There is it. The word, the “A” word: advocate. In my early days of being an advocate and educator for survivors of rape and sexual violence, I thought it primarily described my role as being a voice in times of silence. Silence during invasive rape examination kits, I would be an advocate with my eyes […]
Sexual Violence
A Selfish Lent, An Easter of Joy
It’s been a selfish Lent, and I liked it that way. While the rest of the Catholic world pined and prayed away their 40 days on sacrifice, obligation, “giving it up to the Lord,” and fasting on their human favorite goodies like alcohol, chocolate, and bad words, I’ve done something I’ve never done before: I […]
Day 11 of Dear Sister Book Tour: Thoughts from the Road
I’ve been on the road. Two pieces of luggage full of old clothes and fresh books right off the press. The books are all the same title. It’s my book. It’s a collection of letters, poetry, and prose I put together about four years ago. It’s taken this long to get it out in the […]
A Guide on How To Write About Sexual Violence, In Reaction to “Mellie’s Rape” on Last Night’s Episode of Scandal
It was horribly done. Last night’s handling of sexual violence. Scandal writers “explaining” the history of Fitz and Mellie’s marriage, how Mellie came to be how she is now. The writers took us back 15 years ago and gives evidence of how Mellie came to be the kind of First Lady that she is. There […]
Transforming Rape Culture from Steubenville to Anywhere, USA
Crossposted at The Feminist Wire I usually beam when Ohio makes news. Usually. In presidential election years, the inner grin shows its teeth when I hear the famous phrase, “As goes Ohio, so goes the nation.” Over the past several months however, as a writer living in the Buckeye state, I have found this saying […]