No Trigger Words Out of Context Please

Loves, let us not not use sensitive words outside of their proper contexts. It is hurtful and triggering.

"crazy"
"slave"
"lame"
"insane"
"addicted"
"rape"

[Image contains those words in the matting of a photograph of purple-pink flowers amidst green-and-white vegetation, with purple bordering.]

A "Not an Angel" for New York Times

Just as a reminder, the New York Times referred to murdered civilian Michael Brown as "not an angel" - an epithet which they did not use use even on a later-convicted mass murderer racist, who apparently had a "troubled past." Rapist's mug shot obtained from Jezebel: http://jezebel.com/heres-a-mugshot-from-the-night-of-brock-turners-actual-1780935025.

An Open Letter to Survivors of Abuse from Your Loving Allies

Darling Survivors,
Wherever you are, whatever your situation, you are still here. Please know that we out here know that continuing on this journey that we call life is an everyday struggle. You are so strong. You've endured what you have endured, and now you are here experiencing some kind of life. And we cannot imagine life without you, to be perfectly honest.

We are listening to you. We believe you. We affirm your experiences and lived realities. What you choose to disclose to us is real. We are honoured to carry some of your story with you. We do not need any kind of documentation or proof to demonstrate the veracity of your story. We love you and honour your lived reality and your experiences.

You have hurts - some wounds will never heal. We won't demand of you that any part of you get healed. You also have joys; frustrations; boring days; points of brilliance, light, and happiness. We are here with you, willing to share these with you if you want. Anything that you need, let us know. One or more of us will be at your side, doing everything that we can for you.

There is harshness in this world. You already know this. You've spent so much time knowing this. There is also love. Every day, people are pouring their love out into the universe. Some of it - as much as you need - is yours for the taking. We see you, we honour you, and our love is for you.

Sincerely yours,
-A Whole Bunch of Allies