Oppressive Liberation

“In this latest book, Lisa Kemmerer details the entrenchment of sexism in elements of the animal advocacy movement. Drawing on survey findings and written accounts of animal advocates, Kemmerer exposes many intra-movement problems and challenges the movement to engage in a process of truth and reconciliation, rightfully pointing out that the goals of anti-speciesism cannot be realized without also addressing sexism and other forms of intersecting oppression.”

—Amy J. Fitzgerald, Professor, University of Windsor, Canada

“This powerful and provocative book is essential reading for anyone studying or participating in social movements.”

—Emily Gaarder, Associate Professor, University of Minnesota Duluth, USA 

“Important, compelling, and provocative, Oppressive Liberation is a long overdue intervention in the problematic gender politics of the anymal rights movement. The book is an urgent reminder that the anymal rights movement has notyet sorted out its responsibilities to feminism or any other social justice issue. Kemmerer draws a much-needed roadmap for moving forward in ways that reject harassment, discrimination, and violence and create healthier, more secure, and more just organizational cultures in the anymal rights movement.”

—Katja M. Guenther, Professor, University of California, Riverside, USA


For years activists and scholars have complained of sexism among animal advocates. Employing previous scholarship, new data, and critical analysis, Oppressive Liberation explores the truth of these accusations. In the process, the book clarifies why sexism is a wide-spread problem in social justice activism and provides new data specifically on sexism in animal activism. Oppressive Liberation also examines likely resultant harms and suggests practical solutions to the problem at hand. This book builds on the concept of intersecting oppressions, focusing on the interface of speciesism and sexism while indicating the need for total liberation—an end to all forms of privilege and marginalization.


Lisa Kemmerer is internationally known for her work on behalf of animals, the planet, and disempowered human beings, and is founder and director of the educational non-profit, Tapestry. For more information, please visit lisakemmerer.com and vegantapestry.org.