Born in 1932, in Ohio, Alix Kate Shulman's life story, stretching from her suburban upbringing in Cleveland to her eventual iconic status in feminism, paints a picture of passion, resilience, and an unyielding quest for gender equality.
Growing up in Cleveland, societal norms expected women to prioritize beauty and matrimony above all. Alix's early observations of gender roles and expectations would later play a crucial role in shaping her feminist perspective.
During her senior year of high school, Schulman encountered the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson. His musings on individualism and idea of leading a life of truth over repose had a profound impact on her. His challenging questions and ideals pushed Shulman to introspect about the kind of life she wanted to lead, setting the stage for her later commitment to authenticity and truth.
"Unless there is a movement, you can’t really be a liberated woman. You can’t do it alone."
– Alix Kates Shulman
New York City's siren call reached her at 20. Here, she delved into the rigorous academic world of Columbia University, advancing her studies in philosophy. Post her studies, matrimony ensued, and she briefly ventured into the domain of encyclopedia editing, a journey she paused to embrace motherhood.
Shulman’s feminist awakening was catalyzed in 1967. The words of the New York Radical Women on the radio echoed her own stifled sentiments. While activism was not unfamiliar to her—having marched for Civil Rights and raised her voice against the Vietnam War—the feminist clarion call was different; it was deeply personal.
With renewed vigor, she dove into the Women's Liberation Movement, making her presence felt in significant events, notably the 1968 Miss America Pageant protest. She also lent her voice and presence to the Ladies Home Journal sit-in and the Redstockings abortion speak-outs.
In 1969, inspired by Pat Mainardi’s ‘The Politics of Housework,’ Shulman penned ‘A Marriage Agreement.’ This visionary essay, advocating for equal domestic responsibilities between partners, drew significant attention, even gracing the cover of Life Magazine.
"I am a feminist. I'm trying to show the relationships between men and women, always the structural relations, not individual villains. I'd never make a husband a villain. I try very hard in my work not to - because if I made one man a villain, the rest would be off the hook. I'm interested in the system of oppression."
- Alix Kates Shulman
1972 marked a significant year as ‘Memoirs of an Ex-Prom Queen’ was introduced to readers. A trailblazing narrative of second-wave feminism, the novel drew inspiration from Shulman's real-life activism and highlighted the multi-faceted challenges faced by women during the mid-20th century. Through its protagonist, Sasha Davis, the book depicted a realm of deep-seated misogyny and the paramount need for feminist interventions.
Today, Shulman’s literary portfolio has burgeoned to 14 diverse titles, including the well-received memoir ‘Drinking The Rain’ and insightful biographical explorations of the trailblazing Emma Goldman. With ‘Memoirs of an Ex-Prom Queen’ getting a fresh lease of life in 2019, her impactful voice continues to resonate with and inspire new feminists.
Beyond her literary accomplishments, Shulman's activism spirit remains fervent. Whether it was collaborating with the Occupy movement in the 2000s or marching with determination during the Women's Marches in 2017 and 2018, her dedication to the cause is unwavering. In the academic sphere, her legacy is cemented with lectures at esteemed establishments such as New York University and Yale University.
The life of Alix Kates Schulman is one devoted to dismantling patriarchal paradigms, uplifting women, and significant literary contributions. Her journey serves as an inspiring beacon for all those championing genuine change and seeking to amplify their truths.
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