DIARY | Wears The Trousers dons its activist strides for Free Pussy Riot fundraiser

Russian activist band Pussy Riot have caused a wave of press around the world after making a name for themselves as an anti-Putin, riot grrrl-inspired collective with a penchant for guerrilla gigs in forbidden spaces (churches, on top of state buildings). Their radical approach to confronting fascism has earned them incarceration: at present, three apparently self-identified members of Pussy Riot are in jail and awaiting trial next week on charges of ‘hooliganism’, prompting Amnesty International and feminist luminaries such as Kathleen Hanna to call for their release. They face up to seven years in prison if convicted.

Feminist groups, too, are rallying around the jailed women, and London grrrl orgs Not So Popular, Girls Get Busy and Storm In A Teacup have teamed up to raise money and awareness for the Free Pussy Riot campaign with a fundraiser this coming Sunday (April 22) at the Shacklewell Arms in East London. The all-day event included a host of grrrl-friendly bands, headlined by the legendary Viv Albertine. Zoetrope, Female Band, New Noveta, Wars, Youth, Honeyslide, Skinny Girl Diet, Umez and Keebo will also perform.

Activities include  Tamsin Omond’s balaclava-making workshop and guest speakers include East London Fawcett Group, Catherine Brogan, Sisters Of Mirthy and Wears The Trousers’ own deputy editor Charlotte Richardson Andrews. There will be zine stalls aplenty to browse, and DJ sets running throughout. A £5 donation is asked, with all proceeds donated directly to Pussy Riot. Full details of the event can be found here.

The following day, neon balaclava-clad, electric guitar-toting ladies (and men!) will gather outside the Russian Embassy in London from 6pm to protest. Join them!

Tagged female band, honeyslide, keebo, new noveta, pussy riot, skinny girl diet, tamsin omond, umez, viv albertine, wars, youth, zoetrope