Making Out Like A Virgin

As a social worker and advocate I know that effectiveness depends on knowing how to utilize resources for clients. Awareness campaigns typically only garner attention from people already aware of the issues and already embroiled in the fight. Often times a client will look at your life and see a well manicured golf course while they are trying to manage a mine field. It’s through resources and support systems that we can show them how mine fields can become golf courses.

Augusto Boal and Cathy Plourde are two people who have taught me that performance and advocacy are much more effective when you extend it beyond the awareness stage. Several years ago Cathy Plourde was brave enough to take a risk on my poetic performance pieces and breathe life into them to reach more people than I could have ever imagined. Cathy now works on the development of a new literary venture called Animal Mineral Press; the fledgling project being “Making Out Like A Virgin.” A collection of stories that have assisted others to move beyond the trauma they have experienced surrounding sexual violence.

The book is not a collection of stories retelling traumatic events but rather offers up ways that survivors have begun to become thrivers again. People taking charge in the complex and misunderstood nature of trauma and the role it plays in individuals’ lives.

I invite you to take a look at a bold move in treating and supporting people who have endured sexual trauma. Stories by individuals who are rising up beyond bracelet awareness campaigns and gender specific fallacies of victimization. Cutting across international, cultural, and religious borders. Bringing awareness out of the shadows of those already aware and providing people with tools for action and moving forward.

The Kickstarter campaign:

Sound cloud excerpts:

https://soundcloud.com/user-622424478/from-breathing-compassion-an-excerpt-from-making-out-like-a-virgin-2