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Photographer Phillup Lyons Gets “RAW” at Fresh Richmond Saturday

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In the wake of the #MeToo movement, photographers are reevaluating the portrayal of women in their work. Richmond photographer Phillup Lyons’ upcoming show, which is entitled “RAW” and will be on view at Fresh Richmond Saturday, is, according to Lyons, an exploration of the female form in a “tasteful way.”

Lyons, who also goes by Rouge Jungle, works mainly with female models. When men appear in the photos, they are clothed, but much of his work focuses on nude or almost-nude women, posing in sheets or bathtubs. One female model poses lying on the floor at the bottom of a staircase.

“I’ve always shot women, and I’ve always enjoyed the female form overall as an art form,” said Lyons. “I don’t want it to seem like it’s a fetish or anything, like ‘Oh my god I love women,’ I just appreciate them in a certain kind of way. I want to share my appreciation through my work.”

Lyons is concerned with the predictable way women are depicted in modern photography, especially in online media: “With the rise of social media, I think photographers in general have fallen into the same pattern of the ideal woman — portraying women in a certain way, and not portraying them in a variety of ways.”

He strives to represent women differently from other photographers. When asked how he accomplishes this, Lyons said, “What I think separates my art from other people’s work is that I study art. I study different forms of art, I think that translates well in my work, so it doesn’t become so sexualized.”

The low light, high contrast, and bare skin so often found in his work gives a sexual element to the pieces. “Sensual” is the word used most often, Lyons said, when he asks models and viewers to describe his work. “[The models] don’t feel like I’m objectifying them in a certain kind of way,” said Lyons.

In order to create his work, Lyons values collaboration and honest conversations with the models, although he prefers to use the word “subjects.” “I just have a really honest conversation,” he said. “I’m not perfect in my point of view, I know that. I can always grow. I want the models feel their point of view is valued — I don’t even use the word models. I prefer subjects, like a subject of my photography. I believe every person I work with has their own story, and their own experience that they bring to my art, and I try to bring that to the people that enjoy my art.”

As a male photographer focusing on the #MeToo movement, Lyons said, “I’m very conscious that I’m a guy. I’m not doing it from a guilty standpoint, or a male guilt standpoint, but I wanted to use my platform to continue this conversation.”

This exhibit will show Lyons’ “best work to date.” Lyons’ inspiration from this show in part comes from his good friend and musical artist, Suzi Analogue, who also curated the show. “Her music is inspirational,” said Lyons, “She has been a big inspiration for this stretch of my life.”

Lyons’ advice for aspiring artists: “Do what you think is dope. That’ll be what lasts the longest, what you believe in.”

See Phillup Lyons’ photography at Fresh Richmond, located at 213 E. Broad St, on Saturday, December 15 from 7 til 10 PM. For more info, click here. You can find Rouge Jungle on Instagram.

#MeToo and #HimToo and the Continuing Fight Ahead

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As the nation watched Dr. Christine Blasey Ford testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, it witnessed the unfolding of a decisive moment in the #MeToo movement. 

Ford testified that an intoxicated, teenaged Kavanaugh — who vehemently and explicitly denied all allegations of sexual assault and misconduct — pinned her down on a bed and attempted to remove her clothing during a party 36 years ago. But despite public outcry from women’s rights advocates, Kavanaugh’s confirmation process was successful. After a 50-48 vote, Kavanagh was sworn in as a Supreme Court Justice on Saturday, October 6.

When Ford took the stand, she was supported by a community of sexual assault survivors and women’s right activists, but they were unable to derail Kavanaugh’s confirmation. Dr. Sarah J. Brubaker (Virginia Commonwealth University associate professor, and Criminal Justice and Public Policy Director) said she believes the Kavanaugh hearings are illustrative of a larger societal problem in America.

“Both the allegations regarding sexual assault and the threat to eliminate women’s reproductive rights reflect the overall status of gender relations in our society,” Brubaker said, “and the power differentials that continue to place women in subordinate position to men.”

As Kavanaugh was sworn in, protests erupted at the court doors. These protests continued outside the high court Tuesday, as Kavanaugh prepared for his first day as a U.S Supreme Court Justice. USA Today reported that over 40 protestors arrived at 7 a.m. on Tuesday morning to meet Kavanaugh as he entered the building.

This level of support for Ford and opposition to Kavanaugh comes in the wake of the strengthening #MeToo movement.

In a CNN discussion with Jake Tapper, Sen. Nina Turner, D-Ohio, stated that the Kavanaugh hearings are an important moment for #MeToo and the treatment of assault survivors.

“This is a watershed moment for this country, and I hope that more good can come from this,” Turner said. “We have lots of work to do, even beyond what is happening in this Kavanaugh case.”

Turner’s opinion, however, is not universally shared. Conservative commentator and journalist Tiana Lowe argues that Ford’s allegations do more harm than good for future of the #MeToo movement.  

In an article for Politico Magazine, Lowe stated that Ford’s allegations against Kavanaugh represent a shift from credible “evidence-backed” claims to politically-motivated “revenge” accusations. Lowe wrote that the partisan tunnel vision seen within the two parties throughout this process only served to delegitimize the #MeToo movement.

“It’s these two factions, keen on engaging in scorched-earth political bloodsport, that threaten to derail the groundbreaking potential of the #MeToo movement,” Lowe said.

Conservative writer Lisa Boothe noted in an op-ed article for The Hill that the #MeToo movement has begotten an unprecedented weaponization of sexual misconduct claims.

“Since the #MeToo movement started less than a year ago, we have seen an overcorrection in society that is dangerous and inarguably anti-men,” Boothe said.

Boothe thinks #MeToo has led Americans to be “coerced” into believing a woman’s allegation solely because she is a woman. Furthermore, Boothe states that Ford’s allegations are being used as a “battering ram” to attack Kavanaugh’s character and career.

Boothe’s opinion correlates to the rising #HimToo movement, which emerged as conservative response to #MeToo.

Sandra E. Garcia, a reporter for The New York Times, wrote that Kavanaugh’s confirmation “energized” the #HimToo movement — which was popularized with a rogue tweet from a mother, claiming her son was afraid to go on solo dates because of the current political climate surrounding sexual assault allegations. Her son, a Navy vet and ally of the #MeToo movement, quickly cleared up the incident and spoke out in favor of women’s rights.

After the Kavanaugh hearings, this hashtag quickly became representative of belief that the current political climate in America is dangerous to men.

“During the hearings, many people tweeted #HimToo to show their support for Kavanaugh,” Garcia wrote, “and to reprimand women who they believed had made up accounts of sexual assault to destroy a man’s career.”

A multifaceted debate, Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the Supreme Court represents a pivotal point for #MeToo.

On one hand, this process has significantly furthered the conversation on sexual assault and misconduct in American society. Furthermore, the ongoing opposition against Kavanaugh from sexual assault survivors, #MeToo supporters, and women’s rights activists demonstrates the continuing vigor of this movement.

On the other hand, allegations of political agendas and the “weaponization” of sexual assault claims may discourage individuals from coming forward in the future. Additionally, these assertions may negatively affect the perceived legitimacy of individuals who found a voice under #MeToo.

The next few months are likely to have a long-lasting impact for the #MeToo movement. If it is to remain strong in the future, women’s rights activists will have to be prepared to continue the fight at full strength.

Vintage Shop Closes Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

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This is a developing story. 

Fan-based vintage shop Yesterday’s Heroes closed abruptly this week, following allegations on social media from multiple women that the shop owner, Drew Spruill, sexually assaulted them and others.

Initially, a sign on the door informed visitors that the shop, located at South Addison Street, was “closed for restocking” for fall, but after social media accounts belonging to Spruill and the store were deleted, a new sign went up on Friday stating that the shop “is closed for the unforeseeable future.”

Some of the allegations were posted on the store’s Instagram page and as 1-star reviews on the Facebook business page, both of which were subsequently deleted. Women who have spoken to RVA Mag said that Spruill assaulted adult women and pursued sexual relationships with minor women, both inside and outside of the vintage shop.

RVA Mag has reached out to Spruill and women who have accused him of sexual assault for further comment.

Opinion: Well Intentioned, Poorly Executed: Is the #MeToo Movement Actually Threatening Equality?

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Social media users dreadfully scrolled through their newsfeeds upon seeing the posts from family, that old friend from high school, muscle-bound actor Terry Crews, and several others they might never have expected sharing their stories of sexual harassment and assault. 

Victims calmed down the quiet storms of fear and rage within their minds and went on living their seemingly content lives. Maybe you weren’t so shocked. Maybe you’ve been one of those quiet storms yourself.  #MeToo. Ever since the “#MeToo” posts began flooding social media feeds across the globe, inquisitive minds have begged the question, ‘have this many people really experienced sexual assault? What is the premise and/or “point” of this hashtag..? Who are the real victims, and what constitutes a real victim?’

The current state of this movement neglects to differentiate between harassment, rape, and groping, labeling many people as survivors, without evaluating their accusations. The truth is, none of these unwelcome advances are acceptable, and expecting #MeToo posters to elaborate their experiences is a form of victim blaming. If we dismiss the voices of those who step forward, we are destroying the very platform needed to maintain this crucial dialogue that has finally surfaced within our society. The conversation is not threatening equality in the least. The fact that people (men, women, and non-binary folks alike), are being brave enough to bring attention to issues that are all-too-often swept under a giant, smelly, patriarchal rug is what really matters.  

Unsurprisingly, certain men have found a way to make this phenomenon about themselves. Self-glorifying, “apologetic” posts in response to #MeToo appeared on newsfeeds during the weeks the movement was starting to gain serious momentum. Writer Benjamin Law started a counter #HowIWillChange movement after encouraging men to reveal how they will support women who have been “abused, assaulted, and harassed” by other men. He gave several suggestions in a Twitter thread, each listed under the hashtag #HowIWillChange. His promises include donating to local women’s shelters, calling out misogyny, reporting sexual assaults, and supporting women who have experienced sexual assault.

Benjamin Law: How I will Change

Law appears to be well-intentioned, and it’s good to see men calling themselves out and promising improved behavior. If #MeToo has suddenly transformed even a handful of men into champions of women, then the hashtag has exceeded our expectations as women. The real question is—will these men step off their social media platforms to do some real work? Are they ensuring themselves against potential future accusations? Sure, a half-assed apology is nice and all, but why should we have had to tolerate toxic and predatory behavior in order to help them evolve into better men? The first step towards tangible change should be reaching out to those they’ve hurt, not making blanket apologies.

Society is low-key quick to claim certain #MeToo posters are crying wolf, but have no interest in examining the pining apologies of men who claim they’ve changed their skirt-chasing, ass-groping, sexually harassing ways. Some men claim they’re genuinely confused as to what is acceptable behavior, both in the workplace and beyond. Good old common sense, workplace sexual harassment training, and generally trying not to be a piece of shit are good rules of thumb to follow whilst treading those “uncertain,” murky waters. While rape and catcalling shouldn’t necessarily be equated, neither behavior is acceptable—and that’s the broader point of this movement.  

In the world of feminism, there is a sort of beggars can’t be choosers mentality—that we should be complacent and accept that a platform finally exists at all. “Just ok,” is not good enough. Our fight for equality and bringing the actions of assaulters to light cannot stop with the acceptance of self-glorifying social media apologists.

Bringing equality a step closer to Richmond is Ali Greenberg, founder of female-friendly co-working space The Broad. Greenberg believes that “The #metoo movement has shown that the powers that be will not make space for us, in fact, they will take it from us. As we see the foundations of just about every industry rotting from within, it is more important than ever that we have our own spaces to learn, grow, connect, and heal. And, since they aren’t being built for us, we will build them ourselves.” Opening in 2018, this space is slated to become exactly what the women, (as well as non-binary folks) of Richmond have needed.

In dark times, folks come together. It is a silver lining amidst the shit storm. Time Magazine named the silence-breaking #MeToo posters as 2017’s Person of the Year. The #MeToo posters are of varying ages, ethnicities, occupations, incomes, etc. They are worlds apart, yet one in the same. For some reason, when a movie star says #MeToo, it becomes easier for society to digest.

Time Magazine: Silence Breakers

A Time Magazine/SurveyMonkey online poll of American adults conducted Nov. 28–30, 82 percent of respondents said women are more likely to speak out about harassment since the Weinstein allegations. From Richmond to Hollywood and beyond, silence is being broken. Glass ceilings are shattering. We are not complacent. We are taking up space in the world. This is the beginning of true equality, and I’m damn happy to be here for it.