Pleasure Over Every Thing

Being involved with this project confirms that I made the right choice in taking on this role. On my first day of onboarding, I opened last year's Purple Poetry Book and was simultaneously elated to find that it existed and heartbroken to see names that I recognized within its pages. Since its inception, this book has served as a platform for survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence to tell their stories, to find community, to feel less alone. And I have the privilege of planning the release party for this year's Purple Poetry Book!! (details to come)

But there ain't no book without y'all! We're seeking original poetry, short stories, and artwork created by survivors of sexual assaultand intimate partner violence. Submissions are open to all experiences and identities. The top 50(ish) works will be published in this year's Purple Poetry Book.

All the details are on the flyer. If you have questions specific to your submission, please email [email protected].

This is how your community remembers you. I know you mad you ain't have a fresh retwist in this shot, but you was mad cute that day. You always served a look when you went outside. Fresh fit. Accessorized. And couldn't nobody tell you nothin' once you discovered platforms lol! You were a bad bitch in boy clothes. And you made great arm candy. It was always an honor to have you by my side or, more often, trailing slightly behind me.

We spent the first two months of lockdown sittin' on my porch watching the neighborhood go by. It felt like the world had ended and left only us behind. That was both a comforting and terrifying feeling. We traded coping mechanisms and kept the intrusive thoughts from being the loudest voices in the room. We kept each other alive. I imagine this will feel like that. Ima try to get myself together and go. For you, my little dream pie.

Come thru if you were ever touched by Suni's smile. Or if you just wanna hug somebody. Thank you for putting this together. This is what community looks like.