Une Femme Libre

When anybody says the word 'diversity', I immediately think of race and ethnicity. I think about people of color and the dominance of Caucasians throughout history. I may even think about women and the patriarchy and the overbearing male presence in everything that we do as a species. But never do my thoughts turn to those with disabilities, either learning or hearing or otherwise. Never do I think about individuals with mental illnesses. And, for some reason, nor does the LGBTQ+ community come to mind. Until now. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending a panel discussion on diversity in theater, in Stratford-upon-Avon, where I met a deaf actress, a bipolar director, a writer who struggles with depression. All of these people expressed a desire to make classical works of art accessible to more people. Meaning they want to create and adapt pieces that feature more diversity, so that the wider audience can see themselves portrayed in art and relate to it through that exper...

F*ck the education of the younger generation, right? Because grades are getting lower and expectations are getting higher We're not allowed to ask why or how we're meant to pass our classes Passing out in bed after a long day, textbooks in the way of our closing eyelids Sleep Precious sleep that we can never achieve because wealth is more valued than health To hell with your Zs when all you need are As to get through this life To get a wife and a house and a kid and a car and a job and a dog and so what? For what? Divorce Joint custody Eviction Repossession Regression Depression If mental health was treated like abortion at least we'd talk about it more than the hushed voices and whispers of lives lost too early, of children turned surly, of thoughts turning sour in the darkest hour of our minds Be kind It's as simple as that Tell each other 'you're doing your best, and that's all anyone could expect' The insouciants who brush ...