Lele Pons (@lelepons)
Via Canva
I am always shocked when I hear someone say they’re not a feminist or even say that the feminist movement is this crazy new world ideology. It isn't a "trend" or something that is done to be "edgy."
The feminist movement is fighting for human lives and for the rights that we should all have when we’re born.
Events like the overturning of Roe v. Wade are more than enough proof of that. If a human being losing autonomy over their own body doesn't alarm you, I don't know what will.
In simple terms, feminism advocates for equality between men and women in all aspects of life. The concept has gotten lost for many that choose to not educate themselves on the subject and not only believe, but also spread the false notion that feminism is fighting for the superiority of one gender.
The feminist movement is not an attack on men, far from it. Feminism views all people as human beings deserving of a quality life as it fights against social injustices prevalent in our society.
There's nothing out of this world about the feminist movement; after all, one would think that there’s no reason for one gender to be lesser than the other in our society when we are all humans. But our world was built upon patriarchy, and men have been the ones in positions of power for far too long.
And yes, the movement is flawed, mainly where it concerns women of color and non-cisgender women. Women of color, queer, and trans women fight for more than just gender equality, and we can't be truly equal if we solve one issue but not the others.
The effect of poverty, racism, systematic oppression, and homophobia on women of color is also why the concept of intersectionality in feminism was introduced. Coined in 1989 by Kimberlé Crenshaw, she introduces the concept as "a prism for seeing the way in which various forms of inequality often operate together and exacerbate each other." When different forms of discrimination overlap, we can't just ignore one for the other, because if we do no equality has been achieved.
The feedoms and struggles of women in the U.S. look different for women in other countries. We need feminism because young girls and women are still fighting for fundamental human rights in many parts of the world.
In most countries in Latin America, for example, abortion is still heavily penalized, and reproductive rights for women are practically nonexistent. With some of the highest poverty rates in the world, access to contraception and sex education is not a given.
Femicide prevails across the world. About 66,000 women and girls are violently killed annually, accounting for approximately 17 percent of all victims of intentional homicides. A report published in 2016 by the Small Arms Survey, showed that "among 25 countries with the highest rates of femicide in the world, 14 are from Latin America and the Caribbean."
El Salvador and Honduras stand out with rates of more than ten female homicides per 100,000 women. The level of violence affecting women in El Salvador and Honduras exceeds the combined rate of male and female homicides in some of the 40 countries with the highest murder rates in the world, such as Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Tanzania.
Body autonomy and violence are just a few of the issues in the fight for equality. Phrases like, "I'm not one of those crazy feminists" or "women aren't oppressed," need to be used as teachable moments rather than just brushed off casually as just another knock on women. The more we destigmatize the word, the more we can actually achieve understanding from those who are willing to listen and learn.
Keep ReadingShow less
Photo Courtesy of the Women's March
On January 18, 2025, Washington, D.C., will once again become a hub of public dissent with The People’s March, hosted by Women’s March. This demonstration comes at a historic moment, just days before Donald Trump begins his second term as president. Framed as a collective stand against policies that organizers see as harmful to equality and justice, the march aims to unite voices from across the nation in an act of resistance and hope.
Scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM, the march will likely take place near the U.S. Capitol as in previous Women’s March events, but the exact location is yet to be announced. Participants are encouraged to arrive by 9:30 AM, with the rally expected to continue until 3:00 PM. The event seeks to channel people’s energy and determination into a collective call for change, addressing a wide range of issues from women’s rights to immigrant justice and LGBTQ+ equality.
A Platform for Diverse Voices
At its core, the organizers describe The People's March as not just about opposition, but also about creating a space for advocacy, connection, and a shared vision of progress. Tamika Middleton, Managing Director of Women’s March, emphasized the importance of this inclusive approach. "We want to push against this notion of hopelessness, this sort of fear that we see people leaning into demobilization and demoralization. We're also trying to make visible a resistance...We want to demonstrate that there are people who will continue to stand up and fight against [Trump's policies],” she shared with Time Magazine.
The march is expected to bring together a coalition of individuals and groups united by a commitment to justice. From climate action to racial equity, the event aims to amplify voices that often go unheard, reminding the nation of the power of collective action.
Emiliana Guereca, Co-Chair of the Women’s March Foundation, also highlighted the power of coming together for a common goal in a recent press release. “The People’s March is about collective power. We are not just here to resist; we are here to lead. The policies and attacks coming our way will be cruel, but our resolve is stronger. Together, we will fight for justice, equality, and a future where all people thrive, no matter the political landscape.”
Continuing a Legacy of Activism
The People’s March builds on the historic momentum of the first Women’s March, held on January 21, 2017. That event, sparked by Trump’s initial inauguration, saw hundreds of thousands of people flood the streets wearing pink hats, which became symbolic of that historic Women’s March. It remains one of the largest single-day protests in the U.S., gathering around 470,000 people in D.C., and an estimated 4.6 million people across the country in a variety of related events.
In the years since, Women’s March has evolved, addressing criticisms of exclusivity and working to become a more inclusive movement. The decision to rebrand the 2025 event as The People's March underscores this commitment to inclusivity, aiming to create a space where everyone concerned about the future can feel represented and heard.
“We know that we're going to have to have all of them, poor folks, middle class folks. We're going to need women. We're going to need queer, trans folks and non binary folks. We're going to need men,” Middleton shared with Time Magazine. “We're going to need all of us really in this struggle together in order to fight back against what we see coming.”
Bold Action That Goes Beyond Marching
As the date approaches, organizers are framing The People's March as a rallying cry for civic engagement at a critical time. Women’s March has been clear about the stakes, declaring on their website: “We are not done. With Trump set to return to the White House early next year, we’re facing a moment that calls us to act boldly. It’s time to march.” This bold call to action reflects the urgency many feel as they prepare for the potential challenges of Trump’s second term.
The People's March is designed as one part of a broader strategy to foster long-term political engagement, with the hope that participants will carry the energy of the day into ongoing efforts to help keep everyday people engaged in political action and discourse. “What we are trying to do is offer a vision of a different world, to offer something, a vision of change that speaks to all of us, and that includes all of us,” is how Middleton describes the vision.
Women’s March organizers are committed to turning protest into progress through initiatives like the Digital Defenders program, which equips activists to combat disinformation, and the Feminist Night School, an educational platform designed to empower and inform. These programs reflect a dedication to ensuring that the march is not an endpoint but a springboard for sustained activism.
A Stand for Justice and a Call to Action
The Women’s March is calling on people across the country to join The People's March, whether in person or in spirit. Sister marches in cities like Los Angeles offer additional opportunities for engagement, and those unable to attend can participate virtually or support the cause through donations and volunteer efforts. Organizers also encourage people to explore ongoing initiatives and educational resources as a way to stay involved beyond January 18.
As the nation prepares for another Trump presidency, The People's March hopes to create a defining moment for those committed to protecting civil rights, equality, and democracy. Organizers hope that the activism doesn’t end with a single event, but instead be looked at as a continuous effort, driven by hope, resistance, and a belief in a better future. By uniting diverse voices and focusing on both immediate and long-term goals, The People's March seeks to inspire long-term transformation.
Keep ReadingShow less
Last updated: January 14, 7:20 a.m. PT.
Multiple wildfires are currently tearing through Los Angeles County, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee. The fires have now claimed 10 lives. While the Palisades fire captured widespread media attention due to its location in the affluent Pacific Palisades neighborhood, at the time of this reporting, the Eaton Fire quickly grew to the same devastating size as the Palisades and took entire neighborhoods with it. The Eaton fire is still currently impacting areas with a significant Latino population, such as Altadena, where 27.2% of the population is Latino according to the latest census.
The Situation is still Critical
The Palisades Fire, which began in the early morning of January 7 has consumed close to 24,000 acres as of January 13 and remains at 17% containment. This fire has led to the evacuation of more than 30,000 residents, including high-profile celebrities and Hollywood executives. An estimated 5,000 structures including homes and businesses have been destroyed, with over 12,250 additional properties at risk.
The Eaton Fire, burning in the Eaton Canyon area located to the east of downtown Los Angeles, has escalated to over 14,000 acres. The fire has forced evacuations of over 153,000 people, destroyed structures, and claimed the lives of eight people, injuring at least 5 others, though the exact number continues to be unclear at this time.
Firefighters are still working to slow the spread of the Eaton Fire and protect critical infrastructure under extreme conditions including another red flag warning issued the morning of January 12 and is expected to last through 6 pm, Wednesday, January 15. The strongest winds are expected to occur on Tuesday, January 14.
The Eaton fire is now at 35% containment as of the latest reports. Authorities have also issued mandatory evacuation orders for zones in the affected areas, including parts of Altadena, Pasadena, La Cañada Flintridge, and Sierra Madre. Meanwhile, the Hurst fire is 97% contained and the Lidia and Sunset fires were extinguished.
The fires were fueled by extreme Santa Ana winds, with gusts reaching up to 99 mph in some areas. These extreme conditions, added to an already drought-ridden landscape, created a dangerous and unpredictable environment, complicating evacuation efforts and firefighting strategies across the board. The fires have collectively cost 23 lives in total, according to the latest CAL Fire reports, and destroyed over 12,300 structures.
Residents are urged to continue to stay vigilant and track the ongoing incidents here, following all evacuation orders, and staying informed to ensure their safety.
Critical Resources for Residents
Residents can track fire activity, evacuation zones, and updates through CAL FIRE’s Incident Information Page and Alert LA County. CAL FIRE provides real-time updates, and you can register on Alert LA County to receive emergency notifications. The language on the Alert LA County website can be switched to Spanish by clicking the orange “Language” button and selecting Spanish from the dropdown menu.
Shelter and Housing Resources
Emergency shelters are also available for residents displaced by the fires. Locations include:
- Westwood Recreation Center (1350 S. Sepulveda, Los Angeles, 90025), where domestic family pets are welcome if kept in carriers or crates.
- El Camino Real Charter High School (5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367).
- Ritchie Valens Recreation Center (10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331) for residents impacted by the Hurst Fire.
- Pasadena Convention Center (300 E. Green St, Pasadena CA 91101).
- Pan Pacific Recreation Center (7600 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036).
- Pomona Fairplex (1101 W McKinley Ave. Pomona).
- Hollywood High School (1521 Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90028).
- Re/Creation Cafe (4500 Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90016).
- Tapestry Church (1521 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90015).
- All LA locations of Planet Fitness are offering shelter to evacuees.
- White Memorial Church (401 N State St Los Angeles, CA, 90033).
- St Sarkis Armenian Church (58 S Sierra Madre Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107).
- Pasadena All Saints Church (132 N Euclid Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101).
- First Baptist Church (75 N Marengo Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101).
- Reality Center (1428 2nd St #400, Santa Monica, CA 90401).
Local Assistance & Disaster Resource Centers are open to the public on January 14 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Starting January 15, they will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit LA County Recovers for more information, available in English and Spanish.
For residents with animals, the following shelters are available:
- Los Angeles Equestrian Center (480 W Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91506).
- Pierce College Equestrian Center (7100 El Rancho Drive, Woodland Hills).
- Agoura Animal Care Center (29525 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301).
- LA Dream Center Emergency Shelter (2301 Bellevue Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90026).
- Studio DDLA (944 Chung King Rd).
- Pasadena Convention Center (300 E. Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101) for pets on leash and in carriers.
There are also animal shelters providing housing and care for small and large evacuated animals:
For small animals:
- Agoura Animal Care Center (29525 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills).
- Baldwin Park Animal Care Center (4275 Elton St, Baldwin Park).
- Carson Animal Care Center (216 W Victoria St, Gardena).
- Castaic Animal Care Center (31044 Charlie Canyon, Castaic).
- Downey Animal Care Center (11258 Garfield Ave, Downey).
- Lancaster Animal Care Center (5210 W Ave I, Lancaster).
- Palmdale Animal Care Center (38550 Sierra Hwy, Palmdale).
For large animals:
- Pomona Fairplex (1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona).
- Industry Hills Expo (16200 Temple Ave, City of Industry).
- LA Equestrian (480 Riverside Dr, Burbank) (At capacity as of January 12).
- Hansen Dam Horse Park (11127 Orcas Ave, Hansen Dam, CA 91342).
- Castaic Animal Care Center (31044 Charlie Canyon, Castaic).
- Pico Rivera Sports Arena (11003 Sports Arena Dr, Pico Rivera, CA 90601, USA).
Mutual Aid and Shared Resources
FEMA assistance is available for LA County residents who have been impacted by the fires. Government agency LA County Recovers provides all the information in one place, including instructions in English and Spanish on how to apply for FEMA assistance. This application process is the same for those impacted by the Eaton and Palisades fires. LA County Recovers also provides a complete list of contact information for all LA County departments. Users also can sign up to receive daily updates about essential emergency information and recovery resources.
As of January 13, a significant number of GoFundMe pages have been created in response to the ongoing crisis, including GoFundMe's own fundraiser Wildfire Relief Fund 2025. This has been a helpful resource for Latine families and others displaced by the fires to obtain support. For those who intend to apply for FEMA assistance and want to create GoFundMe campaigns as well, it's recommended to follow certain guidelines to avoid conflicts with FEMA assistance. Such as:
- Using broad language to frame the campaign instead of specifying expenses like medical bills, home repairs, or cleanup.
- Focusing on general recovery and supplemental needs.
These recommendations are meant to raise general awareness, not to replace legal advice. To understand more about FEMA assistance, read their fact sheet.
Additional emergency resources and support guides are available in this document, which is constantly being updated with the help of the community to keep it relevant and helpful.
Transportation, Food, Supplies, and More
In partnership with 211 LA, Airbnb is providing free, temporary housing to displaced people, who can request assistance and access by contacting 211 LA. For transportation, Uber is offering a $40 credit that is only valid for trips to active shelters. Use the code WILDFIRE25. Lyft also announced they're offering $25 vouchers, valid for two trips and available to 500 people until January 15. Use the code CAFIRERELIEF25.
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is feeding people displaced by the fires. You can find a pantry near you by entering your zip code here. The page is also available in Spanish, simply click the "Ver en Español" button at the bottom. World Central Kitchen also provides meals in affected areas.
For those seeking mental health services and support, call or text the 988 lifeline. For assistance in Spanish, dial 2 when you call 988 or text the word "AYUDA" to 988. The Los Angeles County ACCESS Center is also offering mental health services and referrals, call (1-800-854-7771) to get in touch.
California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara shared this information via social media regarding insurance:
Residents under mandatory evacuation because of wildfire could be eligible for evacuation-related expense reimbursements under their current insurance policy.
Additional Living Expenses coverage typically includes food and housing costs, furniture rental, relocation and storage, and extra transportation expenses, among other costs.
Tips for evacuees:
📄Obtain a complete copy of your insurance policy
💵Take note of your additional living expense limit
📥Track all your additional expenses
📝Document all conversations with your insurer/adjuster AND
🚫Don’t rush into any decisions, if you have any doubts CALL US! ☎️ 1 (800) 927-4357
The California Department of Insurance also announced a one-year moratorium on the cancellation of insurance policies. More information can be found at insurance.ca.gov.
Business owners who have been impacted by the wildfires can access essential resources to rebuild here, compiled by legalmiga law, P.C.
Emergency Preparation
Residents in fire-prone areas are urged to assemble a go-bag with essential items in case of sudden evacuation, including:
- Personal Items: Identification, insurance documents, and cash.
- Clothing: Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, and weather-appropriate layers.
- Health Supplies: Prescription medications, first-aid kit, and hygiene products.
- Food and Water: Non-perishable snacks and enough water for at least three days.
- Electronics: Phone chargers, a flashlight, and spare batteries.
- Pet Needs: Food, water, and carriers for animals.
Here’s a complete go-bag checklist in English and Spanish.
The Listos California organization offers helpful resources in English and Spanish for wildfire preparation. Including tips like:
- Have backup plans for electrical medical devices and refrigerated medicines.
- Get a map and plan three different exit routes from home and work.
- Discuss and create an evacuation plan with family members, including choosing a safe meeting place.
Authorities urge all residents in evacuation zones to leave immediately and follow these safety measures:
- Call 911 if you or someone you know requires urgent assistance.
- Check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those with mobility challenges, but only if it is safe to do so.
- Monitor local news outlets and official social media channels for updates.
- For additional updates, follow LA County Emergency Services.
- Subscribe to outage alerts and report downed power lines: LA Dept of Water and Power or with Southern California Edison.
There are currently over 400,000 power outages in California, most of them in the Ventura and Los Angeles counties. In many cases, electricity has been cut on purpose as a safety measure to prevent the electric system from becoming an ignition source, as reported by CNN.
It's also important to stay aware of the air quality around you, whether you're in an evacuation zone or not, and take precautions to avoid coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, and other respiratory problems, as well as cardiovascular problems, eye and throat irritation, headaches, and fatigue.
Some precautions include staying indoors (if there are no evacuation orders in your area) with windows closed, using air purifiers, and avoiding going outdoors. If going outdoors is unavoidable, residents are urged to wear N95 respirators. For updated air quality reports, refer to this map to check your area.
How to Help
There are many ways to help the relief efforts. Supporting organizations that provide food, like the LA Food Bank and World Central Kitchen, shelter, and resources for evacuees can make a significant difference.
Check mutual aid lists for efforts that match what you can give.
Community volunteers put together a list of donation links for Latino families seeking direct financial support. The list can be found by clicking on this link. To be added or removed from this list, email latinefamileslawildfires@gmail.com. Include the link, name, and description of the person or family needing support.
The We All Grow community is hosting a donation drive and coordinating on-the-ground efforts. Their inquiry form can be found by clicking on this link.
In this document, the Latinx Therapist Network has compiled a list of GoFundMe links from Latino survivors of the LA fires to highlight the Latine community and their need for support during this crisis.
Reporting issues like price gouging is also a good way to help the community during this crisis. It's illegal to increase prices for goods, services, or commodities during a state of emergency under California law. The Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) encourages residents to document suspected price gouging by saving receipts and other records. Incidents can be reported via the DCBA website or by calling (800) 593-8222.
Protect Yourself from Fraud
You must ensure the legitimacy of all donation links. Do not donate to, share personal information, or click on unknown or suspicious links. In the digital age, posts spread quickly and the nature of the crisis inspires generosity. Fraudsters know this and prey on community generosity.
A real video of Mexican firefighters in the U.S. from 2020 went viral after influencers shared the video inaccurately stating the video was from the Los Angeles fires. An account then began sharing a Cash App account to try to capitalize on the viral post. This is only one example of the ways unscrupulous people will try to defraud others during a crisis.
California Insurance Commissioner Lara put the California Department of Insurance on alert for potential fraud and illegal actions targeting survivors.
This is a developing story. Updates are added on an ongoing basis.
Keep ReadingShow less
Have you Discovered the Luz Community Yet?
Thinking about traveling, starting a new workout plan, or building your professional skills? We've got it all.
Looking to feed your mind, body, and soul?
Want to join a community with women just like you? We're covering everything from spirituality, to careers, to dismantling machismo.