This evening, I had the absolute pleasure and honor of attending the Take Back the Night event at Lee Hall. Not only were Ben’s musical talents an excellent way to begin the night, but each survivor’s reading was moving and empowering. The event undoubtedly met their goal of breaking the silence surrounding sexual and domestic violence, as an incredible number of people chose to share their personal stories and speak out, clearly emphasizing that perpetrators of violence do not hold power over survivors by keeping them silent. Instead, the survivors speak on their own behalf and on their own terms; witnessing this tonight was awe-inspiring and empowering.
Natalie Illum’s presentation was especially moving tonight, in addition to being the most intersectional presentation of the evening. The poems she read for us focused on her experiences with sexual and domestic violence in both first and secondhand ways, and were written and performed with a kind of personal magic. The audience was enraptured by her naturally poetic performance, but the power behind her words was even more impactful. Additionally, the intersectionality in her presentation and discussion added even more importance and relevance to her readings. Illum discussed her own disability, and how she was at a personal disadvantage in already disadvantaged situations; additionally, issues such as class and gender were dispersed throughout her works and her personal commentary as well. Her works allowed us to see a number of perspectives on the issues at hand, as well as experiencing the events as she did herself. Ultimately, Illum’s presentation was an irreplaceable conclusion to the night’s speakers.
This event was incredibly empowering and enlightening, and it truly felt like all those who attended it were united in the movement’s purpose tonight. With speakers like Natalie Illum and our own classmates and friends, the silence and stigma typically surrounding sexual and domestic violence were clearly broken and left behind. It was an incredibly memorable experience for me, and I am honored to have been a part of such an event.
