activism

Feminist activists are not deterred by the daunting statistics so much as they're fueled by them.

Honest Thoughts on The "Me Too" Movement (and Why It Backfired)
When I first saw the now famous “Me Too” movement pop up on my twitter feed, it made me surprisingly happy. As a survivor of sexual violence, and one who had already come forward on social media and spoken out against their abuse, I was excited for others to feel the feeling of freedom that I felt. In November of 2016, I was sexually assaulted. By now I have come to terms with this, but I kept my assault a secret for nearly four months. I told people slowly, one-by-one, starting with the few people that I trusted, until one day I stepped forward publicly; posting a collection of poetry detailing my assault and the mental health crisis that followed. I posted this on the six month anniversary of my assault, and the amount of positivity I received brought me a newfound feeling of hope and happiness that had been absent from my life for quite a long time. Me Too was, as I hoped, the opportunity for more survivors to speak about their experiences and ultimately end the stigma while furthering their own healing.
By Bryna G.8 years ago in Viva
Me Too
I'm encouraged and deeply saddened by the trending, "me too" on social media. I'm encouraged because victims spoke out in an unusual setting but the point is, they spoke out. I cannot stress enough the importance of breaking the silence but it doesn't end with breaking the silence. I'm going to share a little part of my story that I hope helps you see why breaking the silence is so important but going beyond that as well is vital to ending the problem.
By Taylor Carnes8 years ago in Viva
We’re No Angels
Last I checked I have a penis. My name is Joel Eisenberg. I am a writer and television producer based in Los Angeles. I have no record of sexual harassment and, everything being fair, that status will remain unchanged. I was raised well by my parents, I’m happily married, and I respect women.
By Joel Eisenberg8 years ago in Viva
Why #MeToo Succeeds and Fails
I may not have a #MeToo story, but I know that it may be harder for women to get a job anywhere sexual harassment or assault may be rampant because of one thing: it's male dominated.
By Heather Wilkins8 years ago in Viva
Sexual Abuse
Statistics... Are they correct or are they just a guess based on some guy that has a degree in accounting and predictions? Who knows, right? Well in this case, from the photo above, it's facts, proven on things that have happened and that are continuing to happen. Sexual abuse is something that gets pushed under the rug often. We need to address it. Once it's addressed, go to the source and get that issue out in the open. There is nothing like public humiliation. Let's get into what it's like to be a victim.
By Friday Vibes8 years ago in Viva
I'm a Rape Survivor. Here's Why the Silence Breakers Give Me Hope
Time magazine recently released its choice for the 2017 Person of the Year. This year, Time made the rare decision to not give the title to one individual, but multiple people—a group of people, mostly women, that are being referred to as “The Silence Breakers.” This is a title that Time has given out for the past ninety years, but it wasn’t until 1999, less than twenty years ago, that the title was changed from Man of the Year to Person of the Year.
By Elizabeth Brandon8 years ago in Viva
Survival
Brittle, hollow, not exactly broken, but very near it. That is how I felt after everything. Everything that I was, the strength that I had built over the last few years, and the courage that I had come to expect of myself, was carved away by this process. The process of naming my attacker, facing my attacker, and listening as his lawyer took apart my character piece by piece in open court. I feel brittle. Like pieces of me might break off at the slightest touch.
By Heather Clarke8 years ago in Viva
#YouToo
This past summer, I was working at a summer camp at an international school in Tokyo. This was the third and final time that I was working at this camp, and I had so much fun teaching kids about black history, building rockets, and enjoying sports day.
By Honami Kawamura8 years ago in Viva
How to Take Down a Rapist
Empowerment after sexual assault is an astounding experience. To take back your name, your body: simply to continue to exist. In light of the recent #metoo, conversations around healing are more public. Healing is not a linear path as moments, triggers and memories can arise unexpectedly. For this reason, unconventional acts of resilience and love can provide a survivor comfort and empowerment.
By Simone Alison8 years ago in Viva
The Silence Breakers
The TIME Person of the Year is supposed to be a person, idea, group, or object that “for better or for worse, has done the most to influence the events of the year.” Based on this definition, I couldn’t think of a more deserving winner than The Silence Breakers. All of the women and men who spoke out against their harassers, abusers, rapists, and offenders helped us all make a big leap this year. Some say that there is always a bright side... well, in my eyes, when it comes to the 2016 election, I finally see it. When the Access Hollywood tape came out of a presidential candidate bragging about “grabbing ‘em by the pussy,” I thought there was no way he could ever win. How could such a person win without any female votes? Silly me.
By . /8 years ago in Viva
'Smile': A Human Problem
If you’re a woman, then you know that creepy older man that always says “smile, it’s not that bad.” And then he winks and watches you walk away, thinking you don’t notice or feel his eyes. He chuckles, thinking he is just so smart. He murmurs something to his male friends that you by choice ignore, but if you really wanted to hear, you could because they're truly not that far away.
By Katrina Thornley8 years ago in Viva
Me Too
I don't think there is anybody who has not been affected by this movement. Maybe it has provided an opportunity for you to open up about your own experiences. Maybe it has opened your eyes to the extent of people who have a story. Maybe you learnt a close friend or family member has had an experience of their own. In any case, I'm sure your eyes have been opened.
By Rian Doherty8 years ago in Viva