in order to testify at a sexual assault trial in which she is the victim is literally to strip off her clothing in open court, while she describes the intimate details of her sexual abuse.
• The denial of her right to wear the niqab to access justice is unacceptable considering that N.S.’s choice of clothing is deeply personal and religious in nature.
• All sexual assault complainants, regardless of how they express their religious beliefs, should have access to justice without having to relive being forcibly uncovered.
• The wider debate over the wearing of the niqab should have no bearing on the right to equal access to justice for sexual assault complainants who hold a religious belief that wearing a niqab is a requirement of their faith.
• Any decision that forces a sexual assault victim to remove the niqab creates a barrier to justice and a real risk that an already marginalized group of women will be shut out of the Canadian justice system and left without its protection.
• The implication of this case for women who wear the niqab is significant. This case provides a vital opportunity for the Court to be vigilant in the protection of victim’s rights and to ensure that discriminatory barriers to the reporting and prosecution of sexual assault are not created or reinforced for women who wear the niqab.
For more information see:
http://www.leaf.ca/feature
Monday, May 17, 2010
Sample Letter to Jean Charest on Bill 94
Email Jean Charest and co tomorrow to express your outrage at the proposed bill 94. For contact information go here http://nonbill94.wordpress
May 18, 2010
CC: Yolande James, Minister of Immigration and Cultural Communities
CC: Kathleen Weil, Minister of Justice
CC: Christine St-Pierre Minister of Culture
CC: Prime Minister Stephen Harper
CC: Michael Ignatieff, M.P., Liberal Leader
[CC: YOUR MP]
To the Honorable Premier Jean Charest,
I am writing to express my opposition to Bill 94. I strongly condemn Bill 94, which will deny all public services including essential social services, health care, education and employment to those wearing facial coverings. In particular, this bill will discriminate against Muslim women wearing niqab (face veil) by infringing upon their basic right of religious freedom and their democratic right to full civic participation.
Bill 94 is promoted as legislation that reflects a secular Quebec. However, a secular society does not preclude the freedom of religious expression, which is enshrined in the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Bill 94 is also touted as a legislated step toward gender equality in Quebec. This cannot be further from the truth. If the rights of women are truly a concern, the government of Quebec should focus on implementing programs to address real gender inequality such as poverty reduction programs and education initiatives. Barring a woman from social services, employment, health and education, as well as creating a climate of shame and fear around her is not an effective way to help her empower herself. Nor will it end gender inequality.
Bill 94 is a clearly discriminatory measure that will target a small number of Muslim women who wear the niqab in Quebec, many of whom are already under the pressure of discrimination in the context of heightened racism and misunderstanding in a post 9-11 world. Now more than ever it is essential that Quebec hold true to its claims of democracy and equality, and find ways to embrace difference rather than to exclude it.
Bill 94 has no place in a democratic society that claims to value women’s autonomy, liberty and justice. A truly democratic society is one in which all individuals have the freedom of expression and a right to access public services.
I will not allow my government to deny essential services to women based on what they wear. I demand that Bill 94 be withdrawn immediately and not passed by the National Assembly of Quebec.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR TOWN/CITY, YOUR PROVINCE/TERRITORY]
May 18, 2010
CC: Yolande James, Minister of Immigration and Cultural Communities
CC: Kathleen Weil, Minister of Justice
CC: Christine St-Pierre Minister of Culture
CC: Prime Minister Stephen Harper
CC: Michael Ignatieff, M.P., Liberal Leader
[CC: YOUR MP]
To the Honorable Premier Jean Charest,
I am writing to express my opposition to Bill 94. I strongly condemn Bill 94, which will deny all public services including essential social services, health care, education and employment to those wearing facial coverings. In particular, this bill will discriminate against Muslim women wearing niqab (face veil) by infringing upon their basic right of religious freedom and their democratic right to full civic participation.
Bill 94 is promoted as legislation that reflects a secular Quebec. However, a secular society does not preclude the freedom of religious expression, which is enshrined in the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Bill 94 is also touted as a legislated step toward gender equality in Quebec. This cannot be further from the truth. If the rights of women are truly a concern, the government of Quebec should focus on implementing programs to address real gender inequality such as poverty reduction programs and education initiatives. Barring a woman from social services, employment, health and education, as well as creating a climate of shame and fear around her is not an effective way to help her empower herself. Nor will it end gender inequality.
Bill 94 is a clearly discriminatory measure that will target a small number of Muslim women who wear the niqab in Quebec, many of whom are already under the pressure of discrimination in the context of heightened racism and misunderstanding in a post 9-11 world. Now more than ever it is essential that Quebec hold true to its claims of democracy and equality, and find ways to embrace difference rather than to exclude it.
Bill 94 has no place in a democratic society that claims to value women’s autonomy, liberty and justice. A truly democratic society is one in which all individuals have the freedom of expression and a right to access public services.
I will not allow my government to deny essential services to women based on what they wear. I demand that Bill 94 be withdrawn immediately and not passed by the National Assembly of Quebec.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR TOWN/CITY, YOUR PROVINCE/TERRITORY]
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Take Action on May 18th, Say NO to Bill 94! Participate in the action wherever you are.
Will you allow your government to deny essential services to women based on what they wear?
Take Action on May 18th, Say NO to Bill 94! Participate in the action wherever you are.
Will you allow your government to deny essential services to women based on what they wear?
Take Action on May 18th! Say NO to Bill 94! Participate in the action wherever you are.
Bill 94 is proposed legislation in Quebec, which if approved, would deny essential government services, public employment, educational opportunities, and health care to Muslim women who wear the niqab (face veil).
Take Action to defend women’s access to public services.
Take Action to support women’s rights and freedoms in Canada.
Take Action to stop Bill 94 from becoming law.
Join the Non/No 94 Movement for a Day of Action, to coincide with the proposed Bill 94 hearings on May 18th:
Speak up! Write, email, phone, fax Quebec Premier Jean Charest, along with Minister of Immigration and Cultural Communities Yolande James, Minister of Justice Kathleen Weil, and Minister of Culture, Communications & the Status of Women Christine St-Pierre to voice your concern regarding the discriminatory Bill 94. CC us at nonbill94@gmail.com along with your Member of Parliament, Member of the Legislative Assembly, and Member of Provincial Parliament. You can also send a message to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Michael Ignatieff, M.P., Liberal Leader. Contact information for the above can be found here:
http://nonbill94.wordpress.com/contacts-talking-points
Organize! Endorse the No Bill 94 Coalition’s statement found herehttp://nonbill94.wordpress.com/2010/04/05/hello-world/. Circulate this call to action widely to your networks. Have conversations with them about your concerns about Bill 94 and refer them to articles on the proposed legislation. And sign the petition: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/nonbill94/
Get Creative! Host an action in your community, make a video, hold a press conference, run a workshop, throw call-in parties, letter-writing events & blogathons, to ensure that our voices are heard. Email us your creations and actions at nonbill94@gmail.com
Use Media! Use social media outlets. Make your profile pic to one found here:http://nonbill94.wordpress.com/resources. Change your facebook status to or tweet - “Will you allow your government to deny services like emergency health care, education, legal assistance & day care to women based on what they wear? TAKE ACTION on May 18! Say No to Bill 94!.”Post and re-post interesting articles talking about Bill 94 anywhere you can – Facebook, Twitter, blogs, websites, e-newsletters, etc.
See http://nonbill94.wordpress.com for more information
The No Bill 94 Coalition is endorsed by: Assaulted Women's and Children's Counselor/Advocate Program at George Brown College, AQSAzine, The Centre for Women and Trans People University of Toronto, Ryerson Students' Union, The Centre for Women and Trans People York University, Coalition of concerned women of Kitchener Waterloo, The Council of Agencies Serving South Asians, Frontline Partners with Youth Network, The Miss G__ Project for Equity in Education, Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children, Metro Toronto Chinese & Southeast Asian Legal Clinic, Muslim Students' Association here at the University of Toronto The Native Youth Sexual Health Network, Newcomer Women's Services Toronto, Nova Scotia Public Interest Research Group, Ontario Women's Justice Network, Ontario Public Interest Research Group York, Ontario Public Interest Research Group University of Toronto, Ontario Public Interest Group Kingston, Quebec Public Interest Research Group McGill, Parkdale Community Legal Services, The Simone de Beauvoir Institute, South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario, Springtide Resources, Urban Alliance on Race Relations, Toronto Women of Colour Collective, Toronto Coalition to Stop the War, Canadian Arab Federation, York Federation of Students, University of Toronto Students’ Union
Take Action on May 18th, Say NO to Bill 94! Participate in the action wherever you are.
Will you allow your government to deny essential services to women based on what they wear?
Take Action on May 18th! Say NO to Bill 94! Participate in the action wherever you are.
Bill 94 is proposed legislation in Quebec, which if approved, would deny essential government services, public employment, educational opportunities, and health care to Muslim women who wear the niqab (face veil).
Take Action to defend women’s access to public services.
Take Action to support women’s rights and freedoms in Canada.
Take Action to stop Bill 94 from becoming law.
Join the Non/No 94 Movement for a Day of Action, to coincide with the proposed Bill 94 hearings on May 18th:
Speak up! Write, email, phone, fax Quebec Premier Jean Charest, along with Minister of Immigration and Cultural Communities Yolande James, Minister of Justice Kathleen Weil, and Minister of Culture, Communications & the Status of Women Christine St-Pierre to voice your concern regarding the discriminatory Bill 94. CC us at nonbill94@gmail.com along with your Member of Parliament, Member of the Legislative Assembly, and Member of Provincial Parliament. You can also send a message to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Michael Ignatieff, M.P., Liberal Leader. Contact information for the above can be found here:
http://nonbill94.wordpress.com/contacts-talking-points
Organize! Endorse the No Bill 94 Coalition’s statement found herehttp://nonbill94.wordpress.com/2010/04/05/hello-world/. Circulate this call to action widely to your networks. Have conversations with them about your concerns about Bill 94 and refer them to articles on the proposed legislation. And sign the petition: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/nonbill94/
Get Creative! Host an action in your community, make a video, hold a press conference, run a workshop, throw call-in parties, letter-writing events & blogathons, to ensure that our voices are heard. Email us your creations and actions at nonbill94@gmail.com
Use Media! Use social media outlets. Make your profile pic to one found here:http://nonbill94.wordpress.com/resources. Change your facebook status to or tweet - “Will you allow your government to deny services like emergency health care, education, legal assistance & day care to women based on what they wear? TAKE ACTION on May 18! Say No to Bill 94!.”Post and re-post interesting articles talking about Bill 94 anywhere you can – Facebook, Twitter, blogs, websites, e-newsletters, etc.
See http://nonbill94.wordpress.com for more information
The No Bill 94 Coalition is endorsed by: Assaulted Women's and Children's Counselor/Advocate Program at George Brown College, AQSAzine, The Centre for Women and Trans People University of Toronto, Ryerson Students' Union, The Centre for Women and Trans People York University, Coalition of concerned women of Kitchener Waterloo, The Council of Agencies Serving South Asians, Frontline Partners with Youth Network, The Miss G__ Project for Equity in Education, Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children, Metro Toronto Chinese & Southeast Asian Legal Clinic, Muslim Students' Association here at the University of Toronto The Native Youth Sexual Health Network, Newcomer Women's Services Toronto, Nova Scotia Public Interest Research Group, Ontario Women's Justice Network, Ontario Public Interest Research Group York, Ontario Public Interest Research Group University of Toronto, Ontario Public Interest Group Kingston, Quebec Public Interest Research Group McGill, Parkdale Community Legal Services, The Simone de Beauvoir Institute, South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario, Springtide Resources, Urban Alliance on Race Relations, Toronto Women of Colour Collective, Toronto Coalition to Stop the War, Canadian Arab Federation, York Federation of Students, University of Toronto Students’ Union
Friday, May 7, 2010
Submissions Call for Artists & Performers for Profile This! My Islam Deadline May 21st
Call for Artists & Performers for Profile This! launch of AQSAzine Issue #3 My Islam June 16th
Submission Deadline is May 21st Please spread the word!
AQSAzine is looking for self-identified Muslim women and trans people to showcase their talents in music, spoken word, dance, poetry, comedy, art, performance art etc. for Profile This! My Islam on Wednesday June 16th from 6-8 pm at the Art Gallery of Ontario. It is a FREE event hosted in partnership with The AGO Youth Council and AQSAzine.
Submission Guidelines:
*For visual pieces, please email photo(s)
*For spoken word/poetry, please email a text document of the piece(s) you would like to read
*For dance pieces please email link or Youtube video you would like to perform
*For musical performances, please email a link or mp3 of the song(s) you are interested in performing
*For video/multi-media pieces, please email a link or media file
*For all submission please include logistical restrictions and/or any required equipment
NOTE: Pieces do not have to specifically address themes of identity or religion. Multiple pieces can be submitted for consideration. Artists will have an opportunity to sell their work or CDs etc. All pieces (not for sale and unsold) will be returned at the end of the night.
All submissions should be sent to aqsazine@gmail.com by a May 21st. Please contact us if you are having trouble with sending submissions. We will let you know if we are able to show your piece(s) and/or give you a performance slot.
AQSAzine is a grassroots arts collective of 16-30ish year old women and trans people who identify as Muslim. It is a creative avenue to express ourselves, share our experiences, and connect with others. Profile This! My Islam is the launch of AQSAzine Issue #3. It will be an inspiring event showcasing visual art, readings, multi-media and musical performances by Muslim young women and trans people as well as have art making workshops.
The application deadline for artists, performers and volunteers is Friday, May 21st, 2010.
For any further information:
Contact us at aqsazine@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: AQSAzine
Add us on Faceboo Aqsa Zine
http://www.aqsazine.com/
Submission Deadline is May 21st Please spread the word!
AQSAzine is looking for self-identified Muslim women and trans people to showcase their talents in music, spoken word, dance, poetry, comedy, art, performance art etc. for Profile This! My Islam on Wednesday June 16th from 6-8 pm at the Art Gallery of Ontario. It is a FREE event hosted in partnership with The AGO Youth Council and AQSAzine.
Submission Guidelines:
*For visual pieces, please email photo(s)
*For spoken word/poetry, please email a text document of the piece(s) you would like to read
*For dance pieces please email link or Youtube video you would like to perform
*For musical performances, please email a link or mp3 of the song(s) you are interested in performing
*For video/multi-media pieces, please email a link or media file
*For all submission please include logistical restrictions and/or any required equipment
NOTE: Pieces do not have to specifically address themes of identity or religion. Multiple pieces can be submitted for consideration. Artists will have an opportunity to sell their work or CDs etc. All pieces (not for sale and unsold) will be returned at the end of the night.
All submissions should be sent to aqsazine@gmail.com by a May 21st. Please contact us if you are having trouble with sending submissions. We will let you know if we are able to show your piece(s) and/or give you a performance slot.
AQSAzine is a grassroots arts collective of 16-30ish year old women and trans people who identify as Muslim. It is a creative avenue to express ourselves, share our experiences, and connect with others. Profile This! My Islam is the launch of AQSAzine Issue #3. It will be an inspiring event showcasing visual art, readings, multi-media and musical performances by Muslim young women and trans people as well as have art making workshops.
The application deadline for artists, performers and volunteers is Friday, May 21st, 2010.
For any further information:
Contact us at aqsazine@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: AQSAzine
Add us on Faceboo Aqsa Zine
http://www.aqsazine.com/
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
AQSAzine Retreat May 30th
AQSAzine Retreat Converse, Create, Conspire with us
Sunday May 30th 11:00am - 7:00 pm
Writing, Art, Radio, Silk Screening, Poetry Workshops
Shared Learning
Shared Learning
Recreational sports (soccer?!)
Good Eats
Free event with TTC, lunch, dinner included
Child care available on request (contact us at least two days in advance)
The retreat will be a relaxed, creative, confidential, safer space that we can leave our fears at the door and chill with one another. It willl be a place for us to explore our voices, get to know one another and create. We will conspire, plan, and dream about collaborations i.e. actions, blog, zine, radio show, film screenings, art etc.
Register at aqsazine at gmail.com
AQSAzine Retreat is open to 16-35 year old women and trans people who self identify as Muslim. Please invite friends and family.
AQSAzine collective strives to create spaces where self-identified Muslim women and trans people regardless of race, ability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, nationality, sect, mode of dress, religiosity, gender identity, class can feel comfortable.
Funding for the retreat is provided by ArtReach Toronto
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