»Riot Grrrl« is a feminist subcultural movement that emerged in the early 1990s in the US hardcore punk scene. Kathleen Hanna, one of the most famous representatives, formulated feminist concerns in texts and interviews. Hannah is considered a symbolic figure of the movement and was a member of the bands Bikini Kill and Le Tigre. In addition to equal rights and the artistic realisation of women and men, the movement criticised and addressed the self-management of artists and the creation of alternative production and distribution structures within the music industry. Representatives are/were, among others: Babes In Toyland, Bikini Kill, Le Tigre, Bratmobile, Sleater-Kinney, Jack Off Jill, Excuse 17, Mecca Normal, Tribe 8, L7, Team Dresch and Beth Ditto.

Reaction to the strong preponderance of male musicians and their dominance in the music scene and perceived typically male components of stage shows. The resistance strategies of many were characterised by communication guerrilla tactics and exaggeration. The meanings of »female« and »normal« were to be exposed and shifted.

The coverage of the system-critical Moscow punk rock band Pussy Riot brought the term »Riot Grrrl Movement« back into the media in 2012. Riot grrrl movements also existed in other countries. Today, the movement lives on with the art event »Ladyfest« and the summer camp »Girls Rock Camps«, among others.

Kathleen Hanna (Bikini Kill, Le Tigre)