Publisher's Synopsis
"If I didn't define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people's fantasies for me and eaten alive." Audre Lorde The essays in this collection are powerful. Juxtaposed to prior editions, you will see this volume has no pictures. The words of these authors are bold, sharp, and profound. So much that any depictions I could impose upon them would only detract from the deep emotions these pieces illicit. All of the authors here are concerned with breaking down the definitions which have been forced onto them. They all explore notions of radical self-love, even in the face of crushing oppression from friends, family, and society. From this self-love, they have found genuine ways to love others. In "Gay Marriage: I Now Pronounce You Colonizer and Colonized," Nayyeema Ismat-Zenana explains the colonial practices of marriage and their burden on forms of love which were thought to be freer. Then, Colleen Martell takes that sentiment further in "Radical Love: An Annotated Bibliography" as she pulls from significant texts to find the true definition of love, despite its conflation with the institution of marriage. Reckless Richa lends her voice twice in this volume in "Arranged Rape," an glimpse into the marriage practices in India (and elsewhere) from a female perspective and "Private Parts, Public Parts," a scathing critique of the public's monopoly on the female body. Anwar Uruhu bravely embarks on a mission to lift the veil on his own pre-defined social and personal identity. Lisa Ehrets, in "We Are Therefore I Am," sifts through popular culture and stereotypes to discover what a "real woman" is. In the short story "The Trials of Andron," Presley Tree Wade takes us to a utopian setting where people are allowed to choose who they are without resistance. In the final pieces, which are both letters, first, Colleen Lutz Clemens writes to celebrity Caitlin Jenner to welcome her to the fold of womanhood...with all its historical baggage. Finally, in "Cis-sy Soundtrack," Joshua Adair confronts his estranged brother, a horrific bully, in a fearless open letter. When you love who you are, you are kinder, more sincere, and exceedingly perceptive. You will feel a sense of earnestness when reading about sexuality, marriage, and interpersonal relationships within this compilation of articles. Perhaps the authenticity expressed here will stimulate some of that same honesty within you.
