Yes, #MeToo

#WednesdayWisdom

"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." —Maya Angelou

Morning Musings

If you've logged on to social media at all this week, chances are you've noticed postings with the hashtag #MeToo. Although the movement was initially founded by Tarana Burke, a Black woman, about 10 years ago, the phrase recently picked up steam after actress Alyssa Milano urged sexual assault survivors to share their stories in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal.

After a couple days of hesitation, I posted my story here. At first I hesitated because surely my stories of street harassment didn't "count" when compared to stories about sexual assault and rape. But that, unfortunately, is the flawed thinking that many women grow up with because getting catcalled and having random men expose themselves or touch you inappropriately is so commonplace it's a really shitty "rite of passage." Well, enough is enough.

Perhaps it's the writer in me, but I've always been a firm believer in the power of storytelling. In fact, I've before. Someone, somewhere needs to hear your story. And no, I'm not saying that sexual assault and rape victims owe us their stories. They don't. At all. And yes, I know that there are men who are victims, too.

But unfortunately, the shame and the stigma that often accompanies these stories have silenced many people for far too long. At the same time, the solidarity and sisterhood that I saw on social media this week has been eye-opening, empowering and infuriating.

That said, there is strength in numbers. There is beauty in knowing you're not crazy and you're not alone. I don't know a single woman who hasn't endured some form of sexual harassment during her lifetime. But I do know this: it's not your fault.

Love,
L'Oreal

ICYMI

For as long as I can remember, Halloween has been my favorite holiday. And not just because my birthday is two days beforehand. Okay, that's probably the main reason, but still, Halloween holds a special place in my heart regardless. So I'm very excited to share my most recent stories for HelloGiggles:

7 Things You Can Do To Celebrate Halloween in Chicago (If You Dare)

What I've Learned From All the Times I've Dressed Up as Beyonce for Halloween

Yes, you read that correctly.

IRL

If you happen to be in the Chicago area this week, you can catch me at the Chicago Foundation for Women Luncheon and Symposium and Chicago Ideas Week on Thursday; followed by the Teen Vogue Meetup on Friday; and the Young Feminist Conference on Saturday ... did I mention it's FREE?

And, last but not least, yours truly will be honored at the 5th Annual Global Girls "Women and Girls Inspiring Change" Awards Saturday evening. Come join me!

Links I Love

Why I'm Not Boycotting Twitter Today

What We Really Needed to Hear from Mayim: "It's Not Your Fault"

Read This If You Ever Find Yourself Doubting Your Worth

My Latest Obsession

I have a pretty good track record of books I love being made into movies. First was Crazy Rich Asians, which is in post-production. Eek! And is currently filming. Now, I've recently learned that my latest obsession, The Mothers, the debut novel from Britt Bennett, will become a movie as well. To borrow from the Library Journal, this story of motherhood and female friendship is "liquidly written." Pick up your copy today.

Now Hiring

Copy Editor for HEALTH

Foundation Assistant for the Chicago Foundation for Women

Social Media Support Specialist for Bumble

Brand Capabilities Lead for NIKE

Chief Operating Officer for Melyssa Griffin

External Affairs Director for City Year

Comedy Writer for Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me

Associate Editor for the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

Well, that's all folks. I hope you enjoyed this edition of LT in the City Weekly! Hit me up on the Interwebs below or simply click "reply" to tell me what you think. Thanks a bunches!