Resurrection After Rape Community Group
Discussion, question-and-answer, general social support, and journal processing for progress-oriented rape survivors. No crisis, no damaging or triggering conflicts--this is for individuals who want to contribute to collective, cooperative action toward the goal of making actual PROGRESS through rape trauma. Much of this work is based on the book "Resurrection After...
As a member of the RAINN Speaker's Bureau, I'll be telling my story during Blue and White Week at Howard University in Washington, DC on November 5th. As I live about 12 miles from DC, this the perfect first event for me to attend on behalf of RAINN.
The event, titled "Our Love Should Not Hurt" is sponsored by the Alpha Chapters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. There will be a roundtable to discuss domestic violence and sexual assault that will include several discussants including another member of the RAINN Speaker's Bureau.
Wish me luck as this will be my first speaking event since the rape memories returned.
The event, titled "Our Love Should Not Hurt" is sponsored by the Alpha Chapters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. There will be a roundtable to discuss domestic violence and sexual assault that will include several discussants including another member of the RAINN Speaker's Bureau.
Wish me luck as this will be my first speaking event since the rape memories returned.
One young woman spoke about her friend (since childhood) who had emailed her about a rape she had endured in high school. The survivor asked her friend not to ask her about the email or even acknowledge it in person in any manner. She just wanted her to know it had happened. The young woman broke down in tears several times while asking the panel how she can help her friend. I got a few minutes to speak to her after the event. She thanked me for speaking out. I thanked her for believing her friend.
One of the questions was directed at me with regard to how a man would know if he had been raped. I told my story - the Cliff's Notes version - as part of the answer. I was not prepared for the audible gasps from both the audience and other panelists. I've gotten used to the idea of a female rapist as it happened to me, but I forget that it is not what people expect when they hear from a male rape survivor. They expect the rapist to be another male.
Another panelist asked me to serve on the board of her performance art organization (focuses on domestic violence and sexual assault themes). I was extremely nervous as this was the first time I spoke publicly about the rape. Everyone was supportive and after I was particularly touched by the kindness one of the other RAINN speakers showed me. This was surprisingly therapeutic (while simultaneously draining emotionally) and I look forward to more opportunities to heal publicly.