J Lesbian Stud. 2016 Apr-Jun;20(2):234-50. doi: 10.1080/10894160.2016.1083835.

Complicated and messy politics of inclusion: Michfest and the Boston Dyke March.

Trigilio J1.

Author information

• 1a Gender and Cultural Studies, Simmons College , Boston , Massachusetts , USA.

Abstract

To illustrate the challenge of political organizing that grapples with identity politics and inclusion, I focus on two women-centered annual events with very different politics of inclusion: the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival and the Boston Dyke March.

MAIN POINTS:

(1) arguments made by marginalized people for inclusion into established oppressed identity groups must be constructed with due care to avoid further marginalizing yet other liminal identities; (2) protesting/boycotting other oppressed groups for the purpose of achieving inclusion is often a problematic strategy; (3) the most effective strategy for honoring all people is to support organizations committed to the ideal of inclusion.