Tag Archives: Women’s World Cup

7 Of The Biggest Things To Affect Women in 2015

It’s hard to believe that the year is almost over. 2015 has whizzed by like super progressive blur as so many important political decisions were made and so many important discussions were had about equality.

But what were the most influential? And which events made the most headlines?

Read on for our round up of the biggest things to affect women that happened in 2015.

1. Viola Davis’ Emmy Win

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On this very site, we’ve mentioned countless times how Hollywood is happy to exclude and refuse to hire actors of colour altogether. So naturally, we (and many other people around the world) for ecstatic when Viola Davis won an Emmy Award for her role as bisexual lawyer Annalise Keating.

Making history as the first African-American woman to win an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, Viola Davis’ also gave an incredible speech that not only quoted abolitionist and humanitarian Harriet Tubman but it also name-checked other black actresses (such as Gabrielle Union and Kerry Washington) and called on Hollywood to offer the same opportunities to women of colour as it does to white women.

2. Misty Copeland Becomes the First Principal Dancer at the American Ballet Theatre

Misty Copeland

The ‘principal dancer’ is a dancer at the highest rank within a professional dance company; it’s the role that every ballet dancer would love to hold and it’s one that Misty Copeland, who has been a dancer at the American Ballet Theatre for 14 years, especially wanted to achieve. In her 2014 memoir, Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina, she revealed that “if I don’t rise to principal, people will feel I have failed them”.

But Misty Copeland needn’t have worried to much as in 2015 she was finally promoted to the role of principal dancer in a round of summer promotions. In her role, she became the very first African-American woman to become a principal dancer in the American Ballet Theatre’s 75 year history and of the achievement.

3. Supreme Court Same-Sex Marriage

Californians React To Supreme Court Rulings On Prop 8 And DOMA

In other historic news from 2015, in June, the United States’ Supreme Court finally had a vote on same-sex marriage. Previously, it had been up to each state in the country to decide individually whether or not same-sex couples could get married putting couples in a difficult position as it meant that they may have to travel hours away from home just to enjoy the same ‘big white wedding in a church’ privilege that opposite sex couples got to enjoy.

Thankfully, on June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court voted to make same-sex marriage a right nationwide. This meant that one great obstacle on the road to equal rights had been defeated and that anywhere in the country, same sex couples could marry each other.

4. FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015

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Another big event making headlines over the summer of 2015 is the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Here at KitschMix we were excited not just because it’s always wonderful seeing talented women do what they do best but because many out athletes such as Megan Rapinoe, Casey Stoney and Abby Wambach would be taking part as well.

Not only did the England women’s national team reach their highest ever position in the tournament (they got 3rd place) but the final, where the USA beat Japan 5-2 also became the most watched football match in US history as it had 25.4 million viewers, beating the 18.2 million viewers who tuned into watch the US men take on Portugal the year before.

(That said, the tournament was also marred by criticism as FIFA made the women play on astro-turf unlike the men’s tournament which was played entirely on grass).

5. Hillary Clinton Running for President

Hillary Rodham Clinton Signs Copies Of Her Book 'Hard Choices' In New York

One of the dominating stories at the beginning of the year was whether or not Hillary Clinton – who had once tried to run for president in 2007 – would run for president again. In an official announcement video in April, Clinton confirmed that she’d be running for president and that she wanted to be a “champion” for “everyday Americans”.

While Clinton hasn’t always been so progressive (she was once against same-sex marriage), nor is she regarded as progressive as (fellow presidential candidate) Bernie Sanders, she has lots of viewpoints that could do some good. Clinton wants to reform the criminal justice system, offer comprehensive immigration reform with a “pathway to citizenship”, she supports LGBT equality and she hopes to close the wage gap between men too.

6. The Rise of the ‘F’ Word

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Feminism, by definition, is the “advocacy of women’s rights on the grounds of equality of the sexes” and while there are still plenty of people who do still think that it’s about women having more rights than men, in 2015, lots of influential women revealed why they were feminists,

These include Harry Potter star Emma Watson, girl group Fifth Harmony whose ‘Worth it’ music video included pro-women quotes and Taylor Swift who has spoken out about misogyny in the media and has championed powerful women with her ‘girl squad’ of friends including Serena Williams, supermodel Karlie Kloss and singer and actress Selena Gomez. Admittedly, a lot of the feminist rhetoric this year has surrounded cis, white women and has completely ignored the struggles of trans women and women of colour but it’s a positive step forward at least.

7. The MTV VMAs 2015

2015 MTV Video Music Awards - Press Room

And finally, we had the MTV Video Music Awards 2015. Hosted by professional headline-grabber and former Disney star Miley Cyrus, the MTV VMAs 2015 were always going to get serious attention and while they offended just as much as they did good (one example is comedian Rebel Wilson making light of police brutality), they did give us plenty to talk about.

In the run up to the show, Nicki Minaj called out MTV for ignoring her Anaconda music video saying that the company only “celebrates women with very slim bodies” and overlooks the contributions of black women. Then Taylor Swift got offended and accused the rapper of pitting women against each other and Miley Cyrus then chimed in saying that Minaj’s comments were “not polite”.

During the show, Nicki Minaj called Miley Cyrus out, before criticising her again in the days after the show, saying that Miley enjoys black culture without wanting to address the issues that face black people. It led to some very important and very necessary discussions about race in the media.

Also at the MTV VMAs, Blac Chyna and Amber Rose went as each others dates dressed in outfits emblazoned with things they’d been called (e.g ‘whore’, ‘bitch’, and ‘golddigger’) seemingly in an effort to reclaim those slurs. As eye-catching as their getups were, again, they got people having serious conversations.

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Canadian Goalkeeper Erin McLeod Shuts Down Hateful Comments With One Perfect Post

Over the weekend, Women’s World Cup playing, goalkeeper Erin McLeod from Canadian, tied the knot with her girlfriend and fellow footballer Ella Masar.

Erin McLeod

Masar came out publicly ealier this year in an article focusing on her Christian faith, after receiving homophobic comments on a personal family photo.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that I am deeply in love with Erin Katrina McLeod. Yes, I know she is a woman. Yes, I hear you, it is wrong. Yes, I know I am sinning. Yet, please tell me who can throw the first stone? Wether you believe it is a sin or not, I will never apologize for loving someone, faithfully, with everything that I am, and honoring them daily.”

Again, Masar has had to respond to hateful comments on her wedding. She posted this response:

For all the congratulations, love, and support thank you. Erin and I feel overwhelmed and blessed with everyone that has reached out… Also, to the “other” messages, thank you. Thank you for praying for me and reinforcing my own prayers because as you pray, “Lord please help Ella, allow her to see her sin for loving that woman, for respecting her, being faithful, honoring her, etc …” Know I am saying the same thing, “My Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing me find my better half, for finding someone that strengthens my faith and allows me to be the person I always imagined. Thank you for teaching me what truly loving someone and others is all about, amen.

https://instagram.com/p/49M8RssAFu/

Close Games, Unbelievable Goals, and Last-Minute Heroics: Why This Year’s Women’s World Cup Rocked

This year’s Women’s World Cup has been nothing short of awesome. We’ve seen close games, unbelievable goals, and last-minute heroics.

Even if you’ve missed some of it, here are the highlights.

1. It was a openly gay event and an inspiring model of inclusiveness in sports.

There will be at least 17 publicly out women – 15 players and two coaches – at the 2015 Women’s World Cup this year. Including four out players and a head coach in the world cup-winning American women’s team.

While the men’s professional game has been reluctant to be fully inclusive and supportive of anyone within the game who identifies as LGBT its generally regarded that football is much more accepting of women who are lesbian or bisexual.”

2. For the first time in Women’s World Cup history, the final was a rematch!

Just four years ago, the U.S. lost in a heart-breaking final match to Japan, decided on penalty kicks. However, on Sunday, the team lined up to do battle. This time team USA were the victors.

3. Record Breaking Matches matches

Carli Lloyd stunned football fans Sunday by scoring two goals in the first five minutes of the Women’s World Cup final against Japan.
It was the first hat trick in a Women’s World Cup final, as well as the fastest three goals for a single player in any World Cup game

Her secret to success?

I’ve just been training my butt off for the last 12 years,”

3. The English Team Proved Their Doubters Wrong

A Fara Williams penalty in extra time secures England the bronze medal in the third-place play-off against Germany at the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Edmonton.

It represented their first win over Germany in 31 years, and secured the best World Cup finish by any England team since the men’s side won the competition in 1966.

4. The highest turnout in history

Over million people supports cheered their teams on, making this the best attended Women’s World Cup in history.

5. Plenty of Goals

Germany was the tournament’s top scores, scoring 20 goals in total. Sadly Ecuador conceded the most goals – 17 in this tournament.

 

 

Hello! Brittney Griner and World Cup-Winning Footballer Ali Krieger Get Naked for ESPN Body Issue Magazine

Once a year ESPN’s magazine convinces some very talented a beautiful people to get naked for their Body Issue addition.

In the mag, the world’s greatest athletes’ pose naked and talk about the skin they’re in.

The new issue (out July 10) includes two out female athletes: WNBA star Brittney Griner and the US’s World cup-winning footballer Ali Kriege

Brittney talked to out sports journalist Kate Fagan about labels and defying gender stereotypes.

I don’t like labels. But [gender roles] are instilled in you as a kid. I was told to pick which one I wanted to be-masculine or feminine. I’m like, well, I kind of want to be both, because that’s who I am. I mean, sometimes I’m feminine, sometimes I’m emotional. And then sometimes-you see me on the court, and I’m hard-core, and then how I dress is masculine. If I put on something “girlie,” I feel very uncomfortable. It feels like something I shouldn’t be wearing. I wore a dress for my high school graduation and it sucked. My mom wanted me to wear a dress so bad. I forced a smile in a couple of photos for her, but I was the most absolute uncomfortable person.”

In her interview, Kreiger says

It’s important to show your vulnerabilities. I’m proud of my body, I’m proud of my sport, I’m proud of being a female athlete. Being naked is just another aspect of that. It’s real. It’s raw. It’s honest.

…I think my confidence came when I turned 30. I don’t know, something about turning 30 has been unbelievable. I just feel a sense of freedom. My 20s were really tough, just traveling and living in different countries and doing all these things, and now I feel like I know what I want and know really what my goals and dreams are and what I want from my life.

See the full interviews and video on ESPN’s website.

Awwww, Abby Wambach Celebrates US World Cup Victory With A Loving Kiss With Her Wife

What a perfect way to celebrate the U.S. win over Japan, as well as the U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalising gay marriage.

Abby Wamback, who has been called the “soul” of the U.S. team, celebrated her countries World Cup win by rushing to her wife, Sarah Huffman, to share a loving embrace.

Wambach told the Daily Mail:

To be quite honest, I felt like I was in a dream sitting there on the bench watching Carli Lloyd go off and I’m so proud to be on this team and proud to be a part of something that in my opinion is really special.”

She embraced her wife last night in front of the sold-out crowd in the BC Place stadium.

In October 2013, Wambach married Sarah Huffman – former midfielder for the Portland Thorns and United States national team – in Hawaii.

Huffman came out that year on the LGBT non-profit organization website, Athlete Ally.

The two were teammates on the Western New York Flash.

This was Wambach’s last chance at earning the title of World Champion, she entered her final international game in the 79th minute as a substitute, with fans chanting her name.

I would give up all my individual awards for what we just did tonight and it’s the truth. It’s the wholehearted truth.”

She claims two Olympic Gold medals, a record of most international goals scored in the sport’s history and the 2012 title of FIFA World Player of the Year.

Wambach was presented the captain’s armband by team-mate Carli Lloyd, before both Wambach and Christie Rampone raised the championship trophy- the first Americans to do so since 1999.

Congrats to Abby and the entire U.S. Team!

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Norway Women’s World Cup Team Satirizes Sexist Attitudes to Women in Sports (Video)

Earlier this month, ESPN talking head Stephen A. Smith joked on SportsCenter that a Women’s World Cup player failed to defend a goal because she was afraid to “mess up her hair.”

Smith was received media backlash and quickly apologised, but his failed attempt at humour showed the type of sexism that

female athletes have to put up with everyday.

The Norwegian team at the Women’s World Cup, however, is having none of that.

Three members of the Norwegian team worked with journalist Nicolay Ramm to produce a video, which brilliantly satirises the

belittling criticisms and complaints, many women’s sports and female athletes get from male sports fans.

I tend to pick up the ball with my hands. Suddenly, I forget myself and…’Oh crap. Handball.’”

The Norwegian team takes on England today in its first knockout-stage match after finishing second to Germany.

Swiss World Cup Striker Opens Up About Her Relationship

Swiss striker Ramona Bachmann, who was harrowed by many as one of the breakout stars in the Women’s World Cup in Canada, didn’t disappoint in her World Cup debut.

Her team are now currently riding high after a strong 10-1 victory against Ecuador, with Bachmann scoring three goals in the latter half of the game.

She also wasn’t disappointing off the pitch when she revealed is in a committed relationship with Camille Lara, a 21-year-old student based in Sweden.

Babe❤️

A photo posted by Ramona Bachmann (@bachmannr10) on

 

hahahaha #1 😍❤️

 

A photo posted by Ramona Bachmann (@bachmannr10) on

In the interview with Sonntagsblick she stated that she is pleased that Camille could accompany her to Canada for the World Cup. The couple have been together for nearly a year; although they both live in different countries, one in Switzerland and one in Sweden (Ramona plays for FC Rosengård since 2012).

Our long distance relationship works very well. It’s harder for me to go back and to Switzerland because of the games, it’s possible that when I several consecutive days rest, which is rare. So she comes to Sweden. “

Camille is a student, with a schedule more manageable, said Ramona.

 

Fotbollsgalan 2014 @camille_lara ❤️😘

 

A photo posted by Ramona Bachmann (@bachmannr10) on

The footballer also compares how her marriage is seen as it is in Switzerland or Sweden.

In Sweden, it is quite normal to ask” Do you have a girlfriend or a boyfriend? “In Switzerland, it is accepted, but not as much as in Sweden. When I walk hand in hand with Camille, people turn in Switzerland. This does not happen in Sweden, not here in Canada. “

Unlike in men’s football, there are a number of openly gay and bisexual female footballers at this years world cup.

Women’s World Cup Hopeful Abby Wambach Opens up About Why She Never Came Out Publicly

Abby Wambach is an athlete that has managed to dodge the spotlight on her sexuality for her entire career.

For years, rumours and speculation followed her, but she never spoke out. When her U.S. women’s teammate Megan Rapinoe came out, many of her loyal lesbian fans expected her to do the same. But she didn’t.
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It wasn’t until her 2013 marriage to Sarah Huffman that she even broached the subject openly, and the wedding was done with little fanfare.

In speaking candidly in a recent New York Times article, Wambach explained why:

I never felt like I had to have this huge party for myself about my sexuality. To make a party for something that I think of as normal, for me, that just didn’t seem authentic. I wanted it to be as normal as possible.”

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According to the article, Wambach added that she wanted to show that a same-sex marriage could be as typical and routine as a heterosexual one. She also explained how her attention shifted from soccer to soccer and family:

I’ll be honest. After I got married, I definitely had a shift in emotional devotion. Forever, it was just soccer — passion, life, love. Then I got married, and I had to transfer some of my energy. I want to be my best for my country, but I also made a really big promise and choice to be the best in my marriage. That has not always been the easiest thing to manage.”

This summer may very well be Wambach’s last chance to go for gold at the Women’s World Cup.

Even though she never intended to make a bold statement regarding her sexuality, the entire world will be watching her.

Biggest Women’s World Cup in History to Kick Off, but Who Will Win?

This Saturday, the largest and longest Women’s World Cup in history kicks off in Edmonton, Canada.

With 24 teams and 52 games, this year’s tournament — which will be played in six cities, from Vancouver in the west, to tiny Moncton in the Maritime Provinces — will be the biggest as well as the most competitive in Women’s World Cup history.

And in another break from tradition, for the first time, the U.S. does not go into the tournament as the No. 1 team in FIFA world rankings.

This year, that honour goes to Germany.

However, it’s a crown the Germans are wearing lightly, because as many as half a dozen other teams can be considered serious contenders.

In addition to Germany and USA; France, Brazil, host Canada, Sweden and defending champion Japan all have a realistic shot at winning the title.

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Then just behind them, are England, Norway and Switzerland, who is playing in their first Women’s World Cup, could surprise.

Former sweeper Doris Fitschen, and now manager of the two-time champion Germans.

International women’s football has developed enormously. The group of favourites used to be small at World Cups. Now eight teams are in the running.

The overall level of performance has improved, and the differences in quality between teams have continuously gotten smaller.”

And that growth has led many federations to increase the amount of money and resources they are devoting to women’s football.

Also read: Finding ‘Out’ footballers at the World Cup maybe a challenge, but not in Women’s Football

Brazil, for example, has established a residency program that allows its players to train year-round, and Germany has 18 full-time employees — more than the U.S. — as well as an excellent youth-development program.

Mia Hamm, who played in four World Cups for the U.S. said

They’ve set up an environment where they’re able to continue even their young players training with their staff coaches. Japan has put an investment on that. And we have too. But we’ve probably done it about four or five years later.”

So whoever wins this summer in Canada will have certainly earned it.

 

Watch | Out US Soccer Stars, Megan Rapinoe and Abby Wambach Share Their Stories of Success

This year the women’s world cup comes to Canada, and we can’t wait to see the superb female athletes do their thing.

To gear up for the massive event, the U.S. Women’s National Team have created some great videos for fans to learn more about them.

The series is called “One Nation. One Team. 23 Stories.”, and features out US athletes Abby Wambach and Megan Rapinoe.

Both women discuss their families and the influence they have had on their careers.

Tegan and Sara to Open Women’s World Cup

As if the soccer itself wasn’t enough, now there’s another reason to watch Canada’s opening match of the Women’s World Cup

Grammy Award winning artist Sarah McLachlan and Juno Award winning duo Tegan and Sara have been announced as featured artists for the opening ceremony of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 taking place directly before the opening match featuring Canada against China.

The duo, originally from Calgary, said they are “looking forward to being there in Edmonton, in our home province of Alberta, to take part in such an exciting event.” Watch the video here.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup runs June 6 to July 5 in several Canadian cities.

The pair also featured on the hit show This Just Out with Liz Feldman.