The Format & Vision
SolarPunk / Feminist / LGBTQ+ / EcoFuturism
Almost exactly half the population died two generations ago. This collective trauma effected everyone uniquely, manifesting in various maladaptive behaviors depending on the individual’s underlying personality.
The effect of no cis-men on gender constructs varies generationally. Most elder women lost husbands and sons and remained hetero-normative and “traditional” in the decades following the virus. However, in contrast, since younger women grew up without human males the majority are non-binary, trans, bi or gay.
W/OMEN highlights our present-day heteronormative treatment of the LGBTQ+ community. Fin is gender “traditional” in a society where the vast majority of women are partnered with other women, where androgynous and non-binary people are the most sought after in society. Children are raised in co-housing neighborhoods. Fin feels left out of the fun.
Parallels are also clearly drawn in the story between abortion and the sexual reproductive rights of today. A woman’s right to choose a cure in this post-virus world explores an extended allegory about the freedom of choice.
An ethical dilemma at the climax includes an exploration of the trolley dilemma, in regards to bringing men back. Do women have the right to bring men back if it means bringing back war and violence? Is it an individual’s right to cause downstream killing? Does this negate freedom of choice?