Thank you so much for sharing this powerful essay. I've been sitting here for 20 minutes thinking about an answer to your question and getting angrier and angrier as I do so. As a survivor of sexual assault, I've spent most of my life translating my thoughts into forms that wouldn't provoke, threaten, embarrass, or anger the men in the room. Not because I doubted myself, but because women learn early that being right and being safe are not always the same thing.
This is an enlightening comment that give me a lot to think about: “Black writers are often handed an unspoken contract. Write the trauma, and the world will read it. “ thank you
Thank you so much for sharing this powerful essay. I've been sitting here for 20 minutes thinking about an answer to your question and getting angrier and angrier as I do so. As a survivor of sexual assault, I've spent most of my life translating my thoughts into forms that wouldn't provoke, threaten, embarrass, or anger the men in the room. Not because I doubted myself, but because women learn early that being right and being safe are not always the same thing.
That says it all right there, Jessica. For Women, being right and being safe aren't always the same thing.
I am ashamed to say i didn't know her work, so thank you so much to bringing a new writer into my life!
No shame at all! One of the wonderful things about Substack is the sharing. Everyday to come to this space, I walk away learning something new.
This is an enlightening comment that give me a lot to think about: “Black writers are often handed an unspoken contract. Write the trauma, and the world will read it. “ thank you
Thanks for this piece.
Thank you.
As always, a beautiful essay Chantel
Of course I know this holding-back thing.