Needle n’ Bitch is a safe space for wmyn/men/trans or whatever your sex and sexual orientation is, in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
It is not only a physical space, but also a place, situation, and condition created to provide safety, security, and comfort for anyone who is otherwise unable to access it in an espeically sexist, patriarchal, and homophobic society.
Needle n’ Bitch is also the label of a DIY recycled handmade craft initiative which supports the collective’s needs – Needle n’ Bitch are autonomous and do not receive frunding from NGOs or other sources. Crafts are handmade using recycled or re-used materials, such as tote bags, pouches, and patches (and much more).
Needle n’ Bitch use skill sharing to learn together, including sewing, craft, screenprinting and any other aspects of DIY production culture. Talks and discussions centre on various issues, starting from feelings/emotions, politics (environment, farmer and agrarian struggles etc.), sexuality, anger, and bed. Other actvities include campaigns, workshops, discussions, and information distribution on gender awareness, health, and sexuality.
Activities:
- Craft production and distribution – featuring wymn’s, sexuality, body authority, DIY culture, and political slogans/information.
- Info sheets – included with each craft on issues such as menstrual calendars, or the safe abortion hotline.
- Bitching – skill shares with discussion on sexuality, relationships, politics, etc.
- Tabling – selling crafts and mobile library at events and in public spaces.
- Workshops – free skill shares at or events or in communities.
- Zines and flyers – such as: Sister Be Strong zine, a compilation of personal stories from friends with experiences of sexual abuse and repression, those struggling to defend their rights and their bodily autonomy.; Crafty Queer zine; and Kaplok Balik zine about gender based violence and self-defence.
- Translation of works on repressed topics into Indonesian.
- Street events and campaigns – film screenings, workshops on sexuality issues, skill shres, discussions, exhibitions, postering, etc.
- Self-defence classes
- Crafty Queer
- Gender based violence and unplanned pregnancy helpline.
Needle n’ Bitch believe every individual is cool without gender stereotyping.
Needle n’ Bitch believe every individual is sexy in their own way.
Needle n’ Bitch believe every individual has autonomy over their own body.
Needle n’ Bitch believes every individual is a rebel!
Thanks for your solidarity!
Needle n’ Bitch facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/needle.nbiotch?_rdc=1&_rdr
Needle n’ Bitch DIY handmade crafts facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Needle-and-Bitch-DIY-handmade-crafts-374624736056928/