I love the question about all female spaces. My husband can’t understand why I attend women’s AA meetings. What do you talk about that you wouldn’t say in a coed meeting? You have rightly noticed that it’s not about what we say. It’s about not being subject to the male gaze. There’s a lot of hugging that goes on in AA meetings. As a man would approach, I’d stick out my hand to shake and say “I don’t hug men”. Thats not an issue in my women’s meetings (although many women still check—“can I give you a hug?” Men never do. )
Not to double dip, but The Crane Wife is a gem! Thank you for the link.
Love a double dip! It's SUCH a great piece, I don't know if I'll ever stop rereading it.
I love the question about all female spaces. My husband can’t understand why I attend women’s AA meetings. What do you talk about that you wouldn’t say in a coed meeting? You have rightly noticed that it’s not about what we say. It’s about not being subject to the male gaze. There’s a lot of hugging that goes on in AA meetings. As a man would approach, I’d stick out my hand to shake and say “I don’t hug men”. Thats not an issue in my women’s meetings (although many women still check—“can I give you a hug?” Men never do. )
Wahh that last bit about checking before hugging. 🤍 The feeling you're describing here makes all the sense in the world to me.