reclaim your voice.
Learning a second language has always been my biggest lifelong dream. I remember when I was a child, my Argentinian grandparents would brew piping hot maté tea in the mornings and play alphabet games with me in Spanish. I remember hearing them smoothly transition from one native tongue to the other in conversation, entrancing my…
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“The only way is to hug the cactus.” Her inebriated lips casually spill over his black denim-ed lap. “I guess this means you must hug me,” he speaks. “With each puncture, you will learn to breathe. My intent is not to hurt you.” {I am certain he seeks to not collapse into breath} She hears…
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Early March 2019, I walked past security into Sindh’s magnificent Governor House. The inaugural Adab Festival – a three-day event to celebrate and discuss culture, literature, and society was happening on its premise. I had made a shortlist of the panel discussions I would attend – the foremost being one on education. Like most young…
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I have had good guys speak over me I have had bad guys speak over me I have been dismissed by professors I have been questioned in my work environment I have smiled while being harassed I have apologized for everything I refuse I am here to take up space. I will not move…
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Don’t rush anything. It may feel like you should be out, living your life and dating but if you’re not ready then don’t risk re-traumatizing yourself. Do approach dating apps with caution. Bumble has a block option but only after you’ve matched with someone. Tinder doesn’t offer a block option at all so far, so it’s quite…
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I was always aware that I was fat. It was as much of a fact to me as the sky being blue. Before I could even form my own opinions, my environment was teaching me to be ashamed of my body wherever I went — home, school, the mosque, and even the grocery store checkout…
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image from 1944 film Gaslight, starring Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer, source: “What Does Gaslight Even Mean?“ __ can I stop by?I need a needle and thread to sew on a button. can I stop by? I need your advice. I stepped in. I had to.can you believe he would hit is own mother? can I…
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The scars on her body They all tell a story For she had been ridden of freedom To speak, to laugh, to live & to love With a life planned out just for her She was caught in binding ropes Her “well wishers” had weaved oh so carefully But the day had come when she…
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When I close my eyes and reach for the wall When my presence disappears {this is now} {this is now} {this is now} {this is now} Know I am strong –feet solid on my board synapse surfing eye to eye with the Great White inside You may think I touch to please To play\for(e) me,…
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