Featured Poem

Dear sisters

My whole life I’ve struggled with trusting women
From bullying to body-shaming
To slut-shaming other women
I heard girls say things like
I love her, but she’s a dirty ho
She’d be so much prettier without that nose
She’s not that talented
She’ll never make it
Think of the ratio.
These are your sisters
We don’t exist in silos.
I propose you outgrow your opposition to one another
Your experience is of each other
If we are fighting for equality there has to be comradery
So, this is a letter to every woman who knows better
Than to scarlet letter their sister
To whisper or backstab a sister
There is no progress when we march in different directions
Correction —
There is no progress when we march in discriminatory sections
White women, show up for your sisters of color.
Straight women, show up for your sisters of LGBTQ+
Women, show up
Have the guts to overlook differences
Because really the difference is as drastic as:
Progress or no progress.
We can’t afford to divide each other
Since early days we are taught to compare
And compete with one another
You are not devalued
Even if the woman next to you appears to be perfect.
You are not devalued
If your sisters are achieving greatness.
You are always of value
If you value you
Dear sisters,
Take a look in the mirror
And see yourself a little clearer
What type of women do you show up for?
Hold yourself accountable
Show up for the sisters you might not know or understand
Show up for the sisters you might not like at all.
Show up for all of us
Because unity begins with you
And who you choose
To show up for