Pronouns

Expressions that help maintain socio-cultural inequities — Changes due to Covid-19 reach far and wide, into corners of our life that we most likely don’t even consider — for example, the current ubiquity of the expression “conspiracy theory.” Language is complex. It both reflects and shapes experience. Different uses of the word “theory” provide an illustration of…

Look for morally sound leaders on less prestigious and local levels — Like most Democrats and progressives, I believe the twenty-five women who have said that Donald Trump sexually harassed and assaulted them, and I know practically nothing about any of them. …

Tips for reading, writing, and talking about sexual violence — Sexual Assault Awareness Month came and went in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Yet sexual violence, along with other global crises, is as relevant and urgent as ever. Our choices for US president are now Donald Trump and Joe Biden, who both have evaded testimonies from women of sexual…

When it comes to supporting victims of sexual assault, belief is only the beginning — Over 30 years ago, I was held up at gunpoint in New York City while working as an ice cream vendor. Once the thief was 20 feet away from me, I pointed at him and shouted, “That man has a gun and he just stole my money!” as I had…

It took me 20 years to reclaim my agency and overturn the shame — [Content warning: This post contains photographs of sexual assault, published with consent from the victim.] When the stories about Brett Kavanaugh emerged, there were photos of him everywhere. I wondered how this impacted the women who came forward. Would seeing all those photos — not to mention live televised testimony…