The Worlds Only Mobile Feminist Nation: Obsidia Favorite 

Practitioner: 

Date: 

May 8 2015

Location: 

The Ambulatory Free States of Obsidia (

Introduction: The Ambulatory Free States of Obsidia
The Ambulatory Free States of Obsidia is a tiny, Matriarchal, Micro-nation located at the confluence of feminism and geography.
Grand Marshal Yagjian's Great Vision for The Ambulatory Free States of Obsidia came in 2015 when its land claim was 'liberated' from a former lover’s house for a greater purpose.
Obsidia’s humble territory, a chunk of Obsidian rock (roughly 2 lbs in weight) became the basis for a new nation. Easily transported in its official state briefcase, the nation can change locations at any time. Obsidia is usually found at the embassy in Oakland, California. Other sovereign soil includes a 29-foot sailboat and dinghy which comprises Obsidia's Navy.
Obsidia has an egalitarian structure and our officials hold no real power. In Obsidia we strive to find alternatives to capitalism and promote self-expression through creative nation building projects. The objectives of the government of Obsidia are to institutionalize leadership for those traditionally excluded, increase visibility for femme/feminist/LGBTQ people and explore concepts for an ideal governance.
Our "anti-state" is currently surrounded on all borders by Oakland, California. In Obsidia we do not enforce borders. Obsidia has a completely open immigration policy which allows non-citizens to travel freely to any national territory.

Culture
Our leaders and citizens are many and their skills and vocations are varied, All are tired of patriarchy and ready to build anew!

Anthem
Obsidia obsidia, we pledge to honor thee!
Since two thousand fifteen-
We have a grand navy!
Our citizens are super hot
We are an anti-state-
In a brief case!
Obsidia obsidia, we serve you loyally-
Please bless our grand marshal
May she lead us to be free!
We have no borders-
Or really any land-
Just a two pound rock.
Obsidia obsidia, we pledge to honor thee!
Obsidia obsidia, we serve you loyally!

Oath of Citizenship
Please face Obsidia’s flag and do the official salute while reading the following statement
“Obsidia, I pledge to honor thee
I will uphold the Values of Obsidia until I die or become bored.”
you may then sing the national anthem
Citizenship is granted to any interested parties based on the pledge to uphold the values of Obsidia. Passports are available for purchase through our treasury but are not mandatory for citizenship.

External sources: 

https://www.obsidiagov.org/#home-1-section
Posted by BuchiInori on Feb 22 2024

Staff rating: 

0

Effectiveness

How does this project help?

Activates (people)Energizes and organizes people into action. Can include emotion work
Amplifies (issue or campaign)Brings public and political attention to an issue or campaign.  Can include prefigurative action, making the invisible visible.
Strengthens (community)Strengthens, builds and celebrates community through ritual and/or symbol.
Provides (a useful service)Provides a useful social service.

Timeframe For change

This project seems to be part of a campaign with a clear short-term goal. Short-term goals tend to be things like: create or repeal a law; get a President impeached; make the city administration repair a sidewalk. A campaign with a short-term goal needs a clear theory of change, complete with targets that can be cajoled or pressured into effecting the goal.
Build the world's first matriarchal, feminist, mobile micronation and experiment on women/LGBTQ+ people governence.
This project seems to be part of a campaign with a clear long-term goal. Long-term goals tend to be things like: end racism; end homophobia; make the sun stand still in the sky. A campaign with a long-term goal also needs to have some kind of theory of change.
Improve the representation of women/LGBTQ+ people in politics; bring down capitalism, patriarchy, nationalism, and territorialization.

Notes

Obsidia, the world's inaugural feminist matriarchal micronation, has garnered its citizens and participated in MicroCon meetings, receiving media attention. The concept, vision, and culture of this micro-nation are inspiring and uplifting. However, Obsidia's influence is confined to a social experiment/art level due to its lack of international political power. which limits its effectiveness.