I Survived

People | I Survived
Cutting My Hair to Free Myself from Capitalism

Each season of haircutting marked a major life shift, and I recoiled because I was tired of transitioning. I just wanted to be.

Dec 15, 2021
People | I Survived
Learning to Talk About Domestic Violence

A system that requires us to risk further retaliation when we report being in danger enables and engenders further violence.

Jan 11, 2021
People | I Survived
Leaving My Near-Death Experience on the Dance Floor

They said I was traumatized, and that my fragile mental state would have to indefinitely play catchup with my rapidly healing body.

Apr 9, 2020
People | I Survived
The Hunter and the Hunted

Suddenly, I wasn’t just prey, I was bait. In order to hunt him down, I had to be both cautious and on display.

Sep 10, 2019
People | I Survived
In Kolkata, This Survivor of Domestic Violence Sought Justice—Through the Restoration of Her Property

Rozha fled an abusive marriage, and survived the death of her son. Now she claims what is hers.

Jun 5, 2019
People | I Survived
On Abuse, Survival, and the Word ‘Victim’

I debated for a long time whether I would describe sex with Reese. I didn’t know if I could stand knowing that it might turn some readers on, that it could sustain their fantasies about underage girls. Some of you have come to this essay for the sex, whether you’d admit to it or not.

Apr 17, 2019
People | I Survived
Who Agrees That Swimming in the Ocean Is Scary?

It was like a disaster movie, the quiet moment before the asteroid lands. “Swim!” he yelled, but it was too late for me.

Jul 25, 2018
People | I Survived
The Woman in the Wall: Answering the Knock in the Middle of the Night

A woman living alone has heard every story about the woman living alone. We constantly negotiate the knowledge of our vulnerability, both real and amplified by stories we’re told.

Jul 11, 2018
People | I Survived
“Mad, or Wicked, or Both”: Women Seeking the South Pole

It wasn’t just that Antarctica was no place for women—it was expressly a place for men.

May 30, 2018
People | I Survived
The Moment Your Life Crashes and Burns: On Divorce, Injury, and Questions Without Answers

It’s been more than four years since my husband announced he was in love with my friend and no longer wanted to be married to me.

May 22, 2018