Today we’re talking about how telling our stories is one of the most powerful forms of resistance! It can help everyday people understand smaller manifestations of the impacts that macro systems and power structures have on our everyday lives! Unapologetic storytelling also helps to ease shame & victim blaming- even stopping cycles of secret keeping and abuse. When those in power effectively frame the personal as political, it creates stigma that stops people from sharing their experiences. It’s also connected to holding accountability in the workplace via salary transparency. Secret keeping is a tool that upholds those in power.

Growing up, it was always drilled into me: do not gossip! As I’ve personally gotten older, I’ve come to realize that much of what I once condemned as ‘gossip’ was actually just true stories that held people and the church accountable for their actions. Condemning gossip and erasing oral history is a tool that is often weaponized against marginalized communities. My favorite books are those which act as public forums!

Let’s apply these concepts to some recent local Michigan news stories! We’re going to talk about a U.P. school banning pride flags only half an hour south of Marquette! Also a library downstate that was defunded for having queer books! By reading banned books and listening to stories, we can give hope to a more honest future. While you don’t owe your story to anyone- it’s important to know that your story is valid and important. It’s also important to affirm those that come to you with their stories. Imagine a more shameless and connected world! That’s a world of resistance.

https://www.miningjournal.net/news/front-page-news/2022/10/gwinn-school-board-stands-firm-on-pride-flag-removal/#:~:text=In%20a%20Tuesday%20telephone%20interview,school%20policy%2C%20are%20not%20allowed.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/book-ban-lgbtq-jamestown-michigan-library/