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Roast the Patriarchy
Roasting the Patriarchy is a brief speaking program highlighting local leaders, performers, and legislators. It’s our way of finding catharsis and camaraderie with the experience of fighting for gender equity.
Samonwebcam, Emcee
Samonwebcam is a Southcoast local drag queen who has been on the rise over the past 2 years with performances all over New Bedford, Fall River, and Westport! Most recently Samonwebcam was crowned Ms LGBTQ Fall River and partnering with them in their fundraising and community events. Samonwebcam’s drag is a love letter to powerful women and those women around him who inspired him. Samonwebcam uses their platform to educate, advocate and entertain.
Kerrie Gallant
Kerrie Gallant is Executive Director of United Neighbors of Fall River and a lifelong SouthCoast resident whose career—and life—has rarely followed the traditional path. A graduate of a vocational high school where she studied architectural drafting, Kerrie later served in the U.S. Navy as a Damage Controlman before returning to the SouthCoast and building a career spanning business, government, education, and nonprofit leadership. Today, her work centers on strengthening families, building community partnerships, and advancing equity. She chairs the Coalition Against Period Poverty (CAPP) and is active in domestic violence advocacy and initiatives supporting children and families. A former single mother of 20 years, Kerrie brings lived experience, humor, and a healthy willingness to challenge the way things have “always been done.”
Gail Fortes
Gail M. Fortes is a lifelong New Bedford resident and a proud second-generation Cape Verdean. As the mother of two daughters, she has dedicated her career to advancing community service, social justice, and equity.
Since joining the YWCA in January 1994, Gail has served in a variety of leadership roles and was appointed Executive Director in September 2006. She is deeply committed to the YWCA's mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
Under Gail's leadership, the YWCA successfully completed a $4.5 million capital campaign in 2019. The project included the renovation of the historic Levi Standish House, home to the organization's administrative offices, and the construction of a two-story addition featuring eight units of congregate housing through the Another Woman's Place Residential Program for low-income women ages 18 and older. The expansion also created space for the YWkids School Age Child Care Program, serving 52 children in New Bedford. Gail oversees a broad portfolio of programs and services, including youth, adult, and residential services, advocacy, health equity, economic empowerment, and racial justice initiatives. In February 2024, she led the opening of YWCA Drayton House, the organization's third residential program, providing housing and supportive services for 12 low-income women.
Gail's leadership and community impact have earned her numerous honors, including the 2023 Black Excellence on the Hill Award from the Massachusetts House of Representatives, the 2015 The Standard-Times New Bedford Woman of the Year Award, and recognition as a 2016 Unsung Heroine by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women.
She currently serves as Chair of the SouthCoast Community Foundation Board of Directors, Chair of the Board of Youth Opportunities Unlimited, President of the National Association of YWCA Executives, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Global Learning Charter Public School, a member of the BayCoast Bank Board of Directors, a Board Member of United Front Development Corporation, and Treasurer of the Cape Verdean Association in New Bedford.
Gail earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and a Master of Public Administration from Bridgewater State University. Throughout her career, she has remained steadfast in her commitment to strengthening communities, expanding opportunities, and improving the lives of women, children, and families across the South Coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Business casual or cocktail attire, purple is encouraged! You are always welcome to wear whatever makes you the most comfortable.
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Yes! Lite bites and hand appetizers from Mesa 21 will be available throughout the event.
We encourage attendees to check out the beverage menu, and purchase drinks directly from the bar!
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The event will include a brief speaking program focused on Roasting the Patriarchy. Roasting the Patriarchy is a brief speaking program highlighting local leaders, performers, and legislators. It’s our way of finding catharsis and camaraderie with the experience of fighting for gender equity.
More details on the speakers for the program can be found higher up on this web page.
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Yes! There is street parking and parking available at Boardwalk Crossing (101 President Ave, Fall River, MA 02720). Do not park in the parking lot directly across the street from the restaurant, it is private.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Tax Information: Mass NOW estimates that the fair value market cost of entertainment and food for the Feminist Affair to be $20. This means that any ticket cost higher than the $20 base value is seen as a charitable donation to the Mass NOW Foundation, Inc. (a 50(c)(3) non-profit organization), and is tax deductible. The non-member ticket and non-member 2-pack ticket additionally includes a $15 per-person membership to the Mass NOW, Inc., a 501(c)(4) organization, which is not tax deductible. As such, the breakdown of potential tax deduction per ticket is:
Student/Activist — $20, $0 tax-deductible
Student/Activist 2-Pack — $30, $0 tax-deductible
Member — $35, $15 potentially tax-deductible
Member 2-Pack — $60, $20 potentially tax-deductible
Non-Member — $50, includes $15 Mass NOW membership, $15 potentially tax-deductible
Non-Member 2-Pack — $90, includes two $15 Mass NOW memberships, $20 potentially tax-deductible
Host Committee — $250, $150 potentially tax-deductible