Chinese activist to speak of #MeToo’s impact on feminist resistance

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Chinese activist Li Maizi will discuss the “#MeToo Movement in China: The Rise of Feminist Resistance” and challenges ahead during the Sept. 25 annual University of Louisville lecture in Asian democracy at the Louisville Free Public Library.

The public talk by the advocate for gender equality and LGBTQ rights will begin at 6 p.m. at the main library, 301 York St. UofL’s Center for Asian Democracy is presenting the lecture with the library, World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana and the Asia Institute-Crane House. Although the event is free, online registration is requested at www.worldkentucky.org/events to reserve seats.

Li Tingting, who uses the pseudonym Li Maizi, and four other activists were detained by Chinese police for 37 days after they planned a 2015 International Women’s Day protest of sexual harassment on public transportation; the group was dubbed the Feminist Five in the outcry that followed. That year, she was recognized as one of the BBC 100 Women, Ms. magazine’s 10 Most Inspiring Feminists and Foreign Policy magazine’s 100 Leading Global Thinkers.

She has been the LGBT program manager at the nonprofit social justice and public health organization Beijing Yirenping Center and has led many campaigns against discrimination, domestic violence and biased policies toward women in employment and higher education. She organized an “Occupy Men’s Toilets” campaign in two Chinese cities in 2012 to highlight the need for more public restrooms for women.

Li finished her master’s degree in theory and practice of human rights at the University of Essex in England this year.

For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Amanda LeDuke, 502-852-3303 or amanda.leduke@louisville.edu, or Jason Abbott, 502-641-4565 or Jason.abbott@louisville.edu.

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EDITORS: Li Maizi’s photo is attached; credit Cathy Yang.