Nicole’s post below just reminded me of something I’ve been meaning to post about. A small British press called godhaven ink has reissued Hot Pantz, the DIY gynecology zine that’s been on the bookshelf of every savvy riot wiccan and herbal grrrl since it was first published in 1994. If there was one object I’d like to place lovingly in the hands of every woman I meet, it’s this guide to, as the authors put it, “knowing more about your cunt than your doctor does”. With herbal recipes for everything from treating STIs to brewing aphrodesiacs, it’s a well-researched, clearly-written, non-condescending booklet that has helped me, at least, feel like my “area” isn’t a foreign country that I have to learn a whole new language to visit.
I know it seems a bit funny to have to order it from overseas, but if you know a better way to get it please let me know. Ever since my local women’s resource centre got turned into a bougie clothing boutique (they have a few Keepers and Luna pads crammed in the back, just to twist the knife a bit), I’m at a bit of a loss. In conclusion, if there is a space near you where you can buy this kind of stuff, for heaven’s sake support it. And spread the word.



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five comments
Hey Anna, is Hot Pantz the same as Hot Pants, released by the Blood Sisters? I thought the Blood Sisters were from Montreal, have they gone defunct? Oh dear.
Posted by Thea
January 30, 2007, 12:38 PM
Yup, the very same. I don't know what exactly the state of the collective is, but Elle Corazon, their aforementioned space, is now the aforementioned boutique (where, okay, you can buy vegan shoes, so it's not all bad, but still). So yes, unless someone can tell me different, Bloodsisters is no longer around, or at least keeping a low profile. Meaning one has to order a locally-made zine off the freakin' internet.
Posted by Anna
January 30, 2007, 1:49 PM
Wow. I was going to report on this zine and actually JUST ordered a from Chicago's Pomegranate Collective after learning about the zine on Good for Her's advice site. I too noticed the sisters were no more.
The Pomegranate People (http://pomegranatecollective.org/) are uber helpful and offer a myriad DIY zines for purchase. That and they give you the "well-concealed cash" option which can make things a little simpler order wise.
Email them with orders at info@pomegranatecollective.org
Posted by Stacey May
January 30, 2007, 2:14 PM
I'm pretty sure they used to sell it at Grassroots in Toronto, beside the cloth pads, but it's not listed on their online catalogue (http://www.grassrootsstore.com). I think I saw it at the Toronto Women's Bookstore once, too. It's a great resource.
Posted by Melinda
January 30, 2007, 3:37 PM
i'm pretty sure we have copies of it for sale at the Union for Gender Empowerment at mcgill - send an email to uge@riseup.net and i'll get back to you about it!
(we might only have it in french though.)
Posted by kat
June 18, 2007, 11:33 AM
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