BFFBOSSO!

So I don't know if I've yet gotten on a soapbox about gender, but let's just say that I'm not entirely sure I believe in it. Sure, sure, there is a biological difference between a man and a woman. But what are the other differences? Other than the artificially imposed social constructions of what men and women should be like?

Daine is certainly the more nurturing of the two of us. I really can't abide babies, though a quirky, talky child can be amusing. Daine is the baker in the family (we both cook, but I don't bake, lest disasters should occur). I was a decided tom boy as a child--growing up, I often found more in common with boys than with girls.

As a caveat, I could perhaps imagine some foundational difference, but it is something that I believe the layers of social programming and demeaning, propagandistic bull prevents us from knowing ever knowing in this life.

In short, I believe that gender (whose definition alters dramatically depending on period and culture--more on this later) is made up. That out of the way, let me just say that I loooove the idea of "sisterhoods" and "spiritual bonds" between women. We, the Mystical, the Whimsical, will celebrate our "secret power" with a gaggle of fun, fancy and friendship based on the solid and deep foundation of similar sex organs.

And now for the source of my little diatribe, a post from Book Club in my new Relief Society. Oh, and watch out for Magical Pants--it sounds contagious and a little nasty.

"Our last book group was a lot of fun, though we did miss quite a few people. In the book the characters formed their own sisterhood, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. It was a fun book with some great themes: Friendship and staying united! Attached are some pictures of the good times we had in our group.

"As members of the Relief Society we are already part of a great sisterhood, but I've decided this coming year with book group we are going to adopt the themes of Friendship and staying united. Expect to see these 'magical pants' again at every book group as they will be passed from hostess to hostess and will hopefully help bring us together every month!"

Previous diatribe aside, I must say that I am always appreciative of any effort to get anyone to read. Even if the very title of the chosen book makes me break out in hives.