A Blog of One’s Own

Virginia Woolf once wrote that every woman needs a space of her own. Consider this mine.

But why a blog? The wonderful thing about blogging is the opportunity for dialogue it creates. Where our voices have previously been silenced, there is now a space for much needed discourse; an exploration of the ways in which the social constructs of gender, race, class, etc. have shaped our lives. Thanks to the internet, and more specifically the blogosphere, women have been given a voice. We now have a space to tell our stories and share our experiences. There is always value in what we have to say. Our perspectives are valid, as are our stories. The world we grew up in has done its best to silence us, but as Audre Lorde once said, “your silence will not protect you.” We must tell the truth about our lives if we are to move forward. I am here to tell my stories. I am here to be heard. I hope you too will speak up. And I will listen, because I want to hear your story too.

I’ll be honest, I was hesitant to write under my real name instead of a pseudonym. There will be some very personal, sensitive, and controversial subjects covered here, I’m sure. But the bloggers and writers I’ve admired the most are the ones who present themselves as real, imperfect, troubled and honest human beings. I’m a fan of honesty, especially on the internet. What choice do I have but to give the same in return? Shameless, unabashed, truthful, brutal honesty.

Perhaps someone, somewhere, will see value in what I have to say. Maybe they’ll feel a little less alone. Perhaps they’ll be able to say “hey, me too.” Maybe that person is you. That, to me, is what makes this project worth it.

“I have come to believe over and over again that what is most important to me must be spoken, made verbal and shared, even at the risk of having it bruised or misunderstood.” Audre Lorde