Lorissa Rinehart

@lorissa.bsky.social

1095 Followers 1116 Following

Women’s historian, Author of First to the Front & Winning the Earthquake.

Me with a fuck ton of my books, Winning The Earthquake.
RepresentWomen Planner on desk
Me with a stack of Winning The Earthquake
Me at a gate for Missoula looking OK but not great. I posted the picture anyway.
John William Waterhouse, The Magic Circle, 1886
"Astonishing... Rinehart delves into the life of this uncompromising suffragist, pacifist, and social reformer, providing an in-depth look at a woman who never stopped fighting for what she believed in, providing a legacy to inspire countless Americans today." Lisa Rogak, author of Propaganda Girls
Santa Barbara Literary Festival
Historian Rinehart (First to the Front) offers an illuminating biography of the first woman elected to Congress. Best remembered for her votes against entering both world wars, Montana politician Jeanette Rankin (1880–1973) was also an advocate for progressive causes from suffrage and worker’s rights to ranked choice voting and abolishing the electoral college. Funded by family wealth and first elected in 1916, Rankin was dogged by a sexist press, especially Montana’s, which was controlled by the same copper monopolies she castigated for union busting. Rinehart notes that, unusually for a progressive, Rankin built a rural coalition; she also delves into how Rankin’s politically expedient choice to ally on suffrage with racists who wanted white women’s votes to counter Black men’s ended up haunting her in both life and legacy. With novelistic flourish, Rinehart spotlights the pressure that Rankin’s passion put on herself and others, though the narrative’s ample focus on family dynamics (including a mentally ill mother) begs the question why a perpetually single Rankin’s romantic life goes unaddressed. Throughout, Rinehart insinuates that Rankin’s style of progressivism could have helped America forge a different path, if sexism had not led to her being overlooked as an influence (shockingly, no archive was interested in her papers; they were mostly lost). It’s a gripping window into progressive political history and one woman’s defiance of sexist gatekeepers. (Nov.)
I’m thrilled to invite you to not one, but two Substack Live conversations next week that dig deep into the heart of women’s history, democracy, and the movements still shaping our lives today. Monday, August 25 at 2pm PST / 5pm EST I’ll be joined by @Jane Ruby President of the League of Women Voters Chicago. For over a century, the LWV has empowered voters and defended democracy through education, advocacy, and grassroots action. Jane will share how the League is protecting voting rights in 2025 and why civic participation is more critical than ever. 👉 https://open.substack.com/live-stream/50885 Thursday, August 28 at 3pm PST / 5pm EST Next, I’m sitting down with @Clara Bingham author of The Movement: How Women’s Liberation Transformed America 1963–1973. Clara’s groundbreaking new book tells the story of the women who sparked a cultural and political revolution—challenging inequality, reshaping workplaces, and demanding reproductive freedom. We’ll talk about how their struggles reverberate today and what lessons this history holds for the fights ahead. 👉 https://open.substack.com/live-stream/51459?r=1dg8x&utm_medium=ios These conversations bring together two powerful perspectives: the League of Women Voters, continuing its mission to safeguard democracy, and Clara Bingham, chronicling the movement that transformed American life. Both remind us that progress is never inevitable—it’s made possible by people willing to stand up, speak out, and organize.
Protestors being arrested at TX State Capitol
Calling In cover
Ms magazine The Revolution will be digitized
Magic Tree House Revolutionary War on Wednesday
Under Secretary for public diplomacy tweeting that where men should be in charge
Espresso
"IT MAKES A LOT MORE SENSE TO ME FOR CITIES AND STATES TO ESTABLISH BANKS THAT INVEST IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES INSTEAD OF HANDING OVER TAXPAYER DOLLARS TO WALL STREET BANKS WHOSE BUSINESS MODEL IS FRAUD." Trinity Tran, co-founder and lead organizer of the California Public Banking Alliance
View from my writing studio
Picture of First Lady and Present Biden