Project Unbreakable: Male Survivors of Sexual Assault Speak Out
“Men can’t get raped.” It’s a horribly sexist and insensitive thing to say, especially to someone who has been sexually assaulted. Yet, it’s a common response, regardless of how wrong it actually is. It is estimated that one in six males are victims of sexual assault. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), 54% of incidents are not reported to police, so it could even more. Although most sexual assault victims are female, males are much less likely to come forward and seek help and support. Male survivors often…
Growing up, Ricky Martin was a homophobic bully
It’s hard to believe, right? This talented singer and father of two boys was once in denial and bullying others for their own sexuality. I think this says volumes about how self-hate and denial can manifest into abusive, unhealthy behavior. Ricky said anti-gay sentiments in society and his faith ‘crushed’ his self-esteem. Before officially “coming out” in 2010, his self-loathing for being gay manifested itself in outward anger and bullying. According to his cover interview for GQ Australia: “I was very angry, very rebellious. I used to look at gay men and think ‘I’m…
Mark your calendars Sept. 23-27 for Weight Stigma Awareness Week!
Imagine a world where people are supported in living happy, healthy lives, free of judgment about the size of their bodies…this is the mission of BEDA’s Weight Stigma Awareness Week. You can help bring that vision to life! Late September marks the 3rd Annual Weight Stigma Awareness Week, (September 23-27), hosted by the Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) and supported by our good friends at BingeBehavior.com! You may recall that earlier this year, we participated in Binge Eating Disorder Awareness Week with these two great organizations. We’re happy to support and spread…
This pastor said: Tell gay couples to die on their wedding day
Lots of people sensationalize the title of articles, but in this case there is no exaggeration. Kevin Swanson, a Pastor and Christian Right radio host, has said that it is appropriate to attend a same-sex wedding – but only if you hold up a sign calling for the happy couple to be put to death. Dear Lord… Specifically, Swanson said that guests can “attend the wedding and hold up the sign Leviticus 20:13 word for word: ‘If a man sleeps with a man as he sleeps with a woman the…
The Pansy Project: Raising awareness of homophobic abuse with guerrilla gardening
In addition to Beutiful, I co-write/admin for a website called I Acknowledge Beauty Exists. Between these two ventures, I am constantly being exposed to great projects and bits of news. A few days ago, a link to The Pansy Project was posted on the I Acknowledge Beauty Exists’ facebook page and I decided to check it out. As I was looking at the website, I became so moved by the project and the images that I made the photo you see above my personal cover photo and my laptop background….
