#aouon

So, you understand that the police force in the U.S. upholds a system of racialized violence and white supremacy. You know that, when police get involved, black people, people of color, queer & trans people, sex workers, women, and immigrants are usually in more danger, even if they are the victims of the crime being reported. You know that police violently escalate peaceful interactions and murder black people with impunity every single day in this country.

But, your neighbor is setting off fireworks at 3am, or there’s intimate partner violence happening outside your window, or you see someone hit their child in public… What do you do? What do you do instead of calling the police? How do you keep yourself safe without seeking protection from a system that is predicated upon the surveillance and extermination of others?

We start by shifting our perspective. We start by learning about the racist history of the police. We start by saying, an alternative to this system should exist. We start by pausing before we dial 911. We start by making different choices where we can. We start by getting to know our neighbors and asking them to be a part of this process.

my feminism is 100% body positive. vulvas, vaginas, and menstruation aren’t talked about enough. they’re stigmatized. people with vulvas too often struggle with genital anxiety, self-hatred, are victims of sexual assault and rape, etc. it has been extremely healing for me to be able to express how much i love my body, especially my vulva, vagina, clit, all that, and also to appreciate vulvas and vulva esque aesthetics in art. many of my friends have thanked me for being so unapologetic, because it’s inspired them to also work toward self love.

NOT ALL WOMEN HAVE VULVAS. NOT ALL PEOPLE WITH VULVAS ARE WOMEN. we definitely need to talk about this!!!