YWCA USA will host a free, live webinar entitled “Beauty and the Beholder: The Politics of Beauty and Image” to address the issue of Appearance-Based Discrimination. The webinar will explore the impact of discrimination based on looks for all women across the nation.  The webinar will also focus on this issue within the context of the mission of the YWCA: Empowering Women and Eliminating Racism.

Date and Time:

Monday, June 20, 20113:00 PM - 4:00 PM EST(2PM CT, 1PM MT, 12PM PT)

Confirmed speakers include:

• Gloria Lau, CEO, YWCA USA
• Susan L. Taylor, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus, Essence Magazine and Founder, CARES Mentoring Movement
• Stanford University Professor Deborah Rhode, Author of the acclaimed book, The Beauty Bias: The Injustice of Appearance in Life and Law
• Stephanie M. Crumpton, blogger and young breast cancer survivor

During the live event, attendees will be challenged with the following questions:

• Do we tolerate appearance-based discrimination as unfortunate, but inevitable?
• Is discrimination on the basis of looks as serious as discrimination based on race or gender?
• How does the discrimination impact employment, opportunity and education?

A concurrent online chat will allow viewers to submit questions and participate in this timely discussion.Why This Matters:Recently, the country was sent into an uproar following the publication of a blog on the popular website Psychology Today. Satoshi Kanazawa authored "Why Are Black Women Less Physically Attractive Than Other Women?" which angered and enraged women around the country and the world. Kanazawa’s methodology was flawed, his assumptions appeared to be based in racism and subsequently an apology was rendered. Other studies, such as the work by Stanford University’s Professor Deborah Rhode, have tackled the subject of beauty and discrimination in a much more credible manner.It is the goal of the YWCA USA to heighten the awareness of women and girls regarding the issue of appearance based discrimination by including YWCA associations, grassroots organizations, and individuals to join in this important discussion. We will delve into areas such as employment, education, and our criminal justice system as it relates to how women are treated based on their looks, clothing and physical characteristics.RegistrationThis event is free and open to the public. Advance registration is required.To register, go to: http://ywcabeauty.eventbrite.com 

Media Contact:Mia M. Jackson, CEODORO Marketing301.530.2406