Women I've Known

Woman,

you give me hope.

You told him he doesn't have any right to say you're hot shit from his truck driving by.

You talked loudly in a public space about that shitty day you had waiting tables on people who tipped 5% and bitched about menu prices that you didn't make.

You marched around in the rain chanting with all your girlfriends about the fact that rape culture is a thing and it needs to fucking stop.

You wore a crop top and cut off shorts to the grocery store because you believe you can wear whatever you feel like putting on your own body.

You had sex last night with someone you talked with about absolutely nothing because that's exactly what you wanted to do.

You told your little sister about condoms and birth control and where to go to get it cheaper.

You reported that old boss of yours that wouldn't stop talking about your ass.

You left someone you loved because you knew your existence depended on more than being emotionally and physically available to another body.

You wrote a poem about what it means to be Black and intelligent at a predominantly white institution.

You didn't take no for an answer when the administration wouldn't pass a resolution for that women's center you knew we needed.

You screamed at the bouncer who pulled the "dress code" card when they wouldn't let your girlfriend in the bar because she wears men's clothing.

You kept your baby after high school even though you didn't know how that would work out, and you put yourself through college despite it.

You told your parents you didn't believe in God because it means that much to you that they know every ounce of who you are.

You told the guy who raped me to Fuck off when he showed up at the bar.

You drink whiskey and dance on tables and listen to Beyonce.

You rocked those mini dresses when you didn't have the "thigh gap."

You called bullshit when they told you your emotional irrationality is why you can't stay in long term relationships.

You wrote that paper about sexuality even though your department chair is the epitome of a patriarch.

You didn't go to Africa because you recognized the "white savior complex" is problematic, so you raised funds for their schools instead.

You stopped shaving because you didn't feel like spending an extra hour each week grooming for someone else's pleasure.

You used your privileged position as a documented citizen to speak out against bans to universities for those who can't speak out.

You worked for what you own, and you're damn proud of it.

You tried to reconcile relentlessly the gap between feminism and Christianity when so many people just let it all fall between the cracks.

You asked me out for coffee when you knew I couldn't take another person bashing feminism.

You eat whatever you want because your body is your business, and you let everyone know it.

You talk about sensitive subjects because they matter, even when you get called out for it.

You didn't move over on the sidewalk when three guys were walking towards you.

You danced around naked in your house while you listened to Alanis Morissette and cooked Ramen noodles.

You started taking burlesque classes because they helped you learn how to feel comfortable in your own skin.

You dated a woman and made it Facebook official, even though you were raised Southern Baptist.

You told people No because you don't owe everyone your time or favors.

You told your story because you believed it would help other women.

You laughed. You danced. You cried. You loved. You messed up. You kissed me. You yelled.

Women,

all of you gave me hope.