‘Can You Really Be a Queer Muslim?’: Intersectionality and the Complexity of Identity
‘Am I Always Going to be Treated Like This?’ Reflecting on my Assault
I had given this person so much. In return, they took a piece of me that I will never get back. I gave them songs; I gave them my body, mind and my heart, time, friends, and weekends. I gave up my family for them. I gave up my privacy. They owned me. They controlled what I wore, who I saw, how long I would eat for. They went from my best friend to my abuser, bruising me with blows both physical and verbal…
‘One in Two Native American Women Faces Sexual Violence in Their Lives’: Regaining Control of My Experience
I often think about these stats and what we, as Native American women, did to deserve this kind of normal. It’s part of everyday life to constantly check my surroundings. Is that guy following me in the parking lot? Has that van been there too long? I live knowing that at any point in time, I could be assaulted. I could go missing. I could be killed…
Sexual Harassment, Assault, and Hypersexualisation: My Story
While I am deeply traumatised by what happened to me and do hold anger towards the man for what he did, I don’t know if I can completely blame him for it. There should’ve been more communication by both of us to make it a better experience. That didn’t happen, however, so now I’m left to heal from it and address how I handle sexual relationships going forward…
‘The Problem Starts When Children Are Three Years Old’: Sexual Abuse, The Education System, and Me
I work as a teacher for a pre-school where there are already signs of hegemonic social normalities. A teacher asks a little boy to be a ‘big strong helper’. They suggest to a little girl, ‘shall we get the sparkly pens out?’. The truth is, this is where the problem starts. Recently, I came to the realisation that I’m in the position to change it, for a certain few…
‘Your Hope is the Cornerstone of Your Healing’: My Sexual Assault Story
My entire life, I have been obsessed with being in control. Then in one night, all my control was ripped from me. While I cannot bear to relive the details, I will say that it was my first Friday night at college. My roommate invited me to go to a bar. I was apprehensive because my experience with drinking was minimal, but I accepted her invitation…