Title:
Womyn-Only Space in the Dianic Tradition: Lessons from PantheaCon( file size: 227k )

Author:
Braun, T. V.

Medium Type:
Project

Keyword(s):
Feminist spirituality, Pagan, Wicca, Transgender, Gender inclusion

Supervisor(s):
Dr. Paul Kellogg

Abstract:
Womyn-only space in the Dianic tradition has been regularly questioned and challenged by other Pagan traditions, the trans community, and other women’s spirituality groups. Incidents with two Dianic groups at PantheaCon 2011 and 2012 led to heated discussion in the Pagan community about gender and inclusion. This paper focuses on online discussions by self-identified Pagans, where three points were debated as a result of the PantheaCon incidents: defining the term “womyn” in womyn-only space; the accountability of community leaders; and the role of exclusionary spaces at large Pagan community events. While no specific resolution is recommended or conclusion reached, this paper attempts to make a contribution to a deeper understanding of this controversy as part of the process by which the Pagan community continues to explore issues of gender and inclusion while increasing its understanding of the Dianic tradition.