Posts Written by Taylor

Understanding the Crazy Woman: Schizophrenia in Feminist Social Change Models

A SYTYCB entry

As a social worker and a queer, feminist woman, my passionate engagement with issues of mental illness has numerous roots. This post is most immediately a reaction to recent conversations with friends wherein these (otherwise very aware, inclusive, sometimes even social-worker) folks surprised me with oblivious use of the term “crazy.” I even recall a few referrals to medication someone probably wasn’t but should be taking. Cuz that, as we all know, solves the crazy. Recent discussions about last month’s Aurora shootings got me thinking about just how pervasive this misunderstanding of mental illness is, even (or especially) within feminist activism.

I work with women who are both homeless and mentally ill, and have been particularly challenged by those with schizophrenia, as they remind me that my work is not done when I succeed in sitting everyone around a table to discuss the realities of poverty, rape culture, or domestic violence. They remind me of the complexity of identity and perspective. This reminder has taken the following form, and is ever-transforming.

This is why I am not smiling

A SYTYCB Entry

In the wake of some articles/posts I read recently like this one and this one comes THIS IS WHY I AM NOT SMILING, installment one:

My male partner in my boxing class tonight felt the need to keep complimenting my strength. To which I respond WHAT DO YOU EXPECT I AM A HUMAN BEING WHO EXERCISES A LOT AND IS HEALTHY, thus I am strong. Please do not condescend to me. Please do not accentuate the inevitable, preexisting feeling that every woman in the place probably has when she is partnered with a man, namely that she has to prove herself, that she can’t focus on her own growth as a boxing champ/krav maga masta and ...

A SYTYCB Entry

In the wake of some articles/posts I read recently like this one and this one comes THIS IS WHY I AM NOT SMILING, installment one:

My male partner in my boxing class tonight ...