Jun 4Helping Deaf SurvivorsThe Deaf community exists subtly. They don’t look or act differently, but they do communicate with a completely different language than most hearing Americans are used to. American Sign Language (ASL) was developed in the 1800’s and has made many strides in allowing the Deaf to communicate. It is recognized…Deaf5 min readDeaf5 min read
Jun 4Survivors of Sexual Violence with Developmental Disabilities in LGBTQ and Transgender Communities Speak OutHow can bias and discrimination impact survivors with developmental disabilities (DD) within the LGBTQIA+ community? Survivors with DD within the LGBTQIA+ community often experience bias and discrimination which impacts their access to services. Too often, people do not understand or personally know individuals with disabilities or who are LGBTQIA+. Below…LGBTQ4 min readLGBTQ4 min read
Jun 3Trans Activists, Visibility & Violence“I would have rather been punished for asserting myself than become another victim of hatred” — CeCe McDonald In June 2012, CeCe McDonald, a Black trans woman, accepted a plea bargain for second-degree manslaughter for defending herself against a man who verbally and physically assaulted her and her friends outside…Transgender4 min readTransgender4 min read
Jun 3The Role of Culture in Domestic Violence in the CaribbeanIntro: No matter one’s country, ethnicity, race, class, gender identity, ability, health, socio-economic status, religion, or education level, domestic violence affects everyone. Yet, as we explore the issue of activists living in the midst of the very injustices they work against, it’s important to remember the cultural components that surround…Caribbean5 min readCaribbean5 min read
Jun 3Domestic Violence, Advocacy, and How to Live a Purposeful LifeIn 2004, Marsheida Dorsey-Carn was murdered by her 18-year-old boyfriend. After serving almost 12 years in prison, that same man murdered a second victim, LaPorscha Baldwin, in a fatal act of domestic violence. Through this horrendous tragedy, we came to learn about the impactful work of Dr. Purposed Carn (Marsheida’s…Domestic Violence6 min readDomestic Violence6 min read
Jun 3Who Watches the Watchers: Domestic Violence and Law EnforcementThe average messaging of most anti-violence organizations include some variation on the following: “If you are in immediate danger, call 911.” Embedded in directing a victim of violence to call 911 is a key assumption — that law enforcement will make that person safer. …Domestic Violence5 min readDomestic Violence5 min read
Jun 3Fatphobia in the MovementI’m writing this at the time when the “New Year, New Me” wind is starting to circulate. The shame of “holiday eating”, the sugar demon, and jokes about elastic waists begin to build their momentum for the year. There will be sign up for bootcamps, restrictive diets, detoxes, and teas…Fatphobia6 min readFatphobia6 min read
Jul 18, 2022Anti-Blackness in the Movement: Podcast Seriesby Darin J. Dorsey I recently had the immense privilege of speaking to five Black movement leaders about their experiences of anti-Blackness in the movement to end gender based violence and steps we can take to create a movement that is inclusive of Black workers and survivors. For organizations striving…Anti Blackness6 min readAnti Blackness6 min read
Published inSexual Assault Awareness Month 2022·May 9, 2022Safety in Online Travel Communities: Interview with ‘Host a Sister’The past two decades have witnessed a surge in the creation of online travel communities. With that, new worries and concerns about safety have arisen- specifically for women, trans folks, LGBTQIA+, Black, Muslim and other marginalized and historically oppressed communities. Before sites like AirBnb allowed hosts to rent out their…4 min read4 min read
Published inSexual Assault Awareness Month 2022·Apr 29, 2022Trauma in my Pocket: Social Media and Memories of Sexual Harassment after Field Researchby Megan Douglas of Bedo I did my PhD field research in Nairobi, Kenya, over the period of about nine months over 2019 and 2020. I was doing a qualitative study of strategies for wellbeing among Congolese refugees in the city and met some of the most incredible people I’ve…5 min read5 min read
