Warning: Some of this may be triggering or considered sensitive content. I think it's pretty mild, but I don't want to blindside anyone, this blog entry is going to touch on violence against women.
Today was International Women's Day and I'm feeling...MEH. How about you?
I adore reading rah-rah posts about Female Empowerment as much as the next chick, but this year? Last year? Hell, we've all had a rough go of it. Here in America, our rights are being eroded. Overseas, there are wars popping up faster than I can Google them (I Googled how many wars are going on right now, worldwide, and, well, I don't recommend that). Violence and discrimination against women seems so pervasive. I see it when I read about war. I see it when I read about politics. I see it in everyday entertainment and media. Worst of all I see it in person, through friends and family. I'm not sure how to assimilate two things I know to be true: 1.) The best, most worthwhile. loving people I know are women. 2.) The likelihood that the best, most worthwhile and loving people I know will experience discrimination and violence is frighteningly high.
Valentine's Day also just passed. February is always a very girly time of year for me. I like to be especially kind to myself, take extra time for self care, and spend time around my girlfriends. I get the good bath soak, I buy the expensive lotions, and I drink better wine. Because of the very female-nature/self-care vibe of Valentine's day, I decided to turn all of our Painting Parties into drives for local Women's Shelters. Why not give some of those rich and pampering self-care products to women in need, too?
Well! Let me tell you, people turned out and turned up for our drives! You all brought up tons of essentials, and tons more of non-essentials--really nice products--for our donation bins. So thank you, all of you! It means the world! What a breath of fresh air you all are, really. Today, On International Women's Day, I dropped off our first round of Valentine's donations to the Long Beach Rescue Mission's Women's Shelter, The Lydia House. That was a coincidence--today was just my first day off in a hot minute--but it didn't feel like a coincidence.
Before I stamp our obligatory HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY meme on here, I'll say this: Thank you to all the women, in this country and around the world, for brightening the lives of those around you. All women are special, beautiful, and deserve to be treated like the Goddesses they are. I hope that next year, for Valentine's Day and International Women's Day, we have more to celebrate than our strength and resilience. And for those women out there who had a great freakin' day today, GOOD! Love you all! Ok. Here's a meme I made, if you want one.
Below are resources for anyone who is seeking Domestic Violence Support, as well as the contact info for the 2 Long Beach shelters we worked with for our Valentine's Drive. If you've worked with a shelter that you've had a positive experience with, please feel free to mention them in the comments.
Also, if you need to keep your internet history clean--if someone is checking it--be sure to clear your cookies after clicking any of these links.
National Domestic Violence Hotline & Website You can also call at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
This website also has some information for friends and family members who want to better understand the complexities of abuse, and how to help a loved one in an abusive relationship.
Helping Survivors.org Information and support for survivors of sexual assault, abuse, and harassment.
RAINN.org The NAtions largest anti-sexual violence organization.
Long Beach Rescue Mission: Lydia House for Women and Children For referrals and walk-in services for families, please visit the Long Beach Multi-Service Center at 1301 W. 12th Street, Long Beach, CA 90813 or call (562) 570-4500.
Su Casa Long Beach: Ending Domestic Violence 24 HOUR HOTLINE: (562) 402-4888 info@sucasadv.org