June's monthly publication out now!!!

June '26 Publication

June's magazine:

“The Girls’ Guide to Unlearning Everything”

⭐"The Truth About Being Seen"⭐

This month, we're thinking about what it really means to be seen. Not just looked at, not just listened to, but understood. Because somewhere between healing and justice, acceptance and authenticity, we've created a world where visibility often comes with conditions. We celebrate resilience but shy away from vulnerability. We encourage people to speak up, but only when their stories fit neatly into the narratives we're comfortable hearing. From invisible wounds to the systems that shape whose voices matter, this issue asks what happens when we stop expecting people to earn our empathy. Maybe being seen shouldn't be something we have to fight for. Maybe it should be where every story begins.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

“Can Justice Heal a Broken Heart?”

When trauma enters the courtroom, is punishment enough or should healing have a place in justice? This piece explores why the legal system must evolve to protect survivors with compassion as much as accountability.

"The Weight of What We Never Say"

Silence can be one of trauma's greatest burdens. Discover why open conversations about PTSD are essential to healing and supporting women everywhere.

“The Price of Being Palatable”

For many women and LGBTQ+ individuals, acceptance often comes with unspoken expectations. This article explores why authenticity shouldn't require compromise.

"Does the Truth Have a Dress Code?”

We say every survivor deserves to be heard, but bias often decides whose voice matters. A closer look at the stereotypes that influence belief and justice.

all Images sourced from pinterest

"Can Justice Heal a Broken Heart?"

By: Stephanie Monsanto

Where old systems fail, new ones revise.

Today's legal system has made substantial adjustments in order to accommodate trauma. Making specialized courts is especially important for all types of trauma. This is because it focuses more on healing and not just on incarceration and sentencing. Many times people feel a sense of relief from seeing their offender put behind bars and it’s the legal system’s duty to make sure the victims feel comfortable and that court is a safe environment. By having specialized courts suited to various traumas it allows for better care and a better legal experience for the victims.

But there are still actions needed in order to ensure survivor protections and fairness. When there is a lack of training for police officers for trauma related cases they struggle with communication. This leads to witnesses feeling uncomfortable because they feel pressured to remember uncomfortable moments and feel like they are being viewed as untrustworthy. This over analyzing that officers do for other cases needs to not be applied to trauma related cases due to the victims sensitive mindset and struggles.

Another part of the legal system, I feel that needs a major form, but especially when it comes to trauma would be the prison system. prisons are known to be a place full of disparity and an inequality. when you think of prison, you don’t think I’ll be rehabilitation, but it should be especially for people that have gone through trauma and are incarcerated. people with trauma don’t need someone barking orders at them and giving harsh punishments like solitary confinement. instead, many are saying that there should be tests for PTSD and trauma for inmates during intake to see if they need to have rehabilitated care. I feel that without having a trauma unit within a prison it will lead to more chaos and it will lead to more inmates getting triggered, that experienced trauma.

Ultimately, the legal system needs to be a place where everyone feels comfortable, especially when it comes to trauma. People that go through trauma are humans, they’re not stories. They have feelings and emotions. Remember that there are people behind the things we read and the things we see on the news. They have feelings and emotions, and they need to be valued and treated as so, and it’s sad to see that people are still treated unfairly and are having cases dismissed because of how this system is set up. I think that the system needs to change and by having reforms, hopefully it will lead to a change in the right direction.

“The Weight of What We Never Say""

By: Aria Sena

When people hear the diagnosis post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), they typically think of war veterans returning home from battle. Although military work is one well-known cause of PTSD, it certainly isn’t the only one. Women experience PTSD at much higher rates than men, and the traumatic experiences that lead to it receive way less attention. Sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking and even childhood abuse are among the most common events that cause PTSD in women, and still conversations about these experiences are often pushed aside or ignored.

Research has shown that women are about twice as likely as men to develop PTSD after a traumatic event. While scientists continue to study the reasons behind this major difference, many believe it is influenced by both biological and social factors. Some hormonal differences may also affect how women respond to stress, and societal expectations can shape how traumas are processed and discussed. Women are also more likely to experience forms of trauma that involve personal violation, betrayal, or prolonged abuse, which can increase the likelihood of developing PTSD most commonly stemming from unhealthy relationships.

For many women, PTSD affects more than just their memories. Some noticeable symptoms can be flashbacks, nightmares, sleep issues, emotional distress and a lack of interest in social activities. Many women also struggle with anxiety, depression, overthinking, and feelings of guilt or self-blame. These symptoms make everyday life challenging by affecting academics, careers goals, relationships, and overall health. PTSD is not just “getting over” a difficult experience. It is a mental health condition that can have lasting effects when left untreated.

That being said, receiving treatment is easier said than done. One of the largest barriers women face is the stigma. Many survivors are concerned about being judged, blamed, or ignored when they speak about their experiences. Some are worried that others will not believe them, and others are stuck with shame that prevents them from seeking help at all. These difficulties cause women to delay treatment for months and even years.

Physical obstacles can be just as difficult. The cost of therapy, limited insurance, and issues with transportation can make mental health care difficult. Some women also find themselves focusing on the needs of their children, families, or jobs before their health. Cultural expectations can also play a role. In some cultures, discussions about mental illness, trauma, or abuse remain heavily silenced. Making it even harder for women to reach out. Even when someone is ready to seek help, they may face long wait times or struggle to find a professional who understands their experiences.

This is why awareness is important. Increasing public knowledge of PTSD can help reduce stigma and encourage people to seek treatment earlier. It can also lead to greater support for mental health services, better access to care, and more informed conversations about trauma. PTSD isn’t a sign of weakness, or is it something someone can simply choose to overcome through willpower. It is a recognized medical condition that deserves the same attention and compassion as any physical illness.

As conversations about mental health continue to permeate, it is important that women’s experiences with PTSD remain part of that discussion. By recognizing the unique ways trauma affects women and addressing the barriers that prevent treatment, society is capable of making healing more accessible and ensuring that no survivor feels forced to suffer in silence.

"Does the Truth Have a Dress Code?"

By: Carmen Sanchez

When survivors share their experiences, they should be listened to and supported. However, not everyone receives the same response. Some survivors are believed right away, while others are doubted or blamed. Factors such as gender, race, sexuality, and social status can affect how people react to a survivor’s story.

One reason survivors are questioned is because of stereotypes. For example, many people assume that men cannot be victims of sexual violence. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center explains that men are often taught to hide their emotions and may believe that “men can’t be victims.” Because of these stereotypes, male survivors may struggle to come forward or be taken seriously.

Identity can also affect how survivors are treated. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, a survivor’s experience is often shaped by factors such as race, gender, sexual orientation, culture, and disability. The organization explains that society sometimes “devalues the voices of survivors,” especially those from marginalized groups. As a result, some survivors face more doubt and less support than others. (NSVRC⁠)

LGBTQ+ survivors may experience additional challenges. The NSVRC notes that people of all genders and sexual orientations can experience sexual violence, but some LGBTQ+ survivors face barriers when seeking help because services and public perceptions do not always include or recognize their experiences. (NSVRC⁠)

Social status can also influence public opinion. People who are wealthy, famous, or powerful are often viewed as more trustworthy than those with less influence. Because of this, survivors with fewer resources may have a harder time convincing others that their experiences are real.

In the end, whether a survivor is believed should not depend on their gender, race, sexuality, or social status. Every survivor deserves to be heard and treated fairly. By recognizing the stereotypes and biases that exist in society, we can help create a world where all survivors feel supported and respected.

Works Cited

National Sexual Violence Resource Center. “Understanding Male Socialization, Stigma, and Reactions to Sexual Violence.”

National Sexual Violence Resource Center. “Seeing the Whole Survivor: Why It’s Necessary to Talk About Identity.”

National Sexual Violence Resource Center. “SART Toolkit Section 6.8: Gender and Sexual Identity.”

RAINN. “Survivor Storytelling 101.”

all images sourced from pinterest

"The Price of Being Palatable"

By: Grace Castleberry

Throughout my life, I have heard the expression "be yourself" from teachers, parents, and from social media motivational quotes. But with time, I have understood that people do not actually want you to be yourself in our society. Some aspects of your identity might be celebrated only if they fit into some idealistic picture of what is normal and comfortable to see around. It particularly happens to women and the LGBTQ+ community, as their self presentation is supposed to be comfortable for other people before being accepted.

Perhaps one of the best examples of this phenomenon is the pressure related to appearance. In spite of the common notion that looks shouldn't matter, there is a constant judgment on women's appearance. With the development of social media, the situation becomes even worse. Every day we are surrounded by the images of an "ideal" woman. Although body positivity became rather popular, I observe that those women get the most recognition who fit into conventional standards of beauty. Acceptance is much easier to achieve if you have the desired appearance.

The same kind of pressure affects the LGBTQ+ community. While in recent decades society has become more tolerant towards people of non-conventional sexual orientation, this tolerance is conditional. Members of the LGBTQ+ community are being accepted by society when they fit into its notions of what is respectable and known. Gay couples are being praised for not going against traditions, but a person who reveals his/her gender identity in a non-traditional manner causes the embarrassment of others.

The problem becomes especially aggravating since it requires people to mask some aspects of themselves. Whether a woman refrains from voicing her opinion for fear of being ridiculed or an LGBTQ+ person adopts a different behavior pattern to prevent harassment, many people find out that being oneself may lead to unpleasant outcomes. Conditional acceptance implies that self-expression becomes a risk.

I have become used to seeing discussions on issues of diversity and inclusivity being widespread. This is a positive trend because today I get to see more representatives of various marginalized groups represented in films, in politics, and in social media than my predecessors could have. However, representation is not enough. It is easy to applaud diversity when it is marketable and polished. What is challenging is accepting people who question our views and challenge everything we take for granted.

I believe that is the main reason why the problem matters so much. No one should need to earn respect through changing their personality traits. Women should not need to limit themselves to be accepted. And LGBTQ+ people should not need to make their identity more acceptable to receive help.

If we want to create a more accepting society, we need to stop celebrating people only when they fit into comfortable boxes. Instead, we should celebrate authenticity, even when it challenges us.

Maybe then the phrase "be yourself" will actually mean what it says. Because nobody should have to choose between being accepted and being who they are.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse