Season 7, Episode 3: Remembering Minnie Bruce Pratt
Minnie Bruce Pratt, left, with Leslie Feinberg.
Welcome to another engaging episode of Swerve South! Today, Jaime Harker is in conversation with Julie Enszer, discussing the indomitable spirit and legacy of the late poet Minnie Bruce Pratt. Journey through their personal experiences with Pratt's poetic world and reflect upon her pivotal role within feminist communities.
Jaime and Julie share their first encounters with Pratt’s work, delving into how her words have shaped their own feminist perspectives and inspired countless others.
Julie Enszer speaks about her special connection with Pratt, particularly through bringing her poetry collection Crime Against Nature back into print as part of Sinister Wisdom’s Sapphic Classics series. As the editor of the seminal lesbian literary, theory, and art journal, Julie provides insights into Pratt's profound impact on queer literature.
Discover how Pratt’s consistent approach to politics created an environment of constructive dialogue and camaraderie within the feminist community and reflect on what the younger generations of feminists can learn from Pratt's exemplary life and how her approach can foster more productive and positive conversations.
EXTRA LINKS & READING MATERIAL:
Crime Against Nature by Minnie Bruce Pratt: Explore this award-winning collection that poignantly delves into identity, motherhood, and sexuality in the South during the 1980s. A testament to Pratt's raw honesty amid societal prejudices.
Sinister Wisdom Journal: Explore this iconic lesbian literary, theory, and art journal, and see firsthand the contributions of Pratt and other trailblazing authors.
Lessons from the Life of Dr. Minnie Bruce Pratt: Read more about what we can learn from the life and work of Pratt in Jaime’s article reflecting on her in the 2023-2024 Isom Report
When We Say We Love Each Other: Loving the Life and Work of Minnie Bruce Pratt September 12, 1946 – July 2, 2023: Julie Enszer’s remembrance of Pratt for Lamda Literary