Why Lady parts is the Feminism we need.

I’ve just finished watching the channel four comedy “we are Ladyparts”, a series of six episodes about a struggling punk band in south east London.

Hey ho, another story about a band I hear you say. The difference here is that all of the band members come from different muslin backgrounds.

I would say this series is groundbreaking. I am a white, middle class woman with a pair of massively racist parents. Sadly I don’t think this series will ever reach them. But I wish it would.

This show represents Muslim women who are different. They dress differently, act differently, feel differently. I would love to hear how it has hit the Muslim community as a whole.

Amini is a young Muslim girl studying to go into science. Her life is quiet and very standard. But she likes music. She loves Don McLean and she plays guitar. Unfortunately she has crippling stage fright which means she only plays for herself, or she teaches others to play. That is until after a series of events she meets Saria, a young woman working in a halal butchers, who is the leader of Lady parts.

After a certain amount of bribing Saria is persuaded to join a world she knows nothing about. She is terrified, but she discovers the freedom of music.

Each of the woman have their own set of issues, and as the series continues we learn why.

The show, coming from a young Muslim woman perspective, made me feel represented and heard, and so I’m sure it will many other’s especially those within Muslim communities.

I loved the fact that each person had their own look, their own personalities, and that their whole character wasn't based around their hijab, niqab, etc.

I think, as a white non religious person, I had my own preconceived notions about all Muslims. I have of course always questioned those ideas, this series has given me a huge amount of knowledge about a community that is separate from my own, whilst challenging my own assumptions. That is wonderful and I could not ask for more.

I absolutely LOVED the LGBTQ+ Muslim representation as well. While many others may disagree with me on this (which is fine, I will respect your opinion) I still found it very comforting and inclusive, since queer Muslims of course exist, to see that representation on TV is marvellous.

The fact that it shows a range of Muslim characters - most of them strong women - and subverts many of our expectations is wonderful. This is what progressive programming should look like, not the trite crap the BBC are sadly feeding us.

Also the chemistry between the characters is terrific, and the music is good too. "Voldemort in my Headscarf" in particular will stay in my head for quite a while.

I hope this inspires people, especially woman, not to let anyone tell them they can't be or do what they really want to. It shows that the world is changing.

So if you get the chance, sit down and binge watch this amazing show. You will fall in love with each and every one of the characters shown.

The supporting cast is amazing and I have a great love of Amina’s parents, who are hilarious but want to support their daughter in whatever she does. They never judge her and mother is a joy to watch as she imparts advice that we could all do with listening to.

Do what you want.

Speak,

You lips are still your own.

Do not be silenced by others, do not let others judge you. Claim yourself. The world will follow even when you think it has fallen silent.

We are lady parts.