Welcome to "The Feminine Speaks," an up front, honest, personal, intelligent, and powerful discussion with two people living “the feminine” in life today. Inspiring others to share their story through the art of writing, poetry, and theatre performance. Hear how this passionate couple, Maria Aparo, and Jens Rasmussen, partners, parents, visionaries, movers, and shakers in the world of feminism walk their talk.
Listen as Maria Aparo who describes herself as a queer feminist, multidisciplinary artist, producer, former sex worker, activist, wife and mother shares what life partnership can mean. Renowned for her groundbreaking projects that defy expectations, Maria fearlessly blurs the line between art and life while challenging societal norms. With a decade of experience in producing and theater management, Maria brings a wealth of expertise to Bechdel Project.
For over 20 years, her partner Jens Rasmussen has thrived at the intersection of non-profit leadership and artistic innovation as Co-Creative Director of the Bechdel Project, supporting the development of bold feminist stories for the stage and screen. Bechdel Project believes the stories we tell don't just reflect culture they shape culture. We also believe that everyone is a storyteller. Whether that story is shared on a stage, screen, at the dinner table, or around the water-cooler. Every story we share, every creation we make, and our public and private actions all have the potential to change the world around us. Benefits of this work: richer stories, empathy and understanding, the reflection of reality and the true diversity of the world, positive role models, social, economic, and environmental benefits, challenging harmful stereotypes, and inspiring future generations. His creative energy helped bring to life the acclaimed online interactive play "American Dreams", the immersive "Canoe Play Project", and No Shame Columbus, a wildly successful platform for uncensored new work. Beyond the stage, Jens is a dedicated advocate for social justice, co-founding the North Brooklyn Community Boathouse to increase access to NYC’s waterways, and led the Save Bushwick Inlet Park movement, securing valuable parkland, and changing the map of NYC forever. From peaceful protests to captivating presentations, he champions positive change. A driven leader with a knack for building relationships and igniting creativity, Jens Rasmussen is committed to making a lasting impact.
Learn more about Maria Aparo + Jens Rasmussen:
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